PC Video Resolution Output Questions

[buzz909]

I want to buy a new PC (fairly High spec) capable of playing the latest games. However I also like to write Retro style games with (purposefully) limited resolution. With the latest Gfx cards can you put the resolution right down to really low values? e.g. 640 or even 320 pixels (width)?
I understand that LCD screens have a 'native' resolution, and attempts at using other resolutions can have varied results. If this is correct - should I stick with a CRT monitor?
Is it possible to connect a PC or laptop to a TV, so that games can be played in the living room? I also wouldn't mind programming/surfing the net on TV? Is this possible? would the image quality be good?

Please help. I have really kept 'in' with the hardware scene this last few years, so i am a bit Ignorant as to what kind of machine I should buy. Thank you very much.

Buzz

[EvilBoris]

They can definately go as low as 640x480 as that is the resolution of MS-DOS and all the Biosey stuff.

Putting the resolution down won't make a Blind bit of difference for Retro games on an LCD anyway , as the image will always end up the same resolution as the LCD monitor anyway.

If you are wanting Retro Emulation , then CRT will give you the best results image wise.

If you are using a Modern LCD TV, most will have a VGA port of an HDMI socket that you can connect to you laptop/PC, so yes.

If you have a CRT Tv then you won't be able to get very good results

[Psyduck]

I disagree. The very best you will get is if you can get a card with TV-out (S-video is the usual one I think) and stick it on a CRT. A CRT PC monitor will not look good, even in 320x240, though you'll have some work on to get a card to output at that anyway I think.
If you're on an LCD you're best off using the native res and then either playing in a window scaled up in a multiple of the original res (say 320x240 x 4 = 1280 x 960) or just using the built in image-enhancements in the emulator. It won't look authentic but it will look as nice as you can get it.

Oops - didn't read the first post properly. My reply is just regarding retro games, boris is right about browsing or general PC use, a CRT tv won't be great for that. LCD won't be too hot either unless it's 1080P though from what I've heard.

[buzz909]

Ok Thanks for the advice. Is it possible to play the latest PC games on a TV, at the same quality as a console like PS3 or XB360? I mean image quality, I realise that the best PC games should look better gfx wise.
Could anyone give me any advice on the best PC I could get for 800-1000 pounds. Are all PC processors 64bit now?