How to get higher than 1920x1080 resolution on monitor 8600GTS

I have an NVidia GeForce 8600GTS display adapter. I decided to buy a 47" HDTV to use as a monitor/tv combo (media center). I thought I could have one section to use as a computer while another as a tv. Unfortunately, the maximum resolution I can select is 1920x1080 - the native resolution for the tv/monitor. Which means my windows still use a large part of the screen even at max resolution (and can be seen from across the room). My idea is to be able to sit in front of it when working (but go to full screen for watching as tv).

I thought I may need a more powerful video card. But, the max resolution on the card (according to spec) is higher at 2560x1600.

So I checked out monitors and I saw that the max resolution on any of the monitors is 1920x1080.

I understand the concept of native resolution and scaling (mostly). I don't mind if scaling is used to give me a higher resolution (since the letters are so large now). BUT - how do I make this happen? Vista only allows me to select 1920x1080.

What am I missing?
Thanks!
Herschel

A 1080p HDTV only has 1920 x 1080 pixels. Therefore you can never go higher than 1920 x 1080. Lower, yes, but not higher.

I'm sure there are large LCD TV/presentation monitors out there with greater 1920 x 1080, but those are most likely for commercial use not home use so expect prices to start at $15k (or more).

@jay2tall, Its a dirty job, but somebody has to do it! [smile]