[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Josh7289
xt,

Are you planning on modifying your recommendations soon regarding the BenQ G2400WD and Samsung 2493HM, since they have both been listed as 'deactivated items' on Newegg for a while now?

I mean, it's probably a good idea to keep them in your list until they're basically nowhere to be found at all, but it looks like they've been discontinued so I don't know how long that will last...

And it's really disappointing that all the low input lag 1920 x 1200 monitors seem to be disappearing now. I really don't want a 1080p computer monitor (mostly because it's not possible to fit 1600 x 1200 onto a 1080p panel).

The G2400WD is still available at many places but the 2493HM has basically dried up, so the latter was removed. Thanks for letting me know. Sometimes it is hard to maintain such a long list of monitors and laziness takes hold. I have been thinking of a better way to do it for a long time now but haven't come up with anything. I wanted to put it on my website with live price updates or something but I'm still working on that.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: SeanFL
looking for some help on selecting a new 20-22 inch monitor.

The panel will be used to read email and scripts in a recording studio. If buying locally (Sams or Costco), the choices are between:

Samsung 2233sw $179
Samsung 2033sw $149
Acer H233H 23" $179

There are also panels from AOC, LG, and Viewsonic, but I didn't see enough reviews on amazon or newegg (for what either would be worth) to make a call.

Our of all of them, the Acer gets the most stars at both places.

Any opinions? I'd like to stay around $200 or so.

Thanks for any guidance.

Sean

I'm afraid there's not much guidance I can give you at this price point and if you're buying locally. I would just go for whatever has the best user reviews.

If you're willing to get something from online (which isn't a giant risk, really) then the Samsung T220 is good. It's $230 after MIR. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...273&Tpk=samsung%20t220

Another great option is the LG L227WTG, now $220 with free shipping! http://www.newegg.com/Product/...6824005109&Tpk=l227wtg

A yet cheaper option is the $210 ViewSonic VX2260wm: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...0&ref=dynamitedata.com

This monitor is rated pretty well and has a good pro review.

Try to get one of those if you can.

 

[thatsright]

Anyone know of a retailer that will sell LCD monitors with a liberal return policy. i.e. If for some reason I don't want it within 30 days I can return it for a refund (perhaps with a restock fee, etc). I want to get the HP LP2475W and so far I think only Amazon might do this.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: thatsright
Anyone know of a retailer that will sell LCD monitors with a liberal return policy. i.e. If for some reason I don't want it within 30 days I can return it for a refund (perhaps with a restock fee, etc). I want to get the HP LP2475W and so far I think only Amazon might do this.

What about buying from HP directly?

 

[Kaido]

Looking for two (2) 24"-ish monitors for Print, Video (editing, not coloring), and Design work (preferred resolution of 1920x1200 due to apps on my Mac). No budget restrictions (it's for my work system). Using Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Corel Painter, and Final Cut Pro primarily. Currently using a Dell 24" with an Eye-One Display 2 colorimeter, but I want really super awesome accurate color because I am doing stuff that will actually be printed/published now. I'll have a separate monitor for doing Colorist work for video. They will be setup in a light-controlled room with 18% gray wallpaint and daylight-balanced lighting.

I was looking at the Eizo ColorEdge CG242W:

http://www.eizo.com/products/graphics/cg242w/index.asp

How does this compare to the NEC you recommend?

http://xtknight.50webs.com/lcd26/

Or perhaps to the newer LaCie offerings?

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/range.htm?id=10016

Their 730 model even has LED backlighting, which looks pretty neat. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[thatsright]

Just dropped $600 for the HP LP2475w from Amazon, in case I need a no-hassle return. It kills me a bit to know the best new, mid range CRT can do photo editing better than LCDs. Ughh, oh well. How are movies in WMP 11 look? Is it very 'blocky?'

The main reason in getting it is its relatively good/great color accuracy for photo editing. For anyone with this model, is there a good/better way to calibrating the monitor? What process did you use? I have Spyder3 Pro which I use on my CRT. Is it true that the LP2475w has poor results when gama is set below 2.2?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Kaido
Looking for two (2) 24"-ish monitors for Print, Video (editing, not coloring), and Design work (preferred resolution of 1920x1200 due to apps on my Mac). No budget restrictions (it's for my work system). Using Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Corel Painter, and Final Cut Pro primarily. Currently using a Dell 24" with an Eye-One Display 2 colorimeter, but I want really super awesome accurate color because I am doing stuff that will actually be printed/published now. I'll have a separate monitor for doing Colorist work for video. They will be setup in a light-controlled room with 18% gray wallpaint and daylight-balanced lighting.

I was looking at the Eizo ColorEdge CG242W:

http://www.eizo.com/products/graphics/cg242w/index.asp

How does this compare to the NEC you recommend?

http://xtknight.50webs.com/lcd26/

Or perhaps to the newer LaCie offerings?

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/range.htm?id=10016

Their 730 model even has LED backlighting, which looks pretty neat. Thanks for the suggestions!

The LCD2690WUXi will deliver the "really super awesome accurate color" you're looking for. It has a 14-bit LUT which means the grayscale will be without any kinks or discoloration. The 16.7 million color palette is selected from a collection of 4 trillion ((2^14)^3) possible colors. It can show every single gray shade distinctly if calibrated properly. I use an Eye One Display 2 as well, and it works great for this monitor as far as I can tell.

Yes, the Eizo has a 16-bit LUT, but this is kind of overkill. I would choose the H-IPS panel for viewing angle performance and image stability (it doesn't have the S-PVA center image void problem where you can only see details at different angles).

I can't find the price of the CG242W, but usually Eizos are quite expensive for what they are. It's an S-PVA panel like your Dell, and not an iota better for viewing angle performance.

Now, LED backlighting is something that might be useful. The LaCie are S-PVAs as well, though. $4,000 is a lot for that. :/ I think the LCD26 will do you just fine. And if you need wider gamut go for the HP LP2475w. It's a little wider gamut.

It's important to know what Dell 24" you currently have, because the LP2475w and LCD26 may either be a step down in gamut or the same thing if it's the 2408WFP.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Kaido
Looking for two (2) 24"-ish monitors for Print, Video (editing, not coloring), and Design work (preferred resolution of 1920x1200 due to apps on my Mac). No budget restrictions (it's for my work system). Using Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Corel Painter, and Final Cut Pro primarily. Currently using a Dell 24" with an Eye-One Display 2 colorimeter, but I want really super awesome accurate color because I am doing stuff that will actually be printed/published now. I'll have a separate monitor for doing Colorist work for video. They will be setup in a light-controlled room with 18% gray wallpaint and daylight-balanced lighting.

I was looking at the Eizo ColorEdge CG242W:

http://www.eizo.com/products/graphics/cg242w/index.asp

How does this compare to the NEC you recommend?

http://xtknight.50webs.com/lcd26/

Or perhaps to the newer LaCie offerings?

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/range.htm?id=10016

Their 730 model even has LED backlighting, which looks pretty neat. Thanks for the suggestions!

The LCD2690WUXi will deliver the "really super awesome accurate color" you're looking for. It has a 14-bit LUT which means the grayscale will be without any kinks or discoloration. The 16.7 million color palette is selected from a collection of 4 trillion ((2^14)^3) possible colors. It can show every single gray shade distinctly if calibrated properly. I use an Eye One Display 2 as well, and it works great for this monitor as far as I can tell.

Yes, the Eizo has a 16-bit LUT, but this is kind of overkill. I would choose the H-IPS panel for viewing angle performance and image stability (it doesn't have the S-PVA center image void problem where you can only see details at different angles).

I can't find the price of the CG242W, but usually Eizos are quite expensive for what they are. It's an S-PVA panel like your Dell, and not an iota better for viewing angle performance.

Now, LED backlighting is something that might be useful. The LaCie are S-PVAs as well, though. $4,000 is a lot for that. :/ I think the LCD26 will do you just fine. And if you need wider gamut go for the HP LP2475w. It's a little wider gamut.

It's important to know what Dell 24" you currently have, because the LP2475w and LCD26 may either be a step down in gamut or the same thing if it's the 2408WFP.

Yeah, 2408WFP.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Hey all - I'm looking for a new LCD to replace my 19" 1905FP (I swear I will buy one this time xt - as opposed to thinking I am and then deciding to wait).

I am doing a lot of programming and web surfing on it (As a result of the programming). I don't really game much at all anymore (Played my first computer game in 1 year last week) - I am looking for the best bang for my buck 24" monitor out there.

I know the Dell 2409 monitors are supposed to be very nice - but they are somewhat pricier due to the use of some sort of IPS panel. Is there a monitor that you can recommend to me for my uses? Given that I have a Dell Ultrasharp right now, I really would prefer not taking a step back in terms of color gamut or viewing angle by going to TN, but I'll trust whatever ya'll recommend.

-Kevin

 

[arcarsenal]

Hi all,

If anyone is interested, it appears as if the 24" eIPS that LG was releasing:
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/ne.../17.htm#lg_ips_screens
has been canceled, according to this thread:
http://www.hardforum.com/showt...d.php?t=1402533&page=6

 

[tukulka]

Is in your mind the G2400WD a good choice? Or there is some newer better monitor for aroun 300 ??
Used for graphic mainly + some gaming

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Kaido
Yeah, 2408WFP.

Hmmm, well it's up to you I guess. I'm not sure it's worth you spending that much even though you're stepping up to an IPS panel with roughly the same gamut (LP2475w), or less in the case of the LCD26.

If I were you I would hold out for LED IPS panels. Are you not getting satisfactory performance from your current panel? Is there something in specific that you are looking for? Wider gamut is good but it's not always going to help you.

The LCD2690 may be worth it due to its great grayscale performance. But it's a little less gamut.

The HP doesn't have the LUT that the LCD26 does, but it has a little higher gamut and an IPS panel. And unfortunately, some uniformity problems sometimes...

At least if I were in your position I might consider the Apple LED IPS 24" panel. http://www.google.com/products...60&sa=title#ps-sellers

Surprisingly, its price is rather reasonable for LED and IPS. Maybe I should have that on my list, but I haven't seen any pro reviews of it or anything. You need an adapter to hook it up to a DVI port.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Hey all - I'm looking for a new LCD to replace my 19" 1905FP (I swear I will buy one this time xt - as opposed to thinking I am and then deciding to wait).

Well I think it's a good time to buy. (The Cramer in me speaking, heh...)

I am doing a lot of programming and web surfing on it (As a result of the programming). I don't really game much at all anymore (Played my first computer game in 1 year last week) - I am looking for the best bang for my buck 24" monitor out there.

I know the Dell 2409 monitors are supposed to be very nice - but they are somewhat pricier due to the use of some sort of IPS panel. Is there a monitor that you can recommend to me for my uses? Given that I have a Dell Ultrasharp right now, I really would prefer not taking a step back in terms of color gamut or viewing angle by going to TN, but I'll trust whatever ya'll recommend.

-Kevin

Your current panel is VA type but none of Dell's 24" panels use IPS right now. The 2408WFP is also S-PVA.

The H-IPS HP LP2475w is a good step-up but I'd get it from Amazon like thatsright just in case you need to return it due to uniformity problems. Yeah, there's not really a better value out there right now. I tend to trust that a minority, not a majority, of people are having the uniformity problems right now. Remember, most people only post about it online if they're having problems.

In the case that's just too expensive, the G2400WD is a big step down but a decent 24" TN panel. The VA 2408WFP isn't that much cheaper, if any, than the LP2475w right now.

 

[Hadsus]

Originally posted by: arcarsenalSamsung 215TW ($150~$200 2nd hand)
HP L2335 ($249 2nd hand)
NEC 20WGX2Pro

Do you think the dell is the sweet-spot, bang-for-buck purchase, being the only IPS around that price?

For gaming the 215TW is plenty blurry and some input lag (if you're sensitive to that sort of thing). Otherwise it's an excellent monitor.

 

[cerebrus]

Originally posted by: arcarsenal

Originally posted by: cerebrus
Want to thank xtknight for putting this thread together.

I do some gaming on the side FPS and RTS, with editing of photos. Thinking of a 24" display, cannot decide between the HP LP2475w or Dell 2408WFP. I should be able to borrow a Spyder3Pro for calibration. Reading the posts in the thread, it seems to boil down more to a personal preference between these two displays. I should be able to get both around the same price. Any suggestions?

I think xt would recommend the HP2475w as it is H-IPS, and it comes above the dell in all areas (multimedia, print target media processing) etc.

I would go for the HP2475w personally!

Originally posted by: xtknight


arcarsenal hit the nail on the head..

Just remember with the HP you run the risk of dealing with some uniformity issues but it might be worth it. I mean if it's real bad you can exchange it. Both monitors are very high gamut.

Thanks!

 

[Pugnate]

Hey,

The Samsung T260 was suddenly available to me. Is it worth a purchase? I am note entirely happy with my T220's color uniformity.

 

[Reaph]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Reaph

It is very hard for me to see what you are talking about, but you might mess with custom timings of the video card if it looks like a problem that's coming in before the monitor (video timings such as back porch, etc, etc). Do you mean banding-like effects or more like straight horizontal lines?

I know its hard to show this with a camera.
I talked with Samsung support and they told me to call it as DoA.
I can confirm that I get the same result on 4 different computers.
One last pic: http://www.sf4.se/bilder/2233rz/2233rz.png

Yea I understand, but unfortunately I just can't see what you mean. But even if I did I don't think I'd know what the cause of it was.

In other news though I did start recommending this monitor due to its 120Hz support and very fast image. The issue you mentioned wasn't noted in the X-Bit Labs review. Let me know of your support experience.

I doing an update on my current experience with the 2233rz.
I just got a new monitor to replace the first one.
But the "lines" are even more clear on this one then on the first one.
I have tested both monitors with both ATI and Nvidia gfx-cards.
Both monitors have the same model code: LS22CMFKFV/EN
Both are made in Tianjin, China.
Manufactured in april and mars.

 

[tech249]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Josh7289
xt,

Are you planning on modifying your recommendations soon regarding the BenQ G2400WD and Samsung 2493HM, since they have both been listed as 'deactivated items' on Newegg for a while now?

I mean, it's probably a good idea to keep them in your list until they're basically nowhere to be found at all, but it looks like they've been discontinued so I don't know how long that will last...

And it's really disappointing that all the low input lag 1920 x 1200 monitors seem to be disappearing now. I really don't want a 1080p computer monitor (mostly because it's not possible to fit 1600 x 1200 onto a 1080p panel).

The G2400WD is still available at many places but the 2493HM has basically dried up, so the latter was removed. Thanks for letting me know. Sometimes it is hard to maintain such a long list of monitors and laziness takes hold. I have been thinking of a better way to do it for a long time now but haven't come up with anything. I wanted to put it on my website with live price updates or something but I'm still working on that.

I agree, what are people buying now instead of the two above mentioned monitors? I need 24" and 1920x1200. Primarily for gaming.

 

[Josh7289]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Josh7289
xt,

Are you planning on modifying your recommendations soon regarding the BenQ G2400WD and Samsung 2493HM, since they have both been listed as 'deactivated items' on Newegg for a while now?

I mean, it's probably a good idea to keep them in your list until they're basically nowhere to be found at all, but it looks like they've been discontinued so I don't know how long that will last...

And it's really disappointing that all the low input lag 1920 x 1200 monitors seem to be disappearing now. I really don't want a 1080p computer monitor (mostly because it's not possible to fit 1600 x 1200 onto a 1080p panel).

The G2400WD is still available at many places but the 2493HM has basically dried up, so the latter was removed. Thanks for letting me know. Sometimes it is hard to maintain such a long list of monitors and laziness takes hold. I have been thinking of a better way to do it for a long time now but haven't come up with anything. I wanted to put it on my website with live price updates or something but I'm still working on that.

Do you happen to still have your entry for the 2493HM that you had on the list? I'm still interested in reading the input lag measurements and notes you had listed for it.

 

[Pugnate]

Originally posted by: Pugnate
Hey,

The Samsung T260 was suddenly available to me. Is it worth a purchase? I am note entirely happy with my T220's color uniformity.

Nevermind XT. Just did a thread search. Damn that sucks though.

 

[Wazzap]

Hi friends.

Please help me out. I can't make up my mind.

I am looking for a 24" monitor (but I can go with 22" too if it's better than the 24" ones I am looking at). My two main concerns are viewing angeles and input lag.

What do I use the monitor for:
* Gaming (mostly)
* Surfing/Coding/Chatting (mostly)
* Movies (sometimes)
* Video-editing, picture-editing and so on. (Nothing too major, hobby stuff, rarely)

Basically "all around". I am no hardcore gamer, I just do some Team Fortress 2 maybe every now and then, some Call of Duty 4. I don't do competitions and those stuff to have the latest best thing etc.

I have been looking at these two:
* Dell 2209WA
* BenQ G2400WD

I don't know which one to pick, in fact maybe you guys can recommend something better. I have never used a large TN panel monitor and I am afraid the colors will put me off. I have used a 19" TN monitor and I was very, very happy with it.

I also have no idea how to calibrate.

I am not that sensetive, at least I don't think so!

Response time is no big deal, the rest is no big deal.

Please help me out!

 

[ankit]

xtknight, thanks so much for this amazing thread!

I am looking for a screen to go with my new 13" macbook pro. My main use for the screen is as follows (all are roughly equally important):

- Programming in Matlab, C etc. (basically text editing in vim)
- LaTex for writing papers (more text editing in vim)
- Some Illustrator/Photoshop work
- Watching movies (typically DVDs or downloads from the web)
- Some photo editing (I am an amateur photographer)

The one thing I don't plan on doing is playing games on this. Ideally I would like a 24" screen, but can live with a 22" as well. I would really like something that has good colors (though I probably would not really calibrate it properly, so this is not all that important). I have been reading about the Dell 2408WFP, the Dell 2209WA, and the HP 2475W. All else being equal, I'd rather spend less and get the 2209WA. Do you recommend one over the other between these three for my intended purposes? Which of these would be the best for watching movies? So far I have completely ignored TN panels; should I look at them as well?

Thanks!

 

[arcarsenal]

Hey all,

So I went for the 2209WA. Managed to find a 20% & a 10% voucher that I could use together, which got the monitor down from $438 to $316 (aussie).

Haven't received it yet, but I want to have it calibrated pretty quickly so I can check for panel problems. Though I won't be using/buying a calibrator, can I just use someone's calibrated settings?

 

[Hadsus]

Originally posted by: Wazzap
Hi friends.

Please help me out. I can't make up my mind.

I am looking for a 24" monitor (but I can go with 22" too if it's better than the 24" ones I am looking at). My two main concerns are viewing angeles and input lag.

What do I use the monitor for:
* Gaming (mostly)
* Surfing/Coding/Chatting (mostly)
* Movies (sometimes)
* Video-editing, picture-editing and so on. (Nothing too major, hobby stuff, rarely)

Basically "all around". I am no hardcore gamer, I just do some Team Fortress 2 maybe every now and then, some Call of Duty 4. I don't do competitions and those stuff to have the latest best thing etc.

I have been looking at these two:
* Dell 2209WA
* BenQ G2400WD

I don't know which one to pick, in fact maybe you guys can recommend something better. I have never used a large TN panel monitor and I am afraid the colors will put me off. I have used a 19" TN monitor and I was very, very happy with it.

I also have no idea how to calibrate.

I am not that sensetive, at least I don't think so!

Response time is no big deal, the rest is no big deal.

Please help me out!

I recently went from an s-pva (Samsung) to a tn (LG) ....the difference in gaming is pretty startling. The tn being much better even for something like TF2 (which does not push the graphics envelope) which I play all the time. That said, you'd probably want the BenQ. However.....

Viewing angles are not great on TNs. Plain and simple. If you sit in front of your monitor as if it is on a desk, in a normal workstation setup, you'll not see any viewing angle issues (unless you actively look for them). If you are sitting on a couch or a comfy chair away from the monitor (using it more like a TV), you'll definitely notice viewing angle issues (washed out colors). Otherwise.....

I think the TN image quality smack is way overdone. I don't miss the excellent images of my old Sammy as the LG comes very close. And gaming is no contest.....LG is great. And the 24 inches is worth it IMO. I changed my monitor from 21 to 24 inches in part to get a bigger screen and have found it to be worth it. Definitely.

 

[riemster37]

First off I wanted to say that this is the most helpful thing I came across while looking at monitors. I am very glad I found this. I've been searching for monitors for almost 2 weeks now. Also, I have tried to understand the stats and descriptions of today's monitors.

I am in need of a good gaming monitor. I play games professionally and have been using a 17" CRT since I can remember. I want a good monitor, but gaming would be the highest priority. I would like to watch movies on it also. I download a ton but currently use my 360 to put them on a TV. The TVs at both locations, home and college, are not the best (not HD and still glass). Besides video (movies) and games there is one more use for a new monitor I have been pondering. Hooking my 360 directly to my monitor. This is really a tertiary reason, but I think it would be very simple if I got a monitor with HDMI to my 360s HDMI. I am looking for a 22"-24", 16:10, input lag obviously less than ~5ms and proportionately priced.

I was recommended the #2 on this list, LG L227WTG-PF, months ago before I ever found this site. It looks like this is the best option. Newegg has it at 219.99 and free shipping makes me just want to get it now, but I'm still debating. There is no HDMI, but does a DVI (monitor) to HDMI (360) work as good as HDMI to HDMI? (probably a stupid question) Would I get HD 720p?

The other monitor I'm looking at is the #4 on this list, BenQ G2400WD. I think I'm just making things difficult, but it has 1.9 input lag, 2" larger, 1080 and HDMI. The pricetag is a bit pricey but if it's worth it I'll buy it. The problem with this monitor is that it's not on newegg or stores (that I've seen) and is on back order from their site.

Help? I'm kinda rambling and I'm still lost in the world of monitors/PCs even though I've been playing games professionally since 04-05. I'm really not quite sure what I'm even asking because I think the LG monitor is the best buy anyways.

*edit* I was told by a Best Buy employee (lol) that 120hz for a monitor is pointless and not good for gaming. Is this true? I thought it was because it's more like a CRT but it has a higher response time!?!