Monitors and televisions (TVs) have more in common than you may think. Yet they have evolved to serve distinct purposes, with key differences in capabilities that impact the viewing experience. This guide will walk through their histories and how each technology has progressed to meet changing user needs over the decades.
The Dawn of Visual Display Technology
In the late 19th century, the race was on to transmit visual information electronically across distances. Early inventions like the zoetrope, praxinoscope, and zoopraxiscope paved the way for motion picture cameras and projectors. These devices relied on persistence of vision, the idea that the eye briefly retains images, stringing them together to perceive motion.
The principles behind these early animation devices laid the foundation for modern display tech. Fast forward to the 20th century when electronic television and computer monitors emerged—both designed to convert electrical signals into moving visual output to engage viewers.
The Evolution of the Television
Television was initially invented for broadcast entertainment to the masses. Televisions as we know them began appearing in the late 1920s, though early adopters were rare given the extremely high prices—often over $400, equivalent to several thousand dollars today.
Early TVs were entirely mechanical with low resolution, no sound, and tiny 1-2 inch screens. By the 1930s, electronic TVs emerged using cathode ray tubes (CRTs), similar to early computer monitors. Through the 40s and 50s, television steadily improved, with color and larger screens. Prices gradually dropped, and content expanded beyond news to sitcoms, dramas, documentaries, sports, and more.
By the early 2000s, sleek new flat-panel displays like plasma, LCD (liquid crystal display), and LED (light-emitting diodes) emerged. And in recent years, OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) delivered superior image quality. Today‘s smart TVs integrate streaming content, apps, voice controls, and more. After a century of refinement, the primary purpose remains unchanged—to entertain viewers with audiovisual programming.
The Development of the Computer Monitor
Unlike TVs, computer monitors were designed as output devices for data processing rather than public broadcast media. Early computers like the ENIAC in the 1940s used punch cards and printouts. But by the 50s, CRT displays emerged to provide a screen interface.
Like televisions, early computer monitors used cathode ray tubes. But while TVs focused on optimizing the entertainment experience, monitors prioritized displaying data clearly and accurately. Early monitors were monochrome, low-resolution, and physically tethered to mainframe computers and terminals.
As computer tech and graphical user interfaces advanced, so too did monitors. Color displays appeared in the 60s and 70s as resolution steadily improved. With the advent of personal computing in the 80s and 90s, standalone monitors became household staples.
Flat screens like LCD and LED displaced bulky CRTs while large aspect ratios and increased resolution supported more complex graphics and interfaces. Ergonomic designs reduced eye and neck strain for productivity.
Today‘s monitors boast curved widescreens, 4K and 8K resolution, robust connectivity via HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C, and high refresh rates exceeding 360Hz for real-time rendering without lag—crucial for applications like high-speed gaming.
Key Differences at a Glance
With this context on the distinct evolutionary paths of television vs computer monitors, let‘s explore some of the main differences that impact their functionality:
Purpose
- Televisions: Primarily entertainment
- Monitors: Primarily displaying computer data and digital interfaces
Viewing Distance
- Televisions: Further away, like across a living room
- Monitors: Close-up, like at a desk
Optimal Viewing Position
- TVs have wider viewing angles
- Monitors offer ergonomic adjustability
Screen Size
- TVs range from 24" up to over 80"
- Monitors max out around 50"
Aspect Ratio
- TVs typically 16:9 widescreen
- Monitors offer more variable ratios
Resolution
- Top-end models of both reach up to 8K
- But monitors pack in more pixels per inch (PPI)
Color Accuracy
- Monitors calibrate for precise color reproduction
- TVs optimize for broader viewing angles
Refresh Rate
- TVs peak around 120Hz
- Gaming monitors reach 360Hz+
Sound Quality
- TVs have integrated speakers
- Monitors utilize computer or external audio
Inputs/Connectivity
- TVs have multiple HDMI inputs
- Monitors offer DisplayPort and USB-C
Extra Features
- Smart TVs have integrated streaming
- Curved monitors reduce eye strain
Pricing
- Monitor prices surpass similarly-sized TVs
- But new mini-LED TVs rival premium monitors
While the lines continue to blur between these once very separate products, these differences give a sense of the divergent priorities that impact capability and optimal use cases.
Televisions as Monitor Substitutes?
The overlapping technology under the hood combined with ever-lower smart TV prices raises a common question—can I just use a TV as a computer monitor?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can connect a PC to a TV via HDMI and use it as a display. Many TVs support resolutions up to 4K and refresh rates to 120Hz or more, on par with solid gaming monitors. And their spacious, immersive screens bring movies and games to life.
However, there are some downsides to relying exclusively on a TV for tasks monitors excel at—namely productivity, hardcore gaming, and professional creative work. Lower pixel density makes text and fine details less crisp. Input lag can disrupt twitch gameplay requiring precision. Limited ergonomic adjustments may induce neck and eye fatigue during long work marathons.
But for more casual computing, streaming, and gameplay, modern TVs often suffice. Connecting a laptop to an existing living room TV can provide a nice makeshift setup in a pinch. Just be aware of the potential sacrifices compared to a purpose-built monitor.
Gaming and Graphics-Focused Monitors
On the other side of the coin, using a computer monitor for watching TV and movies is also quite possible thanks to streaming sites, apps, smart TV dongles like Roku, and HDMI input connectivity. With their high resolution, color accuracy and quick response times, monitors can deliver immersive entertainment under the right conditions.
But smaller screen sizes limit the cinematic effect. Sound from built-in speakers tends to be weak given the compact enclosure. And while streaming access continues to improve on monitors, smart TV platforms generally offer many more integrated apps and services.
For gaming and graphics professionals who prioritize fast response over sheer display size, investing in a high-end gaming or creative monitor makes sense. Cutting-edge models boast buttery-smooth 360Hz+ refresh rates, vibrant OLED contrast for inky blacks, and niche aspect ratios optimized for immersion.
Just don‘t expect a compact 25” monitor suited for your desk to replicate the sheer scale and surround sound audio of a wall-mounted 75” home theater screen across the living room. Match the display type to your priorities and use case.
Emerging Display Innovations
Both monitor and television tech continue advancing at a rapid pace. Here are some innovations on the horizon that will again reshape these complementary devices:
Mini- and Micro-LED – Using tiny, self-illuminating LEDs boosts clarity, response times and contrast ratios towards OLED levels while delivering unparalleled brightness ideal for HDR content. Expect mini-LED to permeate high-end offerings.
Quantum Dot & Nanocell – These overlapping techs leverage nanoparticles to purify and enhance primary colors. The result is more realistic, nuanced and wider color gamut and luminosity.
Microlens Arrays – Layering microscopic lenses over LED backlights increases brightness and contrast for better high dynamic range (HDR) playback without sacrificing black levels.
FALD Backlights – Full array local dimming (FALD) divides display backlights into zones controlled independently based on the content signal. This heightens contrast for vivid images.
Curved and UltraWide Screens – Immersive curved screens match human field of vision while 21:9 and 32:9 ultra-wides enhance gaming and movie atmospherics.
Higher Refresh Rates – Lightning-fast 360Hz, 480Hz and even 600Hz refresh rates virtually eliminate input lag, screen tearing and motion blur for instantly responsive gameplay.
Integrated Streaming – More advanced smart platforms bring all major streaming video services direct to the device with voice control and cast streaming from mobile devices.
While visual fidelity and responsiveness see the most innovations, convenience and accessibility gains like integrated streaming also continue raising the bar across both form factors.
Which is Better for You?
So when comparing televisions versus monitors in 2023, which is the better choice? As with most technology matchups, the answer comes down to user priorities and use case:
Everyday Entertainment – Modern smart TVs simply can‘t be matched for value and convenience watching movies, streaming series, casual gaming and more from the comfort of a living room.
Hardcore Gaming & Graphics – Dedicated high-end monitors offer key advantages like quicker response, specialized aspect ratios and display optimizing techs for competitive play. The same applies to color-sensitive graphical work.
Workspace Productivity – If using a display primarily for office work, smaller monitors designed for all-day use fare better for text clarity, ergonomics and workflow.
For mixed use cases, carefully weigh your most common applications. Budget also plays a role—while flagship monitors still sell for premium prices, comparable TVs of the same display technology cost considerably less at scale over 40"+.
Carefully validating the purpose, environment, content types and tech specs before choosing a display leads to the best long-term satisfaction. Fortunately, both monitors and TVs cater to an expanding range of customer needs as the underlying technologies continue to advance.
FAQs About Monitors vs TVs
Q: Can you use a TV as a computer monitor?
A: Yes, you can connect a computer to a TV via HDMI. Just be aware that TVs lag dedicated monitors in text clarity, ergonomics and response rate.
Q: Is refresh rate higher on monitors or TVs?
A: Monitors support considerably higher refresh rates, reaching up to 360Hz or more. Peak TV refresh rate taps out around 120Hz.
Q: Which has better sound, monitors or TVs?
A: Televisions have more robust integrated speaker systems. Monitors rely on external computer or stereo audio setups for best sound quality.
Q: Are TVs or monitors better for gaming?
A: Monitors excel for competitive gaming thanks to quicker response and higher refresh rates. But for casual gaming, large modern TVs are compelling too.
Q: Do monitors or TVs display at higher resolution?
A: Both support up to 8K resolution. But monitors concentrate more pixels into a smaller space for crisper clarity.
Matching display tech to use cases is key. For gaming and graphics, monitors excel—but for immersive streaming and movies, today‘s smart TVs can‘t be beat thanks to advancing tech and lower prices enabling ever-larger screens. Keep these key purpose-driven differences in mind, and you‘ll be sure to end up with the right monitor or TV to match your needs.
