LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA?

LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 22/11/2007 09:09

So I don't have much 1st hand experience with LCD technology

I just got permission to upgrade my PC to use a couple of Dell 2007WPs (which I just got my shipping email for!) on condition that I do this project for SWMBO too!

Yes, it's going to be for watching TV in the bath. I was told to do it so don't moan at me

So now I need a 24" (roughly) monitor and it's for TV/movies only.

Now, I'll grant you that a bathroom install isn't for everyone - but I don't really think that bit matters - hopefully the question is interesting to anyone who wants an LCD for a MythTV or MediaCentre TV...

It will be RCD protected and in a big toughened-glass-enclosed (and vented) alcove which is in another room essentially. So don't worry about electrics, overheating or humidity - I've got that covered

Viewing will be at ~2m and it is going to be wall mounted on a tilt mechanism so it will be pretty much head on (and I can guarantee there won't be too much movement from the sweet spot ) This makes me think that TN may be OK.

So, options:
* TN based : Dell E248WFP (gamut benefit) or Samsung SM245B
* PVA based : Dell 2407WFP-HC or Hyundai W240D-PVA (glossy ... mmmm)

I suppose I'm wondering if I'm letting myself in for a problem using a TN screen as a TV - ie do they provide an acceptable video image?
If consensus is that they're OK then "problem solved" (well, easier anyhow!)

If TN isn't the way to go then I guess the Hyundai W241D-PVA is the next choice (the Dell has possible ghosting issues) but extra £££s too.

So, thoughts would be much appreciated

Posted by: Cris

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 22/11/2007 12:44

I saw this product on sale a while ago, I found it while looking for a touch screen to go in the shower (gave up on that idea). It might help you see a few problems.

The major one could be the front glass steaming up altogether so image quality won't matter

their solution is "heated glass" ???

Interesting problem you have, you must keep us up to date with pictures etc...

Cheers

Cris.

Posted by: tman

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 22/11/2007 14:24

Quote:
The major one could be the front glass steaming up altogether so image quality won't matter their solution is "heated glass" ???

Stops condensation from the water vapour in the air onto the cold glass.

A Tilevision does work quite well but its expensive.

Posted by: sein

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 22/11/2007 14:30

Wow, the mirror finish one is stealthy. I love it!

Posted by: Cris

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 22/11/2007 15:07

Did you see the price though ???

£1200+

I didn't like that so much

Cheers

Cris.

Posted by: LittleBlueThing

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 23/11/2007 17:35

These gorgeous things are what started us down this route - about £1100+ for a mere 17" display - pah!!

I can make my own for less....

So the immediate problem is solved and this weekend only deal is *very* nice!!! :
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17806175

I'm a bit worried about the condensation but I think I have a solution using a hairdryer...

Posted by: tman

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 23/11/2007 18:26

Chuck a couple bags of desiccant in there before sealing it up.

Posted by: wfaulk

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 23/11/2007 18:31

The problem is probably condensation on the outside due to high humidity in the bathroom and cold glass.

Posted by: LittleBlueThing

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 14/01/2008 14:17

FYI :

Slight change in install plan but there you go...

Posted by: tfabris

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 14/01/2008 14:36

Aw man. That's just....

It brings tears to my eyes.

Posted by: LittleBlueThing

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 14/01/2008 15:31

then stop giggling

Posted by: sein

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 14/01/2008 20:21

With a setup like that, I'd hate to think how long I'd spend in that bath! It looks more fun than my living room

Posted by: lectric

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 15/01/2008 22:08

I have a similar setup in my master bath, I just don't use glass. The shower is so far away it never gets near the monitor so the only problem is condensation directly on the TV. It worried me at first, but it was cheap enough that I decided to just let it go. It's been 2 years so far and I have no issues. The only thing I have not done that I'd LIKE to do is mount the speakers above the tub. I haven't really found (come across, I haven't really looked) an amp that I'm comfortable putting either in the bathroom or in the attic that takes a mini plug. What solution did you use? or is it running off the main amp in the den with just speaker wire?

Posted by: LittleBlueThing

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 16/01/2008 10:23

Originally (as I said) I was going to build it into a sealed toughened glass unit but changed my mind since I thought this would look nicer and I realised that it didn't get too humid up there and dries out nicely.

The glass was so easy in this situation that it was a no-brainer.
It's a lot more visible in the picture than in real-life - you just don't see it.

Still, glad to hear you're not having issues - I took the same approach - in 36 months (after the warranty is up) a 24" LCD will be even cheaper if it does die.

I had an old 2'x3'x4' chipboard cupboard that I was going to bin. I put it in the loft across the beams and it holds the £10 (eBay) amp - no idea what brand - a reasonable hifi separates one - and the £35 Dell GX240 (eBay).
I have a triple switch outside and one of them switches a relay that turns a circuit live. The whirlpool pumps some lights and some attic sockets are on that circuit. *Everything* in the bathroom is run off a dedicated RCD too.

I did need to make sure the LCD comes on when you apply power - it does

The Dell (and most BIOSes) have an option for what to do when power is applied - so switching the PSU on at the mains causes it to start booting.

Posted by: LittleBlueThing

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 16/01/2008 10:25

Originally Posted By: sein

With a setup like that, I'd hate to think how long I'd spend in that bath! It looks more fun than my living room

It is great fun

and sometimes we watch TV too......

Posted by: lectric

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 16/01/2008 12:31

Coolness. Are the speakers marine ones or regular wall mount speakers?

Posted by: DWallach

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 16/01/2008 13:37

Originally Posted By: lectric

I haven't really found (come across, I haven't really looked) an amp that I'm comfortable putting either in the bathroom or in the attic that takes a mini plug. What solution did you use? or is it running off the main amp in the den with just speaker wire?

One solution, which I'm presently using for my computer (2-way bookshelf speakers, as opposed to dinky self-amplified computer speakers) is to use a cheap "class D" amplifier. I have a Sonic Impact 15W 2-channel amp (A/C adapter not included). All said and done, you spend less than $100 on the amp plus wall-wart. These class-D amps (Sonic Impact calls it "class T" but it's the same thing) are really just switching power supplies, like what shows up in your computer. They're very power efficient and would be fine for your application.

Posted by: LittleBlueThing

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 16/01/2008 16:23

They're marine speakers - which cost £60. Not bad but I wouldn't specially recommend them...

The first build was for a Squeezebox (which you can still see in the lower right alcove) but the Myth box boots quickly enough and plays music well enough that we'll relocate the Squeeze somewhere else (one day).

All I need to do now is generate a decent boot splash screen <cringe>

Posted by: tfabris

Re: LCD monitor for bathroom TV - is TN OK or do I need PVA? - 16/01/2008 16:55

Originally Posted By: LittleBlueThing

All I need to do now is generate a decent boot splash screen <cringe>

*groan*

May I suggest something from http://wetriffs.com ?