What do I need.

[bogart]

Currently have a Dell 24 inch HD monitor with seperate speakers. What I would like is a monitor minimum 24 inch with built in speakers but also a facility to receive freeview transmissions. So am I looking at a monitor with HDMI ? a freeview box tucked under the desk, etc even so do I still need a seperate sound feed. I know HDMI can carry sound as well but not seen a computer solution using that. I am a tad confused as to what I need and what is out there.

[KnightInd2000]

Sounds to me that just need a 24" LCD TV with Freeview built in and then just use that as you monitor. As long as you buy a decent one with a fast response time (and of course an HDMI port) you should be fine.

Whether your PC can output sound through HDMI will depend on your graphics card. ATI cards have been able to do this for a while, where as Nvidia were a bit slower to include this ability.

[bogart]

I thought of a TV as opposed to a monitor any suggestions as to what makes perform well as monitors? Ive just got a new ATI graphics card with an HDMI output are you suggesting that it may output the sound as well? if so how can I check this. My current Dell monitor only had DVI inputs.

[Behemoth]

Just a warning, but most TV speakers aren't all that good sound wise compared to dedicated PC speakers. So if soiund quality is important then you might want to stay as you are.

That and I always think that the picture quality of a PC on a TV is nowhere near as good as it is on a dedicated monitor.

[bogart]

[QUOTE]That and I always think that the picture quality of a PC on a TV is nowhere near as good as it is on a dedicated monitor.[QUOTE]


That was my initial reaction regarding picture quality. As for sound I'm not bothered too much re the quality. One other reason I wanted a more compact setup is that the monitor is mounted on a swiveling wall stand and after use can be positioned right up against the wall freeing the desk space up, except for the speakers.

[bogart]

My ATI graphics card states the following

Integrated HD audio controller
Output protected high bit rate 7.1 channel surround sound over HDMI with no additional cables required
Supports AC-3, AAC, Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio formats


So does this mean if I connect the graphics card to a monitor with an HDMI input and speakers using an HDMI cable I am sorted. Im unsure if the graphics card has any sound capabilities of its own or does it just past the motherboards sound output to the monitor?

Thanks