LCD Buyer's Guide

[xtknight]

Some info from someone who works at NEC: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1029653642#post1029653642

The less expensive LED is still in the product development stages over in Japan.

The pricing for the 26 and 24 inch models with the improved CCFL's are below.

LCD2690 = $1450

LCD2490 = $1250

NEC does not have any plans for a 20/21 inch wide planned with the new CCFL's.

 

[Sleepyghost]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Sleepyghost
Curious that I don't see Philips 230WP7NS in the Recommended-list. Xtknight, would you consider mentioned monitor to compete with Samsungs you listed for PHOTO EDITING (CONSUMER/PROSUMER)? If there's any faults in the monitor to be pointed out in this regard, I would like to know. Thank you.

It doesn't look *exceptional* for photo-editing but it's the best you're going to get for that size, so I'll consider adding it to the list. Where it falls flat is contrast (the Samsungs hit 1000:1 with a great black level).

The Philips is only an S-IPS screen since AS-IPS is reserved for the NEC-exclusive panel with dynamic contrast features AFAIK. It's possible it's a TW-IPS (true-wide IPS) or "Enhanced S-IPS". What you really want to pay attention to is the objective measurements.

True, it cannot beat PVA-variants contrast ratio, point taken. But I'm more interested in the natural colours and there IPS often seems to deliver. Response time it has is fine for me. I currently use older IPS(Lacie) and I have no trouble with the ghosting. And it definitely isn't faster than 25ms.

Oh, it's not an AS-IPS, ah, color me confused. Tomshardware's testing do seem to second that notion. Thanks for the info and the linky.

 

[pencilcase]

Originally posted by: xtknight
There was a Polish guy in this forum named darXoul, he may be able to help you. He used to be quite active around here. I haven't seen him here in a while but I PM'd him asking if he can provide us any info on the S95D from that post.

Thanks, xtknight! I hope he'll get in touch.

It looks like the monitor is good in image quality but a bit slow in response time, at least from what I can tell from the PC Magazine review:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1907525,00.asp

If the VP930 is an option that would be a great monitor.

Confusingly, the monitor in the pcmag review is an older version with a 16ms 700:1 MVA panel. The version I'm interested in has a 8ms 1000:1 MVA panel by AOU, so it should be faster and have better contrast.

Anyhow, I've placed an order for the SM770P which should be here on Tuesday. I have to say that my main worry is the lack of OSD buttons. If the included software doesn't play well with my system and I can't adjust brightness, then I'll consider returning the SM770P and ordering a Sony S95D or a VP930 instead.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: pencilcase
Confusingly, the monitor in the pcmag review is an older version with a 16ms 700:1 MVA panel. The version I'm interested in has a 8ms 1000:1 MVA panel by AOU, so it should be faster and have better contrast.

Oh, I didn't even realize it. Hopefully that panel is simply better in all aspects.

Anyhow, I've placed an order for the SM770P which should be here on Tuesday. I have to say that my main worry is the lack of OSD buttons. If the included software doesn't play well with my system and I can't adjust brightness, then I'll consider returning the SM770P and ordering a Sony S95D or a VP930 instead.

The good news is that several programs are capable of adjusting the monitors. NVIDIA has stuff in their control panel, and these programs should work as well. What mainly worries me is that you say you only have a VGA connection, and is that from an onboard video? If so it's possible it may not support this (or even if it does, the programs may not). I'm pretty sure it will work from a VGA connection, but maybe only from an ATI or NVIDIA one. These programs should have it in their documentation what graphics adapters are supported.

MagicTune for Windows x32/x64/Mac: http://www.samsung.com/Products/Monitors/magictune/
softMCCS for Windows x32/x64: http://entechtaiwan.net/lib/softmccs.shtm
DDCControl for Linux: http://ddccontrol.sourceforge.net/ (supports 970P but not sure about 770P)

 

[roisin]

can somebody identify this 'effect': http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2599/benqfp20925aj.jpg

the top of this benq.20" gets fairly hot, wonder if thats what caused that

almost anything static gets burned.in after just couple minutes, but that cures itself if you move windows around, or display white background, but this corner just stays like that, the panel is LG.Philips LM201U05

 

[eXecutioner28]

damn, I am still thinking over what to buy... does anyone have a BenQ FP91G+ or has seen it in action? or knows where to read a review?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: roisin
can somebody identify this 'effect': http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2599/benqfp20925aj.jpg

the top of this benq.20" gets fairly hot, wonder if thats what caused that

almost anything static gets burned.in after just couple minutes, but that cures itself if you move windows around, or display white background, but this corner just stays like that, the panel is LG.Philips LM201U05

It looks like the top of the panel was scorched by heat, but I've never seen it before. I do recommend you replace it especially if it has burn-in problems.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
damn, I am still thinking over what to buy... does anyone have a BenQ FP91G+ or has seen it in action? or knows where to read a review?

BTW, after reading the X-Bit Labs review, the 940BF indeed did not have response time problems. In fact, it's a very good TN monitor overall. It was the *30BFs and *60BFs with the bad RTC problems but I don't know about the 740BF. The 940BF should be fine but I'm not sure how it's priced over there. On the other hand, the 940B is at the low end.

I've heard lots of good things about the FP91G+, especially about vibrant color.

 

[eXecutioner28]

man, I hope u are right, couse it seems like it's gonna be BenQ. Samsung 940B is 345 euros and 940BF is 380 euros. I've found BenQ for 290 euros. I wanted 91Gp with P-MVA but nobody has it in Croatia. Too bad. Maybe I will find 91E with 8ms G2G and 19" Samsung PVA, but it will cost much more, so chances are slim. But maybe...

But tell me what did u hear about playing games and watching movies on 91G+?

 

[xtknight]

You may have noticed there are no 17" LCDs listed at the moment. The 740B was removed due to the bad response rating of the 940B and I'm currently in search of a decent 17" to add.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
man, I hope u are right, couse it seems like it's gonna be BenQ. Samsung 940B is 345 euros and 940BF is 380 euros. I've found BenQ for 290 euros. I wanted 91Gp with P-MVA but nobody has it in Croatia. Too bad. Maybe I will find 91E with 8ms G2G and 19" Samsung PVA, but it will cost much more, so chances are slim. But maybe...

But tell me what did u hear about playing games and watching movies on 91G+?

The FP91G+ is a rare case where not many professionals have reviewed it, but I've come across lots of users who liked it, and the panel has a good reputation. It's also very affordable. It uses a very similar panel to the ViewSonic VX922 which is highly favored for gaming. I have not specifically heard anything about the FP91G+ regarding movies. I've only heard it had vibrant colors, which certainly can't be bad for movies. I can't see how it would be different than any other TN panel in that regard (generally decent, but of course if you want higher contrast you have no choice but to pay for MVAs).

 

[eXecutioner28]

I know, P-MVA form AUO is great... but which Brand has this matrix? in 19" department. (excluding Viewsonic and Eizo)

btw what do u think about Acer AL1922As 8ms G2G 19" (Samsung PVA (LTM190E4)). Maybe I could squeeze some money for this...

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
I know, P-MVA form AUO is great... but which Brand has this matrix? in 19" department. (excluding Viewsonic and Eizo)

Hardly any except one or two P-MVAs from Acer, Belinea, and Sony as a matter of fact. Dell has the 1905FP which is sometimes a PVA and sometimes a P-MVA (but not the 1907FP).

btw what do u think about Acer AL1922As 8ms G2G 19" (Samsung PVA (LTM190E4)). Maybe I could squeeze some money for this...

I've never heard of it, but that PVA panel is good. It's the same one in the Samsung 970P and Dell 1905FP. The Acer AL1923 (a P-MVA) had a good user review.

 

[eXecutioner28]

can u point me to a review or two? just to read what they say about games and movie playback... I dunno maybe it's worth the extra money....

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
can u point me to a review or two? just to read what they say about games and movie playback... I dunno maybe it's worth the extra money....

There's lots of comments about movie playback at the end of this page: http://www.behardware.com/articles/602-...lcd-survey-2-3-4-6-8-ms-and-above.html

You will have to find something sooner or later that matches your budget. If you can't afford the MVA then you'll have to get a TN. Honestly I've never noticed the mentioned "twinkling" effects on any monitor I've used. They also rate each of the monitors for their movie capabilities.

 

[josh6079]

Sorry to interrupt anything, but I just wanted to say thanks for having this stickied thread. It was a great guide + PM's from xtkinght with monitor suggestions. I recently bought the VX2025 and am loving it. I made a thread that will be comparing it to the 2007fpw as soon as my camera gets here. Click

Thanks again guys.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: josh6079
Sorry to interrupt anything, but I just wanted to say thanks for having this stickied thread. It was a great guide + PM's from xtkinght with monitor suggestions. I recently bought the VX2025 and am loving it. I made a thread that will be comparing it to the 2007fpw as soon as my camera gets here. Click

Thanks again guys.

Cool...I'm looking forward to it. As for the comparisons on LesNumeriques I think all except viewing angles favored the VX over the Dell.

 

[eXecutioner28]

xtknight, you are right I will have to make up my mind soon, only 2 more days to go. Dunno about Acer 1922. It's not P-MVA, but PVA. They say 8ms gtg, but what's the real deal with that response? Don't want to buy it and then not be able to play FPS game normal... it's either this Acer or BenQ 91G+. Will see...

 

[lazerlover]

i got a new monitor to replace the dell 1905fp. i got the samsung 204T
i posted this on another topic/thred:

i just got a 204T. have had it a few days, and am happy with it. i think it's an improvement over the dell 1905fp that i had before.
screen is big and sharp. i did notice the blacks, but the colors are just fine from my perspective.

the viewing angle on the 204b just could not convince me to get it.
it was cheaper and i was lokking at it. and the 204T was hard to find in silver, but for a little extra time and cash i think i got the better monitor.

the 16x5 ms response time may be a big difference, but for me it will work ok.
the dell was a 20ms and i had no problems with games.
i am not a hardcore gamer but i do play, and the 16ms is about the same or slightly better than the dell. so no worries there.

don't notice any dead pixels.

i like all the adjustability that you can get from the OSD and the magic tune.
you could not do anything with the dell.

the silver looks slick & neat and i like it alot better than the black one.
looks like solid well built construction.

downloaded driver and magic tune program from samsung, and all works well.
left disc alone.

 

[lazerlover]

mbrown, i love your quote. had to say so.
john 14:6

btw, samsung 204T is working real well for me. like it lots.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: eXecutioner28
xtknight, you are right I will have to make up my mind soon, only 2 more days to go. Dunno about Acer 1922. It's not P-MVA, but PVA. They say 8ms gtg, but what's the real deal with that response? Don't want to buy it and then not be able to play FPS game normal... it's either this Acer or BenQ 91G+. Will see...

I would give the PVA (Acer AL1922As) a try and if you are disappointed with it (I don't think you would be), then get the FP91G+. I know nothing about the AL1922As other than that it has a PVA panel. I've gotten one good user review of an Acer AL1923 that used a P-MVA panel, but other than that, nothing about Acer models. If you can see it somewhere in person before ordering then you probably should.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: lazerlover
i got a new monitor to replace the dell 1905fp. i got the samsung 204T
i posted this on another topic/thred:

i just got a 204T. have had it a few days, and am happy with it. i think it's an improvement over the dell 1905fp that i had before.
screen is big and sharp. i did notice the blacks, but the colors are just fine from my perspective.

the viewing angle on the 204b just could not convince me to get it.
it was cheaper and i was lokking at it. and the 204T was hard to find in silver, but for a little extra time and cash i think i got the better monitor.

the 16x5 ms response time may be a big difference, but for me it will work ok.
the dell was a 20ms and i had no problems with games.
i am not a hardcore gamer but i do play, and the 16ms is about the same or slightly better than the dell. so no worries there.

don't notice any dead pixels.

i like all the adjustability that you can get from the OSD and the magic tune.
you could not do anything with the dell.

the silver looks slick & neat and i like it alot better than the black one.
looks like solid well built construction.

downloaded driver and magic tune program from samsung, and all works well.
left disc alone.

Thanks for the review. That sounds consistent with what I've been hearing about those monitors.

 

[pencilcase]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: pencilcase
Anyhow, I've placed an order for the SM770P which should be here on Tuesday. I have to say that my main worry is the lack of OSD buttons. If the included software doesn't play well with my system and I can't adjust brightness, then I'll consider returning the SM770P and ordering a Sony S95D or a VP930 instead.

The good news is that several programs are capable of adjusting the monitors. NVIDIA has stuff in their control panel, and these programs should work as well. What mainly worries me is that you say you only have a VGA connection, and is that from an onboard video? If so it's possible it may not support this (or even if it does, the programs may not). I'm pretty sure it will work from a VGA connection, but maybe only from an ATI or NVIDIA one. These programs should have it in their documentation what graphics adapters are supported.

MagicTune for Windows x32/x64/Mac: http://www.samsung.com/Products/Monitors/magictune/
softMCCS for Windows x32/x64: http://entechtaiwan.net/lib/softmccs.shtm
DDCControl for Linux: http://ddccontrol.sourceforge.net/ (supports 970P but not sure about 770P)

xtknight, thanks for the links. Yes, I only have a VGA connection and it is from onboard video. I'm concerned that my graphics adapter, VIA/S3G Unichrome Pro IGP, does not appear to be included in the compatibility list for the MagicTune and MagicRotation software.

 

[JohnOBuirrows]

Have our prayers been answered? Will there finally be a near perfect widescreen lcd in 20-22" class? This may very well be the case:
Viewsonic VX2235wm

Scroll down and check out Viewsonic VX2235wm (22") monitor. Here are the highlights:

- 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA) Optimum Resolution
- 16.7 Million Colours
- 700:1 Contrast Ratio
- 5ms Response Time
- 300 cd/m2 Brightness
- One Analogue Input
- One DVI Input
- Built-In Rear Speakers
- VESA mounting compatible
Arriving Middle of August 2006

Now everything would seem to be in order. 22": nice! 5ms response time: NICE! Cool looks: nice! But... what about HDCP? I hear this display has got DVI-D connection so would that mean that it has HDCP? Hmmm.... Well if it has HDCP-support, I will certainly buy it.

 

[Skott]

Originally posted by: JohnOBuirrows
Have our prayers been answered? Will there finally be a near perfect widescreen lcd in 20-22" class? This may very well be the case:
Viewsonic VX2235wm

Scroll down and check out Viewsonic VX2235wm (22") monitor. Here are the highlights:

- 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA) Optimum Resolution
- 16.7 Million Colours
- 700:1 Contrast Ratio
- 5ms Response Time
- 300 cd/m2 Brightness
- One Analogue Input
- One DVI Input
- Built-In Rear Speakers
- VESA mounting compatible
Arriving Middle of August 2006

Now everything would seem to be in order. 22": nice! 5ms response time: NICE! Cool looks: nice! But... what about HDCP? I hear this display has got DVI-D connection so would that mean that it has HDCP? Hmmm.... Well if it has HDCP-support, I will certainly buy it.

Well, if the picture quality is as good as the 2025 then it should be a pretty nice LCD. Anyone know the dollar conversion for 300 pounds British?