[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xtknight]

Right now the U2410 is a much better deal than the LCD2690WUXi. So it has been recommended about the NEC in most instances, except for wide gamut editing where the NEC is first due to hardware calibration.

Yes, the Dell is listed as 1.07B colors because the LG H-IPS panel accepts a 10-bit signal. I still don't know if it is actually utilized in any way. After all, most video cards still output 8-bit although new ones are capable of 10-bit through HDMI and DisplayPort. Whether the Dell supports 10-bit through HDMI or DisplayPort I have no clue. Hopefully someone can prove that.

 

[xtknight]

AnandTech Forums is not accepting my edit..well I'll get the new list up as soon as I can. Basically, U2410 is recommended in wide gamut areas.

 

[Luddite]

Originally posted by: xtknight
I don't recommend you use sRGB mode. So the Dell's sRGB mode is better than others, but it dithers and it still sucks. Even my LCD2690's sRGB mode is pretty ugly. I'll admit I haven't thoroughly investigated it, but after trying it I don't think I'll ever use it again. (Yes, ugly is awfully relative.) Use native, and let software do sRGB transformations. As for games, forget it. I am not sure they are really made to be sRGB anyways. Many of them even apply their own gamma curves at startup, at least older games. Just enjoy the vibrant colors. For the web, use the color management features of your browser. Grab Media Player Classic Home Cinema if you want media color management. HDTV material (BT.709) conforms to sRGB.

Xtknight, could you possibly say a bit more about how to go about viewing sRGB on wide gamut monitors. With the NEC 2690, for instance, if the sRGB mode is bad, what is the way around that if any? You mentioned "use native and let the software do sRGB transformations." Do you mean emulation here? Would it be a hassle to switch back and forth (between sRGB and wide gamut) to get a decent sRGB or is it only a matter of a few clicks and buttons?

Same set of questions for the Dell.

I'm trying to decide between standard and wide gamut, but it's sounding more and more like if I only do critical color printing occasionally, wide gamut may not be worth it the rest of the time, depending on how easy/difficult it is to switch back and forth between gamuts, and how good/poor the sRGB looks.

 

[ChorniyVolk]

Er, I checked the first post and aside from calibration, there's no mention of wide gamut. Thing is though, I think I'm starting to get it...kind of.

So xtknight, you recommend keeping the monitor in wide gamut mode and letting individual software change the colors to fit it, like a web browser for web stuff, games to have their own, and a media player to do the colors for visual media? With so little natively supporting full wide gamut, would you say that it is like a big open field that nothing really fills into, but can use the extra space even if it's doesn't use all of it, whereas with SRGB it's like a small room that stuff has to shrink itself to fit most of the time?

Like, say, a monitor resolution no? Where if my resolution is 1680x1050, I can fit both 800x600 images and 1280x720 movies, while on a 1024x768 res, I can't fit anything above it and everything has to shrink, so even if not much uses 1680x1050, some of the extra space is used to have whatever is using it at 100% of its potential.

And SRGB colors looking oversaturated in wide gamut would be like a full screen image that is natively 1280x720 being put on a 1920x1080 screen, where it's stretched and looks bad; and in this analogy, the software handling the colors would be like removing the full screen on the image and just having it take up the same amount of pixels as it's native resolution is (ie a 1280x720 image only takes up 1280x720 of the 1920x1080 space) so that it looks the same regardless of whether the monitor's resolution is 1280x720 or 1920x1080.

Hope that's not too confusing, would that be a good analogy? Or at least, do I have the gist of the color modes?

And if most stuff is going to use SRGB (but stuff like games and high def movies use a higher amount of colors right? Just not all of what wide gamut offers?), does an IPS still do that better than, say, a TN?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Luddite]

Ok, I just found out the new NEC LCD2690WUXi2 allows the white point in sRGB emulation to be calibrated.

How much would this improve or normalize the sRGB colors?

And once there is a firmware fix for the dithering in the Dell U2410, how much would that improve or normalize the sRGB emulation mode ?

 

[Cheex]

Okay guys I got my Gateway FHD2401 and I must say I'm absolutely blown away!!!!

Here is my little review on Newegg (and yes I did buy it there...I got it on the deal for $190).

Pros: This monitor carries with it an amazing "WOW" factor. I was blown away by the size of this 24" LCD, especially since I was coming from a 19" @ 1440x900.

With Ultra Response turned on in the menu, 2ms is achieved. With this setting off, the panel functions at 5ms.

Personally, the glossy screen is a plus. I makes all the images seem more vivid and it really makes the colours pop.

The aesthetics (how it looks) are very stylish yet elegant but at the same time shows its rough and rugged side. Very nice styling.

This monitor came with no dead or stuck pixels and I am VERY happy with my purchase. Got this for $190 and really couldn't be happier. A 24" (1920x1200) for under $200 is a steal. Anything under $250 is a good deal.

The 1920x1080 monitors tend to be cheaper but they obviously can't do 1200 vertical. This will run 1080p with small black bars at the top and bottom, each only 60 pixels high. Unnoticeable for the most part, that doesn't break the deal.

GREAT DEAL!!

Cons: NONE!!

Other Thoughts: Being a TN panel, I was expecting those awful viewing angles everyone keeps talking about but I was happily disappointed. The viewing angles on this monitor is very good for panel of this type.

Also, the dreaded backlight bleed issue from the FHD2400 model seems to have been fixed for the most part. There is hardly any bleeding on my panel.

Any questions?? I'll be willing to answer.
I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooo happy with my purchase.

 

[mejobloggs]

So if the gaming mode on the U2410 bypasses certain electronics, does that mean you get worse colours or something

If there was no disadvantage of the gaming mode, why didn't they make it permanent, and not just a mode?

 

[brodriguez]

Got a usability question boiling down to this: would you recommend (a) 2x24" or (b) 24"+30" or (c) 2x30"?

My typical use would be to mostly to multitask (video on one screen, 2 open applications on the other screen) with occasional gaming (using just one screen).

I have a BenQ G2400WD (thanks for the recommendation). Now that I want to buy a 2nd monitor, it's out of stock. So I'm kicking around a few options:

Option (a): 2x24" (Dell U2410). The main benefit seems to be the aesthetics of matching monitors. A 24" monitor is a little cramped to run 2 applications side by side on - I tend to use ~1200 pixels for one window, leaving limited space for the second.

Option (b): 1x24" (my existing BenQ G2400WD) plus 1x30" (Dell 3008WFP). I imagine that I could game on the 24", or watch video on the 24" while using 2 applications on the 30" screen.

Option (c): 2x30" (Dell 3007WFP). Other than cost, the main drawback seems like it would be harder to game at the native resolution. Oh, and streaming video will probably look even uglier at 30".

Based on the above, I think I'm leaning towards Option (b). Thoughts?

 

[log1kq2]

It seems as if my trusty CRT (Viewsonic a90F) is finally on it's last legs. So now I'm in the market for an LCD. And I can't seem to decide or choose the right one.

I do game occassionally, mostly older games like quake 2, quake 3, doom3 etc....

I also do some light video editting and photo work.

My budget is up to $500(and if it's worth it, a little more, mind you if something can be had for less I'd consider it )

I currently have a q660cpu, and a GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB.

Bottom line is I'm looking for the best possible all-round panel. I was thinking about picking up an HP LP2475w. Not sure if that is the right decision though. What do you guys think?


Thanks in advance.

 

[tw33ter]

I need a cheap lcd, maybe 20" ? for my parents. All they do is surf the net...

 

[zod96]

Got my Dell G2410 yesterday. First thing is, its thin very think and light. The brightness is about 90% less than my Doublesight if at full brightness. No dead or stuck pixels. Colors are ok, they seem dull compared to the doublesight. No ghosting or tearing if games. View angles are ok for a tn. Nothing like the doublesight. On the whole I'd give it a b- Its very average I'd say. It does have a blue tinge to it. I'm trying to figure out how to adjust the RGB to get rid of the blue tinge.

 

[Brisos]

Well... I knew nothing about LCDs and wanted to buy one. I read most of the OP and scanned through the rest of this (long) thread. Finally came to a decision on the BenQ G2400WD. It is an impossible decision for someone with no experience to make, but the reviews, price and size all seem to fit.

And of course not a single store is carrying it.

I know this question has been asked a hundred times (I grew tired of reading it myself) but... here it comes... wait for it...

What monitor should I get?

More specifically, mainly for gaming and HD movies from time to time - in the 23 or 24" size and in the "below 401$" bracket - and assuming that the BenQ G2400WD was a good choice - is there anything that compares?

Of course if the BenQ is available somewhere that might solve my problem too. But most of the usual suspects (and even the shadiest sites listed in pricegrabber-type search engines) seem to be out of stock.

I appreciate all the info gathered in this thread and thank you all for that, even if no answer is found for my questions.

 

[mejobloggs]

Hah yeah Brisos. I've been after a G2400WD for ages Grrrr BenQ, give us back your awesome screen

 

[ChorniyVolk]

Hey, what do you guys think about getting a monitor on ebay? There's a good deal on a U2410 that ends soon and not only is it below the price of Dell's, it won't charge tax, and what's even better is that they gave me a 10% coupon and it can apply to that auction, bringing the price down to $453 total shipped. It mentions that it's still new in box with the warranty and everything, and the dude has 100% feedback with a score of 72, so, any downsides to this? Will Dell still accept it with the warranty if I buy from ebay?

 

[Plutoburn]

I am looking for a 24" monitor for the computer in my sig. I use it 40% for game, 30% for movie 20% for surfing and 10% for office work. My budget is flexible, my speaker system works great so I don't need a monitor with speakers attached, HDMI is not necessary for me. I want a good quality monitor under $500. Please suggest one for me.

 

[linintegra]

Hi,

Is there any Samsung P2350 review's? im planning to buy it cos its on sale...

*P typo...

 

[Jacen]

Originally posted by: Brisos
Well... I knew nothing about LCDs and wanted to buy one. I read most of the OP and scanned through the rest of this (long) thread. Finally came to a decision on the BenQ G2400WD. It is an impossible decision for someone with no experience to make, but the reviews, price and size all seem to fit.

And of course not a single store is carrying it.

I know this question has been asked a hundred times (I grew tired of reading it myself) but... here it comes... wait for it...

What monitor should I get?

More specifically, mainly for gaming and HD movies from time to time - in the 23 or 24" size and in the "below 401$" bracket - and assuming that the BenQ G2400WD was a good choice - is there anything that compares?

Of course if the BenQ is available somewhere that might solve my problem too. But most of the usual suspects (and even the shadiest sites listed in pricegrabber-type search engines) seem to be out of stock.

I appreciate all the info gathered in this thread and thank you all for that, even if no answer is found for my questions.

I have the G2400W model and I love it. I want to pick up a second one. This whole 1080 monitor business drives me nuts. I'd much rather have 1900x1200 but the difference price is annoying and the availability of well priced models is slim to none.

Who cares about 1080p when you can have 1200p? 16:10 is much better for work needs as well and my PC is used for work just as much as gaming.

I have a feeling I will just end up buying another G2400W refurbed or used somewhere as I don't see a reason to get rid of a perfectly good one to switch models.

 

[xtknight]

Hey guys, I'm working around some length limitations in my forum thread and trying to get it to "comply" with the new vB-based forum here. I'm excited about the transition. I will get back to you all as soon as possible and meanwhile the new recommendations list is attempting to be posted but this time in separate parts. I don't think it needs much explaining, just take a look at the recommendations list and you'll understand.

 

[kayan]

Hey guys, I've been reading this thread for about a week now, seeing as how I'm in the market for a new LCD. My current is a LG 22" 1680x1050. I picked up a Samsung 1920x1080, and while the picture is great, it's not really what I want, so I will be taking it back. A 1920 x 1200 rez 24" or so is what I really want to have as my next screen. I've browsed the recommendation lists multiple times and have looked online everywhere that I know of (including ebay) and most of the 1920x12 monitors have been discontinued. I mostly game (L4D, Dragon Age soon, World in Conflict, CoD: MW2, etc...) on my pc and my video card is a Radeon 5870 so the size/rez shouldn't be an issue. I also watch some dvd's and stream through Netflix.

I've narrowed it down to a few diff models, the Gateway FHD2401, the Samsung 2493, and the Asus VW266H (each of which are around 300), and honestly that is my budget, but should I save up some more for the Dell u2410, or one of the HP ones? Was also juggling around the possibility of a Samsung T240/260HD. Will I be able to tell that much of a difference between the 300 and the 600 price tag?

I could use some help deciding, and some opinions from more monitor savvy people than myself.

I'd really prefer a monitor with stand adjustments (height mostly), and also I prefer glossy screens/bezels.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Insidious Fix]

Heyas,
I too have been doing a lot of reading through this thread and through the redirects/extra info, for instance http://www.digitalversus.com/duels.php and http://www.prad.de/en/monitore...33rz.html#Introduction.
I'm looking for a monitor which is available here in NZ. A lot mentioned are, a few are not and possibly a few are sold under different model numbers I've as yet been unable to figure which are which.
Size 22" to 24" range mainly for Fps gaming but a bit of dvd watching and general browsing.
I have noticed a few comments (slightly negative) in regards to LED back lighting yet the Samsung XL 2370 LED looks like a very nice monitor with pretty good response times yet I've found no info on input lag etc.
Using the digitalversus.com com duel, it comes out looking pretty good even against the 2233rz but what the hell would I know.
This is the only confusing component choice in regards to my computer.
I would prefer 1920x1**0 over 1680x1050 yet the rz sounds damned appealing. Either way , they are surely well above my AOC 210v.
Choices recommended by others (gamers and retailers) are the LG w2353v-pf and the respective samsungs 2443bw+ and 2494hs. The LED XL2370 and the recommended 120hz 2233rz. I like the samsungs 3 year perfect pixel warranty.
Atm i'm using a Palit 4870 1gb sonic video card but I am doing a full upgrade of components as prices drop into what I consider reasonable pricepoints. Early new gen adoption FTL cash wise on vid cards etc.
I'm very interested in your comments on these monitors xtknight and would appreciate your advice.
Also to those who own the above listed monitors, your comments would be welcome too.
Cheers.

 

[Brisos]

So any monitor that would compare to the BenQ G2400W, since it is nowhere to be found?

Again I am looking for something around $400 or less mostly for gaming (on a 4870X2).

I was almost decided on the Acer G24 and it is not available anywhere either.

 

[Winterpool]

To me the biggest shock from today's Apple event was: there are 21.5 and 27-inch IPS panels now? Any hope we might see these in consumer displays? I prefer 1920x1200, but a 21.5-inch 1920x1080 IPS panel would be quite appealing, especially for its fine dot pitch. And a 27-inch 2560x1440 IPS display...! Any idea what these panels might be? I presume they must be LG.Display and not IPS Alpha.

LED-backlighting would be even better.

Is it true that you can input video into the new iMacs via DisplayPort (ie use the iMac panel as a display for another device)? A $1700 3 GHz iMac that can double as a 27-inch display would make a superb all-in-one for a student or bachelor.

 

[NoSoup4You]

I recently picked up a Samsung XL2370 1920x1080 LED backlit monitor at Best Buy, it wasn't even on display and they only had one in stock... I'm extremely happy with it. My old setup were dual monitors - Dell 2007FP and Dell 2001FP. Both were 1600x1200. Now I have the 2007FP hooked up as the second monitor. The quality of this XL2370 is unreal, the picture is extremely bright and vibrant, and it puts my 2007FP to absolute shame. The Samsung is also extremely fast in games, much better response times than my previous setup. I'm psyched, the monitor SUPER thin as well, I assume due to the LED backlighting. The only issue I've noticed is that it's so light weight, and the stand is more stylish than functional, that the monitor can rock around abit at the slightest bump of the desk. This isn't something I'm accustomed to since both my Dell's were heavy and always seemed anchored down to the desk.

But regardless, I couldn't be happier with the XL2370. So happy to move from standard res to widescreen as well. Just in time for some great upcoming games like Dragon Age and eventually Mass Effect 2. In the meantime, I'm loving Red Faction Guerilla and of course Team Fortress 2 right now.

 

[djkilla]

xtknight - What currently is the best 22-23 inch monitor for multimedia and a little gaming? I think you said Dell 2209WA because it's an eIPS panel and has good timings but I forgot. Thanks in advance!

 

[albovin]

Hi xtknight,
referring readers to your recommendations list as usual, I have found very strange things.

1. The first thing that surprised me is the Dell U2410 position.
In short, a fact of presence of (at least) the NEC 2490WUXi in your list simply cancels the Dell U2410.

To be more detailed, I would assume that the position of the NEC 2490WUXi2 can be not as strong as the 2490WUXi due to the lack of A-TW polarizer.

It's more difficult to find the NEC 2490WUXi now, but it's still available.
This monitor is head and shoulders above the Dell U2410 in any aspect with the little exception for some kind of imaginary preprint business due to wider color gamut.

Practical value of "12-bit LUT" and "10-bit panel" on a mid-level consumer monitor (Dell U2410) sounds like a gimmick unless thorough testing and practice confirms otherwise.

Dell's products are famous for the expecting of new revisions next day after the product is released to correct problems. The Dell U2410 is not an exception.
Have you ever heard about the NEC 2490WUXi revisions to correct anything? I have not.

Regarding TFTCentral review you link. Unfortunately, it's not the best review we've had from there.
You probably need to have a look at that review discussion on TFTCentral forum. To my honest regret, the review is not complete and the reviewer himself is confused with some important things.

The Dell U2410 is a raw product so far. Although it failed to reach the quality of a true sRGB monitor, it's still promising and has a good potential.

The Dell U2410 is reported to have stronger AG coating, it lacks eye strain reducing technology - by no means it's any better for the office use than 2490/2690.
The question is if it's any better than, let's say, the HP 2475w.

Multimedia? The NEC 2490WUXi has A-TW polarizer = industry best viewing angles for photo/video (no glow!), can be internally calibrated for blu-ray/PS3 support. The Dell U2410 has nothing of that kind.

I think the Dell U2410 will deserve recommendation after some more reviews to make the picture more consistent and with the notes of some prematurity issues.
Of course, the Dell U2410 position is around 4-5.
#1 is out of the question. Sorry to use this strong statement, but the current situation is too obvious.

2. I have found two prehistoric 5:4 19-inchers recommended for office use...

3. I have found the Samsung 305T among recommendations for multimedia...
Actually this is an "anti"multimedia monitor. It's an example of what a multimedia monitor should not be. It's a bare panel with one PC input. It's not a question if it has scaling. It has nothing.

I apologize 1000 times, but I cannot refer readers to the list of recommendations in it's current condition because it does not reflect the reality (temporarily I hope!).

With respect to your hard work.