Tv for a monitor or tv tuner?

im looking into getting a new desktop. i want to be able to replace my tv, and dvd player with my new desktop but still be able to hook up my ps2 and other gaming systems to it. i also want to be able to hook up a surround sound system to it. should i get a computer monitor with a tv tuner, or should i get a tv that can be used as a monitor? if i get the monitor is there a way to still hook up my ps2 and not need a second tv?

Tv for a monitor or tv tuner?
Hiya Jasonx14,





You definitely want to pickup an LCD TV that doubles as a monitor. You need to make sure you get the right options on the TV to match the PC and the PS2.





If your budget will handle it the best recommendation is to get a PC with everything but the monitor. Then get an LCD HDTV with a tuner, DVI input for the new computer, composite RCA inputs for the PS2 , decent speakers and possible a built in USB hub.


Here is an example of one:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...





If you have Satellite TV or Cable TV then you can save some cash by getting an LCD Widescreen that is HDTV ready. They are available with analog VGA DSub15 input and digital DVI input. This item will display in wide screen HDTV format while substantially reducing the overall cost because it won't have a built in tuner.


Here is an example of a 19" LCDTV/ monitor that is HD Ready and has VGA and DVI inputs for less then $200:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...





Another great solution is to get a PC with a decent wide screen monitor and a built in graphics card that doubles as a TV and has RCA composite video inputs to accept your PS2. I have one of these and it is a space saver that works well. It also records programs that I schedule whether I am here or not. This is a PC graphics card; here is an example of the one that I use:


http://ati.amd.com/products/radeonx1900/...





Finally, for the poor man's budget, the cheapest solution that will work is a USB 2.0 TV Tuner box. This plugs into a USB port and adds TV and DVR capabilities to your PC using any type of monitor. The HDTV USB Tuners a bit more then the standard units, but they are both affordable.


Here is an example of a standard TV unit:


http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-TV-USB20-C...





Here is an example of an HDTV unit:


http://www.amazon.com/Kworld-Atsc-Tuner-...








GOOD LUCK!!
Reply:if you get a TV with tuner which is not much more, then you have the option to use the PC or the TV as a tuner most all tvs have video input and can be used as a monitor. you probably want to get a desktop with a higher end graphics card with an s-video or DVI output on it then a monitor or tv with those inputs. and just make sure it has an additional input for your PS2