4K Monitor vs 4K TV

M_Six · 02-23-2020, 12:04 AM

Ok, display gurus, got a question. If I wanted to run a new 4K AppleTV to use Zwift (bike trainer app) at 4K, is there a big difference between a 4K monitor and a 4K TV? The 4K TVs are way cheaper. I won't be doing much else other than Zwift except maybe the occasional movie or baseball game via MLB.com. Why are 4K monitors so much more expensive than 4K TVs?

Banana Hammock · 02-23-2020, 03:23 AM

For the most part it's down to pixel density, volume of production, and input lag.

4K is the same amount of pixels whether it be on a 27 inch screen or a 43 inch screen. The difference is that it's much more difficult and more expensive to produce a smaller screen with more pixels on it. A good analogy of this would be a bunch of straws. Say you have 100 straws and you have to store them standing up in 2 different containers. It'll be easier to store the 100 straws in a larger container than it would be to squeeze them into a smaller one.

TVs come in fewer sizes and resolutions than monitors do so it's easier for manufacturers to pump out larger quantities that can can put into their own displays or sell to other manufacturers. Monitors come in wide array of not only panel size but resolution and refresh rates so they're produced in much smaller numbers.

Finally there's input lag. Input lag refers to the time it takes for the display to react when it's given a signal (eg: the time it takes for the menu to open when you press the menu button on the remote or the time it takes for the channel to change after you press the button). It takes a lot more hardware inside of the panel to reduce the input lag of a panel. This really doesn't matter when you're using a TV but when you're plugged into a PC, a couple added milliseconds of input lag is definitely noticeable and very disorienting.

For your use case, a TV is more than fine.

x Spades x · 03-09-2020, 08:29 PM

Im thinking about selling my 32" 4k monitor (LG 32UL950). Its the best 4k monitor out right now. HDR600 certifirled with only 9ms of input lag (5ms response time). Pm me if interested.

02-23-2020, 12:04 AM	#1
M_Six Free Thinker 19193 Rep 7,541 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	4K Monitor vs 4K TV Ok, display gurus, got a question. If I wanted to run a new 4K AppleTV to use Zwift (bike trainer app) at 4K, is there a big difference between a 4K monitor and a 4K TV? The 4K TVs are way cheaper. I won't be doing much else other than Zwift except maybe the occasional movie or baseball game via MLB.com. Why are 4K monitors so much more expensive than 4K TVs? __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
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02-23-2020, 03:23 AM	#2
Banana Hammock Beefcake 3738 Rep 711 Posts Drives: R32 GTR Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	For the most part it's down to pixel density, volume of production, and input lag. 4K is the same amount of pixels whether it be on a 27 inch screen or a 43 inch screen. The difference is that it's much more difficult and more expensive to produce a smaller screen with more pixels on it. A good analogy of this would be a bunch of straws. Say you have 100 straws and you have to store them standing up in 2 different containers. It'll be easier to store the 100 straws in a larger container than it would be to squeeze them into a smaller one. TVs come in fewer sizes and resolutions than monitors do so it's easier for manufacturers to pump out larger quantities that can can put into their own displays or sell to other manufacturers. Monitors come in wide array of not only panel size but resolution and refresh rates so they're produced in much smaller numbers. Finally there's input lag. Input lag refers to the time it takes for the display to react when it's given a signal (eg: the time it takes for the menu to open when you press the menu button on the remote or the time it takes for the channel to change after you press the button). It takes a lot more hardware inside of the panel to reduce the input lag of a panel. This really doesn't matter when you're using a TV but when you're plugged into a PC, a couple added milliseconds of input lag is definitely noticeable and very disorienting. For your use case, a TV is more than fine. Last edited by Banana Hammock; 02-23-2020 at 03:32 AM..
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03-09-2020, 08:29 PM	#3
x Spades x Lieutenant 218 Rep 575 Posts Drives: BMW E46 M3 Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Im thinking about selling my 32" 4k monitor (LG 32UL950). Its the best 4k monitor out right now. HDR600 certifirled with only 9ms of input lag (5ms response time). Pm me if interested.
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