Money doesn’t grow on trees, and LCD PC monitors over 20’’ that we want to spend some of that money on don’t either. By now you’re all familiar with my little rant on the paucity of products currently available in this size range. Of course, because the real-world impact of HDCP can’t be completely known yet, it might (depending on your inclination) further limit your choices to the few HDCP compliant monitors there are.

So we have a bit of a quandary it seems. Being the mentally agile, deep thinkers we all are (just play along, there’s no test later), it’s inevitable that we’d begin to think outside the box; or at least take a look at an open box. Especially when the Westinghouse LVM-37w1 is “inside” that open-box special, which I saw at a Best Buy store. The newer model w3 version is out; so some “deals” can be had for the w1. This particular 37’’ 1920x1080p LCD TV/Monitor was about $1100 USD before sales tax. Brand new, it hovers around $1300 to $1500 USD. The newer w3 incarnation is near $1800 USD.

Image and an interesting bit of news

Since we’ve expanded our diagonal-view horizons in the interest of greater choice, I give you one more choice in this price range, the 37" Sceptre X37SV-Naga 1920x1080p LCD TV/PC monitor. Costco sells these on their website for $1499 USD before tax and shipping if you’re an existing member (which is a $40 USD charge, if you’re interested in shopping there.)

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I know that these are essentially HDTV displays, and I’m primarily referring to them as PC monitors. I’m guessing you’d need at least 3 or 4 feet between your beady-little eyes and that 37 inches-o-goodness to limit the screen-door effect. Also, that 1920x1080 resolution is stretched across a 37’’ area, and depending on your individual preference or use pattern, that might bother you, considering “smaller” (relatively speaking), more PC-centric displays like the Dell 3007 have resolutions of 2560x1600. Many early adaptors are mainly using it as a PC display, check out this looooong thread about it.

Strictly as a TV, I don’t know that I’d choose the Sceptre or the Westy. I have a Sony HDTV and the picture is incredible. If you research these two panels as HDTVs, I don’t know if they're as impressive as other brands. But remember, they can handle 1080p content (yeah I know, find some, right?), and PC video cards can output 1080p.

I’m not sold on the idea yet, but 1920x1080 may be fine for general PC use and gaming (depending on your GPU[s]). Thirty seven inches at those prices has to make you think.

I’ll do some more research on the Chi Mei (Westinghouse) and AU Optronics (Sceptre) P-MVA panels these are utilizing. It’s not an S-IPS panel like the Dell 3007, which will run you over $2000 USD if it's not on sale.

I don't watch American Idol, but I understand the basic format of it and the fact that Simon plays the "ruthless" judge. He looks a little ridiculous in those t-shirts (do some curls and push-ups Chief), but I guess his actual personality informs his TV persona well enough to play the role...There's also the nice judge, but I'm not sure if it's Emilio Estevez's ex or the fat dude, but just keep that whole yin-yang judge dynamic in mind...

Maybe we need to port good ol' Simon and the wholeIdolgimmick over to display electronic land...

Y'know, Lights Camera Action!...AMERICAN MONITOR, presented in HDTV (provided all your gear is HDCP compliant, of course).

If this is gonna work, Simon can't be so...Simon-like, because he IS kinda creepy, but we need someone who's going to be tough on the current crop of 23 to 24 inch LCD computer monitors. (Even though there are only two widely marketed 30'' LCD PC displays out there now [Dell 3007 and Apple 30'' CinemaDisplay], they're S-IPS panels and they get a pass today, I'll explain later.)

Ok, casting change, Simon is out, Mark Cuban is in. Mark Cuban can yell. Mark Cuban can be opinionated and tough on people (like Microsoft), and he’s a huge HDTV advocate. He can have the job if he wears a t-shirt that says “I SEE DEAD PIXELS”. The fat guy can stay too, because he played bass in Journey for a little while, and whether you admitted it or not, Journey ruled. (I know waaaaaay too much about American Idol; remind me to put myself under suspicion.) Jessica Biel replaces the girl. That choice needs no explanation.

Let’s parade the first contestant, the Dell 2407, about: Mark Cuban had this (previous early user review from JP) to say about the Dell 2407, while the nice judge had this (scroll down to the part about the PC Authority magazine review) to say.

Wow commercial time already…Well, producing such rapier wit and mesmerizing blog design is pricey! When we return, the Apple 23’’ Cinema Display, the Sony PremierPro SDM-P234, and (again) the HP LP2335 are up. Excluding the Dell, notice a pattern here (hint: it’s NOT a vertically aligned pattern.)

Side Note: The Sony 23’’ S-IPS panel may not be the newest thing on the market, but it’s kinda gettin’ this MILB (Monitor I’d Like To Buy) vibe all of a sudden. At least we know about the performance and issues associated with some of these older panels. Now, if only Apple and Sony would buck tradition and actually lower their prices more than 5 bucks :) once in a while.