Choosing between the TV and Monitor for gaming can be really confusing. The deciding key factors are size, resolution, refresh, and response rate.
We want to make this question broader before we compare both of them. We know this fact not all displays are made equal.
So the real question arises do you have to use a monitor for gaming or does a 4k TV serve the purpose just as well?
To address this question, we will compare the different aspects to find whether TV can be used as a monitor or not.
TV vs Monitor Comparison in regards to Gaming
- Screen Size
The first difference between TV and monitors is the screen size. Most of the monitors are between 19 inches to 27 inches. While The TV only starts at this size and you can find a TV that is even bigger than 100 inches.
Most TVs are between 30 inches to 60 inches.
Is Bigger, also better?
The reason the monitor is between 19 to 27 inches is that it was built to operate at a closer range.
Anything bigger than 27 inches and you cannot operate it well from this close perspective. If you are sitting in your gaming chair then a monitor will be your choice.
On other hand, Console gaming requires a larger screen as you do this away from the TV and then we can simply say the bigger the display better the experience.
- Resolution
The next thing we have to keep in mind is the resolution as it is directly tied to the screen size. The more pixel a screen has the denser and sharper the image.
Now there are three reasonable resolutions for monitors 1080p, 2k, and 4k, while for TV they are 720p, 1080p, and 4k.
In the end, it really depends on the screen size. For example, a 1080P resolution will not produce a sharp image on screens bigger than 24 inches. Thus, one has to check resolution with size as a parallel factor.
If you are considering getting a 4K display then you should opt for a 4K TV, particularly, when connecting new high-end gaming consoles.
- Response Time
Pixel response time tells you how quickly pixels can change color from black to white.
This is important for gaming as a lower response time allows much smoother camera control. Adversely high response time will lead to motion blurring and ghosting.
Gaming monitors generally have a response time of 1 millisecond to 4 milliseconds depending on the panels they use.
On the other hand, TV typically uses IPS panels and has a higher response time.
Tv manufacturers hardly reveal their response time in specs but it is difficult to imagine it is within the single-digit range.
There is no certain way to be sure of it so we suggest you stick to known brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony, and others.
- Connectors
Believe it or not, this is the area where lies the main difference between a Tv and a Monitor. Both of these have a 3.5mm audio jack, USB ports, and HDMI, and here are the similarities between them end.
Monitors have display port connectors in addition to HDMI and if you have a PC then a monitor should be your first choice as new versions of display ports provide greater bandwidth to flow, resulting in a better experience.
On the other side, the TV has additional connectors for hi-fi audio speakers and room cinema setups. Ethernet port is also very common in TV. This is good for console gaming.
Final Verdict: What Should Be Your Choice For Gaming? TV or Monitor?
In short, Monitors are made for gaming while TVs are basically for multimedia. Now addressing the downsides of using Tv for gaming are High Response Time and Aliasing.
High response time can lead to extensive motion blurring and this can lead to a bad gaming experience. However, this won’t be a problem if you have a high-quality Tv. You should always lean towards high pixel density than high pixel count.
But if you are connecting a high-end gaming PC to Tv then it has an option of Antialiasing. So, in conclusion, a Tv can never replace a Monitor but the same is true the other way around.
Monitors are more responsive and provide a cleaner image however if you do not mid response time and some aliasing. Then TV is not a bad choice for gaming.