Which of the following will give me the best TV image quality?

[hightech]

I am looking get a LCD that I can connect with my Rogers HD-PVR to. Here are my options:

- Buy a Dell 2407WFP-HC and connect my HD-PVR via a HDMI-DVI or Component Cable: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=320-5647

- Buy a 20" 4:3 LCD to watch TV on like this: http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.grp?lg=en&section=2&group=6&product=6373&category=
http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/CategoryDisplays?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&categoryId=46640&navigationPath=32050

- Buy a 26" Widescreen TV like this:
http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=1003873&navigationPath=32050n100188

- Buy a 20" LCD like this and use Svideo cable:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=320-4687

I figure getting a 2407WFP-HC will get me the use of a TV, and a computer monitor (2 for 1).

The question I have is that if I get a dedicated TV, will that give me a better picture then a monitor? It seems the TV's have controls optimized for video which the other monitors may not have.

I ruled out getting a TV card and using the video in as most TV cards tend to filter the source video making the image look worse then it is.

What do you experts suggest? :confused:

[likwidsix]

for your rogers pvr i would recommend you buy a good 720p LCD, something similar to that 26" sony LCD but id go with a good samsung. there are tons of 720p televisions with great contrast ratios / brightess at great prices

my reasoning:
-the dell 2407 has an aspect ratio of 16:10, HD content is 16:9
-the 2407 can display higher resolutions than 720p televisions but only from HD-dvd's/bluray/xbox360/ps3 and at 24", the resolution difference isn't going to be worth the sacrifice in panel size and contrast

-do not buy a 4:3 television for a HD-PVR, it defeats the whole purpose
-do not hook up with s-video, it will not display HD resolutions

my suggestion (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10086212&catid=#)

keep in mind however that the 2407 can be used as both a pc monitor and a tv while a 720p lcd really isnt ideal for computer use, and its only my own personal preference to have two separate screens for tv and pc

[hardcoredummy]

Don't bother with an actual PC monitor like the Dell 2407. The resolution is much too high, so unless you plan on viewing all your content as HD DVD/Blu-Ray, it's going to look like crap compared to a 720p set. Cable/Satellite HD content is all broadcast in 720p or 1080i, and SD will look absolutely disgusting (they just don't contain any upscaling capability within the TV itself to scale the image properly... i'm guessing because it's a monitor and it assumed you'll have a PC to do that).

And don't forget there's no built-in turner or remote. Remote is extremely handy even if you can't change channels, like adjusting the brightness, using the PIP functionality, changing source, or even turning off the display.

If you don't plan on watching any SD content (it's HORRIBLE... i'm quite experienced with SD content on HD sets, and realize they'll always look worst than traditional sets, but it's completely unwatchable on the 2407), and using it just for the occasional HD movie or for a 360 or PS3 console, then go for it. Otherwise, get an actual TV.

[hightech]

likwidsix and hardcoredummy,

Thanks for the info.

If I choose to watch some SD content, I have my 24" Sony Wega CRT which looks awesome for SD content (or DVD's for that matter). The only content I will be watching will be digital content on the LCD.

Currently, I have a Samsung 225BW 22" widescreen, and tried watching TV on that (via the HDMI/DVI cable) . What I noticed was that everything was very sharp, but the colors were washed out. I suspect this was due to the overdrive setting on my TN based panel. With the 2407WFP-HC, it is a S-PVA based panel, and with the high colour, it *should* look better.

I do not watch a lot of TV, which was why I was opting for a Computer LCD that can be used as a TV. This way, the $ I spend on a new screen, can be more fully utilized.

Will the 2407WFP-HC allow me to adjust the brightness, contrast settings like a TV? I don't want another LCD that makes viewing content appear washed out.

Thanks.