Hello:
Some of the Sharp models have a DVI input for using the TV as a monitor. Would that be the easier way to hook up a computer to it, versus using the PC DVI to the Sharp HDMI. Also, if this is the set up I will be using the surf the web and watch dvd's and other video content stored on my PC's hard-drive, what would be the best graphics card to buy?
Any buying advice would be appreciated. I may even consider waiting for HDMI ports to start appearing on PC's.
You may be waiting for a while, since the PC industry is looking to move to a different interface called UDP (universal display port). If both the PC and TV have a DVI port, and the TV's port is PC capable, then hooking up the computer should be a snap.
Some sets don't have a PC capable DVI port, but offer a 15-pin VGA port for PCs instead. This is also easy to connect to a computer, using a DVI to VGA adapter provided your PC only has a DVI output.
You won't need much of a graphics card to do what you're looking for, so the nVidia 7300GS should be fine, or the X1300 series on the ATI side. Just make sure that whichever you pick is compatible with your computer's motherboard if retrofitting, and that it comes with a DVI to VGA adapter if needed.