LCD Buyer's Guide

[LukeAP]

Originally posted by: Germonicus
I've just bought an NEC Multisync 20WGX2 20.1" widescreen LCD monitor.My first LCD and as far as I can tell the display looks fine,however,I've read a lot about "dead pixels" etc and I've no idea how to detect these.

Is there a way to see if I have dead pixels or is it a case of "if you can't see any,it's ok"?

Pixels can be stuck either on or off, so check with a white background and a dark background. But as far as diagnosis goes, you put it perfectly yourself; if you can't see them, they are not there.

 

[TecHNooB]

Quick question on the NEC 20WMGX2. If there is a -BK at the end, is that the version that has HDCP support? On PCNation, they have both, one with and one without the -BK.

 

[Germonicus]

Originally posted by: TecHNooB
Quick question on the NEC 20WMGX2. If there is a -BK at the end, is that the version that has HDCP support? On PCNation, they have both, one with and one without the -BK.

The M in 20WMGX2 is what refers to the HDCP capacity,it's only available in the USA though,mine is a 20WGX2 which is European and not HDCP ready.No idea what the -BK means.

@LukeAP : thanks for the info

 

[xtknight]

M means multimedia which can denote one of several things (TV tuner, inputs, HDCP). -BK means black bezel. I believe both the US Silver/Black bezel versions have HDCP, while both of the European versions do not have HDCP.

 

[TecHNooB]

Here, have a look:

http://www.pcnation.com/web/topsearch.asp?searchtext=20WMGX2

One is -BK and isn't. The one that isn't is cheaper. I must find out why!

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: TecHNooB
Here, have a look:

http://www.pcnation.com/web/topsearch.asp?searchtext=20WMGX2

One is -BK and isn't. The one that isn't is cheaper. I must find out why!

That often happens with different bezel colors for some reason. I've seen that happen lots with Samsung monitors.

 

[OvErHeAtInG]

the bezels are all silver. I think the BK denotes the black stand and speakers. the non -BK version has white stand and speakers, which you don't really notice from the pics on NEC website. this is all what I've gathered, never having actually seen the monitor

 

[imported_motivez]

Can anyone confirm whether or not the Dell 2007FPW's are S-IPS panels? If so, where did you get your information?

I've read a few places that said they downgraded them to Samsung PVA's, but then conflicting information that it's only on the 2407 series.. I hate to spend the money on this only to find that it doesn't have the panel I want (or was advertised).

 

[averagecdn]

hey all,
I am looking at a major purchase of 2x 19" LCD's i do some gaming, some word processing.. some movie watching.... some of everything...

I am looking at the VX922. Can anyone make some recommendations on monitors.

My price range is around 300 - 400 per monitor so about 600 to 800 total...

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated..

Mark

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: averagecdn
hey all,
I am looking at a major purchase of 2x 19" LCD's i do some gaming, some word processing.. some movie watching.... some of everything...

I am looking at the VX922. Can anyone make some recommendations on monitors.

My price range is around 300 - 400 per monitor so about 600 to 800 total...

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated..

Mark

If you can find the 90GX2 for under $400 each then that would be the best choice, but the VX922 is great as well for that price range.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: motivez
Can anyone confirm whether or not the Dell 2007FPW's are S-IPS panels? If so, where did you get your information?

I've read a few places that said they downgraded them to Samsung PVA's, but then conflicting information that it's only on the 2407 series.. I hate to spend the money on this only to find that it doesn't have the panel I want (or was advertised).

Some use PVAs and some still use S-IPS ones. That's one of the reasons I don't recommend it (you aren't sure what you're getting). I am still waiting to hear more on the banding issues as well.

 

[averagecdn]

What are the thoughts on the BenQ FP93GX in comparison to the VX922

Screen Size 19"
Resolution 1280x1024(SXGA)
Pixel Pitch 0.294
Brightness 300 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio 700:1
Response Time 6ms (2ms GTG)
Display Area 376.3 x 301.1 (mm)
Display Colors 16.2 million
Viewing Angle 140/135 (CR>=10)
Input Signals D-sub/DVI
Horizontal Frequency 31 - 81
Vertical Frequency 60 - 76
Video Bandwidth 25 - 135
Color Temperature Reddish/Normal/Bluish + user mode
Power Consumption 40W (max)
Power Supply Built-in
Speakers No
Features i-Key
Kensington Lock
VESA Wall Mouting 100*100mm
Adjustments Tilt (down/ up)-5/20
Dimensions 410x404.2x168.2mm
Weight 5 kg
Color Black
Accessories (included) VGA and DVI cable
Accessories (optional) none
Regulation Compliance TCO99

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: averagecdn
What are the thoughts on the BenQ FP93GX in comparison to the VX922

I haven't seen enough tests to draw a conclusion on that but my guess is that the VX922 will still be superior in response time and black level.

 

[Skott]

Just as a comparison and FYI...In the July/August issue of Computer Games they reviewd six 20" LCD monitors. Its on pages 74-75.

ViewSonic VX2025WM = 5 *
Benq FP202W = 4.5 *
Dell 2007FP = 4 *
Dell 2007WFP = 4 *
LG L203WT = 3.5 *
Sony SDM-S205F/K = 3 *

 

[averagecdn]

So I went out and purchased a 19" Viewsonic VX922. Now when I connect it on DVI I am getting a ripple effect. When I connect it on DSub its fine... no ripple effect till I change the refresh to 75hz.

Any ideas?

 

[GamingDaemon]

I hate to jump in here so late, but I am looking to buy an LCD monitor that is awesome for gaming but also for developing software (READ: I need 1600x1200 resolution so I can use Microsoft Visual Studio).

I don't wantto spend more than $600, but would prefer to spend around $400 (ok, I might be crazy).

Also, how much do I need to worry about the veritcal refresh rate? If it says max 60Hz, then am I limited to 60 fps? That seems to hurt given how much I have invested in mygaming rig.

TIA...

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Skott
Just as a comparison and FYI...In the July/August issue of Computer Games they reviewd six 20" LCD monitors. Its on pages 74-75.

ViewSonic VX2025WM = 5 *
Benq FP202W = 4.5 *
Dell 2007FP = 4 *
Dell 2007WFP = 4 *
LG L203WT = 3.5 *
Sony SDM-S205F/K = 3 *

Thanks for the heads up. Do they have these reviews on their website (I couldn't find them)?

Originally posted by: averagecdn
So I went out and purchased a 19" Viewsonic VX922. Now when I connect it on DVI I am getting a ripple effect. When I connect it on DSub its fine... no ripple effect till I change the refresh to 75hz.

Any ideas?

Do you have a different video card you could try? So: D-Sub 60 Hz works, D-Sub 75 Hz works, DVI 60 Hz works, DVI 75 Hz fails (correct?)

Originally posted by: GamingDaemon

I hate to jump in here so late, but I am looking to buy an LCD monitor that is awesome for gaming but also for developing software (READ: I need 1600x1200 resolution so I can use Microsoft Visual Studio).

I don't wantto spend more than $600, but would prefer to spend around $400 (ok, I might be crazy).

Also, how much do I need to worry about the veritcal refresh rate? If it says max 60Hz, then am I limited to 60 fps? That seems to hurt given how much I have invested in mygaming rig.

TIA...

Don't worry...1600x1200@60 Hz will still give that 7600GT a good work-out. But with old/fast games, yes the monitor will be limited to updating at 60 full frames per second. As of this point, I only know of the LG L2000C in terms of LCDs that can do 72 Hz (not 75 Hz) at 1600x1200.

I'd recommend the ViewSonic VP2030b [1600x1200 (4:3)] for you, or if you can't afford that, the Samsung 204B [1600x1200 (4:3)]. The VP2030b will have a higher contrast ratio and will possibly be better for text usage (and certainly be superior for graphics).

Edit: actually it looks like the VP2030b can do 1600x1200@72 Hz if my calculations are correct. It is within the monitor's scanning range but I can't guarantee they have added that mode to the VESA firmware. You may have to use PowerStrip to get it, and even then it may not work. If you're lucky, it will be listed in the Windows control panels. It looks like the 204B may only support 1600x1200@60 Hz, but again, I am really not sure in both cases. Don't get your hopes up to get a refresh rate above 60 Hz though.

 

[progressiveMOJO]

I'm finally coming down to the point where I don't simply WANT a new monitor, but I NEED one because my old one is starting to wear out. The backlight is starting to fade, and the power switch is breaking, among other things. And the thing is also straight-up 4 years old, and wasn't very good technology even for its time. So I'm well overdue for a new monitor.

Anyway, with the cost of 17" monitors (and the difficulty of finding good, 8bpp, fast panels) being prohibitive, and 19" having crappy pixel pitch, I've settled on a 20" or 21" size. I don't have a definite budget, although I also don't have infinite money and don't want to spend hundreds of extra dollars on marginal performance. The monitor is primarily for gaming/movie watching, but I'd rather have good colors and contrast than the absolute fastest response times. The monitor I have right now is so terrible that I can usually see 3 distinct images at edges of moving objects, which is godawful, but I'm not ultra-sensitive to ghosting like some people are.

The monitors I've been primarily considering are the ViewSonic VX2025WM, Viewsonic VP2030b, and the NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2. I'm not really looking at the Samsung 214T because it's still just 1600x1200 despite being bigger, and in my experience, smaller pixel pitch looks better although I'd be interested to hear what others think. I'm not too sure about liking widescreen aspect ratios, because the resolution is lower, as is the overall screen real estate. It does look nice for movies and it can look nice for games, but there's the CPU/memory utilization issue too. Then, the question between the two widescreen monitors is whether the 20WMGX2 is worth the extra $250 or not (thank God the price is down from $800). The high contrast coating on the NEC monitor is a mixed bag too, because I currently have my computer in a room with windows (so sometimes i get glare), but it seems like the overall concensus is that it's really nice if you can avoid glare.

One thing that I think often goes overlooked that's really nice about the 20WMGX2 is that it has S-video and Component video inputs, which would allow me to also use it with my game consoles in my dorm next semester. Can anyone comment on the extra inputs other than the DVI and D-sub, as far as clarity/performance/etc is concerned, and should this even be a consideration? Also, do any of these monitors besides the NEC support HDCP, and how much of a consideration is that, really? Nothing I own is, to my knowledge, HDCP compatible/enabled, but I'm looking ahead for the next couple years.

Anyway, some help and recommendation would be nice. The Viewsonic VX2025 is really tempting just because a local store has it for only $300 with mail in rebates, but I'd rather end up with the monitor that I want rather than just the affordable choice.

edit: forgot to mention, being an 8bpp panel (no 6-bit + FRC or anything) is a definite criteria, although I think all the panels I mentioned are 8bit.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: progressiveMOJO
It does look nice for movies and it can look nice for games, but there's the CPU/memory utilization issue too.

I'm not sure why CPU or memory utilization would be higher.

Then, the question between the two widescreen monitors is whether the 20WMGX2 is worth the extra $250 or not (thank God the price is down from $800). The high contrast coating on the NEC monitor is a mixed bag too, because I currently have my computer in a room with windows (so sometimes i get glare), but it seems like the overall concensus is that it's really nice if you can avoid glare.

I would without a doubt pay a premium for the NEC to have the component input. The TV tuner, composite, and S-Video aren't as vital since other devices can already feed video to the monitor (though not nearly as convenient). The TV tuner is still a big plus nevertheless.

Also, do any of these monitors besides the NEC support HDCP, and how much of a consideration is that, really? Nothing I own is, to my knowledge, HDCP compatible/enabled, but I'm looking ahead for the next couple years.

I think only the NEC 20WMGX2 (US version) does at the moment. I'm not concerned about HDCP one bit. I really wouldn't want to watch movies on a 20" screen anyway.

Anyway, some help and recommendation would be nice. The Viewsonic VX2025 is really tempting just because a local store has it for only $300 with mail in rebates, but I'd rather end up with the monitor that I want rather than just the affordable choice.

edit: forgot to mention, being an 8bpp panel (no 6-bit + FRC or anything) is a definite criteria, although I think all the panels I mentioned are 8bit.

I also believe all the monitors you mentioned use no dithering. If you can afford the NEC, I would get it instead. It has better color, better viewing angles, more inputs, and probably better contrast.

 

[progressiveMOJO]

someone mentioned issues with widescreen resolutions causing 100% cpu/memory usage for no good reason with some video chipsets, which is why I mention it.

How well does the NEC monitor handle non-native/non-widescreen resolutions displayed with black bands around the edges? For instance, if I told it to run 1280x1024 with bands around the sides, is it going to have a heart attack the way I've heard of some widescreens doing?

I guess, for a dorm setting, the NEC monitor is probably great because of all the inputs and the built-in tuner. Eliminates the need for a TV, which saves space, etc.

If there are any other monitors that I've overlooked, or if you think I should give the Samsumg 214T a look anyway, let me know. And between the VX2025 and the VP2030b, which would you recommend (in case I decide the NEC is too pricey)?

 

[Manoletez]

I have a vx2025wm, and i think that this monitor kill my eyes for text reading.
Should i buy a 215TW instead of vx2025wm? Also, how does affect 215TW's input lag to mouse movement?

 

[videogames101]

I was thinking. Say I have a monitor with a 8 ms response time, and lets say I'm playing BF2 and I'm pulling 50 fps. Now, 50 fps means every 2 ms there is a new frame. Is that correct? If so, how could a 8 ms response time monitor possibly show a frame every 2 ms? The way I see it, a 8 ms response time would only let you see 12.5 fps. Am I missing something here????

 

[RenaissanceMan]

Hi, I'm looking for a LCD (preferably cheap, but I don't mind paying more if it's worth it) purely for reading. I have a 21" CRT for gaming/movies but I find it hard reading on any CRT for any significant time period.

 

[JETninja]

Hey Guys!

Have read all through this thread over the past couple months (And forget most of it! LOL!)

I need to replace my Teens pos 17" cheapo CRT. Money is a concern, they'll use it for Teen stuff. Homework, Surfing, Chatting, and Games. (mostly Flight and Racing Sims) Decent video card but nothing special.

Looking at these two:

Benq FP72G+ S Silver 17" 8ms DVI LCD Monitor-Swivel, Tilt and Height adjustment 250 cd/m2 500:1 0.264mm Pixel Pitch - Retail $179

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824014118


Rosewill R911E 12ms Black 19" 12ms LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 500:1 Built in Speakers 0.294mm Pixel Pitch - Retail $159 after $70 rebate

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824021034


Any thoughts? Lookng for something decent under $200 with DVI and 17-19" range.

Thanks!

 

[videogames101]

Time to upgrade! I'll be using this for FPS gaming, and whatever game I feel like playing at the time. Widescreen is a plus, but I don't want to pay any more then $300-400. i've read about Viewsonic VX2025wm, but thats just what I've read. Help me!