If your display is a 1080P resolution display (and 40" or larger), then is more than likely the native resolution. If the colors are washed out, then either you need to adjust some settings on the tv or you bought a cheap junk tv. Samsung makes great plasmas, but not so with lcd's). My 55" looks great with my computer, but it took some adjustment of settings on the tv and the graphics control panel to get it perfect (for $1000+ tv it better look great). When LCD was still new I bought a 32" 720p tv to use as a monitor, and it was craptastical. I was using it on my desk within 2.5-3' and I could see the pixel lines. The colors weren't that great either. Needless to say it got returned very quickly. A thing to consider when using lcd tv's as monitors is response time, and input lag from features like "clear frame" and the likes. These can make games unbearable at best, completely unplayable at worst if you can not disable them or they are not good. If you are looking at using a display as a tv and a monitor, then size and quality are the key to being happy with what you buy. If that means that you have to save longer to get a better display, then so be it. It should be an investment that you enjoy for 7-10 years, and must be looked at in that perspective. If you buy the walmart special, then you get what you paid for. If you buy a quality set, then you will be much happier in the long run. These are just my informed opinions, and take them as you will.