LCD TVs, computers, & linux

Sat Jan 6 11:05:46 UTC 2007

Have just got into the digital advertising business a few months back, this is one I may actually be able to contribute to...

Many of the video cards recognize the system at the other end.  What does that mean to you...some formats depending on the TV may not be supported.  We find many of the systems don't support the 1280X768 mode (wide) but vitually all support 1024X768.  Some will not let video card output what TV is capable of.  Several PC's switch on the next reboot back to a more common resolution.  Use a lot of Shuttle PC's and this is a common problem.  Dell Optiplex's good.  Compaq Deskpro's..don't get me started...Custom boxes with ATI cards...mixed experiences...why ATI...the streaming software was written hard coding some of the ATI attributes hence only ones that work for our application...not my call...stuck with it.

That said, we're using all wide panel screens hence the 1024X768 needs content adjusted to look right.

Viewsonics (32, 37 and 42's tested so far)...good price.  Nuisance though in that "power save" is a blue screen rather than a power save mode.  
LG (32 and 37 tested so far)- good price.  Can be configured to come on in scan for PC input first or start in PC input mode rather than TV.  Sharp looking units.
Sharp Aquos (42 tested so far) - fair price, excellent hdtv compared to few others I've seen (limited experience on this), computer input...AGGGGHHHHH.  Keeps flipping to 640X480 - digital pic viewing lousy.  Adjust system to hgher res, at next restart, back to low res mode again.

Recommendation would be to take your PC down when you plan to buy (assuming it's a laptop)...plug in and test, configure the optimum then do a reboot and see if it retains the settings...or make sure you get from a store with a liberal return policy...test it for your self..

Good luck.
D.

   _____  

From: owner-tlug-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org [mailto:owner-tlug-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org] On Behalf Of DANIEL GARDINER
Sent: Friday, January 05, 2007 7:51 PM
To: tlug-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org
Subject: Re: [TLUG]: LCD TVs, computers, & linux

Alex Maynard <amaynard-vQ8rsROW2HJSpjfjxSPG1fd9D2ou9A/h at public.gmane.org> wrote: 

Hi All,

My wife and I have decided to finally splurge on a mid-sized flat screen
TV. I was hoping at some point in the future to be able to use it as an extra
large monitor now and then. I don't know that at all realistic. If it is,
does it matter at all which brand we get (we got a sony LCD but have 30
days to return)? Also, are there special drivers or programs I would
need? Just thought I would see if any one has thoughts on this before our
30 day return period is up.

Alex

  It's definitely possible, that's how I have my system set up right now.  It all depends on what kind of connections your tv and video card will support.  Many (if not all) will have SVGA (if your video card has this) and there are several models of that have a regular vga input (which I use).

  I have encountered some problems with the widescreen television.  Best that I can tell it's something to do with the actual screen size and the "regular" tv signal (which is still just a square box that can be zoomed in several ways to become widescreen).  Linux can take advantage of the full screen dimension without zooming (haven't been able to do that in windows) but there are someimes problems configuring X properly.  I've had live cds work find only to end up with a black screen after installation.  Also seen the boot sequence switch back and forth between the svga and vga inputs.

Daniel

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