17" LCD Discussion

[Landon]

I have been reading LCD review after review. It seems the only way to buy an LCD is to try it out first. I have had my eye on the Samsung 173T becuase of its high contrast ratio and dual input ability. Then the Benq FP791 appears with a high contrast ratio, extremely bright screen and no hint of ghosting or trailing in fast motion games/video. The new Samsung 172X is supposed to be the fastest (12ms) and best LCD coming out, but it got a terrible review. Infact I think Toms Hardware gave it a 1 out of 5 on ghosting, while the 25ms Samsung does alright. I'm hoping osmone on this forum can help me decide on a display for myself. I'm a casual gamer who spends a lot of time reading text and surfing the web. (I have tried a 173T in both gaming and reading, it's great, but is there better? cheaper?)

Thanks

- Please no comments about how CRTs are better and LCDs. I couldn't care less about your CRT advice.

 

[InSuboRdiNaTioN]

I too was just in this boat.... I must've spent 25+ hours researching.... I narrowed it down to the NEC 1760NX and the Sony SDM-X73... then read a user review on the X73 that said they had compared the two in person.... and the X73 was slightly better in the color department. Also better when it comes to glare.
I just got my X73 today. $490 all said and done from TigerDirect.com.
This is a FABULOUS display!
Very sharp, VERY bright, and no ghosting! It does a very nice job with color reproduction as well.
Read all the X73 reviews at New Egg... everyone loves this monitor; and for good reason!
I have also found that dead pixels are EXTREMELY rare with the X73. Read all the new egg reviews, I don't think there is a single person who has a dead pixel. Or there might be ONE.
I also believe that the X73 has quicker horizontal refresh rates... where as with the NEC, you are limited to 65hz no matter what when using DVI.

Reviews here: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=0&submit=Go&description=sdm-x73
No one seems to be able to find the sony site that has the X73, so here you go: http://displaysbysony.com/displayb2b/model.jsp?pModelId=586

Bottom line: I doubt you'll be able to do better than this display for the money. Although the Hercules Prophet View 920 DVI is worth a look according to Tom. But I don't think it's available in the U.S. yet.

Tom really needs to do a review of this monitor... I can tell you this much: Tom's hardware loves the Hyundai Imagequest Q17... my girlfriend has that LCD, and the X73 is definately better IMHO.

 

[apac]

I have the NEC 1760V (analog version of the 1760NX) and its fantastic, especially for games. No ghosting whatsoever and very vibrant colors.

 

[sugarkang]

it would really be nice if you guys stated what games you're playing.
obviously a game like diablo won't be as problematic as an extreme first person shooter.

i don't play any strategy games, and only play FPS like UT.

also, do you guys have the analog sony? i really dig that design, but was wondering if DVI is necessary? the DVI is so much more expensive.

 

[InSuboRdiNaTioN]

I'm currently using the X73 in Analog because my video card lacks DVI. My FX5900 w/ DVI will be here tuesday
The only game I've played on this monitor is Unreal 2, and it is fabulous.

For the extra $40 or so, I'd definately get the DVI. All the reviews that I've read have said that DVI does make a difference.... and for such a small percentage of the cost, it's worth it to me.
I believe the non-dvi version of this monitor is the S73... very similiar to the X73, but I think the X73 has slightly better specs on a few things I think.

 

[Landon]

The stupid thing is how DVI displays are cheaper to build, but cost more. Thanks so much for the input guys. I'll look into the Sony. I live in Canada though, it seems to be a task and a half to find a decent display at a reasonable price up here. I'm not lookign to spend over $700 can.

Any more oppinions?

Just looking up the Sony X73 in Canada.. The lowest price I have come across is $867.49.. That's ridiculous for a 17" display . How about some of those pricewatch or lowest price websites for Canadian stores. Know of any?

 

[Kingofcomputer]

If you want to spend over $800, you should buy Eizo L567, not Sony X73.

 

[Landon]

I thought I said no more than $700

What is an Eizo L567? Please be more specific if your'e trying to help me out guys. I appreciate the input a lot, but how does the display perform as far as ghosting, color, contrast and brightness?

 

[einsatz]

I would vote against the Eizo if it's anything like the L685 (18" version) I use at work. That monitor is excellent for everything except stuff that includes motion. Even moving your mouse around leaves really noticeable ghost trails.
And the L685 costs hundreds more than similar 18" LCDs, yet I've used cheaper monitors with the same or better performance. Point is, you can do better with less money.

 

[Landon]

I know... Its got a 35ms responce time, brightness of 230 cd/m2 and a Contrast Ratio of 400:1. It's just an overpriced display for the office space. Kingofcomputer sounds quite confused.

Back to the mid-range easy to find, cheap Samsung, LG, Hitatchi, NEC Sony, etc etc displays. I want to hear about products you personally own, or sell. What you think might be good is pretty lame.

 

[Rigomortis]

I have the Sony X73 that I got from Newegg for around $400 when they had the $100 off promo running. It is awesome! When I hooked it up it was too bright and found that the auto setting actually uses a sensor to detect room light and adjust the output accordingly.

I have tried Movies = fine, BF1942, Revolt, NWN and others and haven't found a problem with any ghosting. I love the multi input and the fast switching to switch between my game box and my TV/email box.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

Eizo's spec on paper looks normal, but the real thing, especially the color, is better than Samsung, NEC, Sony, Philips, etc.

 

[BoomAM]

Im suprised that no-ones mentioned the Hitachi CML174s yet.

 

[einsatz]

BoomAM, probably because they're old and busted
Teh new hotness are things like the 172X, 173P, X73, HX73, etc.
And the CML's look like crap, too.

 

[BoomAM]

Originally posted by: einsatz
BoomAM, probably because they're old and busted

Old? Getting on a year old. But still amongst the best 17" TFTs out.

Teh new hotness are things like the 172X, 173P, X73, HX73, etc.

Of which only half of them can compare, in games, to the Hitachi.

And the CML's look like crap, too.

You obviously havnt seen the carbon version in person have you?......

 

[InSuboRdiNaTioN]

Originally posted by: BoomAM
Im suprised that no-ones mentioned the Hitachi CML174s yet.

My girlfriend has an ImageQuest 17.... same panel, correct? Sweet monitor, but my Sony X73 is definately better.

 

[BoomAM]

Originally posted by: InSuboRdiNaTioN
My girlfriend has an ImageQuest 17.... same panel, correct?

Not sure.

Sweet monitor, but my Sony X73 is definately better.

Probably a hell of alot more expensive as well, with it being Sony and all......

 

[einsatz]

The ImageQuest 17" is made by Hyundai. Hyundai ImageQuest actually has several 17" models. They all use the same 20ms Hyundai-manufactured panel. Models are the L70S, Q17, Q17A, Q17B. They're all essentially the same monitor except the L70S looks different and lacks DVI. Hyundai ran low on their production numbers with the 20ms panel they used to make the Q17 so a batch of about 400 (sold mostly in the German market) used the AU 16ms panel - but the box still said it was a 20ms monitor.
Having used both Q17A (analog) and the Sony HX73 (I think it's same panel as the X73, I used analog), the Sony is definitely better. You get what you pay for.

 

[InSuboRdiNaTioN]

Probably a hell of alot more expensive as well, with it being Sony and all......

Yeah, the X73 does mean you'll have to spend about a $100 more (given pricegrabber is used)... but one must keep in mind that the X73 is still a fairly new product, and that it has a lot more in the way of features (DVI, dual VGA, Eco-Bright which automatically adjusts contrast according to ambient light, etc).