HDTV as a main monitor?
 

Thinking about getting a 1080p HDTV, and I'm wondering if it would be possible to use it as a MAIN computer monitor? I know it's technically possible, but will there be downsides to this? IE: text clarity, longevity of the TV, etc?

I don't think longevity would be an issue if you don't leave it on for 24/7 like you could with a normal monitor.

Plus you have to sit much further away from the TV than you would with a monitor and I know I couldn't do that.

I have mine hooked up to a 720 HDTV as a part of a 2 screen setup. I get serious screen burn from items that are constant such as window frames and the text looks "over-exposed" for lack of a better term. Of course, that could be down to my settings.

Yeah, that's the kind of thing I'm worried about.

Burn-in should only be a real concern with plasma screens, I think.

Mine's LCD.

But it might only be a major issue with my brand/model. I get it all the time. If I watch sports where the score is a constant in the corner there will be a ghost of it when I change the channel. It goes eventually but still, I'd rather not risk it with using that screen as anything but to watch video (from my PC) thru.

Yeah, defo your TV.

Had it on an LCD Samsung 42" 720p for 4 years now and no burn.

Text isn't that sharp on webpages, but games are awesome.

LOL. Mine's a 26" SAMSUNG LCD. Wonder why it's so bad?

If you are using an LCD and Windows 7 type: cleartype in the start menu search, that should fix the problem with the text not looking sharp - I've tried it on my 50" plasma but I don't think it made a huge difference, def did on my 24" LCD.

Yeah, got that on. Did make a huge difference but I think it's more to do with my massive zoom due to me sitting far away.

Gonna keep looking into this, not sure if I'll do it or not.

Ive got my desktop running to my 47 inch 1080p 120hz tv via the dumb old school yellow video cables and the picture is all fudged up. I only use it to keep my internet connection running/restart it and stream music off the hard drive. Thought about springing for an HD video card but the desktop is like 8 years old..not worth it.