[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xtknight]

For convenience I fixed the links in your quote.

Originally posted by: albovin
More info about NEC 2490WUXi

I have had NEC 2490WUXi on my desk for about a year.
Here I found it listed in PHOTO EDITING/WEB DESIGN section as #1 and that is absolutely true. The only model to compete in this area is NEC 2190UXi which is 4:3 though.

But this remark: "somewhat suitable for multimedia as well" made me smile.
I see that trere are too little info of the NEC 2490WUXi available/
So I would like to share my knowledge of it with those interested.

This is not my impressions only.
I have tested this monitor with a colorimeter/software - actually this is NEC 2490WUXi-SV, a set of a monitor+colorimeter+SpectraView calibration software.
Full HD (1080p) support tested with stand alone HD-DVD player.
NEC 2490WUXi compared side by side with: CRT monitor, Dell 2407-HC (24" WG PVA), Gateway 2485 (24" PVA), Dell 2707 (WG PVA), Sony 205 (20" IPS).
I use NEC 2490WUXi for intensive everyday office work, internet surfing, photo editing, video editing, 1080p playback, internet TV, playing games occasionally.

I will try to be as brief as possible.

To begin with: 2490WUXi is technically identical to 2690WUXi - same H-IPS technology, same 1920x1200, same equipment in every aspect, same OSM controls, same detailed specification and the last - one manual for both of them.
The only difference: 2690 has 1.4" larger diagonal (larger dot pitch) and different chemical in backlight that provides wider color gamut.
This is to understand: whatever 2690 is capable of - 2490 does tha same (in regular color gamut).

We skip mechanics - it has any known flexibility.
For detailed description of 2490WUXi look at the NEC 2690 on prad.de.


Connectors.
I totally disagree with what is written about 2690: "Poor variety of multimedia inputs".
Same applicable to 2490 as they are twins? No.
Neither to 2690 nor to 2490.
2490 has two digital inputs (DVI-I and DVI-D) and D-Sub.
What is let's say "good" variety of inputs? Component, composite, S-Video..
Extra digital input is worth all of them taken together. Why? We'll see soon.

Hey, I'm glad the extra digital input works for you but some people like to be able to hook up consoles or older ones without using a transcoder. I think for this much money it should have included something trivial like this and not to mention a USB hub. More of a design oversight than a huge disadvantage, but nevertheless a sizable disadvantage for some people.

Controls.
Amazingly convenient location and design of the OSM buttons. Any of them make OSM to appear. When you surf functions you don't have to click every time to make them active. As you reach a function - it's active - adjust and leave. No extra click.
Everething gets clear in comparison. Both Dells - endless clicking for every step.

I agree here. My 2690 is really easy to configure. The Dell 2007FP at work was a pain and the buttons were difficult to push.

Calibration and measurements.
The equipment provided with SV version calibrates monitor automatically - that's a different story. The result is superb.
This is an example for high brightness (the result is received as a part of calibration process):
http://img341.imageshack.us/my...riantkalibrovkizu4.jpg
This REAL contrast ratio is a record for IPS! It has never been that high.
Another fact: it is almost as announced by the manufacturer (800:1) - it's quite rare for any monitor! Usually contrast ratio that you find in official specs means nothing but advert.
The only way to find out what it really is - instrumental test.
Monitor calibrated to deltaE=0.25 - spectacular!
Measurements for different settings showed contrast ratio up to 797:1, for everyday work (brightness of white 160cd) black level - 0.21cd. Not every PVA is able to surpass that.

Not bad. The max I got on my 2690 was 724:1 as I recall (with no ColorComp) but it was with high brightness (300 nits or so).

The NEC 2490WUXi has a new H-IPS panel which is free of violet tint of black at extreme diagonal angle.
On this photo you can see 2490 (front) next to Sony 205 with "old" IPS panel. You see the pedestal steps (dark brown on NEC) turning violet on 20" IPS:
http://img530.imageshack.us/my...mage=columbia22ej8.jpg
Violet tint may or may not appear a little if you look from one side only (the other side).

I agree this is a great feature.

Are you sitting? Next photo is taken during the process of calibration. It shows 24" PVA Gateway 2485(on top) and NEC 2490WUXi (below).
http://img409.imageshack.us/my...?image=lllllllljn8.jpg
Violet is on PVA. H-IPS is Black! At the same time you see some backlight uniformity problem with the Gateway 2485.
NEC 2490 uniformity is perfect.

The uniformity on my 2690 is actually less than satisfactory. There are variations of 15 nits or more even with ColorComp on 5. (30 nits without ColorComp.) And there is a white dead pixel that appears on the side bars in 2.35:1 movies. A couple other dead subpixels on less noticeable parts of the screen. I'm disappointed with the QC of this $1200 26" screen though. I will elaborate more in my upcoming review.

Want more? I have for you.
Again, NEC is closer to us:
http://img341.imageshack.us/my...ge=hdrolikpoletxd4.jpg
That's the end of legend: new IPS has less violet black at an angle than *VA!

That's a pretty neat shot.

OK, let's look from the other side. Next picture - we are watching a movie (from the computer!) This time the NEC is distant, PVA Gateway is closer:
http://img522.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gwnecrij2.jpg

This looks eerily like my shot of 20WMGX2 vs VP930b. And the VA is measuring a lower black level, isn't it? This just goes to show you black level nits aren't everything. IPS panels are GREAT at dark movies like this.

The NEC 2490/2690WUXI unlike any other monitor have a UNIQUE control - a true scaling ability. It's like a wizard - it makes any proportion of the picture, any you want.
Look at this:
http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cus2x2sr7.jpg
This is a regular DVD movie. Scale it at your convenience to a disired size or sharpness to please your eyes.
Why the background is not black? That's your choice. Many garadations between black and white are possible. Question. Is this for photo editing professionals?
This is for us! None of Dells or so are even close to that.

Yeah this is pretty cool. And rarely mentioned.

Next picture - playing games! Top left and top right - Gateway.
Left and right below - NEC 2490. With unique scaling ability of the NEC, you can adjust any unproportional game to fit your screen better.
Both left: 4:3 game does not fit the screen. Both right: the Gateway distorts the picture in a full width. With the NEC you can do the same OR adjust 4:3 to a full width without distortion - just slightly cut in vertical dimention:
http://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nfswi9.jpg

This is the NEC 2490WUXi in comparison with a CRT monitor.
http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crtipsbo1.jpg
You see it! 2490 does not yield even a grain to a CRT here.
After this test I used the NEC 2490WUXi as a reference monitor for all others.

I played FarCry on both NEC and CRT in clone mode. The 24" big is a bit slower, not critically. Input lag is about 1.5 frames - estimation. I used a camcorder for this test. It's not considered a perfect measurement tool but it gives more acceptable visual impression rather then cold digits of ms. Playing is very comfortable. No problem for a moderate gamer.
This is video! 2490 next to Dell 2407-HC - the NEC looks minimally faster in the live episode, then "frame by frame" is equal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drD5OUEx4Dc

Not to be off topic but you have some pretty cool videos. I like this one. Demonstrates VAs perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...zTCGSQ&feature=related

What about ghousting? Next set of photoes - moving square. The best one and the worst one for both monitors. Both best ones are close. That one on the Dell is slightly less "solid" and has a small tail of "smoke". The worst one on the NEC is way better than Dell's:
http://img144.imageshack.us/my...image=tft2407hcfu5.jpg

Similar test to compare the NEC 2490WUXI with the Dell 2707 - 2707 is even worse than 2407 - "wings" on the square and "smoke" are more obvious:
http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tftak5.jpg

All these monitors have an overdrive. BUT! On the NEC, you can turn it off. Requirements of gamers are very individual. That's your choice.

Question. Why so called "monitor for professional use" demonstrates less ghosting and better flexibility for playing games then those so called "ideal for games"?

Watching movies!!
A couple more photoes of movies from a regular computer.
Again, how black is black on the NEC 2490WUXi when looking from it's "weaker" side (here with the Dell 2707):
Click here.
Another DVD playback (computer, with Dell 2407-HC):
Click here.


Stand alone DVD player.

Now it's time to talk about "variety of inputs".
Question. Is there any practical use of those component and so on video inputs in comparison with an additional digital video input of the NEC 2490? Let's see.
For this test a regular DVD player with HDMI and component outputs is connected with the NEC 2490WYXi (HDMI to DVI) and the Dell 2707 (component to component).
Next picture - 2490 demonstrates the whole picture with the right proportion.
Dell? Whatever mode you try - no acceptable result. The picture over component connection is either distorted or cut (or both!). Had the Dell which is "perfect for movies" that scaling what the NEC has - there would be a different result. So far - the component fails:
http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scalingmk9.jpg

Well yes this is the case on the Dell 2707 (also mentioned in prad review) which is why I recommend the Samsung 275T for Multimedia instead. But the Samsung doesn't have this problem and nor do most other big Dell LCDs. Some other problems they have can be tinted colors.

The movie over component is spoiled proportionally AND it's color quality is inferior too.
Don't forget about poor viewing angles of PVA and violet black - My God!
Next photo - next DVD - distortion over component, no enough scaling on Dell 2707:
http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=licafd1.jpg

Next - component - stretched faces, poor viewing angles on 2707:
http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=despdv1.jpg
Same movie episode, Dell 2707-HC, component:
http://img266.imageshack.us/my...age=desperado12xn1.jpg
What a garbage is that "variety of inputs"!


High Definition!

Attention! This is a rare test even for "professional" reviews. Many testers neglect to check 1080p support by the monitor and prefer to retell manufacturer's sweet advertisement.
This test was done with the use of stand alone HD-DVD player and 1080p movie.

On this picture HD player is in 720p mode. NEC 2490 vs Dell 2707:

Click here.
Are "viewing angles" just viewing angles? No, that's a quality of movie playback!

OK, it's time for 1080p!
Dell does not support 1080p over component. It still has DVI which MUST be for a computer.
OK, I disconnect the computer, disconnect the NEC2490 fron HDMI.
Then I connect HD Player with DVI Dell 2707, 1080p mode. Rezult?
Dell 2707 FAILED to support 1080p!!
How about NEC 2490WUXi for Full HD (1080p)? Perfect!
This monitor really does whatever you want it to do.
Next picture - NEC 2490WUXi reports about it's victory: Click here.


Question. Why so called "for photo editing professionals" monitor playes movies in any possible mode way better then those "ideal for movie Full HD monitors"?


My monitor and my vision.

Minimal brightnes for the Dell 2407-HC I could achieve - 134cd
NEC 2490 has minimum - 46cd
Next video - both monitor set on the brightnes about 150-160cd.
Dell is blinking dramatically: Click here.

That's not good. Probably has to do with the backlight modulation. I've heard several reports of Dell LCDs flickering. That's why I'm always wary of recommending Dells (mainly QC problems).

The NEC 2490WUXi has autobrightness function - screen brightness is regulated according to ambient light. This is to protect my vision during a longer work.
Is it for "printing professionals"? No, it's for us!
Printing professinals would disable this function as it may interfere with their sterile color space.


Conclusion.

"NEC 2490WUXi is a monitor for professionals only" - FORGET THIS B......T!
This is (with 2690) the best all-purpose, all-around, universal... monitor on the market.

Actually I agree. But the price makes it unavailable to some people. Actually I believe the 24" model is also not available in Europe. The 2407 might be a better deal for those that need the other inputs and a cheaper monitor. I guess the main reason the 2490 wasn't recommended was because there weren't enough good reviews of it, not necessarily because it lacked inputs because I recommend the 2690. I am reasonably sure of the 2490's quality due to your glowing review of it (streaking tests/etc), so I will use this as an opportunity to recommend it in the OP.

Is it suitable for professionals? O, yes! It's so good that it is suitable for them too - it has outstanding image quality, controls and electronics to be on top of professional market.

At the same time it beats any competitor as a perfect monitor home or office use.
Why it happened? I don't know. But it's a fact.
It's quite expensive ~$1100 - Yes, you get what you pay for.

Now relax a little and wach a short video (don't warry. some words in foreign language):
NEC 2490WUXi

1. Office work.
Large space - 1920x1200
High contrast at medium brightnes
The quality of brightness control - above any other monitor
Precise color temperature adjustment - friendly for eyes
High interpolation quality
Sharpness adjustment
Best viewing angles - if used for several workers

2.Multimedia.
Low response time
Best color/gamma curve reproduction and regulation
High contrast
Best available viewing angles
Unique/uncomparable scaling ability for better movies/gaming experience
Unique function - instant black level adjustment from the first page of OSM
REALLY supports Full HD - 1080p

3.Photo editing/WEB design
Monitor #1 - it goes without saying.

Thank You for your patience!

LOL as I was watching the last video I thought the camera suddenly switched to your room but it was just your DVD. Great work on the review though, I have learned a lot from it.

I think you have proven that a pro monitor can also be a multimedia monitor. Actually I never really disputed that, but this made me realize there was more difference than I thought between IPS and VA monitors especially for movie-watchers. For gaming or general use I don't think the difference is as significant but for movies, the violet tint and black washout on VA panels is almost unignorable. VA monitors are suitable for a lot of people but people who really value a theater experience will want an IPS screen in my opinion (and obviously, yours).

The first three screens in the Multimedia section are S-IPS so it only makes sense for me to add the 24". Thanks again.

I still believe that omission of component inputs/etc (along with proper processing of course, contrary to 2707) is hard to live with but there's always DVI transcoders for those picky folks.

I'm not going to recommend it for office work though because this may appear misleading to some people that they need to spend this much. Hopefully those who do have the money and do want a better monitor will realize it but for the rest of them who just want a decent monitor for Word I think this is a little excessive.

I placed it below the 2690 in Multimedia as the 2690 is wide gamut and tends to reproduce some colors more naturally especially for movies. I am perfectly aware the 2490 is as good here though in sRGB which is why it is in photo editing and the 2690 isn't.

 

[Mallomar]

Originally posted by: albovin
1.The best way is to buy SV model with the colorimeter and NEC's software.
2. All colorimeters and their software are sold bundled together.

The problem is that only NEC's software (SpectraViewII, SpectraView Profiler) is able to calibrate NEC monitors' LUT - hardware calibration. Several colorimeters may be used.
For example, SpectraViewII supports GretagMacbeth Eye-One display V1 andV2, Eye-One Monitor, Eye-One Pro, Monaco Optix XR (X-Rite DTP 94). See software manual for that.

You can buy any colorimeter with it's own software and calibrate your NEC as an ordinary monitor - in fact it's software calibration of a grafics card.

If you buy NEC's software separately and a colorimeter separately - it looks like you'll have to pay for software twice (NEC's software + colorimeter bundled software).

As an alternative - look at LaCie 526. It's a clone of 2690 and may have it's own set of colorimeter and software. Doublecheck!

I did a quick google and the LaCie seems to be a lot more expensive than the NEC. I went ahead and ordered the NEC 2690 -- non-SV, since that's the only model I could find in stock anywhere. I'll probably end up buying the SV kit (colorimeter and s/w) directly from NEC.

I would have preferred to get the NEC SV model, but it would apparently take several weeks (at least) to get, and I need a monitor pretty quick.

 

[DoctorM]

Edit: So I tested the monitor on a second PC and it seemed to work ok.
When I say seems to, I mean there's still the issue that without any input to TELL it to shut off, it will not go to sleep in HDMI mode.

So if you disconnect power while your PC is off, you'll be stuck with a blue screen.
If you have a power outtage, when power returns you will have a blue screen.
All other sleep and wake activities worked fine on the second PC.
Also, everything shows up during POST.

Moving the monitor back to the computer I want it on I rolled the system back a week and a half to when the first monitor was working fine.
No luck.

Completely uninstalled ATI's drivers, used DriverSweeper to remove anything left and reinstalled the vid card and monitor.

Guess what, it works fine now, just like the other PC (except nothing during POST or in DOS).
That means I sent a pristine monitor back and now I have one with a bunch of bad pixels.

Sigh, I wouldn't have bet that ATI's drivers suddenly corrupted, but they did... or that they could actually do what I was seeing happen.

 

[bricklayer]

Just a few quick questions...

If I scale 2560x1600 down to 1920x1200 or 1600x1200 or 1280x800 for games (ie half/proper ratio), will it look like crap? It is still maintaining the aspect ratio unlike when I scale down my current 1280x1024 to anything lower. I'm am lead to believe that it's because 1280x1024 doesn't scale down properly - 640x512 when a proper 4:3 should be 640x480. No? I understand with a lower resolution there is less detail and more "jaggies", but on my current LCD, all other resolutions look like total crap, it's hard to make out anything. Everything is stretched, blurry, and blocky - even one resolution down.

How important is the Hz compared to ms? I have a 19? 75Hz 8ms monitor and I do notice some ghosting in games (ie motion blur) that was not visible on my old 19? 85Hz CRT. Would 85Hz with 8ms be better then 60Hz with 3ms with the same size LCD, same/different panel to clear up ghosting a bit? How does this relate to input lag? This has me very confused ? I?m getting a headache thinking about what I just typed.

As far as contrast, my current monitor is at 700:1. Black areas don?t look so hot ? there pretty saturated with white. Is 800:1 much of an improvement? Or is 1000:1 pretty much required for deep black? I had my eye on a few monitors with 800:1, but from what I have read ? it may be worth going 1000 or better?

I use my PC for gaming, and programming. So I?m really concerned with the quality of the image (text sharpness) and ghosting. From my research ? the LCD panels that fall in this category are TN and *VA (MVA/PVA) panels. The TN?s being better for gaming and the PVAs being better for image quality. I?m pretty much stuck here, I really don?t want to make a tradeoff. But it looks like most displays over 24? use the *VA panels and under 24? mostly are TN panels. Is the assumption pretty much right? Are there any *VA panels that excel in both quality and lack of ghosting/input lag in the 24? and above sizes? Or any TN panels that have really good quality and little or no ghosting? Viewing angle isn?t a big deal as a stare straight at it ? but the more the better.

Thanks

 

[czajunia]

Originally posted by: Buck Armstrong
Well...it hasn't arrived, so I don't know if I'm happy with it yet...

Well... so far you are.. Pls keep us posted on the progress of your happiness.

 

[Nafets]

Originally posted by: jgauthier
Hi xtknight,

I have read in various forums that people who order the A4 version seem to be getting the S-IPS panel. I didn't want to take the chance by ordering the A8 (despite being ~$100 cheaper) and finding out it is the A-MVA! If anyone could report owning the LP2065 mfg # EF227A8 that has the S-IPS panel that would be good to know. Maybe I could have saved myself some money!

Regards,

Here's my $0.02 on the LP2065 lottery.

I purchased a new HP LP2065 (EF227A8#ABA) from Onsale.com on 1/12/08, and just received it yesterday afternoon, 1/17/08. It's currently $379.00 + shipping. If you don't mind rebates, you can get free ground shipping from Onsale.com (maximum of $40.00) and $50.00 back from HP, bringing the price down to $329.00 shipped. I also did a Pricegrabber.com review for an extra $5.00 off.

To my surprise I received the S-IPS model:

From the stickers on the outside of the box;
REV. GSM002
MFG DATE CODE: JUNE 2007

From the monitor's service menu;
Firmware Revision: Rev 115
LCD Part Number: LPL LM201U05-SLA1

Other than 1 hard to notice stuck pixel on the lower left side of the screen, the monitor is absolutely flawless. I couldn't be more happy. I upgraded from a 5-year old Dell 1800FP IPS monitor and this new HP was worth every penny...

 

[eriwik]

Hello, and thanks for a great guide.

I have a question: what is the life expectancy of a LCD monitor? With life expectancy I mean how long you can (assuming no abuse) comfortably use the monitor, i.e. before you have too many defect pixels or colors became faded (or whatever happens).

I am thinking of getting myself a new monitor to replace my old Samsung SyncMaster 959NF CRT (which still works fine, but I kind of want an LCD and have been looking at something like the Samsung SyncMaster 275T, UltraSharp 2707WFP, or perhaps even 3008WFP but since I consuider $1000 to be quite a lot I would like to know how long I can expect the monitor to last. If I can use it for 10 year that means an average of $100/year which is quite good. But if I have to get a new one in 3 years that is not as good.

 

[cboath]

Originally posted by: DoctorM
Edit: So I tested the monitor on a second PC and it seemed to work ok.
When I say seems to, I mean there's still the issue that without any input to TELL it to shut off, it will not go to sleep in HDMI mode.

So if you disconnect power while your PC is off, you'll be stuck with a blue screen.
If you have a power outtage, when power returns you will have a blue screen.
All other sleep and wake activities worked fine on the second PC.
Also, everything shows up during POST.

Moving the monitor back to the computer I want it on I rolled the system back a week and a half to when the first monitor was working fine.
No luck.

Completely uninstalled ATI's drivers, used DriverSweeper to remove anything left and reinstalled the vid card and monitor.

Guess what, it works fine now, just like the other PC (except nothing during POST or in DOS).
That means I sent a pristine monitor back and now I have one with a bunch of bad pixels.

Sigh, I wouldn't have bet that ATI's drivers suddenly corrupted, but they did... or that they could actually do what I was seeing happen.

What kind of video card was on the second PC? I've been able to see the boot screen via HDMI from the get go.

Mine goes in to sleep mode fine if i forget to turn off the monitor while shutting off my computer. Same thing if I power on the monitor and miss the power button on the computer. (I usually do that, go to the kitchen and make a snack and come back - and in those cases, the monitor is in sleep mode when i return). As for doing it without any cable plugged in, i'm at work so i can't try it now.

 

[jgauthier]

Originally posted by: Nafets

Originally posted by: jgauthier
Hi xtknight,

I have read in various forums that people who order the A4 version seem to be getting the S-IPS panel. I didn't want to take the chance by ordering the A8 (despite being ~$100 cheaper) and finding out it is the A-MVA! If anyone could report owning the LP2065 mfg # EF227A8 that has the S-IPS panel that would be good to know. Maybe I could have saved myself some money!

Regards,

Here's my $0.02 on the LP2065 lottery.

I purchased a new HP LP2065 (EF227A8#ABA) from Onsale.com on 1/12/08, and just received it yesterday afternoon, 1/17/08. It's currently $379.00 + shipping. If you don't mind rebates, you can get free ground shipping from Onsale.com (maximum of $40.00) and $50.00 back from HP, bringing the price down to $329.00 shipped. I also did a Pricegrabber.com review for an extra $5.00 off.

To my surprise I received the S-IPS model:

From the stickers on the outside of the box;
REV. GSM002
MFG DATE CODE: JUNE 2007

From the monitor's service menu;
Firmware Revision: Rev 115
LCD Part Number: LPL LM201U05-SLA1

Other than 1 hard to notice stuck pixel on the lower left side of the screen, the monitor is absolutely flawless. I couldn't be more happy. I upgraded from a 5-year old Dell 1800FP IPS monitor and this new HP was worth every penny...

Thats fantastic and great news! Yes the LP2065 is a great LCD. I haven't scrutinized my screen to look for stuck pixels but so far nothing is obvious. How do you recommend checking for that? Are you using any color calibration devices? I got the pantone huey pro and are happy with the colors.

 

[Nafets]

Originally posted by: jgauthier

Originally posted by: Nafets

Originally posted by: jgauthier
Hi xtknight,

I have read in various forums that people who order the A4 version seem to be getting the S-IPS panel. I didn't want to take the chance by ordering the A8 (despite being ~$100 cheaper) and finding out it is the A-MVA! If anyone could report owning the LP2065 mfg # EF227A8 that has the S-IPS panel that would be good to know. Maybe I could have saved myself some money!

Regards,

Here's my $0.02 on the LP2065 lottery.

I purchased a new HP LP2065 (EF227A8#ABA) from Onsale.com on 1/12/08, and just received it yesterday afternoon, 1/17/08. It's currently $379.00 + shipping. If you don't mind rebates, you can get free ground shipping from Onsale.com (maximum of $40.00) and $50.00 back from HP, bringing the price down to $329.00 shipped. I also did a Pricegrabber.com review for an extra $5.00 off.

To my surprise I received the S-IPS model:

From the stickers on the outside of the box;
REV. GSM002
MFG DATE CODE: JUNE 2007

From the monitor's service menu;
Firmware Revision: Rev 115
LCD Part Number: LPL LM201U05-SLA1

Other than 1 hard to notice stuck pixel on the lower left side of the screen, the monitor is absolutely flawless. I couldn't be more happy. I upgraded from a 5-year old Dell 1800FP IPS monitor and this new HP was worth every penny...

Thats fantastic and great news! Yes the LP2065 is a great LCD. I haven't scrutinized my screen to look for stuck pixels but so far nothing is obvious. How do you recommend checking for that? Are you using any color calibration devices? I got the pantone huey pro and are happy with the colors.

With an empty desktop, and the taskbar hidden I selected white, black, red, green, and blue solid backgrounds to check for stuck/dead pixels. I'm sure there are easier or better ways to check, but it worked fine for me.

I'm not using any color calibration devices. Although I do appreciate the quality of the LP2065's S-IPS panel over other various TN and VA panels that I have used and tested, I'm not too much of a stickler for super accurate color calibration. Just a few small adjustments of the factory settings were all that was necessary for me.

*Update* I just checked the price of the LP2065 at Onsale.com and it's down $20 from my original price to $359 + shipping! Gah, if only I waited another week to order it...

 

[AtmosFear]

I've been looking for a new 24" monitor and saw that the Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP-HC was recommended in this thread as #4 for Office Work.

It seems that the ghosting issue on this monitor is not going to be fixed by Dell, nor will they release a new revision to address this issue.

Here's Dell's official response on the problem:

http://www.dellcommunity.com/s...essage.id=83631#M83631

also see here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...eadid=2094805#27354425

I very nearly purchased this monitor on advice from the recommended list in this thread. I'm wondering why this monitor is still being recommended, considering that it has a serious issue that won't be fixed, and numerous purchasers have ended up returning their monitor for a refund.

Also, is there any other 24" monitor that can be recommended for computer programming work? Thanks

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: AtmosFear
I've been looking for a new 24" monitor and saw that the Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP-HC was recommended in this thread as #4 for Office Work.

It seems that the ghosting issue on this monitor is not going to be fixed by Dell, nor will they release a new revision to address this issue.

Here's Dell's official response on the problem:

http://www.dellcommunity.com/s...essage.id=83631#M83631

also see here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...eadid=2094805#27354425

I very nearly purchased this monitor on advice from the recommended list in this thread. I'm wondering why this monitor is still being recommended, considering that it has a serious issue that won't be fixed, and numerous purchasers have ended up returning their monitor for a refund.

Also, is there any other 24" monitor that can be recommended for computer programming work? Thanks

It's really not a problem for most office work (Word/PowerPoint) because office work doesn't involve moving pictures most of the time. Some people are even fine w/ gaming on the 2407WFP-HC. It's not that bad of a screen compared to what else is out there. I suppose the VX2435wm and LP2465 could be recommended for office work too. The 2407WFP-HC is wide gamut which might be nice if you're editing documents compared to prints.

 

[DoctorM]

...and it's not working again. My brains hurt.

Those 19" CRTs are starting to sound less complicated again.

 

[ginfest]

Any word on the Samsung 245T? From the specs it seems to be a good choice as opposed to the Viewsonic VX2435wm which is a similar type panel but seems to be more "full-featured", with more input, better color and response times and adjustable stand among others? And a similar price although the Viewsonic has a $100.00 rebate.
I have had great luck with my Samsung 215T, got it in a hot deal when they were close-outs last year, total cost=$179.00 + tax :thumbsup:
Like anything else though, it seems "small" now and I want to go 24" but don't want TN and S-IPS is priced too high for my liking and needs.
any comment on this panel?

Samsung 245T

 

[czajunia]

Originally posted by: albovin
More info about NEC 2490WUXi

Thank's albovin. Great piece of info. Now I am really p..... off. Serioulsy. I thought from the beginning that it was a good monitor and wanted to get it. Didn't know about too many details especially compared to other monitors for there's not that many info available on the net. Then I had to accept the fact that I will have to live without it - not available in Europe. And after that I came across you review and it turns out that not only is this monitor good, it's great and looks like the best all-round performer available.

Well... Thank's NEC for such a great sale strategy and marketing policy... Whatever...

 

[Buck Armstrong]

Originally posted by: czajunia

Originally posted by: albovin
More info about NEC 2490WUXi

Thank's albovin. Great piece of info. Now I am really p..... off. Serioulsy. I thought from the beginning that it was a good monitor and wanted to get it. Didn't know about too many details especially compared to other monitors for there's not that many info available on the net. Then I had to accept the fact that I will have to live without it - not available in Europe. And after that I came across you review and it turns out that not only is this monitor good, it's great and looks like the best all-round performer available.

Well... Thank's NEC for such a great sale strategy and marketing policy... Whatever...

Sorry to hear that...but on a lighter note, my 2470 just arrived, and I couldn't be happier!

In fact, compared to the monitors I've spent alot of time with recently (Dell 21" Trinitron CRT, Dell 19" *VA, ViewSonic 21" VP2130b S-PVA, my brother's NEC 20WMGX2 AS-IPS, and my friend's Planar PX2611W S-IPS), I am...stunned. I've only been playing with it for about 2 hours, so I've installed the drivers but haven't calibrated it or played a single game. Just to address the things I was most concerned with:

There are ZERO dead or stuck pixels. There is NO backlight bleeding, in fact it looks completely uniform. There is NO perceptible input lag. The viewing angles are unbelievable, as in I don't believe what I'm seeing! Compared to the ViewSonic 2130, the Dell 19" and even the IPS 20WMGX2 and Planar 2611, they are fantastic. No perceptible shifting unless you stand up and go looking for it, and even then its hardly noticeable, especially compared to the ViewSonic and the Dell. Text is razor-sharp and easily readable, even at 1920x1200. This thing just blows away ViewSonic's 21" "pro" series S-PVA in every conceivable aspect. I see none of the things I was worried about in general (lag, dead pixels, etc.) and none of things that made me wary of another PVA.

Anyway, I need to calibrate it, check out some gradients, and fire up a game or two to make sure about the input lag, so I'll be back later.

 

[rjn17960]

I saw the Dell 3008 reviews and it looks like they've made some improvements over the 3007. Anyone care to guess if they'll update the 2707 anytime soon? I get a Dell discount through my employer (Dell Premier), but the 3008 isn't on the list, and I'd rather go 27" anyway.

The 2707 sounds good, but I can wait a month or so if rumor has a 2708 coming out soon with improvements like the better contrast and brightness seen in the 3008 vs the 3007.

Thanks, Rich

 

[czajunia]

Originally posted by: Buck Armstrong

Sorry to hear that...but on a lighter note, my 2470 just arrived, and I couldn't be happier!

Wow. This is great news. Please keep us up to date - maybe a short kind-of-review with some pictures if you have a minute. That would be great. Anyways, it looks like the *VA panels are not that bad at the end of the day. It's more the way they are implemented in monitors by manufacturers.

I was just to write that because 24'' IPS Hazro I was after is cheaper than NEC 2470 in UK I should give Hazro a go as soon as Simon from TFTcentral replies to the question we asked there. Well.... Went to check the prices (this very moment) and it turns out that they are out of black version which was around £430. The silver Hazro is more than £500....
Now I am really p..... off.

 

[Trean]

DoctorM:

I always turn my monitor off through the power button or never let it go into stand by mode... however my current monitor is a CRT.

What is the problem with turning the monitor off via the power button or just leaving it on constantly (with a screensaver or something running after awhile)?


Also you should make sure the amount of pixels you have stuck doesn't qualify as some sort of a return of purchase or something; seems like you have a lot.

 

[DoctorM]

I noticed today that there is someone on Amazon.com who mentioned they couldn't get their VX24 to go to standby properly with a x850 video card as well. (Mine's an XT PE version, but still.)
His fix was he upgraded his whole system.

I think I'll just run on the analog line until I upgrade as well, because come on... it's an x850xt. Besides I can't see a visual difference between the analog and digital picture quality. (What degradation should I expect?)

I have been TRYING to contact TechOnWeb to do another exchange and I'm having problems. Yesterday they went home early. Today I got a person on the telephone and got shuttled to voice mail. Using their evidently preferred method, email, I have received no answer.

Today has been generally a bad day, so I'll have to try to contact them Monday.

 

[Gunlance]

I have a post like a page back (depending on your forum view settings). Anybody see it? I am looking for help picking out a monitor still.

 

[Trean]

Originally posted by: Gunlance
I have a post like a page back (depending on your forum view settings). Anybody see it? I am looking for help picking out a monitor still.

Sorry, I don't have any experience in 22" monitors. Hopefully, xtnight will get to your post when he makes his next question queue response. If he skipped over it, he did not do it on purpose; there seems to be a bit more chatter than usual discussing various monitors that people have been purchasing as well as new people popping in to get more recs... so it is easy to miss someone. Once again, I apologize for your delay; he is only one person.

All the information I can offer you probably can be read in the original post. Beyond that, I don't think there are many non-TN less than 22" screens left on the market; which makes the non-TN market a pricey one for that size.

Oh and you can always try browsing the HardForum Display section too: http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=78, while you wait on xtnight's next queue emptying.

 

[Trean]

Originally posted by: DoctorM
I noticed today that there is someone on Amazon.com who mentioned they couldn't get their VX24 to go to standby properly with a x850 video card as well. (Mine's an XT PE version, but still.)
His fix was he upgraded his whole system.

I think I'll just run on the analog line until I upgrade as well, because come on... it's an x850xt. Besides I can't see a visual difference between the analog and digital picture quality. (What degradation should I expect?)

I have been TRYING to contact TechOnWeb to do another exchange and I'm having problems. Yesterday they went home early. Today I got a person on the telephone and got shuttled to voice mail. Using their evidently preferred method, email, I have received no answer.

Today has been generally a bad day, so I'll have to try to contact them Monday.

Mine is not that new of a graphics card hope I won't have problems(Nvidia 7950 GX2), I plan on ordering the monitor sometime this weekend. After all my monies are getting properly dispersed in the right direction of bills and other things .

 

[Gunlance]

Originally posted by: Trean

Originally posted by: Gunlance
I have a post like a page back (depending on your forum view settings). Anybody see it? I am looking for help picking out a monitor still.

Sorry, I don't have any experience in 22" monitors. Hopefully, xtnight will get to your post when he makes his next question queue response. If he skipped over it, he did not do it on purpose; there seems to be a bit more chatter than usual discussing various monitors that people have been purchasing as well as new people popping in to get more recs... so it is easy to miss someone. Once again, I apologize for your delay; he is only one person.

All the information I can offer you probably can be read in the original post. Beyond that, I don't think there are many non-TN less than 22" screens left on the market; which makes the non-TN market a pricey one for that size.

Oh and you can always try browsing the HardForum Display section too: http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=78, while you wait on xtnight's next queue emptying.

Thanks for the link. Ah, and I didn't know that how he did things! Sorry XD

 

[ClockHound]

Originally posted by: Gunlance
I am trying to pick out a new LCD monitor. I tried asking the bit-tech.net forums, I tried using the guides at behardware, prad, tft central, x-bit and of course here.

I currently own a BenQ FP222W and I was pretty happy. Every now and then I saw some washed out colors in usually SVG graphics, or .png like a million shades of blue would lead to that dithering. Sorry if I am using the wrong technical terms. Until one day I was looking at a picture of the planet Saturn. The rings were noisy, with flashing black/purple pixels, there was banding etc. it was terrible. I thought something went wrong with my monitor. I tried a different DVI cable and tried to trouble shoot the problem. Well it was not the cable or video card...it was my monitor. In figuring out just what went wrong I learned pretty much the "truth" and discovered I sure was one un-informed consumer on LCD Monitors.
I am having a terrible time of picking out a monitor now. My biggest complaint with my monitor is the performance with black in anything. Whether I am looking a picture with shadows, or watching a movie like sunshine. It?s just terrible.

I thought the only solution with a new monitor is going non-TN panel, and 8-bit. But everything in that category seems out of my price range or doesn?t sync with what I would use the monitor for. Using the anandtech buyers guide I fall under the multimedia category.

My computer is used for office work, games, and movie watching. But not hardcore movie watching I am not sitting 10ft away from my monitor and expecting the best picture. I sit in front of the monitor so viewing angles won?t be that big of a problem. With gaming I assume I need to be picky with the specifications. I use a high performance mouse, and play games that sometime require a lot of speed?which is any online FPS. I never suffered performance problems with my current monitor in that area, or know of any times in which I would blame in-game death on the ?lag? of my monitor. Whether that?s related to input lag or response time I am not that clear about.

In terms of graphic work I have been just fine I assume, with my monitor. Pictures taken with DSLR's, and digital cameras touch up fine and I get what I want accomplished in photoshop and lightroom. Not sure if it falls under graphic work. But editing digital video has been fine, and I get the same performance with this monitor as I do out of the Apple Cinema Displays on campus.

So where do I go? I think I can only afford TN panel monitors. I don?t mind 19-22? widescreen size range but above that seems too much, especially cost wise. I am still just a student and need to invest in education. The ability to tilt the monitor to portrait mode would be great, and the only accessory I would use would be USB ports. Not S-Video, Component, HDMI etc.

Lastly I believe I might have discovered what I wanted in a monitor, it was a Belinea model. But they don?t seem to be sold anywhere?

Since no one else is jumping in to tell you how to spend your money, I will.

If you reasonably happy with your BenQ 22" TN, maybe you'll be even happier with a better TN. Prad just gave a rave review to the
Chimei CMV 222H

They say it's the best 22" yet. For example:
"..The good performance overall for white point, grey balance and softproof quality is surprising for a TN panel monitor. Only in the Quality profile does the Chimei CMV 222H get it hard to pass. When it comes to profile accuracy, the UDACT tolerates a maximum DeltaE of just 6 and an average deviation of just DeltaE 3. In any case, the Chimei also surpasses the HP w2207 in this point..."

Very impressive from a TN. It's only $329 at the egg: ($299 after rebate) http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824252015

For more ACD likeness, you could play the HP LP2065 panel lottery. If you noticed the recent posts here, there have been a few winners who seem thrilled with their IPS screen.

Another option would be to scour the net in search of a Samsung 215TW. It's EOL, but you may still find one and is a highly regarded S-PVA display. Or even consider a refurb S-IPS NEC 20WMGX2.

If you feel lucky and live near an Office Max you could check out the $ 299 24" VA Soyo.