Are TVs Or Monitors Better for Gaming?..
For years, it was easy to decide which display to use for gaming. You used a monitor if you played on a PC and a TV if you played on consoles. If you had a computer that could handle this, you could go crazy and play PC on TV, but now there are many more factors to consider, especially when you consider that next-generation consoles can play 120 frames. per second at 4K.
What Is a Smart TV, & Is It Worth The Price?(Opens in a new browser tab)
Both gaming monitors and TVs have their place in the world of video games, but deciding which one is best for your setup (and which provides the best picture possible) will ensure that your gaming experience is the best possible.
Settings and Specs to Consider
To make the most informed decision when it comes to using a monitor or TV, there are several specifications and settings you need to understand.
Resolution
The resolution of your TV or monitor is the number of pixels it can display. You’re likely more familiar with the standard naming conventions: 1080p, 4K, etc. If you’re considering a display for gaming purposes, especially on next-gen hardware, you’ll need a display with at least 4K resolution.
Refresh rate
If you’ve ever heard someone refer to a 60Hz or 120Hz display, they talked about refresh rates. This is the number of times per second that the display refreshes the image with new information. Monitors are known for their high refresh rates, but they are less common on TVs.
Higher refresh rates result in better images and fewer screen tears. Modern monitors have incredibly high refresh rates. Although TVs can have a higher refresh rate, this often adds to the overall cost of the screen.
Input Delay
Input lag is a measure of the time between a keypress (or controller input) and the time the input is displayed on the screen. You want minimal input lag, especially if you’re a keen gamer. For example, input lag can determine whether you win or lose in a fast-paced game like Street Fighter.
HDR
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It provides better on-screen color and contrast between bright and dim areas for more accurate blacks even in bright conditions. Any gaming device in the modern era will benefit from HDR.
Adaptive Sync
Adaptive Sync is a monitor-only feature. It is a hardware extension of your display based on your graphics cards. Nvidia cards call adaptive sync G-Sync. For AMD cards, this is called FreeSync. This helps to align the display rate with the refresh rate of your GPU to eliminate graphical errors such as screen tearing.
What Are the Benefits of Better Graphics?
Graphics are more than just the great look of the game. Sure, there are advantages to admiring beautifully designed landscapes with the highest quality display, but a smooth display can help you play better competitive games, especially shooters.
If the frame rate does not drop below 30, your mouse will move smoothly from one side of the screen to the other. However, 60 frames per second will make the animation even smoother, and 120 frames per second even better.
This smooth movement will allow you to better track opponents around the screen, fire more shots, and keep an eye on what is happening. Whether you’re looking to boost your Overwatch rankings or just take a few more headshots in Counter-Strike, better displays go a long way.
Are TVs Or Monitors Better for Gaming?
The distance you plan to sit from the screen and your budget plays a big role in deciding whether a TV or monitor is best for gaming, but there are also a few technical specifications to consider before purchasing.
In general terms, a monitor will have a higher refresh rate and lower input lag than a TV. Monitors also offer great flexibility in mounting options. However, you can often find a much larger TV for the same price as many higher-end monitors.
If you are primarily a PC gamer, then most likely a monitor is for you. With higher refresh rates and the inclusion of Adaptive Sync in most monitors, the monitor will provide a better overall experience for PC gamers, especially those using Nvidia.
AMD graphics cards.
If you play on consoles, you need to decide if you care more about display quality or ease of use. For many console players, the living room TV is the default gaming area. The ease of sitting on the couch at the end of the day is a major plus. However, if you are a more serious gamer, you might consider using a monitor.
However, there is one important thing to consider when it comes to consoles. Even next-generation hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is only capable of playing at 120 frames per second. While a dedicated gaming PC can benefit from monitors with insane refresh rates, consoles cannot.
When deciding whether to play on a monitor or on a TV, consider whether you prefer to sit on a couch or a computer chair, how competitive you are, and how powerful your gaming equipment is.
If you are using older equipment, a TV is probably the best option. You can get more screen real estate for less. The same is true if you prefer to play on the couch. While you most likely won’t find a TV with a refresh rate higher than 60Hz for an affordable price, a TV that is larger than a monitor is a good choice.
On the other hand, if you are a competitive gamer and want the best picture quality possible, a monitor will go much further than a TV.
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Are TVs Or Monitors Better for Gaming?..
Are TVs Or Monitors Better for Gaming?..
What Is a Smart TV, & Is It Worth The Price?(Opens in a new browser tab)