How to Choose a TV Tuner Monitor
A TV tuner monitor is essentially a conventional PC monitor equipped with a tuner for tv reception. This type often features built-in speakers, and some models include a remote control.
Frequently Asked Questions When Choosing a TV Tuner Monitor
How to choose a tuner?
When choosing a TV tuner monitor, first consider the type of TV broadcast you are planning to watch. DVB-T/T2 is designed for digital terrestrial TV broadcasting, while DVB-S/S2 serves for receiving satellite television broadcasts. If you use cable, make sure to choose a monitor with a DVB-C tuner. Also check if your location has the right broadcast coverage. The monitor is connected to an antenna, satellite, or cable television outlet via a coaxial (antenna) cable.
How large should my monitor be?
The larger the monitor, the more workspace you get. When choosing the size, consider your budget and preferences. Also take into account the amount of time you spend at the computer. If you are an occasional PC user, buy a 19" monitor or larger. If you use it daily, choose a monitor of at least 22" in size.
TIP: Choose a monitor with adjustable height and eyestrain reducing technologies (Flicker Free and Low Blue Light) if you work long hours.
What resolution should I choose?
Generally, the higher the maximum resolution, the more detailed the picture and the more work or gaming space it provides. Resolution and size go hand in hand. The larger the monitor, the greater maximum resolution you need. See below for some tips on the size-resolution ratio:
Under 20" - XGA (1024x768 pixels) or higher
21" and more - Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) or higher
What panel type should I choose?
The panel type has a large impact on the overall properties of the monitor. IPS and S-IPS panels provide the most realistic colour reproduction and widest viewing angles (up to 178° horizontally and vertically). Compared to TN panel monitors, however, they are more expensive and their response times are generally worse. TN monitors have response times reaching a mere 1ms. Monitors with PVA and MVA panels are somewhere in between when it comes to image quality and price. They have better colour reproduction and are cheaper when compared to IPS and S-IPS displays.
Glossy, matte, or anti-glare coating?
Glossy screens provide the most vivid and realistic colours. The downside is that they reflect light from all around them, which means their readability becomes really poor under sunlight. In contrast, matte screens reflect almost no ambient light. Their colour reproduction is not as good and does not seem as realistic. Anti-glare coating achieves a certain compromise between glossy and matte surfaces. Anti-glare screens remain readable under sunlight and their colours are more vivid compared to matte displays.
What connectors should my monitor have?
To connect a monitor, you need to have at least one matching video connector on your PC. If not, the two devices will be incompatible.
The basic visual connector is analogue D-SUB (VGA). You can find it in older computers (or older graphics cards). Compared to other connectors, it provides an inferior image quality. New computers or graphics cards generally feature digital DVI or HDMI ports, which provide a more stable image and better, more vibrant colours. The more expensive models are also being increasingly equipped with DisplayPort. It can transmit uncompressed images in very high quality.
Monitors with TV tuner
Important Parameters
Aspect Ratio
Movies, videos, and TV programmes are filmed/produced in widescreen resolutions. Choose a monitor with a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9 or 21:9.
Maximum Resolution
The number of pixels in each dimension that can be displayed on a monitor. Generally, the higher the maximum resolution, the more detailed the picture and the more work or gaming space it provides. For TV tuner monitors, the recommended maximum resolution is at least HD Ready.
Listed below are the most common maximum resolutions for monitors with TV tuners:
Resolution | Pixels |
|---|---|
HD Ready | 1366×768 |
Full HD | 1920×1080 |
WQHD | 2560×1440 |
Refresh Rate
The number of frames per second a monitor can display, given in Hz. Monitors with higher refresh rates provide a smoother image and cause less eyestrain. Most modern monitors have a refresh rate of 60-75Hz, though gaming monitors can have much more. You should choose a monitor with a refresh rate of at least 60Hz.
Viewing Angles
The viewing angle is the maximum angle from which you can view images on the display without experiencing colour or contrast distortion. Larger viewing angles are obviously better. Viewing angles depend on the type of the monitor. Monitors with IPS and S-IPS panels have the best viewing angles (up to 178 degrees), while PVA and MVA displays are doing slightly worse. The smallest viewing angles are found in TN monitors.
Glossary - Monitors
TV Tuner
TV tuner is a component that receives and decodes television signal and allows you to tune in TV channels on your TV, monitor, or other device. TV tuners are divided according to the type of the received television signal they receive:
1) DVB-T/T2 - tuner for receiving digital terrestrial TV broadcasting,
2) DVB-S/S2 - tuner for receiving satellite television broadcasts,
3) DVB-C - tuner for cable television reception.
Low Blue Light
Low Blue Light technology (also known as BlueLightFilter) reduces the harmful blue light spectrum, reducing eye strain and tiredness.
Flicker Free
Flicker Free (also known as Flicker Less) is a technology that aims to eliminate unwanted and annoying screen flicker in LCD and LED monitors. Flicker can cause eye strain and, in extreme cases, may also damage your eyesight.
Glossary
Display Size
Denotes the distance between the opposite upper and lower corners of the monitor listed in inches. Larger displays are generally easier to read. When choosing the size, consider how much time you spend at the computer.
Recommended display size:
If you are an occasional PC user, buy a 19" monitor or larger.
If you use it daily, choose a monitor at least 22" in size or larger.