19" Gaming LCDs, Which should I get?!!

[SalientKing]

Im looking to buy a 19" LCD screen, its primary use will be gaming. I've spent time reading through these forums (and others) and my choice seems to have come down to these 2 screens.

ViewSonic VP912B
12ms, 6-bit panel, $550

ImageQuest L90D+
8ms, 6-bit panel $410

First off, let me know if i got the specs wrong on these screens. I know there has been some debate over the VP912B on whether its a 8 or 6 bit panel.

I guess what it really comes down to is is it worth it to shell out an extra $140 for the ViewSonic screen. I'd like to hear from people who have each screen. Thanks.

 

[Kristi2k]

Actually the ViewSonic is an 8-bit panel according to VS. I emailed them and they got back to me. Check this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=1506562

I'm in the same boat as you. The thread above has some very good info. This is a good review: http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=vp912b&page=1

Keep in mind that the newer manufactured models come with a matte screen.

 

[shortylickens]

As is often the case, I cant reccomend an LCD in good faith if you will be using it for games. I still think a CRT is better for this job.

One issue is color.
I have not yet seen a 32-Bit LCD and many games do run in 32-bit now.
If you purchased an 8-bit LCD it would give you 24-bit color (16 million). Which is pretty good since most video cards and games will allow you to set this color depth. But a 6-bit LCD gives you 18-bit color. A little math tells us this is 262 thousand colors. Thats noticible in todays games.
Despite what many people tell me I am capable of telling the difference in 65000 , 262000 , 16000000, and 4 billion colors. Especially in games where gradients are mixed on-the-fly.

I also dont like the way they refresh. A quality CRT with high refresh rates is easier on my eyes. But some folks prefer the LCD's wave-like refresh. I'd concede its more of a personal thing.

If you have to get one go with the view-sonic. It cost more for a reason. They make good LCD's and youll be happy with it. That millisecond rating isnt the best point to make a decision on. Just like contrast ratio and brightness, many manufacturers have their own method to make measurements on LCD stats. The ViewSonic is probably more accurate.

 

[Johnbear007]

I use a viewsonic vx910 no ghosting great color

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
As is often the case, I cant reccomend an LCD in good faith if you will be using it for games. I still think a CRT is better for this job.

One issue is color.
I have not yet seen a 32-Bit LCD and many games do run in 32-bit now.
If you purchased an 8-bit LCD it would give you 24-bit color (16 million). Which is pretty good since most video cards and games will allow you to set this color depth. But a 6-bit LCD gives you 18-bit color. A little math tells us this is 262 thousand colors. Thats noticible in todays games.
Despite what many people tell me I am capable of telling the difference in 65000 , 262000 , 16000000, and 4 billion colors. Especially in games where gradients are mixed on-the-fly.

I also dont like the way they refresh. A quality CRT with high refresh rates is easier on my eyes. But some folks prefer the LCD's wave-like refresh. I'd concede its more of a personal thing.

If you have to get one go with the view-sonic. It cost more for a reason. They make good LCD's and youll be happy with it. That millisecond rating isnt the best point to make a decision on. Just like contrast ratio and brightness, many manufacturers have their own method to make measurements on LCD stats. The ViewSonic is probably more accurate.

I had a high end crt that ran at very high refresh rates. Been using CRT's for years. Over the last few months I was getting horrible headaches and my eyes hurt, had eyestrain, loss of vision, etc. Switched to an LCD and everyone of the problems went away.

 

[shiznit]

I'm sorry to break it to you but there isn't a snowball's chancee you know where that the viewsonic is a true 8bit panel. Its a 6bit + 2dithered, and i guess that allows them to legally call it 8. I just received the hyundai this afternoon and after a couple of hours playing FPS games I can honestly tell you there is no ghosting whatsoever. There was tearing at first but that was because i had vsync disabled and as soon as i turned it on it was smooth as silk. As far as the dithering goes, i'm not gonna lie, its there, but its so minimal that, honesty aside, i have no idea why i'm even writing about it. I read every possible user review and thread about this LCD that i could find before i bought it, and not one person, myself included, had reported a dead pixel. This is the BEST 19'' LCD money can buy for gaming and and absolute NO BRAINER. my $.02.

 

[osan0001]

I would have to agree with shiznit. It is cheap, has a very nice contrast ratio, DVI, a fast response time, adjustable height, 90 degree pivot, and a BLUE LED on the front. It is a very nice looking display. Mine also did not have dead pixels. I am thinking of getting another!

 

[SalientKing]

Well thanks for the info, after some thought I think im going to go with a 20 inch crt instead. So Im looking at the following models:

Shadow Mask:
PHILIPS 201B4074 $367
ViewSonic G220f $450

Aperture Grille:
NEC/MITSUBISHI FE2111SB-BK $550
ViewSonic P225f $600

Considering ill be using this for gaming and watching movies, the philips model is appealing due to the price. Once again, is it worth it to shell out an extra $200 for a aperture grille CRT?

 

[dlockert]

Only you can decide that.

I've had two Sony G400's and a G500. Bought them used and cheap at a computer show. They look better than any other CRT that I've had. You can also find refurbs on the web.

Now I have a Sony S74 LCD, and am very happy with it.
I'd rather have it than the G400 because of space concearns, and it is much easier on the eyes.

Games and movies look great on it also.

A 17" LCD display will be about the same size of a 19" CRT display, unless you stretch the CRT screen to full screen. Then the CRT will be 1/2 inch to 1 inch larger.

If I wanted to, I could go to another computer show and pick up another Sony CRT for $70 - $100, but I'd rather have the LCD

dl