Monitor size and resolution

• With your existing computer setup, chances are you are familiar with changing the resolution to create more room on your computer desktop or make images look sharper. With a high-powered graphics card, you can do this easily. With cable TV, however, you are stuck with whatever is coming through the cable or antenna. This isn't usually a problem as most monitors are not larger than 24 inches and will look fine when displaying standard-definition broadcasts. High-definition broadcasts, available through over-the-air antenna and your cable service, are usually broadcast in 720p, a resolution most LCD monitors are capable of handling. Many broadcasts, however, use 1,080i signals as well. These may not display on monitors under 24 inches. Check your monitor's technical specifications and make sure it can support 1,920-x-1,080 resolution for full high-definition compatibility.
  
  

Ways to connect

• A computer LCD monitor doesn't come with all the features that a TV does. Unless the monitor has built-in speakers, you will only find a DVI input. You'll need a digital cable box and a high-quality digital cable to connect them. If your cable box has a DVI output, use a standard DVI cable. An HDMI output, however, requires an HDMI-to-DVI adapter or an HDMI-to-DVI cable. Enabling sound will require external speakers. You can route the audio from the cable box to your stereo receiver or to the LCD monitor itself (if the monitor has speakers). This will require a standard RCA audio cable.
  
  

Using your computer

• In addition to using your LCD monitor as a standalone TV, you can install a TV tuner device directly to your computer. This will allow you to watch and record live TV, create and edit movie and show archives on your hard drive and tune to local HD channels with an antenna. These devices are installed inside your computer or are connected directly to your computer via a USB cable. They offer more functionality than normal cable boxes, but require your computer to be connected at all times.