How do I know if a PC monitor is compatiable with consoles?

[Extra Terrestrial]

I want to get a PC for my school needs as I have been living and breathing Macs since 2001, plus my household has no knowledge of PCs or their input in general: just Macs.

My Dad said he does not want to see a PC in his sight (Mac-fanboy alert) so it has to go in my room (no problem with that). Considering I am getting rid of my widescreen TV for a HDTV sometime in the future - I would like a PC monitor that is also compatiable to play videogames in the mean time too.

Now all I need to know is what I must be looking for to know that the certain monitor I want can play games. What input system do I need? What key feature does it require? Or do I need to get a cable/lead to get the console linked up onto the monitor?

Thanks to anyone who helps, especially if you show/use an example.

[sj33]

Increasingly, more and more monitors have Component inputs. Probably a good idea.
CRT as opposed to LCD, as they deal with resolution changes better.

Try and get one that supports 480i, as then you'll be able to use interlaced mode. The VD-Z3 adaptor converts a Component signal into VGA, and supports 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i, but the 480i is limited to monitors which support it. I am told syncmaster ones do, but you might wanna check.