IT'S BACK 24" Soyo LCD for $299. @ Office Max is back

[Spurst]

Welp, i bought 1 with the 1 yr service. I'll keep it and if i have any issues, i'll just return it - im guessing these deals will be more common on black friday.

 

[rugby]

try a different DVI cable. The one that comes with it seems crappy at best.

 

[NucEm]

Hey gedman I had the problem with dancing dots or sparkles with a couple of Dell 2000PF's. I even had Dell replace it before I found that it was the cheap cables they give you to use. I suspect that 90% of the folks out don't have a problem with those cables but I did. The fix is easy, get a good quality cable. Or at least borrow a good one and test it out.

 

[Lanyap]

Originally posted by: skelly
I bought the Soyo 24", had the sparkling dots, like flying over a big city at dusk and looking down at the lites! I called Soyo tech support,he recommended changing resolution settings then suggested returning it for exchange. Before doing that I tried a different DVI cable the static dots were gone! Very happy with the monitor now.

Originally posted by: gigahertz20
The one I have exhibits some weird signs sometimes,


If I leave my computer on for a long time, the monitor will eventually go into screen saver mode and then shut off. When I come back and move the mouse to turn it back on, there are sparkling dots all over the monitor. I think they are mostly red and green but I can't remember. I just turn the monitor off and then turn it back on and the sparkling dots are gone. Only takes a few seconds to fix the problem, and it doesn't occur all the time but it's weird.


It's probably my fault though, I have it plugged into a DVI port on my Radeon 9700 Pro at 1920X1200 resolution, using the standard DVI cable that came with the monitor, and my video card drivers are one version behind the newest.


Once I get my new computer setup I'll see what happens....hopefully it doesn't still have these problems.

I have read in several other forums that replacing the DVI cable resolves the sparkle problem. Most people who experienced this problem, including me, saw the sparkles after the monitor had been on for a long time. I returned one of my monitors before this fix was found so I can't personally confirm.

Here are the three problems people are reporting with this monitor:
1) Buzzing noise or high pitched whine coming from monitor
2) Horizonal line of dead pixels appear anywhere from first power up to after several weeks of use
3) Green and/or red sparkles usually during playing of movies

I really do believe that Soyo used low end electronics and cables for everything other than the panel to keep the cost very low. There's no other way they could sell it so cheap. That said, I'm debating buying one this week with the 2 year extended warranty.

EDIT: I see several new posts before posting my update that report the sparkle problem and suggestions to change the DVI cable. Looks like the sparkle problem has been resolved.

 

[Spurst]

i'm using this for gaming and i'm getting some hideous page tearing. While I know that a cheap 24" shouldnt be the best for gaming, i wasnt expecting it to be so bad. I might be going back to my 19" lcd.

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: rugby
I decided to take mine back. Doing a side-by side comparison with my 2005FPW it looks like crap. I'd rather have a smaller monitor with a MUCH better PQ than a larger monitor.

I went from a 2005 to the soyo, and I would say they are comparable.

how are you comparing the pq ?

 

[brianmanahan]

Originally posted by: Spurst
i'm using this for gaming and i'm getting some hideous page tearing. While I know that a cheap 24" shouldnt be the best for gaming, i wasnt expecting it to be so bad. I might be going back to my 19" lcd.

Ummm... ever heard of vsync?

 

[rugby]

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: rugby
I decided to take mine back. Doing a side-by side comparison with my 2005FPW it looks like crap. I'd rather have a smaller monitor with a MUCH better PQ than a larger monitor.

I went from a 2005 to the soyo, and I would say they are comparable.

how are you comparing the pq ?

I hook both monitors up to my macbook pro and calibrate them accordingly. The Soyo just looks more washed out and less contrasted than the 2005FPW. The Soyo also has a problem waking from sleep where the screen is tinted blue-ish for about 15 minutes afterwards.

 

[Spurst]

Originally posted by: brianmanahan

Originally posted by: Spurst
i'm using this for gaming and i'm getting some hideous page tearing. While I know that a cheap 24" shouldnt be the best for gaming, i wasnt expecting it to be so bad. I might be going back to my 19" lcd.

Ummm... ever heard of vsync?

Yes I have. I think most of us in the 'hot deals' sections are users with above average computer know-how.

I've tried it with vsync on and off. Its just not worth the hit to my framerate with it on. I'm running dual 7900 GT's SLI'd and was primarily testing on TF2. I also tried it on a 320mb 8800GTS and had the same issues with it.

I think the fact that it exhibits a ridiculous amt. of page tearing with a 6ms response is important to note for first person shooter fans and heavy gamers.

You're entitled to your own thoughts - I'm entitled to mine. It doesn't mean its a bad deal - just not what I was expecting out of a display with 6ms refresh.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

This is NOT a TN panel.

From another web site:

Panel identified:

Originally posted by: Phrozen @ SD
Just opened and put back together in about 5 mins
Turns out its a AU Optronics P-MVA (M240UW01 V0) Panel.
BENQ owns AU Optronics, which is currently the second largest panel manufacturer behind Samsung (edging LG, Philips).
Acer AL2423W also has this same panel...

From mcwhitman:
The Dell 2407 uses the s-pva Samsung LTM240M2.

The Soyo uses the p-mva AU Optronics M240UW01 V0 Panel.

 

[brianmanahan]

LOL, I still don't get it when people say there's a difference between 60fps and something like 120fps. When frames last 1/60 sec you've basically reached the limit of human observation. Besides, your response time + ping time are a bigger factor than a couple msec gained from being capped at 60fps.

 

[gigahertz20]

Originally posted by: Lanyap

Originally posted by: skelly
I bought the Soyo 24", had the sparkling dots, like flying over a big city at dusk and looking down at the lites! I called Soyo tech support,he recommended changing resolution settings then suggested returning it for exchange. Before doing that I tried a different DVI cable the static dots were gone! Very happy with the monitor now.

Originally posted by: gigahertz20
The one I have exhibits some weird signs sometimes,


If I leave my computer on for a long time, the monitor will eventually go into screen saver mode and then shut off. When I come back and move the mouse to turn it back on, there are sparkling dots all over the monitor. I think they are mostly red and green but I can't remember. I just turn the monitor off and then turn it back on and the sparkling dots are gone. Only takes a few seconds to fix the problem, and it doesn't occur all the time but it's weird.


It's probably my fault though, I have it plugged into a DVI port on my Radeon 9700 Pro at 1920X1200 resolution, using the standard DVI cable that came with the monitor, and my video card drivers are one version behind the newest.


Once I get my new computer setup I'll see what happens....hopefully it doesn't still have these problems.

I have read in several other forums that replacing the DVI cable resolves the sparkle problem. Most people who experienced this problem, including me, saw the sparkles after the monitor had been on for a long time. I returned one of my monitors before this fix was found so I can't personally confirm.

Here are the three problems people are reporting with this monitor:
1) Buzzing noise or high pitched whine coming from monitor
2) Horizonal line of dead pixels appear anywhere from first power up to after several weeks of use
3) Green and/or red sparkles usually during playing of movies

I really do believe that Soyo used low end electronics and cables for everything other than the panel to keep the cost very low. There's no other way they could sell it so cheap. That said, I'm debating buying one this week with the 2 year extended warranty.

EDIT: I see several new posts before posting my update that report the sparkle problem and suggestions to change the DVI cable. Looks like the sparkle problem has been resolved.

Alright thanks, I'll have to buy a better DVI cable and see if that fixes the problem.

 

[Spurst]

Well, I can always enable triple buffering and give it another go, I guess - I could also pull one of the cards, but why? =/

I'll keep playing around - but either way its something to note.

"Vsync does more than just limit your frames. I just explained this a couple days ago so i'll make it quick.
If your refresh rate is 80Hz and you have vsync on. Your frame rate MUST be 80Hz or higher or else Vsync forces the next lowest compatible frame rate to keep things in sync 40fps. Basically, it halves your frame rate every time. If you need 80 but are getting 60, vsync gives you 40fps (and it will fluctuate a lot, as seen by your graph), if you have 30, you get 20 etc etc etc..

Vsync can kill your performance. The only thing its good for is getting rid of tearing, and most people dont really notice tearing in the first place."

 

[Java Cafe]

I bought this monitor the last time around and couldn't be happier. But, I noticed an interesting thing today.

For the last four weeks or so, I have been using it in a dual monitor setup, running t in analog mode. The SOYO was set at 1920 x 1200, while the second monitor was set at 1280 x 1024. Today, I found my dual-DVI connector and hooked it up. Two bad things happened: (1) The SOYO's highest resolution appeared to be limited at 1600 x 1200, and (2) after a while, I saw the famous green-blue sparkle line -- a horizontal line across the center. After one boot, that went away, but I could not reach a resolution higher than 1600 x 1200 on the SOYO. In addition, I could not see any appreciable improvement in display quality after switching to digital.

So, I am back to running the SOYO in an analog mode, in a dual monitor setup. And I'm OK with it.

 

[math20]

I bought the monitor and am loving the better viewing angles, colors, contrast and resolution compared to my old TN panel.

@spurst, I noticed a lot of tearing on the orange box but luckily the steam engine runs well enough for me to do vsync. I didn't really notice the problem in any other games though.

 

[brianmanahan]

My bad, you're right Spurst. I did try it in HL2:E2 last night to see what was up, and sure thing, it tore like crazy (and I usually don't notice these things). However, I can't see that being a problem with the monitor but with the game itself. Maybe it's a 1920x1200 problem that doesn't show up on the resolution of your 19"? I didn't try w/ any other monitors.

 

[Spurst]

im not sure - i tried flight sim x and it was fine. I just have been gaming on TF2 pretty hard lately, and it was hideous enough to drive me nuts.

I'm guessing its a sync issue, and i am getting too many fps and it throws me out of sync, and then with vsync on i fall short of having enough fps to keep me playable without choppiness. Triple buffering might be a fix.

The other annoyance I have with such a large monitor, is that yahoo.com now gives me a headache with all the bright whitespace.

These arent really any fault of the monitor, but i guess i wasnt prepped for using a 24" on daily use and web-browsing.


I never used the stock DVI cables and I have not noticed any speckles or any problems at all with image clarity. In fact, it has a very nice picture and great viewing angles. I'm not overly picky, so I didn't fine tune it much.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
Well I finally got in on this deal.

Went to Office Max and looked at it there. The one on display was in a lower resolution and had two of the infamous black lines running across it. I knew when I got home it wouldn't look like that. So I bought it with the 1yr protection plan and came to about $350 after taxes.

Got home and set it up. In default settings this monitor rocks, I can only image how good it would look if I had it calibrated. Tested a 1080P sample and it looks much better htan my past LG 22". With the LG, you can see the "dithering" in action and it looked horrid. The Soyo did a much better job reproducing the colors but you can still see a slight "mud" to it. Not enough for me to warrant a return. So I decided to see what gaming would be like. Loaded up DOD:S and began playing. At native resolution 1920x1200 it looks sweet. I did notice a little bit of tearing and a bit of "jitter" , but again, not enough to warrant a return.After about 15 minutes of happy gaming, something bad happens. The infamous black line across the screen suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Thinking I may just need to power cycle it, I did, to no avail. So sadly this will have to go back. I don't think I want to play this type of panel lottery or any other for that matter, including time or gas so I guess I'm going to return this for a refund and get a westinghouse 24". For those who have only enough for this panel, I'm sure it will blow you away. It did me. I just don't have the time or patience to deal with it. Good luck and thanks for the heads up guys!

 

[brianmanahan]

what brightness/contrast are you using? I'm on 10/50 for desktop use and 35/60 for games. That's with rgb of 37/37/37 for both.

 

[conlan]

Trying to decide between this and the $270 Westy 22" @ NE, any opinions?

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: brianmanahan
LOL, I still don't get it when people say there's a difference between 60fps and something like 120fps. When frames last 1/60 sec you've basically reached the limit of human observation. Besides, your response time + ping time are a bigger factor than a couple msec gained from being capped at 60fps.

Not only that but at 60hz you're at the limit of the monitor. That's the whole point of Vsync. If you are getting over 60hz, the extra frames just get discarded

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: conlan
Trying to decide between this and the $270 Westy 22" @ NE, any opinions?

Well I would get the Soyo hands down. I went to take mine back but the store "didn't have enough cash on hand" :roll:

So I exchanged it. Hooked it up and it is beautiful. Really bright, colorful well rounded LCD. You must get the $30 for 1 yr extra protection plan. Some peace of mind for your investment. Its up to you in reality, but I couldn't go back to TN after this. Cheers!

 

[Rigomortis]

I have a dilema about the Soyo 24" for 299 vs. the Acer 22" for 200 after mail in rebate. I have both and not sure which one to hold on to.

Soyo - likes big (almost too big) very bright needs more adjusting.
dislikes - speakers are absolutely awful, I like to use them for normal windows, media center TV in the backround. I have Logitech 5.1 surround to really play it up. Makes a buzzing noise that seems to be louder than the fan controlled computer. large bezel but its black so its not so noticable.

Acer x221w - big and bright, slim bezel
dislikes - no small speakers built in, neighbor just got a soyo 24"

ugh not sure which is making a return trip back to the store.

Acer

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Rigomortis
I have a dilema about the Soyo 24" for 299 vs. the Acer 22" for 200 after mail in rebate. I have both and not sure which one to hold on to.

Soyo - likes big (almost too big) very bright needs more adjusting.
dislikes - speakers are absolutely awful, I like to use them for normal windows, media center TV in the backround. I have Logitech 5.1 surround to really play it up. Makes a buzzing noise that seems to be louder than the fan controlled computer. large bezel but its black so its not so noticable.

Acer x221w - big and bright, slim bezel
dislikes - no small speakers built in, neighbor just got a soyo 24"

ugh not sure which is making a return trip back to the store.

Acer

why are you even using the built-in speakers on the Soyo.

I just use my 4.1 set up..

 

[brianmanahan]

I haven't seen any sparkles at all, but I used my Acer DVI cable. Sounds like Soyo's cables are made of spaghetti.