Your take using a 4K TV instead of a Monitor

[cloudnoize]

Hey guys,

I currently own a Samsung S32D850T 32 inch monitor which is being used with a Mac Pro 2010, GTX 660 graphics card via display port. I've had it for a while and still works beautifully but I'm feeling it's time for a change... and I'm looking into a 4K and something bigger.

I've researched the LG 43UD79-B which is a computer monitor but I'd like something of which will also give me great movie viewing experience. My budget is roughly 550. I've done some homework and came across the Sony KD43X720E (Chroma 4:4:4 & HDMI@60Hz) and it's gotten rave reviews, being used as a monitor but little info being used with a Mac so this is why I'm here. I'm in the music biz so using this with Pro Tools will probably be nice. Is there any disadvantages, using the Sony as a monitor? Any advice will be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[h9826790]

There are mainly 2 concerns when using TV as monitor.

1) Input lag. Monitor usually has significantly lower input lag than TV. Most modern TV has computer / game mode, which disable most of the build in post processing functions to reduce input lag. If that mode available, use that TV for monitor usually is not a big problem (if input lag too large, it will be hard to control the mouse precisely. Because there is noticeable delay between the mouse cursor and your input, it's very hard to give precise control without real time feedback)

2) The build in post processing function. There are lots of different kind of build in post processing in modern TV. Which suppose to improve the picture quality for movie etc. But for computer use, that can also means introducing unnecessary "noise" to the image. For desktop environment, not a big issue, but if for something Photoshop, can be a huge issue. Even in PC / game mode, some post processing may still working, and cannot be disabled.

Some other concerns also need to consider. Such as there is no native reliable 4K 60Hz HDMI connection from cMP. Even your GPU support that, macOS not necessary support that. Most likely you will need a DP to HDMI ACTIVE adaptor and some software like SwitchResX to make it work. And this combination may break after every single OS update.

 

[cloudnoize]

There are mainly 2 concerns when using TV as monitor.

1) Input lag. Monitor usually has significantly lower input lag than TV. Most modern TV has computer / game mode, which disable most of the build in post processing functions to reduce input lag. If that mode available, use that TV for monitor usually is not a big problem (if input lag too large, it will be hard to control the mouse precisely. Because there is noticeable delay between the mouse cursor and your input, it's very hard to give precise control without real time feedback)

2) The build in post processing function. There are lots of different kind of build in post processing in modern TV. Which suppose to improve the picture quality for movie etc. But for computer use, that can also means introducing unnecessary "noise" to the image. For desktop environment, not a big issue, but if for something Photoshop, can be a huge issue. Even in PC / game mode, some post processing may still working, and cannot be disabled.

Some other concerns also need to consider. Such as there is no native reliable 4K 60Hz HDMI connection from cMP. Even your GPU support that, macOS not necessary support that. Most likely you will need a DP to HDMI ACTIVE adaptor and some software like SwitchResX to make it work. And this combination may break after every single OS update.

Hey h9826790,

Thank you! I appreciate the info and all things I've also thought about.

I should have mentioned this but didn't want to confuse the matter. A week ago, I went to my local store and purchased a 43" Atyme 4K, Upscaling, Chroma 4:4:4 for $200. Yes I know, my bad but I was curious. Long story short, you get what you pay for but to answer a few questions, the lag is not an issue. In fact, I can say it's equal to my Samsung and I also have a DP to HDMI ACTIVE adaptor but it seems I don't need it with the Atyme. I also own SwitchResX of which I used with my Samsung but seems I don't need this either. The reason for a better TV is that the colors on the Atyme is nothing spectacular. The yellows are gold, reds are more orange and I know it's the TV. I also own a Seiki 40" and the colors are amazing BUT the lag is slowly driving me nuts... as it's only 30hz. Wish I could force this to 60Hz but no can do. I am particular impress with the Sony and was hoping someone else was using it with their Mac's.

Cheers!