Two monitors attempt to pass in the HDTV world

Hey! I can see those TV connections on your back. You're not fooling anyone!

(Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET)

What's the difference between an HDTV and a computer monitor? Well, let's see. HDTVs are for the most part made for watching movies and HD broadcasts, and playing video games. Monitors are made for everyday computer operations, productivity tasks, computer games, and to a lesser extent movies. Also, monitors are generally smaller than your average HDTV, and HDTVs usually have more in the way of connection options.

So where does this leave my latest two monitor reviews? The LG Flatron M237WD and the Samsung SyncMaster P2370HD are both monitors with many features only TVs usually have, including multiple connection options--HDMI, Component, and Composite, as well as VGA and DVI--and even remote controls.

If you're interested in a monitor for watching Blu-ray movies, playing video games, and catching your favorite HDTV shows, check out the reviews of both the Samsung and LG to see how well they're able pass in both the TV and monitor worlds.

Also, don't forget to check for the latest monitors reviews from CNET.

[blck123]

Nice reviews Eric. I do have a problem though. It's not your reviews...It's the cost of these dang monitors. I mean, just for a couple hundred more you can purchase a decent sized Vizio or Best Buy's Insignia brand of HDTV's and have the best of both worlds. I've always felt that PC monitors are overpriced.

[jaguar717]

Well it's not something you can "feel", it's just a fact. Monitors are more expensive because they're more expensive to make.<br /><br />A TV displays a fixed-size signal: 480, 720, or 1080. Monitors generally have much higher pixel densities and resolutions for things like text.<br /><br />At the 24" size it shouldn't make much difference because it's 1920x1080 vs 1920x1200 for the monitor. But the bargain TVs you're talking about are those awful 1366x768 hybrids. When it comes to smaller sizes you're talking about a 720 TV, and in the larger sizes you're looking at monitors with 2400 lines while the TV stays at full HD res.

[sahilk]

what

[psu_jedi]

Technically, the difference between a monitor and a television is that a television includes a tuner. This is where a lot of big chain stores like Best Buy have confused consumers, because a lot of the "HDTVs" they sell don't come with tuners, and therefore should technically be labeled as monitors.

[jaguar717]

I don't think you've been able to find an "HDTV" without a tuner for years. And years and years.<br /><br />I doubt there's one single example at Best Buy.

[carlr03]

The primary difference between a TV and a Monitor is a Monitor lacks a TV Tuner. That's really it. I'm surprised that you didn't mention this Eric. If you remove the tuner from the equation they are essentially the same.

[efranklin]

Darnit! Yep. TV Tuner. Sometimes the obvious eludes me.