There are many reasons to consider changing your primary display, but do it for the right reasons.
One of the most important elements of a desktop setup is its monitor. They can make games more immersive or help increase productivity if you fill a large screen with multiple windows. But monitors aren’t the only option. Televisions, with their larger screens and lower prices, can also be a viable alternative. Yes, you can use a TV as a computer monitor, but no two TVs are the same, and there are a range of pros and cons to using a larger screen for work or gaming. Really, it all depends on how you use your computer.
A television is not just a giant monitor. There are major differences between the two that you should be aware of. TVs are large and primarily designed for your living room. This is what makes them ideal for watching your favorite movies and TV shows. Monitors, on the other hand, focus on specifications like responsiveness and pixel density. These things are more important when it comes to work or play.
Size and resolution matter
Probably the first thing most people think about when choosing a new TV, especially for their computer setup, is size. Want something big, but not too big? A 32-inch TV is probably a solid option. Of course, you can also use a 75-inch TV as a giant monitor. Computer monitors are generally smaller, measuring between 24 and 32 inches. They are bigger, but there are fewer of them and will probably cost you more.
However, size isn’t everything. Resolution and pixel density matter a lot. Depending on your distance from the screen, 4K images may appear sharp or less beautiful. For example, a 32-inch 4K monitor generates 137 pixels per inch (PPI). Compare that to a 55-inch TV with the same resolution and you’ll only get 80 PPI. Even a 27-inch 1440p monitor offers 108 PPI, significantly more than a 55-inch TV. With lower pixel density, smaller elements like text and buttons end up looking blurry, especially when you’re sitting close to the screen. This isn’t a problem for a TV you watch from your couch, but it can be a problem for a screen located just inches from your face.
Latency and colors
You also need to consider refresh rates, which affect the smoothness of movement on your screen. Typical monitors and TVs are locked at 60 Hz. This is fine for spreadsheets and more static content, but if you like fast-paced video games, you’ll benefit from a screen with higher refresh rates like 120 Hz. It’s much easier to find a cheaper monitor with a higher refresh rate than a TV.
Then there’s latency. This is the delay between moving your mouse or pressing a button and that action being displayed on the screen. Monitors are designed for this. This is generally not the case with TVs, so the picture may lag noticeably behind your input. On a monitor, you’re looking at a delay of 1 to 4 milliseconds (ms). On a TV, this goes from 9 to 12 ms. That doesn’t seem like much, does it? But in an online game, this lag could make all the difference. There are low-latency TVs available, but you’ll pay a lot more than you would for a monitor with comparable specs.
Color space can also be an issue. TVs with HDMI 2.0 inputs are limited to 8-bit color at 4K 120Hz. This is usually the case with older TVs or very inexpensive TVs. Someone looking for greater color depth, including 10-bit or Full Dynamic HDR, will only find it on TVs and monitors that support HDMI 2.1. If you are a photo or video editor, this is what matters the most. If your screen can produce more shades of red, green, and blue in each pixel, this will mean greater color accuracy for your content. Even if you’re not a pro, these extra colors will make your home videos even more vibrant.
Where TVs still have the advantage
Right now, you may be leaning toward a monitor. However, TVs can win in a few key areas. Scaling is an important issue. TVs are equipped with a dedicated processor designed solely for image enhancement, while monitors are designed to stay true to whatever is powering them. This distinction won’t matter much for text playback, but it makes a real difference with older HD content. A TV can make it noticeably sharper.
It’s also easier to find TVs that support more advanced HDR formats. This includes HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Yes, some monitors support these formats for a wider dynamic range, but they are not as common as on TVs. And they can make your movie watching experience much better. HDR support on regular monitors isn’t that great. Additionally, most entry-level monitors have very low brightness compared to TVs.
Do you mainly use your computer to watch 4K movies on Netflix? Then a TV is definitely your best choice. If you like gaming, a good monitor will make a big difference, especially if you’re sitting at a desk and shooting at the head. Fortnite. You can find good TVs that will check the boxes of a good monitor, but that’s a tough ask, and you can usually find a high-end monitor for a similar price. Not to mention, monitors are available in a wider variety of aspect ratios. Maybe you prefer an ultra-wide or curved screen – you won’t get that with a standard TV.
