Cheap TV options for my PS3 in order to read text in game...

[dave4shmups]

OK, so I have a PS3 and some of the games have text that, on my 19 inch "tube", I can't even read. I AM satisfied, otherwise, with how good the graphics look on my tube, so I'd really love some suggestions as to the cheapest options, in terms of TVs, that I could hook my PS3 up to. I've looked at 15 inch 720p HDTV's on Best Buy's website-but I don't know if a 15 inch screen would be wide enough to see the text in games like Fallout 3 or Dragon Age: Origins. I mean, the TV wouldn't even need HDMI inputs, as long as I could adequately see numbers and text in any PS3 game.

Suggestions are welcome!

[StarCreator]

If this is for JUST the PS3, you could get "The EVO Monitor" (ASUS VH236H) or something similar that takes HDMI input and has built-in speakers and/or a headphone jack. It would probably run much cheaper than getting a TV of comparable size, though you lose benefits like having a remote control or over-the-air tuner.

[burgerkingdiamond]

I know what you mean with a PS3 hooked up to a CRT. I'm assuming you're using composite.. If you don't want to spend a lot of money you can go look at Pawn shops for a CRT with component inputs. I think this should most likely alleviate your text reading problems. I know that the pawn shops in my area are practically giving away CRT's. You don't have a lot to lose.

[dave4shmups]

OK, thanks! That would definitely work since it is only for the PS3. And it looks great! I found it on Amazon.com; I'll have to check and see what stores carry it.

[dave4shmups]

So, a 15 inch LCD monitor or TV definitely would not work for this??

[jonny5]

a 15" widescreen display would be VERY small. Probably not what you are after. That's 15" corner to opposite corner, and at 16:9 ratio, that is not much screen at all. Even at 720p, if your issue is reading text and stuff, this would involve sitting practically on top of the screen. Imagine gaming on a screen a bit smaller than your average modern laptop screen, to give some perspective; fine if you are sitting right in front of it, but not great if you want to kick back on a couch and watch from several feet away.

[dave4shmups]

OK, thanks so much for the advice!! So, how many PS3 games (exclusives or not) is this a real problem for? Honestly, the only game where I've had major problems so far with text reading is Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer. And in that game, I can zoom in. Since I'll have 7 days to return it, I will try Fallout 3.

@ burgerkingdiamond, thanks so much for your suggestion! I will definitely look into that option!

[burgerkingdiamond]

OK, thanks so much for the advice!! So, how many PS3 games (exclusives or not) is this a real problem for? Honestly, the only game where I've had major problems so far with text reading is Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer. And in that game, I can zoom in. Since I'll have 7 days to return it, I will try Fallout 3.

@ burgerkingdiamond, thanks so much for your suggestion! I will definitely look into that option!

you are likely to have a really HARD time reading text in Fallout 3 on a CRT with composite video.

[gct]

If this is for JUST the PS3, you could get "The EVO Monitor" (ASUS VH236H) or something similar that takes HDMI input and has built-in speakers and/or a headphone jack. It would probably run much cheaper than getting a TV of comparable size, though you lose benefits like having a remote control or over-the-air tuner.

This is a good suggestion. When I chose my PC monitor, I specifically looked for one with 1080p resolution, HDMI input, and built-in sound options.

First I had an Asus V242H which worked well but I gave it to my father when I upgraded to a BenQ XL2410T.

The Asus monitors should be very cheap for the features you get, around $160 or so now. I think it's great value.

I wouldn't worry about a lack of remote control since I sit within arm's reach of the monitor anyway.

[dave4shmups]

OK, thanks so much for the advice!! So, how many PS3 games (exclusives or not) is this a real problem for? Honestly, the only game where I've had major problems so far with text reading is Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer. And in that game, I can zoom in. Since I'll have 7 days to return it, I will try Fallout 3.

@ burgerkingdiamond, thanks so much for your suggestion! I will definitely look into that option!

you are likely to have a really HARD time reading text in Fallout 3 on a CRT with composite video.

I actually didn't, although it was certainly harder then it would be in HD. And the combat is SICK!! Anyhow, I'll keep my CRT, and get one of the Asus monitors.

[burgerkingdiamond]

OK, thanks so much for the advice!! So, how many PS3 games (exclusives or not) is this a real problem for? Honestly, the only game where I've had major problems so far with text reading is Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer. And in that game, I can zoom in. Since I'll have 7 days to return it, I will try Fallout 3.

@ burgerkingdiamond, thanks so much for your suggestion! I will definitely look into that option!

you are likely to have a really HARD time reading text in Fallout 3 on a CRT with composite video.

I actually didn't, although it was certainly harder then it would be in HD. And the combat is SICK!! Anyhow, I'll keep my CRT, and get one of the Asus monitors.

Yes sir. Fallout 3 is amazing. Too bad I don't have time to dive into New Vegas. Plus I stall have a lot to do still in F3.

[dave4shmups]

OK, so a 15 inch screen would be bad- what about a 19 inch 720p HDTV? Because Best Buy has some that are new for $150.00.

[gct]

OK, so a 15 inch screen would be bad- what about a 19 inch 720p HDTV? Because Best Buy has some that are new for $150.00.

I wouldn't buy a monitor from Best Buy. You can get a 22" 1080p LCD computer monitor with built-in speakers for that price from a non-big-box computer store such as newegg (online), but have a look around at local computer shops too.

[mesmer]

Hit up craigslist for a ~5 year old 1080i HD CRT w/ HDMI input. I got a 26" 16:9 Toshiba.

You could also probably find a 27" 4:3 or a 30" 16:9.

[dave4shmups]

Yesterday I bought a used Olevia 720p HDTV from a good friend! It's a 33 inch set, and PS3 game look AWESOME on it!!! We hooked up the PS3 using an HDMI cable, and the yellow and white cords from the PS3's AV cables for sound.

This TV does have composite inputs on the side, so I'm wondering if I can hook up an NES or SNES, or Genesis to it. I did some searching the internet and came across a forum where someone posted that systems up to 16 bit look fine on an HDTV, but that PS1 and Saturn look like crap. Is this true? Because I'd still like to get an NES, and I don't have room for my old CRT anymore.

[StarCreator]

The biggest problems you'll run into are A) input lag, and if it's anything like a friend's Olevia you've probably got 4-8 frames of it, and B) support for 240p, which can be lacking sometimes.

Honestly, I would have gone for the monitor over the Olevia.

[dave4shmups]

I don't regret buying this at all. It was $200.00 with an HDMI cable included, and like I said, the PS3 games look and play beautifully on it. No screen issues whatsoever, and the speakers are incredible.

I can get a table or stand to put my CRT TV on.

[dave_wellington]

We hooked up the PS3 using an HDMI cable, and the yellow and white cords from the PS3's AV cables for sound.

How come you're not using HDMI for sound?

[dave4shmups]

I don't know why sound wasn't coming through the HDMI cable, but it wasn't, and, in any case, the sound is incredible on this TV, as I mentioned before.