By definition, an HDTV differs from a computer monitor in three ways: it has a TV tuner, it comes with a remote, and it features built-in speakers. On the other hand, a monitor may include a wider range of computer-specific video connectors, such as DVI and VGA.

In cases where an HDTV is much cheaper than a seemingly equivalent monitor, the differences may run deeper. Raymond Soneira, president of display-testing firm DisplayMate, warns that sub-75-cm HDTVs are often built using cheaper, twisted nematic (TN) LCDs, rather than the high-performance panels found in monitors and large TVs. While you might save cash by going with a TN-based HDTV, you’ll pay for it in poor colour reproduction and a limited viewing angle. Get a monitor – your eyes will thank you.