Gaming and computer tips for TVs

Computers

Today's televisions have plenty of connections and capabilities, and plasma, LCD, and most rear-projection usually make excellent computer monitors. If you want to use your TV as a monitor for games, Web surfing, and other tasks, here are a few tips:

Don't bother with standard-definition TVs. CRT-based direct-view and rear-projection televisions, as well as smaller 640 x 480-pixel LCDs, don't make very good computer monitors. They display only low resolution, and often lack the proper inputs.

VGA input = good for computers. If you're serious about using your set as a big monitor for standard software, look for a VGA-style RGB input, just like the kind your computer monitor uses.

Digital HDMI and DVI are best for computers.

HDMI or DVI input = best for computers. The best types of inputs are digital, so if your TV has a spare HDMI or DVI input, you'll usually get the best performance by matching it to your PC's digital output. Often the PC has a DVI output and the TV has only HDMI, so you'll need an adapter cable to make the connection.

Match the native resolution. As with LCD computer monitors, you'll usually get the best PC picture by matching the native resolution of the TV to the output resolution of your PC. Some HDTVs can't accept PC sources, especially via VGA, at their native resolutions however, which makes them less-than-ideal for use as monitors.

The original story first appeared in CNET.com