04 Dec 09 Can I use a flat screen monitor in place of a TV?

My TV is about to die, and I am thinking it might just be worth my while to replace my TV with a 20 inch flat monitor. Just making sure it can be done.
The way I am thinking, a TV in addition to the screen has a receiver to get the channels and an amplifier/speakers for sound.
But if i get my TV stations through a cable box, and amplify my sound thru an audio receiver, wouldn’t it make sense that all I really need is the screen (the built in receiver and amplifier in a TV is superflous). In addition, I have the Miglia eye TV, compatible with my macbook, so I can get TV stations on my MacBook (it is an analog to digital converter)
I reckon it is a clean thought, and flat panel monitors cost less than flat screen TVs, plus I could use it for more stuff on my computer.
But before I go out and buy a 20+ in monitor, just want to check that it can be done.

Also is there a way to stream video (all video, including TV and DVD) wirelessly from my laptop to the monitor?

Tags: amplifier, analog to digital converter, audio receiver, cable box, eye tv, flat, Flat Monitor, flat screen tvs, laptop, macbook, miglia, monitor, neat idea, place, screen, speakers, tv stations, wirelessly