Use an LCD Monitor as a TV Without a Computer

Step 2 Choosing a Display

Now for the most important step, choosing a display. There are a few requirements for the monitor. First, it MUST be HDCP Compliant (High Definition Content Protection, think TV DRM). Next, it must have a DVI or HDMI input. It doesn't have to, but I recommend getting a widescreen monitor. Also, make sure that it can display at Least 720p (use This image to make sure). I used a dell E207WFP which I will be using as an example for setup. It can display up to 720p and is cheap with a picture rivaling most high end HDTVs.

Comments

[JonnyDude2008]

What do you do if your PC monitor uses a D-SUB output?

[Derin]

Then it is VGA. Get a VGA to DVI adapter.

[nate_hunte]

Would an Acer 22" Crystalbrite P223W with 1680x1050 work? (It is HDCP) Please reply i need to know soon before the monitor sells out, Thanks!

[atomic16]

I believe so

[paulrobare]

This looks great - but I'm a bit confused about the resolution issues. I didn't think 720x480px monitors were even made anymore, and many monitors display 1920x1280. You mention that this instructable might not be great for folk who want 1280p resolution—why not? Is there a difference between pixels as defined for TV display and pixels as used when discussing computer monitors?

[atomic16]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Standard_video_res.svg

Basically, 720p does not meant 720x480, but rather 1280x720. 1920x1280 is possible on my display, but 1080p is 1920x1080, not 1280, so it does not work.

1280p is not a current resolution available on broadcast tv (As far as I know).

I find that 720p is perfect for me, since my monitor is fairly small I find that it actually has a better picture that my 1080i TV. When you get to these resolutions, it is quite difficult to tell on a small screen, sort of like megapixels on a camera.