Can I surf the web with an HDTV?

[Sossity]

My family and I have been looking around at HDTVs, it is time for us to get a modern TV, as our tube TV is dying.

We have been looking for one in the 46-50 inch range.

would like to know what inputs or ports or what is needed to be able to surf the web on the TV from our couches in the living room, and be able to use it as a monitor with a computer or keyboard.

we have a desktop windows PC in another room with an at&t 2wire wifi router hard wired to it via Ethernet.

also, is 3D HDTV really needed? it is more expensive, we are looking to keep it under $500.00, but are willing to pay a little more for quality. We would like to future proof the TV as much as possible, as this will have to last us a long time.

My family are new to digital items, we are all coming from the analog era, we still use an antenna, with free digital local broadcast, & record shows with a VCR.

so wee also need to be able to hook up a VCR, a DVD player, a blue ray player, & a PC or something to get the internet on the TV.

[Sossity]

So nobody has any idea of what I should look for? I know it is around the holidays, & so it might be hard for the forum regulars here to reply, but I would like an idea as my mother will be shopping for an HDTV during the after Christmas sales, & I would like to be able to advise & help my parents pick out an HDTV.

[JMP]

Hi, Sossity
-1080p is a must for using as a computer screen.
-$500 is a tight amount for a 50" in a high quality range, but you might find something. Don't be against an open box deal or a refurbished price.
-Best-buy is actually a great place to buy a TV and that is coming from a very anti-Best-Buy person!
-Some of the things to look for when you are looking is for dark spots, hot spots and light roll off in the corners and edges. When the blacks are too dark or blend in to one another, its a dark spot issue. When the whites are too bright or blend in to the other light colors, that is a hot spot problem. Light roll off in the corner is where the picture starts to get slightly darker in the corners, and this can occur at the edges of the screen as well. Its most obvious on computer graphics.
-Most HDTV's out there will have hookups for VCRs, DVD, BluRay, and computers. HDMI being a popular one for BluRay and computers.

Thanks,
-JMP