LCD Buyer's Guide

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Aulryz
Just some questions:

1. From digging around a few places on the web, it seems like the 2007WFP Rev. A02 is only fixed in normal mode or whatever the standard mode is (so like switching to gaming mode or whatever = crap again)?

Yeah, that's correct. Gaming/movie modes introduce banding. I would never want to use those modes personally anyway since they butcher the color gradient pretty bad.

2. If prices were equal, or at least very similar, is it better to buy the Dell 2007WFP or the Samsung 215TW? The only way I see myself pushing the monitor to its limits would be gaming (BF2, COD2, Oblivion, etc.) since I don't video/picture edit or any variant of that kind. From what I have read so far, it seems like the 215TW is near the boarderline between ghosting and non-ghosting whereas the 2007WFP is in better shape.

Yup, the 2007WFP would be faster and colors would be almost as good. Get the 2007WFP IMO.

3. Either the 2007WFP or 215TW support HDCP? I'm just trying to future-proof since I don't buy monitors too often.

Both do (over DVI-D) as a matter of fact.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Any comments on this Sceptre 20.1" widescreen 5ms

Here are the exact details from its manufacturer website
http://www.sceptre.com/Products/LCD/Specifications/spec_x20wc-Gamer.htm

 

[oseven]

Any opinions on the ViewSonic VX2235wm?

Link to Viewsonics own description: http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/dk/Products/LCDX/VX2235wm.htm

I'd also love to hear if any of you has experience with the samsung 225bw (more specifically its reputed troubles with backlighting), check this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=31&threadid=1939669&enterthread=y

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
Any comments on this Sceptre 20.1" widescreen 5ms

It looks like it uses a high-contrast, 8-bit, fast P-MVA panel. Not bad at all for the price but I can't be sure until I see a review of it.

Here are the exact details from its manufacturer website
http://www.sceptre.com/Products/LCD/Specifications/spec_x20wc-Gamer.htm

I don't think they said "ultra" enough on that page.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: oseven
Any opinions on the ViewSonic VX2235wm?

Link to Viewsonics own description: http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/dk/Products/LCDX/VX2235wm.htm

TN...hmmm. Well, don't expect miracles. Dithering is inevitable (hell froze over and ViewSonic actually says "16.2M colours (6-bit+2-bit FRC)" out loud). I think it will be a good value LCD, but nothing more. I predict it will be fast, but have lots of backlight bleeding.

I'd also love to hear if any of you has experience with the samsung 225bw (more specifically its reputed troubles with backlighting), check this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=31&threadid=1939669&enterthread=y

See my post in that thread.

 

[PrinceXizor]

Acer 2216WBD TFT/TN ~ 1680:1050
Samsung 204BW TFT/TN ~ 1680:1050
Samsung 204B TFT/TN ~ 1600:1200

All probably fall in my work's el cheapo price range. I do CAD work.

Edit: That would be which one (or a suggestion in the sub $350 category, preferably sub $300).

P-X

 

[PrinceXizor]

Also, my ridiculously outdated video card (don't ask) doesn't have any modes listed for 1680:1050, but it does have 1600x1200.

P-X

 

[PrinceXizor]

Did I unsticky this somehow?

P-X

 

[eeric]

hey can anyone tell me quickly about the samsung 225bw? there seems to be a bundle sale where i live 2 of them + low end vid card for 649.99 CAD.

:S was waiting for dell 2007wfp, but anyone know what kind of panel is in this? tia!

*edit* nvm read xtknight's post above, thx.

 

[lepump]

..the benq t921 i mentioned earlier looks to be the same as the FP92E model. (but 20? cheaper

anyone know anything/have experience with this monitor?

 

[TroubledTimeLord]

I can't think of any exceptions off the top of my head for the 20" rule, but there are some 8-bit 19" LCDs (just not any that are that decent).

What about the Samsung 971P? Samsung states this as being an S-PVA panel, 16.7 million colors, and 178 degree viewing angles. But it also states a 6 ms (G to G) response time. Although, for a 19 inch lcd, it's $380. This better be a quality lcd. I've seen it at the store and it looks great, but have not seen any reviews.

Also, the Dell 1907FPV looks interesting. According to prad.de, it's an MVA panel. However, I can't find out it it is 8-bit or not. It has 170 degree viewing angles, with a 20 ms response time. I haven't seen any reviews of this one either.

I'm pretty close on taking the plunge on the 971p, though.

 

[PrinceXizor]

I'm kind of bracketing my choices here...CAD work, some motion working in 3D. Old vid card that does not support WS.

For 20" < $300 non-widescreen looks like the Samsun 204B @ $290AR
For 19" < $300 nonWS looks like a Samsung 940T unless someone has a better suggestion...

P-X

 

[jbbrown]

Originally posted by: TroubledTimeLord

What about the Samsung 971P? Samsung states this as being an S-PVA panel, 16.7 million colors, and 178 degree viewing angles. But it also states a 6 ms (G to G) response time. Although, for a 19 inch lcd, it's $380. This better be a quality lcd. I've seen it at the store and it looks great, but have not seen any reviews.

Also, the Dell 1907FPV looks interesting. According to prad.de, it's an MVA panel. However, I can't find out it it is 8-bit or not. It has 170 degree viewing angles, with a 20 ms response time. I haven't seen any reviews of this one either.

I'm pretty close on taking the plunge on the 971p, though.

Below are a couple of places you could look into for more info/reviews on the 971P:

• Forum Discussion

• Overclockers Review

• CompUSA

Overall, I have heard this is a good LCD - it even made the recommendations list on page 1 of this forum. I will probably buy it, but I'm going to wait until the price comes down more. Good luck!

 

[TheRyuu]

What happend to this being stickied?

 

[PrinceXizor]

I think I ruined it

Honestly, it was stickied after my first few posts and then this morning it wasn't stickied....

P-X

 

[CP5670]

The sticky time period probably just ran out. PMing a moderator about it should get it back up.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: PrinceXizor
Acer 2216WBD TFT/TN ~ 1680:1050
Samsung 204BW TFT/TN ~ 1680:1050
Samsung 204B TFT/TN ~ 1600:1200

All probably fall in my work's el cheapo price range. I do CAD work.

Edit: That would be which one (or a suggestion in the sub $350 category, preferably sub $300).

P-X

I would just say go with whatever size/format you prefer. There's not much difference between them. Personally I'd go with the Acer. The bigger size might be nice and I've heard lots of good things about it.

Originally posted by: PrinceXizor
Also, my ridiculously outdated video card (don't ask) doesn't have any modes listed for 1680:1050, but it does have 1600x1200.

P-X

Chances are it supports it somehow. It's probably just not showing up with your currently connected 4:3 monitor. Which video card?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: wizboy11
What happend to this being stickied?

There's a time limit on the sticky. I've already PM'd the mod, it should be restickied sometime soon.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: TroubledTimeLord

I can't think of any exceptions off the top of my head for the 20" rule, but there are some 8-bit 19" LCDs (just not any that are that decent).

What about the Samsung 971P? Samsung states this as being an S-PVA panel, 16.7 million colors, and 178 degree viewing angles. But it also states a 6 ms (G to G) response time. Although, for a 19 inch lcd, it's $380. This better be a quality lcd. I've seen it at the store and it looks great, but have not seen any reviews.

Also, the Dell 1907FPV looks interesting. According to prad.de, it's an MVA panel. However, I can't find out it it is 8-bit or not. It has 170 degree viewing angles, with a 20 ms response time. I haven't seen any reviews of this one either.

I'm pretty close on taking the plunge on the 971p, though.

I'm not sure. To my knowledge, both of them are 6-bit LCDs but there's a small possibility of the 971P being 8-bit. Whatever the case I've heard that the 971P's picture quality was great (likely due to the high contrast).

 

[BrokenVisage]

Oh noes, thread lost its adhesiveness! RIP

 

[acegazda]

Should we bump it back up in the mean time?
Could we discuss a little on the topic of cheap (price, not quality) 20" widescreens? There seems to be an explosion of interest and there are many choices. Looking @ benq, samsung, dell, viewsonic, chemei, etc.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: BrokenVisage
Oh noes, thread lost its adhesiveness! RIP

lol, xt already pm'ed a mod about it. Calm down.
People really want there LCD buyer's guide.

Originally posted by: acegazda
Should we bump it back up in the mean time?
Could we discuss a little on the topic of cheap (price, not quality) 20" widescreens? There seems to be an explosion of interest and there are many choices. Looking @ benq, samsung, dell, viewsonic, chemei, etc.

You won't here xt say it but I like my Viewsonic VX2025. Apparently it has too many problems (gamma, dvi, scaling) to be recommended

Well boo on that.
Anyway, if you can afford it, the NEC is probably your best 20in WS monitor. It'll also run you $600 (AFAIK). A little expensive???
Cheaper ones include the viewsonic and the dell is also nice. (no more banding issues either). The 2007fpw (don't let me here you say wfp , cause it's fpw as far as I'm concerned)

Anyway, i'm sure xt can answer your question a hell of a lot better then I did.
(sry)

 

[AnotherGuy]

Since the HD-DVD and BluRay gets more affordable everyday... a "gaming LCD with HDCP-Ready" guide would be more than welcomed ..... just an observation

 

[eeric]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/11/dell...207wfp-20-inch-lcd-for-the-budget-set/

I'm guessing TN panel? I was just looking forward to ordering a 2007WFP (not FPW to me ) but just saw this new Dell budget 20" wide. Makes sense to be TN with lower price and faster response rate. Discuss.

 

[oseven]

I understand this can be like opening a can of worms, but should you (even) consider buying a non-DVI monitor?