LCD Buyer's Guide

[adamsleath]

also a nice site for the latest on tft's:
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/news.htm#2407wfp-hc
OLED, LED backlighting...etc.

 

[adamsleath]

http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail...%20inch%20and%20above_L226WTX-BF.jhtml

just a link to the website for l226wtx-bf...

http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail...ws%20vista%20certified_L226WT-BF.jhtml - another different page; note the "x" is missing ...

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/prodde...&catid&test%5Fcookie=1&test%5Fcookie=1 - this retailer lists: l226wt-sf...lol ...: lg's website has the specifications for the l204wt-bf attached to their page for l226wt-sf: dodgy?
still looking... i see the l206wtq-bf also....: http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail...%20monitors_20%20inch_L206WTQ-BF.jhtml

...comparing l226wtx-bf...l226wt-bf...l206wtq-bf

ok first thing i see is that the "x" version says 5ms, while the other two say 2ms.

the "q" version lists DPMS POWER CONSUMPTION as 34W.... vs 45W for the others.

the "x" version lists anti-glare hardcoating (3H) while the others do not..

that is all i can see from lg's spec.'s.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: adamsleath
226bw...what is the best panel and can you ensure you get that particular panel when you are buying a samsung 226bw...?

I read somewhere that the S-type panel for 226bw was the one to get...? just heresay.

Also; regarding the NEC GX2...you will let us know if there is a better lcd in that pricerange for high quality/response i hope

tft's seem to have evolved rapidly..even in the past year.

Yes you'd want the "S" panel. I'd definitely let you know if there is anything better than the GX2, but as it stands there is not.

Originally posted by: pdawg1717
226BW "C" panel vs. LG 226WT

The Best Buy near me has nothing but "C" panels...I can get the LG for almost the same price...being a "C" panel does that mean it does not have the same Samsung electronics inside? If I can't get an "S" panel does that make the LG the no-brainer choice?

LG is an easy choice. Even if it was an "S" panel I'd get the L226WT. "C" means it has a Chi Mei panel, relatively poor quality.

Originally posted by: trexpesto
Which one of these monitors: HP LP1965 or Viewsonic VP930b ?
or suggestions for best non-wide 19" around $300

Oh the 2065 is on sale

VP930b or 2065 (2065 if it comes down to that). The 1965 is an older MVA while the VP930b is more current. The LP2065 is an S-IPS.

Originally posted by: Cookie Monster
When is the samsung 245T coming out?

I finally got the money to buy a decent screen, (~1000USD) and since i will using it in the lounge, ill be needing a monitor with great viewing angle, colour, and size.

245T looks nice after watching a clip of it using some sort of overdrive that kills all motion blur. Cant wait for this puppy though. Any other suggestions at a 24inch screen? my selection is pretty limited since im back in NZ. So some of the models especially NEC is not available here.

I don't really think the 245T is worth it (isn't it a TN?) Not sure when it's coming out. I wouldn't really get my hopes up that much if it's a TN. I'd stick to the tried and true BenQ FP241W, Dell 2407WFP, LG L246WP, etc.

Originally posted by: arcarsenal
Hey xtknight and all,

Your lcd buyer's guide has really influenced my buying decision. I've been thinking of buying the samsung 205bw for word processing & browsing mainly, as it's the highest ranked screen, that is affordable or available in Austraila.

However, the 206bw is now available and I'm torn between the two.
They can be bought for about the same price.
I realise the 206bw has a better response & better contrast, but I was interested to know if it used a samsung panel, and would it be quite similar, or better/worse than the 205bw for my needs?

Thanks.
I apologise if similar info has been posted, I attempted to search the thread & no results appeared.

I would easily try the 206BW. Regardless of what your needs may be, I'm willing to bet it's quite a bit better than the 205BW, actually. I haven't listed it yet as I'm not 100% positive. I'm the type of person to take a gamble and not mind the possible restocking fee, so if you're like me give the 206BW a test run. The 226BW is miles ahead of the 225BW.

Originally posted by: pdawg1717
I've heard conflicting info on whether the LG L226WT uses their own panel or if it's chimei like most/all of the other 22" lcds...anyone here know for sure? I recently got a 226BW but it's a "C" panel so I figure if I'm paying a premium for a Samsung that actually has the same panel as cheaper 22" lcds, I might as well pay the same money for the LG if it uses a better panel...

I am 100% sure that at least one variant of the the LG L226WT contains a TN panel from LG/Philips LCD. I have seen others registered with the FCC that look like they have a Chi Mei panel although I haven't had any reports of them being widespread. I have heard twice that the Q models have considerably worse response time (so that may be the CMO variant). Bottom line: if it comes down to things, you've got better luck going with the LG.

I got my L226WT from Circuit City and I am very certain through comprehensive testing that it has had no such ghosting problems, but I haven't actually checked if it was the Q model or not.

Originally posted by: biostud
how do you identify which version of the panel you get with a Samsung 226bw?

"A" on the serial number sticker = "AU Optronics", "C" = "Chi Mei Optoelectronics", "S" = "S-LCD (Samsung)". Check HardForums for more details.

Originally posted by: gneGne
Hi, I'm mainly more of a "competitive" gamer. With this I mean I like to play my games based on performing. My main games are: Warcraft III, StarCraft: Brood Wars and Counter-Strike 1.6. So low ms is pretty important for me.
However, I am now looking at 20inch widescreen LCDs or 19inch regular LCDs. I want to know if I will be having any problems with these games.
My eyes fell on Samsung screens specifically, the 206bw and the 931c.

The 931C's response time isn't so great (check X-Bit Labs; goes up to 35 ms). Go for the 206BW (which should be reasonably fast) but if you're extremely serious about response time then the NEC 90GX2, Samsung 940BF, BenQ FP93GX may be considerably faster in some instances. The 90GX2 is the best deal IMO as you get one of the fastest panels and a glossy screen. Still, the 940BF and FP93GX maintain the speed crown (but only by like a millisecond). Either get the 206BW or 90GX2, IMO (90GX2 if you want true speed). I'm guessing the 206BW response time is max ~25msec while the 90GX2's is around ~15 max at worst (though probably ~10msec).

Originally posted by: KevinC
Xtknight,
have you had a chance to look at the new HPw2207?? It seems as though many people are now thinking that it's the top 22" out now.

link

I've heard of it; I'm just not convinced. The L226WT will hold the crown for awhile now, I'm guessing. I think the HP uses a Chi Mei but that's just a guess. I'll have to see but I don't believe HP has used and LPL TNs before. Again I'll be on the look-out.

Originally posted by: Duke79
Is anyone familiar with the differences between the LG Electronics L226WTX-BF and the LG Electronics L226WT?

I have searched the Internet and the LG website without finding the "X" model listed. I have read in this thread about the "Q" model, but nothing about the "X" model. I'm getting ready to make a purchase and don't want to make a mistake.

The L226WTX-BF is sold at NE for $20 more than the L226WT at BB. I am wondering if there is an actual difference in performance between the two models that would make the difference worth the extra cost.

I have no idea, although perhaps the information on the "X" will flow in over the next few days as it did with the "Q". My advice: avoid all variants and just get the true LG L226WT whenever in doubt. Don't save $20-80 and end up with a piece of crap; get something tried and true.

As for the "DPMS power consumption" that just means its standby/idle mode (not ON or OFF).

 

[xtknight]

The 245B (US: 245BW?) is a TN, although the 245T is a S-PVA (reasonably certain) claiming 3000:1 contrast. We'll have to see how the RTA (Response Time Accelerator) tech turns out...not sure if they're using the MPA tech in the 245T or not (the more advanced frame-insertion technique).

 

[adamsleath]

LG L226WT 5ms 22"WS LG.Philips TN Film (LM220WE1)

i wonder if this is correct and for which variants?

spec taken from: http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/

MPA - mobile picture acceleration...

BFI - black frame insertion.

http://www.behardware.com/news/8705/cebit-lcd-samsung-mpa-or-rta.html
245T

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: adamsleath
LG L226WT 5ms 22"WS LG.Philips TN Film (LM220WE1)

i wonder if this is correct and for which variants?

spec taken from: http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/

Well from what I can tell from the FCC registration info for several of their models:

L226
*WTQS - LPL
*WPA - CMO
*WTM - CMO
*WTMQ - LPL
*WTQBF - ??????? no FCC ID yet

 

[adamsleath]

http://www.lgphilips-lcd.com/homeContain/jsp/eng/prd/prd200_j_e.jsp - lg-philips panels.

- mmm 26" 92% colour gamut, 5ms GTG

24" only 72%

 

[pdawg1717]

I'm struggling to decide which one of these to keep because they both have their pros/cons:

LG L226WT pros:

1) Better color representation of purple (HP looks almost blue - maybe LG is just better calibrated out of the box?)
2) Better contrast level (gray scale ramp from black to white is broader)
3) Better visual quality on text (HP has a slight green tinge around text when there is black text on a lighter grey/white background - not so bad if looking at the monitor straight on)
4) Less backlight bleed at bottom of screen (maybe 1/2 inch less)

HP W2207 pros:

1) Much less banding
2) Better stand (height and pivot adjustable)
3) Glossy screen adds some "pop" to images (LG just looks more "dull" although maybe it's a more accurate image?)

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: pdawg1717
I'm struggling to decide which one of these to keep because they both have their pros/cons:

LG pros:

1) Better color representation of purple (HP looks almost blue - maybe LG is just better calibrated out of the box?)
2) Better contrast level (gray scale ramp from black to white is broader)
3) Better visual quality on text (HP has a slight green tinge around text when there is black text on a lighter grey/white background - not so bad if looking at the monitor straight on)
4) Less backlight bleed at bottom of screen (maybe 1/2 inch less)
HP pros:

1) Much less banding
2) Better stand
3) Glossy screen adds some "pop" to images (LG just looks more "dull" although maybe it's a more accurate image?)

Which LG and HP are you speaking of?

 

[pdawg1717]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: pdawg1717
I'm struggling to decide which one of these to keep because they both have their pros/cons:

LG pros:

1) Better color representation of purple (HP looks almost blue - maybe LG is just better calibrated out of the box?)
2) Better contrast level (gray scale ramp from black to white is broader)
3) Better visual quality on text (HP has a slight green tinge around text when there is black text on a lighter grey/white background - not so bad if looking at the monitor straight on)
4) Less backlight bleed at bottom of screen (maybe 1/2 inch less)
HP pros:

1) Much less banding
2) Better stand
3) Glossy screen adds some "pop" to images (LG just looks more "dull" although maybe it's a more accurate image?)

Which LG and HP are you speaking of?

Sorry....LG L226WT and HP W2207...I edited it above...

And btw xtknight: I might be being dense here but your settings for the LG include using sRGB with a contrast of 65 yet once I set it to sRGB I cannot change the contrast level...and when using sRGB did you adjust the R,G, and B levels and what were those values?

 

[adamsleath]

if you have 2 panels with the same spec. s on paper, one of which is a samsung panel, the other of which is an lg-philips panel, which one would be "better"?

Are LG-Philips panels made in Europe?...oo Europe AND Asia.

 

[FireChicken]

Any Idea when the higher refresh rate monitors (75hz+) are coming out. Thanks

 

[ElFenix]

any 23" S-IPS other than apple's? can't imagine that no one else is buying those from the manufacturer.

seems like the NEC is the only 24" S-IPS.

 

[adamsleath]

nec are the ants pants :lol:

 

[arcarsenal]

Originally posted by: xtknight

I would easily try the 206BW. Regardless of what your needs may be, I'm willing to bet it's quite a bit better than the 205BW, actually. I haven't listed it yet as I'm not 100% positive. I'm the type of person to take a gamble and not mind the possible restocking fee, so if you're like me give the 206BW a test run. The 226BW is miles ahead of the 225BW.

I finally came to the decision, to bite the bullet and buy a 206bw. However, because of the A and S panel lottery, I've been trying to find a shop who is willing to open one before I buy it. I've had no luck, no one is willing to do this and samsung won't help either.

I'm thinking of going for the LG 204WT ($330AU) compared to $400-$450AU for the 206bw. But LG's dead pixel policy requires 6 dead pixels to warrant a replacement, compared to the 1 dead pixel of samsung.

In your opinion, is the LG a better multi-use monitor than the 205bw? It can be had for less cash at least. But LG's policy frightens me.

Thanks again for your time.

 

[adamsleath]

LG L204WT 5ms 20"WS LG.Philips TN Film (LM201WE3-TN) or Chunghwa Picture Tubes TN Film (CLAA200WB01)

..also a panel lottery...

 

[arcarsenal]

Originally posted by: adamsleath
LG L204WT 5ms 20"WS LG.Philips TN Film (LM201WE3-TN) or Chunghwa Picture Tubes TN Film (CLAA200WB01)

..also a panel lottery...

Ahh, thanks for the info. Also, according to Hardforums the 205bw has either a Samsung (LTM201M2) TN or Chunghwa Picture Tubes TN (CLAA200WB01).

A lottery on every monitor I was looking at.. Boy it's not getting any easier

 

[Duke79]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Duke79
Is anyone familiar with the differences between the LG Electronics L226WTX-BF and the LG Electronics L226WT?

I have searched the Internet and the LG website without finding the "X" model listed. I have read in this thread about the "Q" model, but nothing about the "X" model. I'm getting ready to make a purchase and don't want to make a mistake.

The L226WTX-BF is sold at NE for $20 more than the L226WT at BB. I am wondering if there is an actual difference in performance between the two models that would make the difference worth the extra cost.

I have no idea, although perhaps the information on the "X" will flow in over the next few days as it did with the "Q". My advice: avoid all variants and just get the true LG L226WT whenever in doubt. Don't save $20-80 and end up with a piece of crap; get something tried and true.

As for the "DPMS power consumption" that just means its standby/idle mode (not ON or OFF).

Thanks for your assistance! I had no idea it was going to be so difficult to obtain information about the varients of the LG L226WT* models. I appreciate the work that adamsleath and xtknight have provided.

I am surprised that the "WTX" model costs more at NE than the plain "WT" model at BB. Usually it is the other way around.

Hopefully more information will surface about these variants that will more clearly detail the differences.

 

[errto]

I was looking at the 23" and 24" LCDs (I would actually prefer 23 but it seems there are a lot more options with 24) and two that caught my attention were the BenQ FP241W and HP LP2465. Height adjustment is important to me, more on the lower end than the higer: in particular I'm ruling out the Samsung 244T because its minimum height seems to high for me (my desk has a built-in monitor stand I can't easily remove, but this may change at some point). However, I do *not* care about Component/S-Video/HDMI inputs or PiP as I will be only using this as a monitor, not a TV. I also would prefer a non-black enclosure. Given that I'm tempted to go with the HP, but I am wondering: does the BenQ (or perhaps some other model) offer compelling advantages other than the ones I just mentioned?

 

[adamsleath]

http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?t=33888494 - some more "stuff" on lg L206WTQ-BF

there's also an lg l226wtq apparently.

Personally; i would like to know exactly what panel i am getting, and that it IS a philips-lg or samsung or nec panel.

Nec use a samsung panel in their GX90 ...the 19" mentioned by xtknight for very fast response time....NEC MultiSync 90GX2 Pro 2ms G2G 19" Samsung TN Film (LTM190EX)

Nec use samsung and lg-philips panels aswell as their own panels, and with a few models they have used AU Optronics.

 

[gneGne]

Originally posted by: gneGne
Hi, I'm mainly more of a "competitive" gamer. With this I mean I like to play my games based on performing. My main games are: Warcraft III, StarCraft: Brood Wars and Counter-Strike 1.6. So low ms is pretty important for me.
However, I am now looking at 20inch widescreen LCDs or 19inch regular LCDs. I want to know if I will be having any problems with these games.
My eyes fell on Samsung screens specifically, the 206bw and the 931c.

Someone? Please?

 

[adamsleath]

i read this from page 199 from xtknight's answer...


quote:
Originally posted by: gneGne
Hi, I'm mainly more of a "competitive" gamer. With this I mean I like to play my games based on performing. My main games are: Warcraft III, StarCraft: Brood Wars and Counter-Strike 1.6. So low ms is pretty important for me.
However, I am now looking at 20inch widescreen LCDs or 19inch regular LCDs. I want to know if I will be having any problems with these games.
My eyes fell on Samsung screens specifically, the 206bw and the 931c.



The 931C's response time isn't so great (check X-Bit Labs; goes up to 35 ms). Go for the 206BW (which should be reasonably fast) but if you're extremely serious about response time then the NEC 90GX2, Samsung 940BF, BenQ FP93GX may be considerably faster in some instances. The 90GX2 is the best deal IMO as you get one of the fastest panels and a glossy screen. Still, the 940BF and FP93GX maintain the speed crown (but only by like a millisecond). Either get the 206BW or 90GX2, IMO (90GX2 if you want true speed). I'm guessing the 206BW response time is max ~25msec while the 90GX2's is around ~15 max at worst (though probably ~10msec).

...xtknight reckons the nec 90gx2 is fast...so that wood be my pick - it is around $600 aud.

Samsung 940BX 5ms G2G 19" Samsung TN Film (LTM190EX) - uses the same panel as the nec 90gx2...

looking at samsung 940bf
http://i4u.digitaltrends.com/review3541_main17713_page3.html ?? - maybe not


Benqfp93gx - AMA advanced motion accelerator

http://www.mobilewhack.com/computers/review/benq_fp93gx_19_inch_lcd_monitor.html

Benqfp93gx+
http://www.look4hardware.com/3496_BenQF....html?gclid=CIeMobvghIwCFR1BggodlyEXyw

http://www.shopbot.com.au/p-16817.html - benqfp93gx - around $400aud.
looks to me like the fastest with imo better chassis quality than the samsung 940bf...

http://www.benq-eu.com/products/LCD/?product=608&page=specifications
BenQ FP93GX 2ms G2G 19" AU Optronics TN Film ( M190EG02)


Samsung 931C seems impressive on paper...the 97% color gamut impresses me.
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review4060_specs20309.html
- should be able to get one for around 350aud...

i admit that is the first panel that caught my eye recently aswell...
big on color and contrast...not sure about the cons though. ...i suppose i am a bit dubious because it is priced so cheap...

i wood say my preferences wood be.:
1 NEC GX2 - build quality+performance.
2 Samsung 931C - color/contrast
3 Benq FP93GX - speed.


i am more into picture quality than speed.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: adamsleath
if you have 2 panels with the same spec. s on paper, one of which is a samsung panel, the other of which is an lg-philips panel, which one would be "better"?

Are LG-Philips panels made in Europe?...oo Europe AND Asia.

I believe LG Philips panels are made in only South Korea but I could be wrong.

Generally LG Philips makes panels that have better display characteristics than the Samsungs.

Edit:

As of December 31, 2006 we operate seven fabrication facilities located in Gumi and Paju, Korea and five module facilities located in Gumi & Paju of Korea, Nanjing (3 factories) of China. We plan to start mass production at module facility in Wroclaw, Poland in the first quarter of 2007.

( http://www.lgphilips-lcd.com/adminConta...%20Yearly%20Report_(070330)_final1.pdf )

Originally posted by: FireChicken
Any Idea when the higher refresh rate monitors (75hz+) are coming out. Thanks

I don't believe they will be. Although so-called "120 Hz" LCDs will be forthcoming, these just input a 60 Hz and interpolate to smooth the motion. In other words, their DSP can't receive anything higher than a 60 Hz refresh rate like most LCDs.

There are a couple LCDs that can input 75 Hz although they may use frame discarding to 'convert' it to 60 Hz, which may cause jittering in the picture. My ViewSonic VP930b seemed to support it without problems and I used it regularly. Some of LG's monitors like the L2000C may support 72 Hz without trouble, and it's been rumored than some Dell ones do 75 Hz fine when forced. Some monitors, the Samsung 970P is the only one I know of, have problems using 75 Hz that result in a lower response time (the overdrive look-up table for that mode is not populated).

Originally posted by: ElFenix
any 23" S-IPS other than apple's? can't imagine that no one else is buying those from the manufacturer.

seems like the NEC is the only 24" S-IPS.

Search for "LM230" here (though I don't believe availability is anything to write home about when it comes to big-screen S-IPS panels):

http://www.flatpanels.dk/panels.php

Originally posted by: arcarsenal

Originally posted by: xtknight

I would easily try the 206BW. Regardless of what your needs may be, I'm willing to bet it's quite a bit better than the 205BW, actually. I haven't listed it yet as I'm not 100% positive. I'm the type of person to take a gamble and not mind the possible restocking fee, so if you're like me give the 206BW a test run. The 226BW is miles ahead of the 225BW.

I finally came to the decision, to bite the bullet and buy a 206bw. However, because of the A and S panel lottery, I've been trying to find a shop who is willing to open one before I buy it. I've had no luck, no one is willing to do this and samsung won't help either.

I'm thinking of going for the LG 204WT ($330AU) compared to $400-$450AU for the 206bw. But LG's dead pixel policy requires 6 dead pixels to warrant a replacement, compared to the 1 dead pixel of samsung.

In your opinion, is the LG a better multi-use monitor than the 205bw? It can be had for less cash at least. But LG's policy frightens me.

Thanks again for your time.

I wasn't aware the 206BW was part of a panel lottery (only the 226BW). And like has been said below, I'm not sure if you'll be any safer with the L204WT since it's also part of a lottery but what monitor isn't these days? I haven't heard of any bad L204WTs yet so maybe both panels are competent. I'm not sure which is the better of the two (the Chunghwa or the LG Philips) but if I had to hazard the guess it would be the LG Philips. You're actually lucky to have a 1 dead pixel policy, and 6 isn't bad compared to the typical 8 or 10 in the US. They just can't offer us any better policies because we buy too many monitors!

And yes, I do believe that the L204WT is superior to anything Samsung has to offer but that is just based off reading stuff on the web more than anything else.

Originally posted by: Duke79
Thanks for your assistance! I had no idea it was going to be so difficult to obtain information about the varients of the LG L226WT* models. I appreciate the work that adamsleath and xtknight have provided.

I am surprised that the "WTX" model costs more at NE than the plain "WT" model at BB. Usually it is the other way around.

Hopefully more information will surface about these variants that will more clearly detail the differences.

I'm attempting to get info on how to access the service menu for LG L22* monitors (just needed a Polish phrase translated):

"Zeby przekonac sie jaka Ty masz wersje sprobuj wejsc w menu serwisowe LG (wylacz monitor, wlacz ponownie trzymajac wczesniej wcisniety klawisz/klawisze, zazwyczaj jest to key MENU)" ( http://forum.purepc.pl/index.php?s=f446...205766&st=1470&p=2515588&#entry2515588 )

From an online translation it seems like it says "this may void warranty; turn off monitor, press power button to ON and hold, then press MENU and a screen should appear".

I've checked the FCC's grantee database and no more IDs have been added for the 226 monitor under LG's manufacturer code ("BEJ") than I had previously posted.

Originally posted by: errto
I was looking at the 23" and 24" LCDs (I would actually prefer 23 but it seems there are a lot more options with 24) and two that caught my attention were the BenQ FP241W and HP LP2465. Height adjustment is important to me, more on the lower end than the higer: in particular I'm ruling out the Samsung 244T because its minimum height seems to high for me (my desk has a built-in monitor stand I can't easily remove, but this may change at some point). However, I do *not* care about Component/S-Video/HDMI inputs or PiP as I will be only using this as a monitor, not a TV. I also would prefer a non-black enclosure. Given that I'm tempted to go with the HP, but I am wondering: does the BenQ (or perhaps some other model) offer compelling advantages other than the ones I just mentioned?

The BenQ offers HDMI input and it uses a P-MVA panel. The HP LP2465 uses a Samsung panel, probably the same one in the Dell or other Samsung-based LCDs. Many sources say the P-MVA offers better color reproduction and backlight uniformity, so I would take that into account. On the pure monitor side of things I can't think of anything else the BenQ would be better at. It may have more scaling options (1:1, etc) but if I read your post correctly you don't care about these. It may also sport a faster response time than the HP but may have more input lag. Both companies offer three year warranties for their 24" LCDs.

BenQ's warranty PDF

HP LP2465 warranty (though it seems you can get 4 years): Limited 3 years parts, labour and on-site service, including backlight. Availability varies by region. Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. For details, contact HP Customer Support or Service

You may also consider the LG L246WP although the BenQ seems to offer everything you want already so if I were you I'd just avoid the confusion and stick with the BenQ (of which I'm more confident recommending than the LG that uses the same panel).

 

[adamsleath]

ok; my main question regarding lcd panels (and "coatings/filters") is the pixelation factor..

The one factor that prevents me from buying an LCD is visible pixellation... I have yet to see an LCD where i dont find myself staring at "jagged" pixels.
Even with a 30" apple at maximum res i still notice pixellation.


However; i did notice on a laptop i viewed in a store once that it used some sort of coating/filter that seemed to "hide" the pixellation, and to me that was pleasing.


The question this leads me to ask is: are there any coatings that reduce visible pixellation, and also do highly reflective panels or less reflective panels make a difference in this respect?

(it is the old aperture grille type of technique i am referring to used in crt's for many years to "smooth" the picture), i know with crt's the aperture grilles tend to darken the screen somewhat; which is a downside.

 

[xtknight]

Misc. info:

It's recently come to my attention that the HP 2207 actually has a glossy screen (HP BrightView). That's certainly a new thing in 22" LCDs and I will likely add this to the recommendations very soon. Whether I should put it above the LG or not will require a bit more research. I'm a bit hesitant since I've used the LG 22" first hand and I loved it.

Samsung panel lottery (what to look for on back sticker):

• `A` (AUO) Panel: Back Panel / Service Menu
• `S` (Samsung/S-LCD) Panel: Back Panel / Service Menu; believed to be the best panel
• `C` (Chi Mei) Panel [seems to be 225BW]: Back Panel

LG panel lottery (what model number should I get and where should I buy from?)

• "Flatron L226WT-SF"/FCC ID BEJL226WTM Back Panel / Internal Pics: CMO M220Z1-L01 Rev. C1 (TN)
  Retailers: unknown
  
• "Flatron L226WT-BF"/FCC ID BEJL226WTM - This is the L226WT that I got from Circuit City, and it apparently contains a Chi Mei panel. I've confirmed that it does not have ghosting problems. It was manufactured in Jan 2007.
  Retailers: Circuit City

Circuit City sells both the L226WT and L226WTQ* (e.g. L226WTQ-BF) depending on stock conditions. It will say on the sticker on the side of the box.

Q models may use a different panel or DSP with a lower-precision overdrive look-up table. More details.

Variants:

L226WT (Believed to be the same as L226WTX, fine)
L226WTX (Should be fine, UPC 719192183179): Specs
L226WTQ (Ghosting issues, UPC 719192183360): Specs

* The `Q` models seem to have LG Philips TN panels inside them, and these seem to be the ones with ghosting problems!

Other, unknown:

L226WTM (Has speakers, believed to be fine)
L226WA (Multimedia/video input model)
L226WT-BF
L226WT-SF
L226WT-WF
L226WTQ-BF
L226WTX-BF

* -BF, -SF, and -WF suffixes haven't been known to affect the panel.

Samsung 226BW service menu:

1. Adjust the brightness and contrast to 0
2. Press Menu
3. Press source (second on the right)for 5 seconds
You will see the "service function" menu. Focus on the "Panel info"
AU M220EW01 means from A
AM LCD220M1 means from S
4. aby wyjsc z menu wylaczamy monitor.(?)

LG L226WT service menu:

In the process of being translated, but it may be this:
(May void warranty)

1. Turn off monitor.
2. Press and hold POWER, press MENU concurrently.

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Hopefully more info to come and more clarification.