Best monitor or TV

Jose Walsh

@benscammell said in Best monitor or TV:

Can someone tell me a good monitor / TV to base a MM on?

The choice of monitor or TV for a multimedia setup depends on several factors, including your budget, the intended use, and the available space. Some popular options for multimedia setups include the LG 27UK850-W, the Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q, and the BenQ EL2870U. However, it’s important to consider the specific features you require, such as resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy, and connectivity options, before making a decision.

oraturk75

Can I please ask the same question.

I want to build my first one as a proof of concept. Therefore, I want to keep my cost as low as possible. Once I see that I can do and what I can do with it; I can always built another one with more targeted goals.

I’m thinking about starting with a 22" monitor (or tv); I might even consider 19".

how big do you want the thing to be?
I’m planning to use a 22" or 19" monitor.

how much of it would be showing MagicMirror?
I thought ALL of it. I’m not sure I don’t think I understand the question. I guess I have a lot of reading to do.

is it portrait or landscape mode
portrait

will it be on all the time, or do u intend to turn off when no one is around?
I was thinking about using a prox. sensor so it goes to standby when there is nobody around and then wakes up when there is. Let’s say I will turn it off time by time.

the budget
I don’t have a set budget but like I said earlier, trying to keep the cost to a minimum.

the intended use
To learn and play with it so I will be more educated and experienced for my 2nd and 3rd one.

the available space
plenty

I prefer to use something that someone else previously used rather than trying something looks good on the paper. I don’t wanna take on the impossible task of removing the frame, failing at it or damaging the panel. Or having huge headaches because of the placement of ports and controls and such.

Thank you soooooo much…

bhepler

@oraturk75 I recently did a budget build for a Magic Mirror and I have some tips.

Charity stores and pawn shops are a great place to get decent-enough monitors. I don’t know where you live, but Goodwill stores around here routinely have working LCD monitors for very cheap prices.
There is a compromise with going cheap for the glass itself. Two way mirror glass is the best but most expensive option. IMHO, two way mirror plastic (acrylic) is slightly cheaper but prone to warping and funhouse mirror effect. Plate glass with a mirror film is cheapest, but be prepared to spend a lot of time applying the film. But it does work! (Possibly pay a local tint shop to apply the mirror film for you)
Easy way to get decorative frames is the crown molding section of your local hardware store. 8 feet of chair rail molding makes a decent enough frame if you want something more detailed than flat wood.

oraturk75

@bhepler said in Best monitor or TV:

@oraturk75
2. There is a compromise with going cheap for the glass itself. Two way mirror glass is the best but most expensive option. IMHO, two way mirror plastic (acrylic) is slightly cheaper but prone to warping and funhouse mirror effect. Plate glass with a mirror film is cheapest, but be prepared to spend a lot of time applying the film. But it does work! (Possibly pay a local tint shop to apply the mirror film for you)

Hey, thanks for the info, appreciated. I have checked some options at twowaymirrors.com. It looks like the best option is the “Smart Mirror, Glass” which is the most expensive one, no surprise over there.

Then it looks like “Two Way Mirror, Glass” is the 2nd best option. Followed by “Two Way Mirror, Acrylic” as the 3rd best option. However, when it comes to pricing, the “Two Way Mirror, Glass” is cheaper than the Acrylic. There is something wrong with this. I really don’t think the Acrylic option is better than the Two Way Mirror but then why it’s more expensive?

bhepler

@oraturk75 said in Best monitor or TV:
I really don’t think the Acrylic option is better than the Two Way Mirror but then why it’s more expensive?

I suspect it has to do with the light transmission rates. The SmartMirror glass is 70/30 reflect/transmit, meaning 30% of the light hitting your mirror isn’t reflected (and only 30% of the monitor display will show through) The Two Way Mirror glass is 11% transparent, so even less light will be transmitted through the glass.

(The acrylic is 70/30 as well. Curious.)