Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Using a TV as a computer monitor (self.Blind)
submitted by [deleted]
I’d like advice on finding a good TV to use as a monitor in regards to size and resolution.
Last night I hooked up my MacBook Pro to a Samsung 51” 720p plasma TV. With Apple’s Zoom magnification I found that I could stand about 2-3 feet away and read words well enough. I assume bigger size could be a good thing but how does resolution factor in? Does 1080p keep everything the same but make the text clearer?
Last night I hooked up my MacBook Pro to a Samsung 51” 720p plasma TV. With Apple’s Zoom magnification I found that I could stand about 2-3 feet away and read words well enough. I assume bigger size could be a good thing but how does resolution factor in? Does 1080p keep everything the same but make the text clearer?
GTbuddha 2 points 3y ago
I kept getting bigger screens buy I have low vision and tunnel vision. Eventually I went too big and I would get motion sick because how much I had to move my head that close to the screen.
Try for a few hours before you buy, unless you are rich.
Try for a few hours before you buy, unless you are rich.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I’m looking on Craigslist for some cheap deals. I’ve seen larger plasma TVs for under $100.
I’ll test out my current TV some more for any straining.
I’ll test out my current TV some more for any straining.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 3y ago
The chance in resolution should change the size of text on the screen.
A 4K TV would make text crisper, but smaller, by default. You can change that back by setting scaling options under System Preferences - Display.
A screen that's too big might be a problem, because it'll force you to look around a lot.
When I got my 32 inch monitor, I went to a few stores and asked the sales reps to show me the PC desktop on the carrier monitors I was considering.
I landed on a 32 inch 1080p model that I can use on my desk without having to sit too far away or look around too much.
The best advice I can give you us to try different options as much as possible.
A 4K TV would make text crisper, but smaller, by default. You can change that back by setting scaling options under System Preferences - Display.
A screen that's too big might be a problem, because it'll force you to look around a lot.
When I got my 32 inch monitor, I went to a few stores and asked the sales reps to show me the PC desktop on the carrier monitors I was considering.
I landed on a 32 inch 1080p model that I can use on my desk without having to sit too far away or look around too much.
The best advice I can give you us to try different options as much as possible.
dunktheball 2 points 3y ago
That has always confused me how on a computer changing resolutions affects text size, but for video it's always going to fill the screen. It's just kind of odd when they only describe it by the resolution alone in both instances.
Anyway, so my plan is to get a 4k monitor and only set it to 4k for video, otherwise leave it at very low resolution. Most likely if left in 4k all the time, it wouldn't be zoomable enough to get it working for both situations...
Anyway, so my plan is to get a 4k monitor and only set it to 4k for video, otherwise leave it at very low resolution. Most likely if left in 4k all the time, it wouldn't be zoomable enough to get it working for both situations...
MostlyBlindGamer 1 points 3y ago
You should be able to set it to 4K resolution and set display scaling to 200%. That way you get the benefit of the high resolution, but text and icons are displayed at twice the size - equivalent to 1080.
dunktheball 2 points 3y ago
yeah I am just thinking it still won't be big enough, though. right now I have a 720p monitor, don't have it even close to the full 720p, scaling I think is 150%, and after all of that STILL I have to get right up at the screen.
Of course, my monitor size is small too (20). I am never quite sure if I'd be better off getting a tv or better off having a small monitor. I think even with a tv I'd still have to get close. When I build my new pc maybe I should test how it would work on my tv and just go from there.
Of course, my monitor size is small too (20). I am never quite sure if I'd be better off getting a tv or better off having a small monitor. I think even with a tv I'd still have to get close. When I build my new pc maybe I should test how it would work on my tv and just go from there.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 3y ago
400% scaling then?
20 inches is pretty small these days. Like I said, see if you can try different sizes.
20 inches is pretty small these days. Like I said, see if you can try different sizes.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I bought a 46” Samsung 1080p TV off of Craigslist. The guy who sold it also used it as a monitor though not because he had any vision issues. Lucked out because it was in excellent condition and a little under $200.
I can stand about 2-3 feet away while making use of my MacBook’s zoom feature. I am experiencing some fatigue but I attribute much of that to having an awkward ergonomic setup. I’ll be exploring adjustable desks.
I can stand about 2-3 feet away while making use of my MacBook’s zoom feature. I am experiencing some fatigue but I attribute much of that to having an awkward ergonomic setup. I’ll be exploring adjustable desks.
achromatic_03 1 points 3y ago
I had originally wanted a 1080p, but wasn't having a lot of luck for what I was willing to spend on a used version in my area (on LetGo). So, I just though a 720p would be okay, but now I regret it! I didn't think I would notice, being legally blind, but I totally do!
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
What specifically?
achromatic_03 1 points 3y ago
I mean, being able to see the pixels for one, but on top of that, I see an extra difference horizontally, almost like the picture is broken into horizontal lines in a subtle way. It was just a disappointment for me. But you know, it could be other things--I have a TCL 32" 720p Roku tv, if you want to look at the specs...maybe the refresh rate is not good, too? I have a really large 27" Dell monitor through work, and I think it's 1080p and I like it much better. One thing I still want to try is 4k!
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I wonder if a 65 inch 4K TV would be too big... that’s what I have in my living room.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Please give it a try and let us know!
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