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Replacing my PC monitor. Do I need HDMI for HD?
dazn12
Posts: 6,912
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Hey guys, I'm looking to replace my current LCD PC monitor which is just over 7 years old now. I originally got it with my old Dell PC, whilst it still does the job it is 4:3 and has a resolution of 1280 x 1024.
There are many reasons why I wish to replace it. The first being that I've noticed an increased number of dead pixels on the screen. I've tried some software to remove them but with no joy.
I'd also like to be able to watch HD content such as YouTube videos in 720p/1080p but wanted to know whether I'd need a monitor with a HDMI in connection to be able to do this? My PC only has VGA so I'd be stuck if this is the case:p
There are many reasons why I wish to replace it. The first being that I've noticed an increased number of dead pixels on the screen. I've tried some software to remove them but with no joy.
I'd also like to be able to watch HD content such as YouTube videos in 720p/1080p but wanted to know whether I'd need a monitor with a HDMI in connection to be able to do this? My PC only has VGA so I'd be stuck if this is the case:p
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It may come down to your graphics card / onboard graphics as to whether you can watch 1080p successfully.
I'm using an old P4 with onboard graphics and 2GB of RAM and watching 1080p does not work as it should, picture is fine but it stutters/slows, sound is fine. 720p works fine.
The monitor is an old 4:3 like yours and can't do hi-def anyway.
Can anyone tell me if this one is a HD display?
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9093795.htm
Yes it's Full HD, it clearly says 'resolution 1920x1080'.
It would be pretty rare to find a 'larger' monitor that isn't Full HD these days.
My TV is plugged into the DVI port and the monitor into the HDMI (resolution isn't recognised properly via the HDMI port so I had to hack the registry to get the full resolution.) DVI port though works flawlessly at full 1080p so have plugged the HDTV into that.
Well HD and 'HD Ready' are television terms really. So unless you are planning to plug TV boxes into it, or watch Blu-rays on your computer, then just worry about resolution and connections for a monitor.
The one you pointed to has analogue connections only. So not very future proof, if you buy a new PC.
At the moment a graphics card would probably have VGA as well as HDMI (mine certainly does - but I just use the VGA, although my monitor has both as well).
But HDMI is certainly the way the world is going, so buying a monitor with both is very worthwhile.
While VGA is analogue, and HDMI is digital, there's nothing technically 'better' about HDMI - some times one is slightly better, sometimes the other is. If you've got both, you have the option.
Before anyone comments, mine is connected via VGA because it was before I changed my video card, and I don't see any point in walking across the room to get an HDMI that will make sod all difference
You don't need a monitor with a HDMI connection, just a monitor that supports at least 1080 pixels vertically.
Some 22" and all 24" monitors should support this resolution.
If you're using the screen for long periods using a digital connection like DVI or Displayport would be preferable.
Graphics cards with these interfaces can be purchased for about £25.