Full Version: Need Some Suggestions...
Hey guys, been lookin in the compatible monitors list, just wondering if you guys could suggest some of the less expensive (tight budget) 15" compatible LCDs that are readily available right now? Seems as though there are plenty of compatible 15" models but many of them aren't available anymore. Any links or suggestions as to which monitor would be the cheapest and easiest to find would be VERY much appreciated.
OK, this is kind of the opposite of what you're asking for, but I think it's a special panel, so I want to suggest it.
The Philips/Magnavox 15MF605T is a 15" 1024x768 4:3 panel that has the following inputs:
Composite AV (RCA) In: 1
S-Video In: 1
Component Video In (Y PB PR): 1
PC VGA In: 1
And it has a 181-channel NTSC tuner and will accept coax cable with a supplied adapter. This TV will accept HDTV resolutions (which it scales and letterboxes) of 480p, 720p, and 1080i. Others on here have stripped this panel with success.
I've been watching eBay for a while and just scored an almost-new one for $245 shipped. I know that this is far from the cheapest 15" panel one can get, but when you factor in the fact that it's got a built-in tuner, will run with or without a computer, and can actually handle HDTV resolutions from live sources like a cable box, it turns out to be very cost-effective. You save the cost of a scaler/transcoder box for non-PC sources, and you get HDTV support which is not possible with any current combo of PC and/or external box. Note that I'm not clear on HDMI/HDCP support for this panel. I don't know if there are HD signals that it won't accept.
To me, buying a cheap 15" panel and then having to shell out on a box (which will generally degrade the signal) to get a signal to it is an example of false economy.
The Philips/Magnavox 15MF605T is a 15" 1024x768 4:3 panel that has the following inputs:
Composite AV (RCA) In: 1
S-Video In: 1
Component Video In (Y PB PR): 1
PC VGA In: 1
And it has a 181-channel NTSC tuner and will accept coax cable with a supplied adapter. This TV will accept HDTV resolutions (which it scales and letterboxes) of 480p, 720p, and 1080i. Others on here have stripped this panel with success.
I've been watching eBay for a while and just scored an almost-new one for $245 shipped. I know that this is far from the cheapest 15" panel one can get, but when you factor in the fact that it's got a built-in tuner, will run with or without a computer, and can actually handle HDTV resolutions from live sources like a cable box, it turns out to be very cost-effective. You save the cost of a scaler/transcoder box for non-PC sources, and you get HDTV support which is not possible with any current combo of PC and/or external box. Note that I'm not clear on HDMI/HDCP support for this panel. I don't know if there are HD signals that it won't accept.
To me, buying a cheap 15" panel and then having to shell out on a box (which will generally degrade the signal) to get a signal to it is an example of false economy.
I do appreciate the suggestion, looks like a great LCD. But I'm honestly lookin for something about half that price. I'm trying to find something for around $120 or less. Even a refurbished LCD, doesn't matter, just any working 15" compatible LCD.
QUOTE (blake @ Aug 23 2006, 02:04 AM) 
Hey guys, been lookin in the compatible monitors list, just wondering if you guys could suggest some of the less expensive (tight budget) 15" compatible LCDs that are readily available right now? Seems as though there are plenty of compatible 15" models but many of them aren't available anymore. Any links or suggestions as to which monitor would be the cheapest and easiest to find would be VERY much appreciated.
15" LCD Flat-Panel Display (LCM-15v5) Westinghouse Refurbished Closeout at
Ecost.com
Display Specifications
Screen Size 15" Diagonal
Native/Optimum Resolution 1024 x 768
16.2 Million colors
Contrast Ratio 450:1
Response Time 16 ms
$124.99
On compatible monitors list post #51 COMPATIBLE monitors list(Westinghouse)
Or if a 14 incher will work for you.....
14" Goodmans TFT LCD Flat Panel Monitor at Geeks.com
1024 x 768 @ 75 Hz maximum resolution
300:1 contrast ratio
180 cd/m2 brightness
262 K display colors
20 ms response time
$119.99
On compatible monitors list post #125 COMPATIBLE monitors list (Goodmans link)
Tgreenwood
The westinghouse LCM-15v5 has an antiglare but its hard to get off. I wouldnt recomend trying.
www.tigerdirect.com nuff said.
QUOTE (Syscrush @ Aug 23 2006, 09:57 AM)
To me, buying a cheap 15" panel and then having to shell out on a box (which will generally degrade the signal) to get a signal to it is an example of false economy.
I like the sound of this panel, but I have one concern. I'm new to the whole projector building scenario, so I don't really have the knowledge to assemble one flawlessly. What are the chances that I would ruin the LCD screen and then be down some $300? I've heard of people ruining multiple panels while trying to build their projectors, and I was hoping to avoid being one of these people. Would you recommend starting with some throw away panel and upgrade it later, or should I bite the bullet and start with a higher end panel?
QUOTE (sir andus @ Sep 4 2006, 11:58 AM)
I like the sound of this panel, but I have one concern. I'm new to the whole projector building scenario, so I don't really have the knowledge to assemble one flawlessly. What are the chances that I would ruin the LCD screen and then be down some $300? I've heard of people ruining multiple panels while trying to build their projectors, and I was hoping to avoid being one of these people. Would you recommend starting with some throw away panel and upgrade it later, or should I bite the bullet and start with a higher end panel?
I don't know what to suggest, but I bought the 15.4" WUXGA ($715 + shipping/duty. etc.) However, I still haven't built anything other than test light engines.
I'm too scared to ruin the panel.
QUOTE (sir andus @ Sep 4 2006, 08:58 PM)
I like the sound of this panel, but I have one concern. I'm new to the whole projector building scenario, so I don't really have the knowledge to assemble one flawlessly. What are the chances that I would ruin the LCD screen and then be down some $300? I've heard of people ruining multiple panels while trying to build their projectors, and I was hoping to avoid being one of these people. Would you recommend starting with some throw away panel and upgrade it later, or should I bite the bullet and start with a higher end panel?
That's really for you to decide - depends on your level of handiness and bravery.
I'm going to go for it, but I'm pretty handy on a good day, and too brave for my own good most days. 
Wish me luck!
OK, looking at the website for The Source (the new brand for Canadian Radio Shack stores) yesterday, I came across the Polaroid FLM-1507, which looks from the spec sheet to be a re-branded version of the Magnavox 15MF605T unit I bought recently.
Someone interested in going this route might want to check out the Polaroid - it's readily available new in Canada and I was not able to find a Canadian source for the 15MF605T.
Good luck out there,
Someone interested in going this route might want to check out the Polaroid - it's readily available new in Canada and I was not able to find a Canadian source for the 15MF605T.
Good luck out there,
I would second the Westinghouse, even though I haven't stripped it. It does have nice colors and haven't noticed any sort of latency issues. I got mine for like $150 6 months back refurbished from the Westinghouse site. I'm guessing eBay would be the best way to get a cheap 15" panel, but $120 for a 15" is still real nice. I've even seen retail stores sell 17" panels for near that price. I know the 17" Westinghouse panel went for $130 a month back when I got my Samsung one for $160. Those kinds of sales you just have to wait for. They aren't rare because I know that they went on sale again the week after also. OfficeMax is a nice place to look. Where ever you do go for a sale like that, make sure you go Sunday morning because lots of those places run out of them in a few days.
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