Help Please. Using monitors for gaming

First off, whenever, I have played games I always usea SD and now my 27'' is crapping out on me along with my now broken xbox. I have heard people using LCD HD computer monitors for gaming. I was looking for a somewhat cheap yet with decent reviews and stumbled upon this Envision 22'' at Best BuyNot getting this exact one but this is what Im looking for. I have quite a few questions, so I will bullet point them and would appreciate any response.

• Can I hook my 360 directly up to a monitor
• If so, can I also hook up my PS2
• And along with connectivity, can I hook up cable to the Monitor and watch TV
• What is response time, the smaller the better or the bigger (assuming smaller?)
• Can I use my surround sound, and set it up onto the monitor

for the xbox you'll need one of these : http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360vgahdcable/

not sure on your other questions

• Can I hook my 360 directly up to a monitor
• If so, can I also hook up my PS2
• And along with connectivity, can I hook up cable to the Monitor and watch TV
• What is response time, the smaller the better or the bigger (assuming smaller?)
• Can I use my surround sound, and set it up onto the monitor

BrolyB593

1. Yes, you'll need to buy the Microsoft VGA cable for xbox 360 though

2. No, the monitor you picked only has DVI and VGA. Most monitors wont have the correct input (S-Video, component, or composite video)

3. No, see above.

4. Small response time is better

5. Surround sound has nothing to do with your monitor. Your surround sound reciever hooks up to your console via an optical cable. It's in no way related to the monitor.

From those questions, it sounds like just buying an HDTV would be better for you.Ranger_x8b

Indeed. You can get HDTV's in that size range for quite cheap nowadays, plus you'll get a variety of inputs to hook up cable TV, other game consoles, etc.

Seems illogical to buy a monitor for this purpose.

Look no further - http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VX2035wm-Wide-LCD-Monitor/dp/B000IGCCTS

Thank you for the replies.

So what it comes down to then basically is that I would essentially just be buying this new monitor for my 360 and the 360 alone? And then keeping thisSD for now just as my TV/PS2 screen? Also, seeing that theMonitor saysHD and has a 1680 x 1050 resolution would the gaming be coming in as clearly as an HD TV, and with this specific Monitorhaving 1680 x 1050 what does that equate to in terms of the 360's definition,480p, 720p, 1080i or 1080p? I know very little about monitors and feel quite stupid not knowing much, but I do appreciate the help

Also, seeing that theMonitor saysHD and has a 1680 x 1050 resolution would the gaming be coming in as clearly as an HD TV

BrolyB593

The 360 doesn't even support that resolution. Bad idea. Pick a different monitor or just get an HDTV.

[QUOTE="Ranger_x8b"]From those questions, it sounds like just buying an HDTV would be better for you.jacksheets

Indeed. You can get HDTV's in that size range for quite cheap nowadays, plus you'll get a variety of inputs to hook up cable TV, other game consoles, etc.

Seems illogical to buy a monitor for this purpose.

I was thinking the same thing originally, but I have $50 offany monitor at BestBuy and have yet to come across a somewhat decent HDTV for only $160

Look no further - http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VX2035wm-Wide-LCD-Monitor/dp/B000IGCCTS

HIM42

Why pick a monitor with an unsupported resolution?

Look no further - http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VX2035wm-Wide-LCD-Monitor/dp/B000IGCCTS

HIM42

Still doesn't satify his needs for easy connection for PS2 and TV. If he was gonna use that monitor just for PC and 360, that would be fine. But the PS2 and TV part doesn't have good solutions for monitors.

Thank you for the replies.

So what it comes down to then basically is that I would essentially just be buying this new monitor for my 360 and the 360 alone? And then keeping thisSD for now just as my TV/PS2 screen? Also, seeing that theMonitor saysHD and has a 1680 x 1050 resolution would the gaming be coming in as clearly as an HD TV, and with this specific Monitorhaving 1680 x 1050 what does that equate to in terms of the 360's definition,480p, 720p, 1080i or 1080p? I know very little about monitors and feel quite stupid not knowing much, but I do appreciate the help

BrolyB593

Yes, you would use the monitor for your PC / 360. On the monitor I posted above, you can connect your PC via DVI and your 360 via the microsoft VGA cable, and press a button on the monitor to switch back and forth between your PC and 360. Its quite nice, I've done it on my vx2025 and my friend does it on his vx2035.

You would use your PS2 on your TV.

When you connect your 360 to your monitor, you can choose from a range of resolutions just like on a PC. The highest is 1920x1200, but the step down from that is 1360x768, which is what you would use. This resolution is the highest supported "720p" resolution. I can rest you assured, purchase the 360 VGA cable and either the monitor that I provided the link for above, or do a little research and find a different monitor on your own. I've done a ton of research, and you can trust me that the monitor that I linked is really amazing and at that price it is a steal. You will not be dissapointed.

Just giving you a heads up, you're not going to find many "cheap" monitors that are going to have the connections you want if any.

Might want to give up on the TV and PS2 idea and just get one that will hook up to your 360 with the VGA cable, and make sure it's native resolution is supported by the 360 (below)...

1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×768, 1280×1024, 1360×768, and 1920×1080

[QUOTE="BrolyB593"]

Also, seeing that theMonitor saysHD and has a 1680 x 1050 resolution would the gaming be coming in as clearly as an HD TV

jacksheets

The 360 doesn't even support that resolution. Bad idea. Pick a different monitor or just get an HDTV.

You have been telling him good info untill that comment. 1680x1050 works fine, the stretching is barely noticable and looks just as good as any other. I doubt you have seen it at 1680x1050 or else you'd know.

[QUOTE="HIM42"]

Look no further - http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VX2035wm-Wide-LCD-Monitor/dp/B000IGCCTS

jacksheets

Why pick a monitor with an unsupported resolution?

Sounds like you've never used the 360's VGA cable. If you don't know what you are talking about, please don't confuse somebody in a help thread. 1680x1050 is one of many resolutions that the monitor supports. Try finding a cheap native 1920x1200 monitor or a decent native 1366x768 monitor

Just giving you a heads up, you're not going to find many "cheap" monitors that are going to have the connections you want if any.

jacksheets

They exist... but will cost more than a good small-ish HDTV.

Ok I need help with hooking my 360 to my monitor. My monitor only has oneVGA output andeverytime I want to play my 360 I have to disconectmy PC from it. Is there another soulution?

I came across this willit work? http://www.cablewholesale.com/specs/10h1-27708.htm

[QUOTE="jacksheets"][QUOTE="BrolyB593"]

Also, seeing that theMonitor saysHD and has a 1680 x 1050 resolution would the gaming be coming in as clearly as an HD TV

Stealth-Gunner

The 360 doesn't even support that resolution. Bad idea. Pick a different monitor or just get an HDTV.

You have been telling him good info untill that comment. 1680x1050 works fine, the stretching is barely noticable and looks just as good as any other. I doubt you have seen it at 1680x1050 or else you'd know.

[QUOTE="jacksheets"][QUOTE="BrolyB593"]

Also, seeing that theMonitor saysHD and has a 1680 x 1050 resolution would the gaming be coming in as clearly as an HD TV

Stealth-Gunner

The 360 doesn't even support that resolution. Bad idea. Pick a different monitor or just get an HDTV.

You have been telling him good info untill that comment. 1680x1050 works fine, the stretching is barely noticable and looks just as good as any other. I doubt you have seen it at 1680x1050 or else you'd know.

I stand corrected then. I'm not trying to get in a pissing match with anyone, just was trying to help. No need to act like a dick, Armor.

Ok I need help with hooking my 360 to my monitor. My monitor only has oneVGA output andeverytime I want to play my 360 I have to disconectmy PC from it. Is there another soulution?

I came across this willit work? http://www.cablewholesale.com/specs/10h1-27708.htm

jdc6305

No, that is not a solution. As far as I know, you're gonna have to keep switching the vga cables

[QUOTE="Stealth-Gunner"][QUOTE="jacksheets"][QUOTE="BrolyB593"]

Also, seeing that theMonitor saysHD and has a 1680 x 1050 resolution would the gaming be coming in as clearly as an HD TV

jacksheets

The 360 doesn't even support that resolution. Bad idea. Pick a different monitor or just get an HDTV.

You have been telling him good info untill that comment. 1680x1050 works fine, the stretching is barely noticable and looks just as good as any other. I doubt you have seen it at 1680x1050 or else you'd know.

I stand corrected then. I'm not trying to get in a pissing match with anyone, just was trying to help. No need to act like a dick, Armor.

Also, yes you Can watch TV on a monitor and you would use something like this: TV Tuner

Which would hook up on VGA so then if you decided to do that you would have to keep switching between TV and Xbox.

Also something like this could work: http://www.amazon.com/VGA-Monitor-Input-Convertor-Selector/dp/B000JCLLUW

It has lots of inputs but I'm not sure of the quality of it

Sorry, I'm just trying to actually help this guy and you were standing in the wayHIM42

He was giving good advice until you decided to complicate things by pushing the use of the monitor. Here's how I see it:

If the TC wants an all-in-one solution, an HDTV is the easiest way to go.
If the TC prefers to get a monitor, Use the monitor for PC/X360 and use any ol' TV for PS2/TV, like you said.

Ignore my prevoius post please I have a new question. I noticed my monitor has a VGA outlet that my pc is connected to it. If I hook my 360 to theVGA and my pc to the DVIwill the hooking my PC to the DVI affect my widescreen performance with my PC?jdc6305

No worries guys, I appreciate all the help I can get even if its not 100%right the fact is that you all are in the end just trying to help me out, and I thank you all for that. So, first off, I most likely wouldnt have this new monitor attatched to my PC at all, just my 360. Second, Im running really low on cash, but when I get my 360 back from Texas, I want to play Bioshock in HD, so that original monitor I mentioned, the 22'' Envision, which I could get for only $160, would that work. I get that I'll have to have my normal TV still for PS2 and TV, but I can just put the Monitor in a different spot just for my 360.

So basically what it boils down to now, after looking more at other prices, and hearing your guys' input, is this Monitor any good for the 360 to play in HD, as far as for the price and size?

Ignore my prevoius post please I have a new question. I noticed my monitor has a VGA outlet that my pc is connected to it. If I hook my 360 to theVGA and my pc to the DVIwill the hooking my PC to the DVI affect my widescreen performance with my PC?jdc6305

DVI is actually better than VGA for the PC so yes that would work and would be better. Like Ranger_x8b said, either get an HDTV or use your PC for 360 and PC and an old SDTV for your PS2 and watching TV (that's what I'm doing)

[QUOTE="HIM42"]Sorry, I'm just trying to actually help this guy and you were standing in the wayRanger_x8b

He was giving good advice until you decided to complicate things by pushing the use of the monitor. Here's how I see it:

If the TC wants an all-in-one solution, an HDTV is the easiest way to go.
If the TC prefers to get a monitor, Use the monitor for PC/X360 and use any ol' TV for PS2/TV, like you said.

No worries guys, I appreciate all the help I can get even if its not 100%right the fact that you all are in the end just trying to help me out, and I thank you all for that. So, first off, I most likely wouldnt have this new monitor attatched to my PC at all, just my 360. Second, Im running really low on cash, but when I get my 360 back from Texas, I want to play Bioshock in HD, so that original monitor I mentioned, the 22'' Envision, which I could get for only $160, would that work. I get that I'll have to have my normal TV still for PS2 and TV, but I can just put the Monitor in a different spot just for my 360.

So basically what it boils down to now, after looking more at other prices, and hearing your guys' input, is this Monitor any good for the 360 to play in HD, as far as for the price and size?

BrolyB593

Why not use your pc on it? It will only look better (what monitor do you have now?) and since when is 1680x1050 16:9 like the BestBuy site says :|

And that monitor would be fine but you get what you pay for and Envision isn't all that great, I'd go with a Samsung 226BW

Edit: Link for the Sammy 226BW

No worries guys, I appreciate all the help I can get even if its not 100%right the fact is that you all are in the end just trying to help me out, and I thank you all for that. So, first off, I most likely wouldnt have this new monitor attatched to my PC at all, just my 360. Second, Im running really low on cash, but when I get my 360 back from Texas, I want to play Bioshock in HD, so that original monitor I mentioned, the 22'' Envision, which I could get for only $160, would that work. I get that I'll have to have my normal TV still for PS2 and TV, but I can just put the Monitor in a different spot just for my 360.

So basically what it boils down to now, after looking more at other prices, and hearing your guys' input, is this Monitor any good for the 360 to play in HD, as far as for the price and size?

BrolyB593

[QUOTE="BrolyB593"]

No worries guys, I appreciate all the help I can get even if its not 100%right the fact that you all are in the end just trying to help me out, and I thank you all for that. So, first off, I most likely wouldnt have this new monitor attatched to my PC at all, just my 360. Second, Im running really low on cash, but when I get my 360 back from Texas, I want to play Bioshock in HD, so that original monitor I mentioned, the 22'' Envision, which I could get for only $160, would that work. I get that I'll have to have my normal TV still for PS2 and TV, but I can just put the Monitor in a different spot just for my 360.

So basically what it boils down to now, after looking more at other prices, and hearing your guys' input, is this Monitor any good for the 360 to play in HD, as far as for the price and size?

Stealth-Gunner

Why not use your pc on it? It will only look better (what monitor do you have now?) and since when is 1680x1050 16:9 like the BestBuy site says :|

And that monitor would be fine but you get what you pay for and Envision isn't all that great, I'd go with a Samsung 226BW

Mainly because of the way my basement is set up and stuff it would be practical. Unless I could somehow have my computer connected to both my original monitor and the newer one across the room and just like flip a switch to switch between the two

wow I just looked at the specs and stuff of that Samsung and I would love to get that one instead but what it comes down to is the fact that the Envision is half its price. I would be using my own surround sound so I dont care for the speakers but what exactly isnt too good about envision, the quality the longevity what?

[QUOTE="Stealth-Gunner"][QUOTE="BrolyB593"]

No worries guys, I appreciate all the help I can get even if its not 100%right the fact that you all are in the end just trying to help me out, and I thank you all for that. So, first off, I most likely wouldnt have this new monitor attatched to my PC at all, just my 360. Second, Im running really low on cash, but when I get my 360 back from Texas, I want to play Bioshock in HD, so that original monitor I mentioned, the 22'' Envision, which I could get for only $160, would that work. I get that I'll have to have my normal TV still for PS2 and TV, but I can just put the Monitor in a different spot just for my 360.

So basically what it boils down to now, after looking more at other prices, and hearing your guys' input, is this Monitor any good for the 360 to play in HD, as far as for the price and size?

BrolyB593

Why not use your pc on it? It will only look better (what monitor do you have now?) and since when is 1680x1050 16:9 like the BestBuy site says :|

And that monitor would be fine but you get what you pay for and Envision isn't all that great, I'd go with a Samsung 226BW

Mainly because of the way my basement is set up and stuff it would be practical. Unless I could somehow have my computer connected to both my original monitor and the newer one across the room and just like flip a switch to switch between the two

Why not just replace your old monitor? But I ask again, what monitor do you have now?

I dont even know, its some old Dell that came with my computer years ago haha

But Im fine with a crappy monitor for my computer all I use it for is basically school and music, nothing that needs to have too high of a definition

I dont even know, its some old Dell that came with my computer years ago haha

But Im fine with a crappy monitor for my computer all I use it for is basically school and music, nothing that needs to have too high of a definition

BrolyB593

What size is it and is it a CRT or LCD? And all monitors are essentially high defenition.

I just measured it and its like 15'' and its a CRT. To give you an idea of how unclear it looks, my buddy was over the other day, I on the the 360 and he sitting on the computer, he opened up Solitaire and told me he couldnt play it that it gave him a headache my monitors picture was so bad.BrolyB593

Are you using the right resolution and refresh rate? No way it is that bad...

yea its just really really old. But like I said I dont care about my pcI only use it from time to time, plus if need be for homework I can use one of the many laptops in my house or the other computer hah But back to the 360 subject, I would love that Samsung one and it looks great but like I said i can get that Envision for only $160, which I think is a steal. But like I said I know nothing of monitors. The reviews on BestBuy seem to praise it, but as a brand, how reliable is Envision?BrolyB593

Just get it if you have that good of a deal. Make sure you can return it if you aren't happy with it.

I recommend thismonitor, it's the one I use and the picture is breathtaking.Aljosa23

Yep it's awesome. I have the 22" version of it:)