LCD TV Monitors

Many computer monitors now come with TV tuners, allowing them to double as a computer monitor and as an LCD TV monitor. What’s the benefit? Instead of needing two display screens, you may be able to make do with one. Many computer monitors now come equipped with TV tuners. But many of the tuners aren’t designed to decode digital-TV signals, so you’ll still need the cable converter or cable box to be able to watch digital-TV programs.

How dominant are LCD TV monitors becoming? In 2005, more than seventy percent of all computer monitors sold were LCDs. They take up less space than a traditional monitor, and they weigh about half as much as a CRT monitor. They’re typically wider, making it easier to view photos or run multiple programs at the same time. They’re also more versatile. Many models have stands that allow you to lift, lower, or tilt the screen. (That’s useful because LCD screens are less bright and sharp when viewed at an extreme angle.) Some LCD TV monitors can rotate from a landscape to portrait orientation, which is a handy feature if you’re viewing documents or web pages.

Best of all, an LCD TV monitor can also be used to display television programs movies from DVDs. Major manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Sharp, and many others offer LCD TV monitors with built-in computer connections.

LCD TV monitors are most useful for people who want to use a computer and watch TV at the same time. Many models offer picture-in-picture, so you can use your computer while watching TV in a small window on the screen. Some even allow you to move the small window anywhere on the screen it’s convenient for you, and to toggle between the two views by touching one button. As a result, sports fans or news hounds can keep up with the latest events while working on their computer. If you’re a college student or a person with space limitations, an LCD TV monitor can provide the best of both worlds – simultaneously.

Prices of LCD TV monitors vary greatly depending on the brand you purchase and the features you want. The Envision EN-7500 17” LCD TV monitor costs around $600 and is a good bargain-priced model. The Samsung SyncMaster 171P 17” LCD TV monitor has a number of additional features and costs around $900.

The key to determining the right LCD TV monitor for you is to decide how you’ll most use the monitor – if it will be used mostly for computing, make sure it offers the features you’ll need to optimize your computing experience. If it will serve mostly as a TV, make sure it has a built-in tuner, and if not ensure you have a cable box or cable converter you can attach to it. An LCD TV monitor can offer the best of both worlds, but make sure you identify the features that are most important to you, and that you find the model that meets your needs.

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