Monitor and Television Differences

Tuners, Aspect Ratio, and Source Connectability

Steve Smith, host of your TQA Weekly, answers question from Buckwheat Clark on the differences between a television and monitor, and his personal preference, one large 42 inch screen or two 24 inch screens.

Episode #2-46 released on August 12, 2012

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Today's episode of TQA weekly is a response to a question related to episode 44 of season 2, an e-mail sent from Buckwheat Clark from YouTube which asks what's the difference between LED TVs and LED monitors? And he, also, wanted to know my opinion on which I prefer a 42 inch TV or two 24 inch monitors? If you have any questions that you'd like me to answer e-mail me at ask@tqaweekly.com, or e-mail using the submission form at tqaweekly.com.

Now, in order to analyze the differences between the two devices, we must discount the backlight or imaging technology used in LED LCDs, Standard LCDs, or Plasma screens, or even the older CRT technology.

The way the image is displayed does not differ between monitors and televisions. The actual difference is in the how the image is developed by the monitor or television. A television screen of any type is equipped with a television tuner which is also aware of the aspect ratio of the screen currently in use. A computer monitor, or just any monitor, in general, requires a computer or tuner box in order to display an image. In the case of a computer, a graphics card is required for a computer monitor to show an image, a television used on a computer can show the image from the computer, or use an antenna to capture a signal and show the image. A computer monitor is, also, reliant on the computer for the aspect ratio of the screen in most cases. Some monitor manufactures may put some limited aspect ratio abilities, but these are not very accurate in mid-quality or lesser monitors.

So, that is it, the difference between a monitor and a television is the television tuner that can generate an image for the television from various sources without the necessary aid of an outside device like a computer, and a general awareness of it's own aspect ratio of the display.

As for my preference one big 42 inch screen or two smaller 24 inch displays, I believe the choice will always be subject to usage scenario and personal preferences. People who program, edit videos, make music, etc... may prefer to use two monitors to be organize the various tools we may use in each of our tasks. Some graphic designers use the second screen to display their tools and filters. In the case of gamers I'd go with one big screen for the actual gaming experience. A bigger monitor instead of multiple screens means no bezel to deal with, bigger image, clearer text, and easier to find the opponents and objectives. Now, I'd love to know what you prefer in comment box available below. Which do you believe is better for your usage, and why?

Next week, I will dive into the topic of raids, how they can be used, how they should be used, the good, the bad and the ugly. If you wish to participate in this discussion, have questions, comments, stories or suggestions, please e-mail me at ask@tqaweekly.com or head over to tqaweekly.com and use the submission form available in our contact page.

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Host : Steve Smith | Music : Jonny Lee Hart | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Productions