Using a TFT / LCD Monitor to connect a Playstation 3 / PS3

[plusman]

I'm wondering if anybody can help advise with the following.

I'm planning to get my son an LCD screen for Christmas so that he can connect his Playstation 3 to it. I know I could get an LCD TV with a HDMI port, but he really doesn't need the TV art and in any event it would be nice if he could share the one screen between his PS3 and his PC.

I tried connecting the PS3 to an LG TFT monitor that I have, using a HDMI to DVI cable, but kept getting a message that the "signal was out of range"

Can anybody help with / suggest the following:
(1) Is it possible to connect a PS3 to a monitor using teh DVI input on the monitor? If so, how can I do it? e.g. do I need a special cable or adaptor?
(2) If I have to go via a HDMI - HDMI route, will this work on any monitor that has a HDMI input?
(3) If I have to go route (2), can anybody recommend a good 20" - 23" widescreen TFT/LCD monitor that would work?
and finally
(4) If a normal monitor won't work, what would be a good 20" - 23" TV that would be good?

Sorry for the multitude of questions. Many thanks in advance for your help.

[kingsGambit]

1) - yes, using hdmi to DVi cable. Or HDM/DVI adapter +hdmi/hdmi cable. Try playing around with monitor and ps3 settings to solve "signal out of range problem"
2) Should do.
3)With the exception of the Lenovo 22" monitor, there is no other 1920x1200 resolution monitor within your range. Why 1920x1200? because you'll be able to do 1080p with the monitor or else your monitor will have to stretch/scale the image and the result might not be nice, especially when reading text via ps3 browser.
If you're willing to consider 24" then I reckon the best bet would be 245t samsung as it also has 1:1 pixel mapping, which is an important feature to watch out for when searching for ps3/monitor connectivity. That monitor is also an pva type which is more expensive than tn models.

For more info check out http://forums.anandtech.com/messagev...&enterthread=y


4) if you opt for a tv then i highly recommend a sony bravia. Absolutely fantastic with ps3.

[plusman]

KingsGambit - Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately the Samsung monitor is outside the price range as is the Sony Bravia (which I agree has an excellent picture). I was looking at a Dell E228WFP 22" monitor which has a HDCP compliant DVI connection or perhaps a BENQ FP222WH but am still not sure if they will work fully with a PS3.

[kingsGambit]

Originally Posted by plusman

KingsGambit - Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately the Samsung monitor is outside the price range as is the Sony Bravia (which I agree has an excellent picture). I was looking at a Dell E228WFP 22" monitor which has a HDCP compliant DVI connection or perhaps a BENQ FP222WH but am still not sure if they will work fully with a PS3.

Yes the monitors will work. DVI is the same as HDMI except it doesn't transmit sound. For a monitor without hdmi you can still get sound to work on your ps3 by using the av cables that should have come supplied with your ps3, so a dvi to hdmi cable will work fine with those hdcp compliant monitors.
The only issue, and to me personally this is a biggy, is the fact that those monitors can't support 1:1 mapped 1080p and will have to scale the picture. If you really have to go for a cheap 22" (which means a tn panel probably) and don't mind scaling, then i would recommend getting one with high brightness (30cm+) and very low response time (2ms).

I'm not impressed by the specs for those monitors you mention. The link i posted above recommends better alternatives. I've used sm226bw (s-panel) with the ps3 and it's great with no lag/ghosting but for games which use a lot of shadow (eg. jericho) it's not great - the montior needs more brightness (spec is 300cm). I reckon the sm226bw (or the newer 226cw) is probably better than the ones you mention.