LCD Buyer's Guide

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: tw33ter
Assuming price isn't a concern, what's the best 24" for gaming?

To be perfectly honest with you, it's really hard to say. I would say the BenQ FP241W. While it does have a tad more input lag than the 2407, input lag is something you either notice or not. I believe the difference is something like 50 ms vs 60 ms or so. Considering the BenQ has a slightly better response time and better color reproduction, it's still better overall.

 

[stimpy1]

I'm did a search for that model (Acer AL2051Ws) at New Egg and did a general Google search with negative results. All the sites that I found during a Google search seemed to be based outside of the U. S. Also, should I be concerned with ghosting in games? Do you have any other recommendations given my requirements?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: stimpy1
I'm did a search for that model (Acer AL2051Ws) at New Egg and did a general Google search with negative results. All the sites that I found during a Google search seemed to be based outside of the U. S. Also, should I be concerned with ghosting in games? Do you have any other recommendations given my requirements?

Sorry, meant the Acer AL2051W.

 

[Arjunne]

Heh - I went to the LCD Resource homepage... surprise: the left side of the page flickers a bit on my Acer 2216WB... I suppose this guys going back...

Ah well.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Arjunne
Heh - I went to the LCD Resource homepage... surprise: the left side of the page flickers a bit on my Acer 2216WB... I suppose this guys going back...

Ah well.

Flickers during movement? Every LCD would on a pattern like that. Pretty quick judgment there.

 

[Arjunne]

No - flickered while it was sitting on the page

I picked up another Acer, and when comparing it to my LG204WT I decided that I would keep the acer. The larger screen ended up costing me 10 dollars more, and the picture was fine - to be honest. No dead pixels, no banding issues, great greyscale test. After seeing this one in comparison, the other acer was simply just a lemon.

The only little issue I can find thus far is a tiny bit of oddness in the bottom left corner... almost as if its black screen bleed (it only shows up when its completely black, and only from a certain forward angle). Nothing that bothers me, considering the rest of the performance is great!

 

[Torque79]

here are my results after colour calibration using the spyder2 unit on my LG L226WT:

I was very surprised how well the LG L226WT was calibrated from the factory. I could clearly see there was too much white and gamma upon a factory reset, but after the software had adjusted the white levels the colours seemed to need very little modification to be bang on. The software does a great job showing you before and after calibration shots to see the results.

I love the colours, contrast, brightness, and black levels on this monitor. I have 13 megapixel wedding pictures with black and grey suits stood beside eachother, and they look perfect.

My only complaint is the pretty obvious stripe of backlight bleed at the top and bottom. When watching TV shows from my PVR for example the backlight bleed only extends about the same distance as the black bars at top and bottom, so they are hardly disruptive for tv/movie viewing. that is only visible against black backgrounds, so other colour rich environments like WoW look fantastic.

thanks for the recommendation. I dont' regret the purchase.

 

[Arjunne]

Yeah - I found the backlight bleed on my LG 204WT to be bad... worse than my current Acer 2216WBD... don't know if we were just the minority

 

[Synthetic]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: stimpy1
I'm did a search for that model (Acer AL2051Ws) at New Egg and did a general Google search with negative results. All the sites that I found during a Google search seemed to be based outside of the U. S. Also, should I be concerned with ghosting in games? Do you have any other recommendations given my requirements?

Sorry, meant the Acer AL2051W.

That one looks good but I've heard from several people that it sufferers from a high frequency buzzing when plugged in. Anyone know more about this?

 

[Starbuck1975]

xtknight, have you had a chance to look at the latest generation of 22" monitors. I am specifically interested in the Dell E228WFP, Samsung 226BW or Gateway FPD2275W.

I have read enough message board concerns about the Dell that I would only go with that LCD because the price is so low.

I have seen the Gateway at Best Buy, and have to say that it looks far better than most TN monitors I have seen...the color, clarity and performance seemed on par with many of the 20.1" monitors you typically recommend for gaming...with viewing angle being the only limitation to the Gateway.

I cannot find many reviews of the Samsung 226BW beyond the rather high customer satisfaction scoring on newegg.

I am looking for an LCD, predominantly for gaming and typical desktop office applications. 20.1" is too small for me, and 24" is a bit too big...plus a 24" will kill my current video card, and a video card upgrade is not in the budget right now.

22" is the sweet spot for me in terms of size, but I know the first wave of 22" LCDs were lower quality compared to their 20.1" and 24" brethren.

Was hoping this newer wave of 22" LCDs are perhaps viable options.

 

[lowboyee]

xtknight - thanks for the awesome roundup of monitors! I'm in the market for a new monitor (wide screen, 20"+, 1680+) and wanted to get some advice on my selection.

I do web development, design, and photography for a living. My priorities here are excellent colour reproduction, good contrast (my laptop screen right now is horrible at white vs near white), and text readability. Watching movies and playing games are secondary pursuits, so I don't really mind the response times being a little higher, but I'd prefer something decent in that respect.

Max I want to spend is $500, but could be cajoled into more if it's going to suit my needs.

I'm leaning towards the Samsung 215TW, as it seems to fit all of my needs.

Any other monitors you would recommend? I'm willing to spend a bit more if it's going to make a big difference?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Arjunne
No - flickered while it was sitting on the page

I picked up another Acer, and when comparing it to my LG204WT I decided that I would keep the acer. The larger screen ended up costing me 10 dollars more, and the picture was fine - to be honest. No dead pixels, no banding issues, great greyscale test. After seeing this one in comparison, the other acer was simply just a lemon.

The only little issue I can find thus far is a tiny bit of oddness in the bottom left corner... almost as if its black screen bleed (it only shows up when its completely black, and only from a certain forward angle). Nothing that bothers me, considering the rest of the performance is great!

Good to know.

Originally posted by: Torque79
here are my results after colour calibration using the spyder2 unit on my LG L226WT:

I was very surprised how well the LG L226WT was calibrated from the factory. I could clearly see there was too much white and gamma upon a factory reset, but after the software had adjusted the white levels the colours seemed to need very little modification to be bang on. The software does a great job showing you before and after calibration shots to see the results.

I love the colours, contrast, brightness, and black levels on this monitor. I have 13 megapixel wedding pictures with black and grey suits stood beside eachother, and they look perfect.

My only complaint is the pretty obvious stripe of backlight bleed at the top and bottom. When watching TV shows from my PVR for example the backlight bleed only extends about the same distance as the black bars at top and bottom, so they are hardly disruptive for tv/movie viewing. that is only visible against black backgrounds, so other colour rich environments like WoW look fantastic.

thanks for the recommendation. I dont' regret the purchase.

Again, good to hear.

Originally posted by: Synthetic
That one looks good but I've heard from several people that it sufferers from a high frequency buzzing when plugged in. Anyone know more about this?

A lot of monitors do, in fact (inverter issue?). I'm pretty much always wearing headphones so it's not an issue here.

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975
xtknight, have you had a chance to look at the latest generation of 22" monitors. I am specifically interested in the Dell E228WFP, Samsung 226BW or Gateway FPD2275W.

I have read enough message board concerns about the Dell that I would only go with that LCD because the price is so low.

I have seen the Gateway at Best Buy, and have to say that it looks far better than most TN monitors I have seen...the color, clarity and performance seemed on par with many of the 20.1" monitors you typically recommend for gaming...with viewing angle being the only limitation to the Gateway.

I cannot find many reviews of the Samsung 226BW beyond the rather high customer satisfaction scoring on newegg.

I am looking for an LCD, predominantly for gaming and typical desktop office applications. 20.1" is too small for me, and 24" is a bit too big...plus a 24" will kill my current video card, and a video card upgrade is not in the budget right now.

22" is the sweet spot for me in terms of size, but I know the first wave of 22" LCDs were lower quality compared to their 20.1" and 24" brethren.

Was hoping this newer wave of 22" LCDs are perhaps viable options.

Yes I try to keep up with the 22" LCDs out there. The L226WT is still the best option. I don't have much to say about the Gateway in particular as it's just one of about 20 22" models. But as far as I can tell, the L226WT is in a class of its own with regards to image quality among the 22" models. LG has always made good TN panels and this model is no exception.

Originally posted by: lowboyee
xtknight - thanks for the awesome roundup of monitors! I'm in the market for a new monitor (wide screen, 20"+, 1680+) and wanted to get some advice on my selection.

I do web development, design, and photography for a living. My priorities here are excellent colour reproduction, good contrast (my laptop screen right now is horrible at white vs near white), and text readability. Watching movies and playing games are secondary pursuits, so I don't really mind the response times being a little higher, but I'd prefer something decent in that respect.

Max I want to spend is $500, but could be cajoled into more if it's going to suit my needs.

I'm leaning towards the Samsung 215TW, as it seems to fit all of my needs.

Any other monitors you would recommend? I'm willing to spend a bit more if it's going to make a big difference?

The 215TW indeed sounds great for your needs. Yes you could of course always go for the 20WMGX2 (in fact if I were you I'd save up for the NEC though to be honest I haven't seen the 215TW in person). Bottom line: doubt you'll be disappointed with either of them. I do tend to lean toward the stance that spending a little more (like 30% of the 215TW) to get the NEC is worth it. Better response time, less input lag, more vibrant colors. You do get the glossy/reflective screen which carries its advantages and disadvantages as you're probably aware.

 

[Starbuck1975]

Yes I try to keep up with the 22" LCDs out there. The L226WT is still the best option. I don't have much to say about the Gateway in particular as it's just one of about 20 22" models. But as far as I can tell, the L226WT is in a class of its own with regards to image quality among the 22" models. LG has always made good TN panels and this model is no exception.

Does your recommendation of the L226WT also fall above the Samsung 226BW? I still can't find the 226BW in any stores, but I have seen the L226WT. Maybe it was the way Best Buy had the L226WT setup, but the Gateway did look better than the LG to my eyes.

I only ask about the 226BW because user reviews coming in thus far speak rather highly of the 226BW.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975

Yes I try to keep up with the 22" LCDs out there. The L226WT is still the best option. I don't have much to say about the Gateway in particular as it's just one of about 20 22" models. But as far as I can tell, the L226WT is in a class of its own with regards to image quality among the 22" models. LG has always made good TN panels and this model is no exception.

Does your recommendation of the L226WT also fall above the Samsung 226BW? I still can't find the 226BW in any stores, but I have seen the L226WT. Maybe it was the way Best Buy had the L226WT setup, but the Gateway did look better than the LG to my eyes.

I only ask about the 226BW because user reviews coming in thus far speak rather highly of the 226BW.

Yup, L226WT>Samsung 226BW from what I know. LG TNs tend to look better than Samsung TNs, so that can be used as a "precedent" also. They tend to have more accurate gamma.

 

[JMoore]

I have reviewed the LCD buyers guide and some other threads on this forum, but I still find I have a few questions.

One of my questions is whether or not I should go 19"-20"lcd. I am building a new computer in April, but don't want to spend 300$ on a graphics card. I was thinking of getting the 8600gts, or maybe the 320mb 8800 gts. So my question is whether I should go with the 20", or would I be safer to go with the 19" as it will last me longer. I do not plan on replacing my gfx card anytime soon, but i am not a hardcore gamer either.

The next question I have is if any of you know of a good monitor for text/ normal web-browsing/gaming. I wanted to go with the Dell 2007wfp, especially since it has height adjustment, but I do not want to go with the panel lottery. I was then thinking of going with a ViewSonic VX2025WM, but is there something newer I could buy instead? The Acer AL2051W also crossed my mind since the text reproduction was suppoosed to be good as well as its uses for multimedia, but the glossy screen puts me off. I use my computer in a room with lots of lighting so I was thinking the glare would be bad? Is that true?

Do any of you have any reccomendations for a good monitor. Preferably my monitor would

1.) Have height adjustment (HUGE plus for me, makes me want to go with dell)
2.) monitor that reproduces text well. I read a lot of documents/ web browse/ and read on my computer most of the time
3.) I want to do some light-med gaming on my comp

Edit: Currently own a Dell Utrasharp 17" monitor. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: JMoore
I have reviewed the LCD buyers guide and some other threads on this forum, but I still find I have a few questions.

One of my questions is whether or not I should go 19"-20"lcd. I am building a new computer in April, but don't want to spend 300$ on a graphics card. I was thinking of getting the 8600gts, or maybe the 320mb 8800 gts. So my question is whether I should go with the 20", or would I be safer to go with the 19" as it will last me longer. I do not plan on replacing my gfx card anytime soon, but i am not a hardcore gamer either.

Either of those cards should provide smooth gaming at 1680x1050 or 1600x1200, no? I say go for the 20" (i.e. 4:3 HP LP2065 or 16:10 Acer AL2051W).

The next question I have is if any of you know of a good monitor for text/ normal web-browsing/gaming. I wanted to go with the Dell 2007wfp, especially since it has height adjustment, but I do not want to go with the panel lottery. I was then thinking of going with a ViewSonic VX2025WM, but is there something newer I could buy instead? The Acer AL2051W also crossed my mind since the text reproduction was suppoosed to be good as well as its uses for multimedia, but the glossy screen puts me off. I use my computer in a room with lots of lighting so I was thinking the glare would be bad? Is that true?

It probably would reflect a lot of light but why not change around the lighting style a bit (unless that's not feasible)? Given the choice I'd sooner redo the room's lighting and get a glossy panel than deal with a normal panel again.

Do any of you have any reccomendations for a good monitor. Preferably my monitor would

1.) Have height adjustment (HUGE plus for me, makes me want to go with dell)
2.) monitor that reproduces text well. I read a lot of documents/ web browse/ and read on my computer most of the time
3.) I want to do some light-med gaming on my comp

I'd actually get the VX2025WM sooner than the AL2051W if you can find it anywhere, but that doesn't seem to be the case in the US. I would come up with another solution for height adjustment as your options would be way too limited.

The LP2065 (according to CNET) offers 5 in. of height adjustment and it's a non-glossy panel so maybe that's what you should go for anyways. Text reproduction should be great.

Edit: Currently own a Dell Utrasharp 17" monitor. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JMoore]

Thanks for your help Knight. You gave me alot to think about. I think immma go with the 20 WS, and just check out a glossy panel at BB to see how it looks. If it looks good the Acer may be it for me, though I can't change the lighting in my room (in a college dorm)

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: JMoore
Thanks for your help Knight. You gave me alot to think about. I think immma go with the 20 WS, and just check out a glossy panel at BB to see how it looks. If it looks good the Acer may be it for me, though I can't change the lighting in my room (in a college dorm)

Just keep in mind that BB tends to have pretty bright ambient lights so the reflection will be even worse there. But observe the positive qualities of the glossy panel.

 

[Arjunne]

Well, I just thought I would post here to note that, after a few days of use, it appears my LCD has some banding (I believe?) Issues. When I look at the gradient test (colour gradients v.3), about two inches from the right side of the screen (as they get brighter) there is a completely uniform bar of colour down the monitor. I don't know if there's anything I can do about this - I mean, I don't notice it when I'm using the monitor daily - but is this something to warrant a return? I've used all of the factory setting changes... none seem to affect it. It wasn't there when I brought it home - and now it definitely is. Seems like buying an LCD is not as simple as it should be, unfortunately.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Arjunne
Well, I just thought I would post here to note that, after a few days of use, it appears my LCD has some banding (I believe?) Issues. When I look at the gradient test (colour gradients v.3), about two inches from the right side of the screen (as they get brighter) there is a completely uniform bar of colour down the monitor. I don't know if there's anything I can do about this - I mean, I don't notice it when I'm using the monitor daily - but is this something to warrant a return? I've used all of the factory setting changes... none seem to affect it. It wasn't there when I brought it home - and now it definitely is. Seems like buying an LCD is not as simple as it should be, unfortunately.

Which LCD? If there was a big band of color it is indeed serious banding and I would use another LCD. It could just be a setting, as it wouldn't just randomly appear.

 

[Arjunne]

Its an Acer 2216... and yeah, it is completely down the right side - about two inches off the side. Looks like a line running right down the screen. Looks like it'll be going back (second one, best buy is gonna be pleased haha). Maybe I'll just find something else - not going to bring a third home. Maybe I'll try an LG 226WT

 

[werdna130]

I guess it might be better for me to post this here for your help xtknight

I'm trying to find a new LCD for my computer with a bunch of preferences.

I want to be able to play PC games (on a high end E6600, 8800GTX, etc. system) and watch HDTV (from a Comcast, or Dish Network, etc. service) on the same LCD, but not necessarily at the same time. Picture in/by Picture is a big bonus though.

I'm interested in the 22" range, and I have looked at several monitors.

I like the ViewSonic VG2230wm 22" LCD for reliability and performance, but it doesn't support any HDTV inputs like Component, or HDMI.

I found this Sceptre x22wg-Gamer LCD too, for a cheaper price, and it includes HDMI, but this LCD seems to have a lot of bad reviews and is not made by such a mainstream company like ViewSonic.

So does anyone know a solution for doing what I'm talking about?

Any help would be much appreciated, and this being my first post, I'm excited to become a part of this forum.

 

[Arjunne]

Well - upon some last minute fiddling around with my video card settings, I got the bars to go away - I found that the contrast was too high. It now looks beautiful, and I definitely won't be returning the monitor. Thankfully - cause I was getting tired of the sight of futureshop/Best Buy!

 

[Sokratz]

I decided to give it a go with the 20WMGX2. After about 30 mins of use and getting all the drivers etc. I'm pretty excited. I do have one dark pixel that kind of stands out because it's right next to the clock on the taskbar.

You mentioned that I should calibrate this baby and something about ADVM? I see some tests on your website but how things should be, and what I should do to get them there are two different things

Now i haven't exactly *read* the manual so could you point me to somewhere that has some good info?

Much appreciated and thanks again for keeping this thread going.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: werdna130
I guess it might be better for me to post this here for your help xtknight

I'm trying to find a new LCD for my computer with a bunch of preferences.

I want to be able to play PC games (on a high end E6600, 8800GTX, etc. system) and watch HDTV (from a Comcast, or Dish Network, etc. service) on the same LCD, but not necessarily at the same time. Picture in/by Picture is a big bonus though.

I'm interested in the 22" range, and I have looked at several monitors.

I like the ViewSonic VG2230wm 22" LCD for reliability and performance, but it doesn't support any HDTV inputs like Component, or HDMI.

I found this Sceptre x22wg-Gamer LCD too, for a cheaper price, and it includes HDMI, but this LCD seems to have a lot of bad reviews and is not made by such a mainstream company like ViewSonic.

So does anyone know a solution for doing what I'm talking about?

Any help would be much appreciated, and this being my first post, I'm excited to become a part of this forum.

I don't actually know of any 22" LCDs with component/S-Video/composite inputs. But, you could hook up the PC via DVI and the HDTV tuner via VGA. If your tuner doesn't output VGA I believe component->VGA transcoders are available. Most 22" LCDs have both DVI/VGA inputs.

Originally posted by: Sokratz
I decided to give it a go with the 20WMGX2. After about 30 mins of use and getting all the drivers etc. I'm pretty excited. I do have one dark pixel that kind of stands out because it's right next to the clock on the taskbar.

You mentioned that I should calibrate this baby and something about ADVM? I see some tests on your website but how things should be, and what I should do to get them there are two different things

Now i haven't exactly *read* the manual so could you point me to somewhere that has some good info?

Much appreciated and thanks again for keeping this thread going.

Well, calibration without a colorimeter isn't really easy. You can get it to reasonably decent settings without a colorimeter, sometimes.

I like these settings:

Brightness: 27.3
Contrast: 56.0
ADVM: Off
DV Mode: Standard

You might like ADVM On if you don't have a colorimeter.