[Retired] The LCD Thread

[fiyawerx]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: R0B0
Anyone know of a 20" monitor that is good for gaming?

The HP w2007 and LG L204WT are decent 20" gaming monitors. I steer clear of the Samsung 206BW because of the panel lottery.

Originally posted by: fiyawerx
Not sure if anyone else is following the fhd2400's.. but circuit city just dropped their price to 499, and newegg finally added it to their site for the original 550 - nice thing is free shipping and no tax, plus a free dvd player (combo deal). I'm just scared to get an lcd from newegg, seems like I'd have a better time if I had issues with it returning to a b&m store, but maybe I'm just being too paranoid. Dead pixels scare me, not sure about the other stores, but with compusa's 'protection' plan, if you have an accident like dog knocking it off the desk, you can take it back no questions asked for replacement for 2 years. Might see if I can get comp to pricematch cc.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...6824113012&Tpk=fhd2400
So far rated 100% 5 star with 4 reviews.

Don't miss the LP2465 for $540 AR though:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...16824176059&Tpk=lp2465

Primary differences between these two:

- LP2465 uses 8-bit S-PVA matte panel, is better in dark tones
- FHD2400 offers multimedia inputs and glossy screen, is 6-bit and performs worse in darker scenes
- FHD2400 may have less input lag/ghosting, more suited towards gaming
- FHD2400 is wide gamut, LP2465 matches sRGB only

I always just order from Newegg and pray that same night. It has worked so far.

Usually if something terrible (or even not so terrible) happens you can deal with the OEM (e.g. Gateway) directly.

The Gateway sure is a great package, especially for gamers. If you don't game however, the LP2465 is probably a better choice for movies/general use, and especially photo editing.

Thanks a ton for this thread, based on the info here, this quoted post, and the reviews on extremetech and here - http://www.hardforum.com/showt...cd3c656b87f2&t=1231866
I'm sold, ordering this from newegg right now before they go out of stock too Will post my thoughts after I get it, if it ships from jersey, will prob. get it by friday. The egg rocks.

Oh, also the combo deals from newegg, one of them is a free 4gb kingston flash drive, bonus!

 

[ClockHound]

I wanted my first anandtech post to be joyful and filled with gratitude. I really did. But then, I decided to buy a new LCD.

My old 19" Trinitrons are dying. My usage is diverse, from app coding/web dev to DAW use and video editing/3D animation. No gaming. No time. You'd think with the massive advances in display technology, it would be easy to find a great all-round LCD for under $400, right? Then I strolled into FutureShop and discovered hell on a TN screen.

So...I have been scouring the LCD thread for redemption. Thank you, xtknight for your great thread. And all you other sub-pixel-knights. And now I ask you for a recommendation, because all the screens on my short list can only be seen on the internet. Not available in any store. Soon not be available anywhere.

Do I: (in CDN dollars)

A) Spend $400 for a Refurb NEC 20WMGX2 from a web store 2000 miles away with a 1 year NEC warranty and a no-go return policy.

B) Spend $430 for a new Samsung 215TW from a web store 100 miles away that still has 3 in stock.

C) Spend $580 for a new BenQ 241W from a web store 100 miles away with the 0 dead pixel return policy. (Rumor is the 241 is soon to be End-of-Life)

D) Spend the weekends hunting in thrift stores for FW-900s?

E) Get with the marketing program, look only straight ahead and buy the latest 24" Acer TN screen for less than a set of snow tires.

What would you do? If you had to write code for 8 hours a day and then for fun mix 48 audio tracks and slice some video footage and tinker with photos, flash and animation, which screen would you pick?

I'll keep the better trinitron as the 2nd monitor until it fades to black, so I'm leaning towards the 241W for its bigger 1920 x 1200 size. Although 24" seems almost too big in my little 19" field of view. And while it is historically important to own a S-IPS screen, so you can show it to the grandkids and say, here was the zenith of consumer LCD technology before it all went terribly wrong, I'm thinking the last new 215TW in the country is the best compromise.

But what do I know? I've never seen any of them. No pressure, but would you mind being my seeing eye dog for a few posts?

Thank you for letting me share my Twisted Neurotic pain.

 

[redlinez33]

From what I have read in reviews, the Samsung 215TW would actually be better than the NEC for your needs. Only flaw compared is its not as fast for gaming.

 

[dvrw2]

Soyo 24" DYLM24D6

Somebody tested this monitor with the PS3 in 1080p? It work?

I saw that with Xbox 360, 1080p does not function.

 

[thecoffeeguy]

xtnight....what is your opinion of this monitor?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001234

I think im so cautions about buying a monitor because of the problems im having with my current one (using firefox to read web pages etc.) and ghosting during games, im doing my diligence in research.
Also was looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...16824176059&Tpk=lp2465

And the Dell 24" that you suggested.
Anything I should be cautions of of the three? Any big seperators?

Thanks,

TCG

 

[arcas]

For the last couple years, I've had a Dell 2005fpw (IPS, 16ms response time). Aside from my 14" Thinkpad T42p, this is the only LCD I've ever used and I'm fairly happy with it. The Thinkpad's LCD, on the other hand, is pretty awful with its tiny "sweet" viewing angle. I'm a software developer so the monitor is primarily used for text editing. A game or two isn't out of the question but that's not very high on the list of criteria.

If I were to make the jump to a 24", I'd like to have at least the same display quality that I have now with the 2005fpw. Problem is a 24" IPS display is prohibitively expensive. What are my options in the, say, $400 to $600 range? 2407FPW-HC? LP2465? The local box stores tend to specialize in TN-based monitors so the only MVA/PVA panel I've actually looked at was a Westinghouse monitor that seemed more at home in a home theater setup than on a work desk.

 

[Chunkee]

The Gateway 24inch is on sale now at CC for 499.99

dunno if it is a good deal

 

[Montius]

20WMGX2 availability = ouch. Know of any reliable places to nab one? I was hoping to return this 2407WFP-HC and grab a 20WMGX2 and a cheaper 20" to go dual. Looks like that may be a problem now.

Where do you forsee the 24-27" market going in the near future? Are we looking at high quality, possibly IPS panels in that range being available for $500 and under in the next year? Or are my dreams of dual 24" a bit far off?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: ClockHound
I wanted my first anandtech post to be joyful and filled with gratitude. I really did. But then, I decided to buy a new LCD.

My old 19" Trinitrons are dying. My usage is diverse, from app coding/web dev to DAW use and video editing/3D animation. No gaming. No time. You'd think with the massive advances in display technology, it would be easy to find a great all-round LCD for under $400, right? Then I strolled into FutureShop and discovered hell on a TN screen.

So...I have been scouring the LCD thread for redemption. Thank you, xtknight for your great thread. And all you other sub-pixel-knights. And now I ask you for a recommendation, because all the screens on my short list can only be seen on the internet. Not available in any store. Soon not be available anywhere.

Do I: (in CDN dollars)

A) Spend $400 for a Refurb NEC 20WMGX2 from a web store 2000 miles away with a 1 year NEC warranty and a no-go return policy.

B) Spend $430 for a new Samsung 215TW from a web store 100 miles away that still has 3 in stock.

C) Spend $580 for a new BenQ 241W from a web store 100 miles away with the 0 dead pixel return policy. (Rumor is the 241 is soon to be End-of-Life)

I don't see much wrong with option B or C.

D) Spend the weekends hunting in thrift stores for FW-900s?

E) Get with the marketing program, look only straight ahead and buy the latest 24" Acer TN screen for less than a set of snow tires.

What would you do? If you had to write code for 8 hours a day and then for fun mix 48 audio tracks and slice some video footage and tinker with photos, flash and animation, which screen would you pick?

The 215TW and FP241W are both good options. Give them a shot and don't get too worked up about it. Of course TN panels at local stores will look like crap, this is no shock! Even Frankenstein would meet his match going to the local Circuit City. But don't let this deter you from screens that actually are worthy, such as the aforementioned. The zero dead pixel policy is too good to pass up.

I'll keep the better trinitron as the 2nd monitor until it fades to black, so I'm leaning towards the 241W for its bigger 1920 x 1200 size. Although 24" seems almost too big in my little 19" field of view. And while it is historically important to own a S-IPS screen, so you can show it to the grandkids and say, here was the zenith of consumer LCD technology before it all went terribly wrong, I'm thinking the last new 215TW in the country is the best compromise.

But what do I know? I've never seen any of them. No pressure, but would you mind being my seeing eye dog for a few posts?

Thank you for letting me share my Twisted Neurotic pain.

The 215TW and FP241W are both S-PVA but in reality they are a lot better than TNs. I would try the FP241W, personally. Although there have been some black-out problems with it they seem to be resolvable with video card options if need be. And such problems may be fair game for claiming the monitor defective and returning it without too much hassle.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: redlinez33
Do you believe the viewsonic VX2255wmb or the HP w2207 would be the better monitor for gaming?

Also, the HP w2207 comes in 2 different panels (well it says from your list) do you know if theres an advantage to either one of those panels? or are they pretty much the same?

I'm a little more confident in the ViewSonic VX2255wmb for now just because there has been a good comprehensive review of it, but the w2207 is certainly worthy too.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: thecoffeeguy
xtnight....what is your opinion of this monitor?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001234

I think im so cautions about buying a monitor because of the problems im having with my current one (using firefox to read web pages etc.) and ghosting during games, im doing my diligence in research.
Also was looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...16824176059&Tpk=lp2465

And the Dell 24" that you suggested.
Anything I should be cautions of of the three? Any big seperators?

Thanks,

TCG

The 245BW is in another class. Its primary use category is gaming since it's a TN panel. It has low ghosting and low input lag, but also low viewing angles which is not very suitable for anything but direct use and may be annoying even for direct use. It's only worth putting up with this if you are a hardcore gamer.

The other options (2407WFP-HC, LP2465) are simply better choices for your uses (primarily all-around).

When you say you're having ghosting issues with your current LCD, which one do you mean exactly? (I apologize if it has been mentioned earlier although this is an important factor so I would like clarification here.)

Originally posted by: arcas
For the last couple years, I've had a Dell 2005fpw (IPS, 16ms response time). Aside from my 14" Thinkpad T42p, this is the only LCD I've ever used and I'm fairly happy with it. The Thinkpad's LCD, on the other hand, is pretty awful with its tiny "sweet" viewing angle. I'm a software developer so the monitor is primarily used for text editing. A game or two isn't out of the question but that's not very high on the list of criteria.

If I were to make the jump to a 24", I'd like to have at least the same display quality that I have now with the 2005fpw. Problem is a 24" IPS display is prohibitively expensive. What are my options in the, say, $400 to $600 range? 2407FPW-HC? LP2465? The local box stores tend to specialize in TN-based monitors so the only MVA/PVA panel I've actually looked at was a Westinghouse monitor that seemed more at home in a home theater setup than on a work desk.

The 2407WFP-HC, LP2465, and FP241W are your best options for a 24" display. Although none are quite S-IPS quality, the 2407WFP-HC should still be very impressive in terms of image quality. If you don't think a wide gamut display is suitable (I don't see why not) then the LP2465 is the best alternative. Like I say, the FP241W has had black-out issues lately (read above or Notes under recommendation bullet for it).

Originally posted by: Chunkee
The Gateway 24inch is on sale now at CC for 499.99

dunno if it is a good deal

Well I've already elaborated on this a few posts back. The FHD2400 (glossy, wide gamut) is good for hardcore gamers but I would stick with VA displays for anything much else. The FHD2400 doesn't do that great with rendering dark tones (like in movies) at least compared to the VA panels.

 

[alkemyst]

What is the KDS K-2237MDWB for $199.99 after $60 off ranking?

I love my Sony CPD-G500's but my office one suffers a scratch + the brightness issue (too bright at even 0 brightness) and my home one suffers worse blooming the first 15-20mins then I remember it having.

I am a stickler for accurate colors and sharp resolution. I know many are ok with just any screen though and I don't want to be that guy.

 

[TempletonPeck]

I was wondering how an LCD TV would do as a computer monitor/TV.

They are all true 8-bit panels and not TN?

I'm wondering about what kind of inputs I need on the TV, what kind of resolution issues I might run into and if response times are fast enough for games.

I'm looking at 19" or 20" TV only really and any brand or other suggestions and info is appreciated.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Montius
20WMGX2 availability = ouch. Know of any reliable places to nab one? I was hoping to return this 2407WFP-HC and grab a 20WMGX2 and a cheaper 20" to go dual. Looks like that may be a problem now.

Sorry, I can't help you with this. All I can suggest is Froogle.

Where do you forsee the 24-27" market going in the near future? Are we looking at high quality, possibly IPS panels in that range being available for $500 and under in the next year? Or are my dreams of dual 24" a bit far off?

I do not believe more IPS panels are on the horizon. If anything, the existing ones will taper off. Unless there is a huge price reduction or manufacturing revolution in IPS panel technology for LCD monitors, that is. Right now they are still more expensive.

I should ask, why are you not happy with the 2407WFP-HC?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
What is the KDS K-2237MDWB for $199.99 after $60 off ranking?

Sorry, this is an unknown model to me. My first impression of models I haven't heard of is generally a bad one. KDS has made CRTs but never anything spectacular that I remember.

I love my Sony CPD-G500's but my office one suffers a scratch + the brightness issue (too bright at even 0 brightness) and my home one suffers worse blooming the first 15-20mins then I remember it having.

I am a stickler for accurate colors and sharp resolution. I know many are ok with just any screen though and I don't want to be that guy.

Then the first thing I would do is avoid unknown makes. But do take a look at the recommendations in the OP. I think you will find something there that will satisfy your needs.

All 22" panels right now are TNs, meaning color accuracy comes second to contrast and vibrance. Viewing angles are also reduced. Response time is generally good and dot pitch is comfortable, however.

Eizo and Lenovo plan to bring S-PVA 22" panels (1680x1050 and 1920x1200, respectively) to the market, but prices are high. Color accuracy here would probably be very good, though.

I am not sure exactly what to suggest you, but the HP LP2065 (std. aspect 20", 1600x1200) is a good bet. You gamble on getting an AMVA or S-IPS panel, both of which are pretty decent panels and each has its merits. The AMVA panel's lower viewing angle can be a little annoying but it has good contrast and decent color accuracy. The S-IPS has a great viewing angle and very good color accuracy as well, skimping a tad on the contrast side.

I would make sure color accuracy is what you want, and not color vibrance. Debate if photo editing-quality is a requirement, or if you would just like a display that can show a scene with natural, realistic, and detailed elements. Many 22" TNs can accomplish the latter. And with some calibration, they can also achieve photo editing accuracy. The main problem is the viewing angle: if you turn a little, this accuracy is gone. But that's not a big problem when you're doing anything except photo editing.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: TempletonPeck
I was wondering how an LCD TV would do as a computer monitor/TV.

Most of them don't do that great. They have overscan or improperly adjusted colors. The ones recommended in the HTPC section of the OP, and the Sharp 32" (LC-32GP1U), are what I suggest. I will be posting the Sharp 32" there when I get around to it. The Sharp 32" is ASV-based, very similar to MVA technology.

They are all true 8-bit panels and not TN?

I'm wondering about what kind of inputs I need on the TV, what kind of resolution issues I might run into and if response times are fast enough for games.

I'm looking at 19" or 20" TV only really and any brand or other suggestions and info is appreciated.

Sorry, 19" and 20" TVs are very uncommon in reviews so unfortunately I can't help you there. But, here is a 22" monitor with DTV capabilities:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001238

It is quite pricey for what it is, though. Samsung is what I tend to look at for multimedia LCD monitors but I don't see any 19" or 20" ones, at least on Newegg.

Here is a TN 24" monitor with video inputs and a lower price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824255001

And other more viable options for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138052
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824252015
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824112008

That's all I can see though. None of these are TVs. They are monitors with multimedia capabilities. I'm not convinced that exactly what you're looking for really exists.

There are a few more options in the LCD TV section actually but there's no guarantee of how these will work with your PC. You will simply have to research and look in the manual for video signal specifications. I don't know of any 19-20" LCD TVs off the top of my head that I'd recommend for PC use. These are good candidates:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101127
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889112010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889005006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107035

They vary widely in price (and size, as 23" ones are getting as cheap(?) as 20" ones). Look around a little more. Response times are really a case-by-case basis; they could be wonderful, or awful, and this isn't exaggerating.

What inputs you need depends on what you're using it for, obviously, and I don't have any idea what inputs you need, because...I don't know what you're using it for! E.g. do you want to plug in a coaxial cable from an analog feed? Do you need HD capabilities? Are you hooking up an HD cable box that has S-Video output? Component? HDMI? DVI? VGA? Composite? Or do you want to hook up consoles?

Clarification of this will certainly help limit the options down for us so you can end up with something you're happy with.

 

[TempletonPeck]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: TempletonPeck
I was wondering how an LCD TV would do as a computer monitor/TV.

Most of them don't do that great. They have overscan or improperly adjusted colors. The ones recommended in the HTPC section of the OP, and the Sharp 32" (LC-32GP1U), are what I suggest. I will be posting the Sharp 32" there when I get around to it. The Sharp 32" is ASV-based, very similar to MVA technology.

They are all true 8-bit panels and not TN?

I'm wondering about what kind of inputs I need on the TV, what kind of resolution issues I might run into and if response times are fast enough for games.

I'm looking at 19" or 20" TV only really and any brand or other suggestions and info is appreciated.

Sorry, 19" and 20" TVs are very uncommon in reviews so unfortunately I can't help you there. But, here is a 22" monitor with DTV capabilities:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001238

It is quite pricey for what it is, though. Samsung is what I tend to look at for multimedia LCD monitors but I don't see any 19" or 20" ones, at least on Newegg.

Here is a TN 24" monitor with video inputs and a lower price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824255001

And other more viable options for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138052
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824252015
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824112008

That's all I can see though. None of these are TVs. They are monitors with multimedia capabilities. I'm not convinced that exactly what you're looking for really exists.

There are a few more options in the LCD TV section actually but there's no guarantee of how these will work with your PC. You will simply have to research and look in the manual for video signal specifications. I don't know of any 19-20" LCD TVs off the top of my head that I'd recommend for PC use. These are good candidates:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101127
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889112010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889005006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107035

They vary widely in price (and size, as 23" ones are getting as cheap(?) as 20" ones). Look around a little more. Response times are really a case-by-case basis; they could be wonderful, or awful, and this isn't exaggerating.

What inputs you need depends on what you're using it for, obviously, and I don't have any idea what inputs you need, because...I don't know what you're using it for! E.g. do you want to plug in a coaxial cable from an analog feed? Do you need HD capabilities? Are you hooking up an HD cable box that has S-Video output? Component? HDMI? DVI? VGA? Composite? Or do you want to hook up consoles?

Clarification of this will certainly help limit the options down for us so you can end up with something you're happy with.

What I'm really looking for probably is a VA or IPS panel, but I just can't find one in a size I want and at an actual brick and mortar store. I'm not to keen on ordering one online, in case I have problems with it.

I've tried 4-5 different TN panels and just wasn't satisfied with the colour on them and the side effects of 6 to 8 bit conversion.

I just want a multimedia panel, that is good for normal gaming and video, along with normal application and Internet use. I can't seem to find one, so I was looking at TVs as an alternative, but they don't seem overly appropriate.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: TempletonPeck

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: TempletonPeck
I was wondering how an LCD TV would do as a computer monitor/TV.

Most of them don't do that great. They have overscan or improperly adjusted colors. The ones recommended in the HTPC section of the OP, and the Sharp 32" (LC-32GP1U), are what I suggest. I will be posting the Sharp 32" there when I get around to it. The Sharp 32" is ASV-based, very similar to MVA technology.

They are all true 8-bit panels and not TN?

I'm wondering about what kind of inputs I need on the TV, what kind of resolution issues I might run into and if response times are fast enough for games.

I'm looking at 19" or 20" TV only really and any brand or other suggestions and info is appreciated.

Sorry, 19" and 20" TVs are very uncommon in reviews so unfortunately I can't help you there. But, here is a 22" monitor with DTV capabilities:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001238

It is quite pricey for what it is, though. Samsung is what I tend to look at for multimedia LCD monitors but I don't see any 19" or 20" ones, at least on Newegg.

Here is a TN 24" monitor with video inputs and a lower price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824255001

And other more viable options for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138052
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824252015
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824112008

That's all I can see though. None of these are TVs. They are monitors with multimedia capabilities. I'm not convinced that exactly what you're looking for really exists.

There are a few more options in the LCD TV section actually but there's no guarantee of how these will work with your PC. You will simply have to research and look in the manual for video signal specifications. I don't know of any 19-20" LCD TVs off the top of my head that I'd recommend for PC use. These are good candidates:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101127
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889112010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889005006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107035

They vary widely in price (and size, as 23" ones are getting as cheap(?) as 20" ones). Look around a little more. Response times are really a case-by-case basis; they could be wonderful, or awful, and this isn't exaggerating.

What inputs you need depends on what you're using it for, obviously, and I don't have any idea what inputs you need, because...I don't know what you're using it for! E.g. do you want to plug in a coaxial cable from an analog feed? Do you need HD capabilities? Are you hooking up an HD cable box that has S-Video output? Component? HDMI? DVI? VGA? Composite? Or do you want to hook up consoles?

Clarification of this will certainly help limit the options down for us so you can end up with something you're happy with.

What I'm really looking for probably is a VA or IPS panel, but I just can't find one in a size I want and at an actual brick and mortar store. I'm not to keen on ordering one online, in case I have problems with it.

I've tried 4-5 different TN panels and just wasn't satisfied with the colour on them and the side effects of 6 to 8 bit conversion.

I just want a multimedia panel, that is good for normal gaming and video, along with normal application and Internet use. I can't seem to find one, so I was looking at TVs as an alternative, but they don't seem overly appropriate.

What you want to be looking at is a 20" with viewing angles of 176/176 or higher (170/170 in rare cases can be an old MVA, but 170/170=usually TN).

The Dell 2007WFP with its multimedia inputs may be an option for you.

Unfortunately, I'm having trouble pinpointing what you define as a "TV". Do you want an LCD with a built-in NTSC tuner? Or, simply inputs through which you may hook up a cable box and other compatible devices, effectively making the LCD a TV? Very few LCDs have coax inputs. One such LCD is the NEC 20WMGX2 which is getting hard to find new. But it's easily your best option as a versatile, glossy AS-IPS panel.

Do you even want a TV at all? Just a 20" VA/IPS monitor with no need for other multimedia inputs? Then give the Dell 2007WFP (widescreen) or HP LP2065 (std. aspect) a shot.

I can't think of any other such VA/IPS 20" monitors available in the US. Hazro and Philips may offer other 20" panels with VA or IPS panels in other countries. I obviously misunderstood you earlier. You are looking for a 20" computer monitor with no need for other inputs, correct? And you were scouting out TVs as possible options to get a VA/IPS panel, but coming back empty handed?

 

[JASTECH]

xtknight, You my friend are excellent! (Gets out of chair and dances a jig about the computer room)!! I had posted above looking for a 24" LCD my needs specified. I read everything you have posted replies to and you Sir I tip my hat too! If I could get my computer business going good I would hire you in a fart beat (yes I said fart beat as I think a well developed and executed fart is faster then a heart beat right?) Anyways I am now looking at a EIZO HD2441W, Sir, would you care to partake in the abilities of this monitor? I read you talk about 8 bit screen ect. and my only knowledge is "oversampling" 8bit, 12 bit ect. used in CD players. TIA, JAS

P.S. I have 2xDVI out puts on my video card if needed.

Availability
BenQ X2000W and X2200W will be available in China and select countries across Asia Pacific and Europe in December
BenQ X900W will be available in the U.S. and China starting December.
BenQ X900 will be availabe in select coutries across Europe starting December.

http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=1270

 

[TempletonPeck]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: TempletonPeck

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: TempletonPeck
I was wondering how an LCD TV would do as a computer monitor/TV.

Most of them don't do that great. They have overscan or improperly adjusted colors. The ones recommended in the HTPC section of the OP, and the Sharp 32" (LC-32GP1U), are what I suggest. I will be posting the Sharp 32" there when I get around to it. The Sharp 32" is ASV-based, very similar to MVA technology.

They are all true 8-bit panels and not TN?

I'm wondering about what kind of inputs I need on the TV, what kind of resolution issues I might run into and if response times are fast enough for games.

I'm looking at 19" or 20" TV only really and any brand or other suggestions and info is appreciated.

Sorry, 19" and 20" TVs are very uncommon in reviews so unfortunately I can't help you there. But, here is a 22" monitor with DTV capabilities:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001238

It is quite pricey for what it is, though. Samsung is what I tend to look at for multimedia LCD monitors but I don't see any 19" or 20" ones, at least on Newegg.

Here is a TN 24" monitor with video inputs and a lower price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824255001

And other more viable options for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824138052
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824252015
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824112008

That's all I can see though. None of these are TVs. They are monitors with multimedia capabilities. I'm not convinced that exactly what you're looking for really exists.

There are a few more options in the LCD TV section actually but there's no guarantee of how these will work with your PC. You will simply have to research and look in the manual for video signal specifications. I don't know of any 19-20" LCD TVs off the top of my head that I'd recommend for PC use. These are good candidates:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101127
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889101130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889112010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889005006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889107035

They vary widely in price (and size, as 23" ones are getting as cheap(?) as 20" ones). Look around a little more. Response times are really a case-by-case basis; they could be wonderful, or awful, and this isn't exaggerating.

What inputs you need depends on what you're using it for, obviously, and I don't have any idea what inputs you need, because...I don't know what you're using it for! E.g. do you want to plug in a coaxial cable from an analog feed? Do you need HD capabilities? Are you hooking up an HD cable box that has S-Video output? Component? HDMI? DVI? VGA? Composite? Or do you want to hook up consoles?

Clarification of this will certainly help limit the options down for us so you can end up with something you're happy with.

What I'm really looking for probably is a VA or IPS panel, but I just can't find one in a size I want and at an actual brick and mortar store. I'm not to keen on ordering one online, in case I have problems with it.

I've tried 4-5 different TN panels and just wasn't satisfied with the colour on them and the side effects of 6 to 8 bit conversion.

I just want a multimedia panel, that is good for normal gaming and video, along with normal application and Internet use. I can't seem to find one, so I was looking at TVs as an alternative, but they don't seem overly appropriate.

What you want to be looking at is a 20" with viewing angles of 176/176 or higher (170/170 in rare cases can be an old MVA, but 170/170=usually TN).

The Dell 2007WFP with its multimedia inputs may be an option for you.

Unfortunately, I'm having trouble pinpointing what you define as a "TV". Do you want an LCD with a built-in NTSC tuner? Or, simply inputs through which you may hook up a cable box and other compatible devices, effectively making the LCD a TV? Very few LCDs have coax inputs. One such LCD is the NEC 20WMGX2 which is getting hard to find new. But it's easily your best option as a versatile, glossy AS-IPS panel.

Do you even want a TV at all? Just a 20" VA/IPS monitor with no need for other multimedia inputs? Then give the Dell 2007WFP (widescreen) or HP LP2065 (std. aspect) a shot.

I can't think of any other such VA/IPS 20" monitors available in the US. Hazro and Philips may offer other 20" panels with VA or IPS panels in other countries. I obviously misunderstood you earlier. You are looking for a 20" computer monitor with no need for other inputs, correct? And you were scouting out TVs as possible options to get a VA/IPS panel, but coming back empty handed?

I'm not looking for a TV at all, I was looking at them as an alternative to getting a TN panel. What I really want is a VA/IPS panel monitor for multimedia use.

I just couldn't find one here in Canada anywhere.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: JASTECH
xtknight, You my friend are excellent! (Gets out of chair and dances a jig about the computer room)!! I had posted above looking for a 24" LCD my needs specified. I read everything you have posted replies to and you Sir I tip my hat too! If I could get my computer business going good I would hire you in a fart beat (yes I said fart beat as I think a well developed and executed fart is faster then a heart beat right?) Anyways I am now looking at a EIZO HD2441W, Sir, would you care to partake in the abilities of this monitor? I read you talk about 8 bit screen ect. and my only knowledge is "oversampling" 8bit, 12 bit ect. used in CD players. TIA, JAS

P.S. I have 2xDVI out puts on my video card if needed.

EIZO HD2441W = rip-off (more in the sense of price than in performance). That doesn't mean it's a bad monitor, as it is certainly one of the best around today. It is just way too expensive for what it is. And, what good is color accuracy and contrast with gray/dark shifting on an S-PVA panel?

Get the NEC LCD2490WUXi instead and enjoy better performance with its S-IPS-type panel. Save $600 while you're at it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824002168

Or you can get the one bundled with a colorimeter/software: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824002349

The only downside to the NEC is a slightly higher black level but I can't see this as a downside much compared to the viewing angle issues of a VA screen. Unless Eizo has changed VA technology and I missed some big memo.. :\ Keep in mind Eizo is not targeting this to photo editors, but mainly to multimedia consumers willing to spend just a tad too much. If they lowered the price a lot they'd have something great though. I just think at that price the Gateway XHD3000 is an easy choice if you want lots of inputs.

The oversampling/internal calibration you're talking about is also happening in the NEC LCD2490WUXi and its grayscale performance/etc should be just as good, especially if you take the time to calibrate it with the -SV model. The LCD2490WUXi-SV (and maybe even w/o calibration) should have superior image quality to the Eizo HD2441W in most cases.

 

[fiyawerx]

Well, ordered my gateway fhd2400 yesterday 3am, got it today, so far, i LOVE it. The thing really does rock, only con is I have one stuck blue pixel in the upper left that I hope will end up going away, but even if not I can deal with it, you only see it on black, anything else and it seems to work normally. Hardly any noticible backlight bleeding, and the response is amazing. Was playing TF2 @ 1920 x 1200 and was running flawlessly. Tried using the ez-tune software, but other than lowering the brightness down to about 15 (Anything else was hurting my eyes after a time, it feels so bright), I can't really seem to get it to look any better than it was by default. Might try to find some other calibration tests for it tho and try some more gaming over the weekend, maybe hook up my ps2 as well to one of the other inputs and give the PiP a shot. Absolutely happy with my purchase tho. If anyone has any specific questions they would like to know about this one I can try to answer them best I can.

 

[JASTECH]

xtknight, The LCD2490WUXi-BK-SV looks like the one to get. I can't find any reviews on it so far so I am trying to read up on it. I did notice in the specs it has a 12bit LUT, that is the highest I have seen so far. And yes you are correct on the EIZO, I looked up the price and I sit here waiting for my trousers from the washer machine, ROTFL! 5,000.00 for a monitor is too much like you stated. I will keep an eye on the LCD2490WUXi-BK-SV for reviews and prices, I can get it from my vendor for 1000+. Thanks, JAS

 

[alcoholbob]

It's all about reading online return policies. Some of these etailers will not only give you a 30 day guarantee, they will even pay return shipping (have a truck come pick it up) if you want a return/exchange. Those are the only merchants I'll do business with when I spend over $200.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Astrallite
It's all about reading online return policies. Some of these etailers will not only give you a 30 day guarantee, they will even pay return shipping (have a truck come pick it up) if you want a return/exchange. Those are the only merchants I'll do business with when I spend over $200.

Mind listing any places that do this? It would be a great service.

I stick with Newegg most of the time just because I freakin' love them. But understandably, "shopping around", so to speak, can be beneficial. I know Dell's policy lets you return for a refurb repeatedly, before 21 or 30 days after purchase passes. Not sure of exact details.

I know a lot of the brick and mortar stores have better online policies too.

In other news I will have a review of the NEC LCD2690WUXi (especially compared to consumer monitors like 20WMGX2/VP930b/L226WT) up in the next couple of weeks.