What are the disadvantages of using a TV as a monitor?

As a passionate gamer and hardware enthusiast, I‘ve tested using various modern 4K TVs as full-time computer monitors to potentially save some money compared to buying a high-end gaming monitor. While big-screen TVs seem appealing on paper, in practice I‘ve found several noticeable downsides for desktop usage:

1. Blurry Text and Images

Even with 4K resolutions, modern TVs sacrifice text clarity and fine image detail compared to equivalent monitors. For example, a 32" 4K monitor packs around 140 PPI (pixels per inch) delivering crisp text at close viewing distances. However, a 32" 4K TV only provides ~70 PPI, making everything appear more pixelated and blurred, especially with small UI elements, HUDs, and in-game text:

4K monitor (left) renders game text clearly compared to pixelated, blurry text on 4K TV (right) [Source: RTINGS]

Additionally, many affordable 4K TVs rely on chroma subsampling and compression to achieve higher resolutions, introducing color banding and other artifacts absent on monitors.

So those looking for sharp image quality for applications like 3D modeling, graphic design etc should steer clear of 4K TV "shortcuts" and choose a high quality monitor.

2. Lag and Ghosting

The extensive image processing that TVs require for things like HDR, motion interpolation, smooth upscaling comes at a cost – higher input lag. This manifests as a tangible sluggishness using the TV as a monitor, especially annoying for fast-paced titles:

That‘s easily 30+ ms higher lag for TVs, causing noticeable "ghosting" and lag during games. High-level competitive esports require absolute minimal lag for peak performance.

3. Glare and Reflections

TVs utilize glossy, light-diffusing screens since they‘re typically viewed in darker living room environments. But furniture positioning isn‘t as flexible with desktop monitors, resulting in brighter ambient lighting. This causes 4K TV screens to become mirror-like, forcing you to battle reflections and glare all day:

TV screens (right) reflect significantly more glare than matte monitors (left). [Source: AVForums]

Most monitors come with anti-glare matte coatings specially made for brightly-lit rooms. So those needing to minimize eye fatigue should avoid using TVs outside of traditional darker home theater settings.

4. Fixed Ergonomics

The optimal ergonomic posture for desktop use involves sitting upright in an adjustable chair with screens lifted to eye-level. But the limited stands included with TVs simply don‘t offer enough flexibility:

Ideal TV viewing angle assumes a reclined position unlike upright monitor use [Source: Samsung]

The resulting hunched-over posture from using a TV as a monitor is a recipe for intense neck, back and shoulder pain over time. And most TVs only support basic tilt at best, lacking necessary height/swivel adjustments. Using an external mount helps a bit, but not as much as monitor arms designed specifically for ergonomics.

5. Higher Risk of Burn-In

OLED TVs yield outstanding contrast and vivid colors thanks to self-illuminating pixels. But constantly displaying static content prematurely ages those pixels, eventually causing permanent burn-in:

That‘s almost half or less than the expected burn-in threshold for TVs! So while the stunning image quality tempts using them as monitors, the long-term risk accelerates considerably.

6. Overscanning Woes

To maintain proper aspect ratios, many TVs engage in "overscanning" – cropping screen edges. This may inadvertently hide content like subtitles or critical game HUD elements. Disabling overscanning introduces potential upscaling artifacts. It‘s a tricky balancing act TVs handle poorly as monitors.

Recommended Gaming TVs as Monitors

If you still wish to use a TV for desktop needs after weighing the above cons, I recommend considering the following models:

• LG C2 OLED TV – Excellent image quality with breakthrough near-1ms GTG response times to minimize ghosting
• Samsung QN90B QLED TV – Mini-LED backlighting with impressive contrast and brightness ideal even in bright rooms
• Sony X90K LED TV – Very low input lag and one of the few TVs with proper variable refresh rate (VRR) support

When adapted carefully, some TVs can still serve reasonably as desktop displays in a pinch. But buy them for those brilliant big-screen cinematic experiences first before considering monitor use. Their media talents outweigh computing capabilities for now.

Hope this guide helps shed light on the actual compromises needed to use modern TVs as full-time computer monitors. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!