[Retired] The LCD Thread

[imaheadcase]

Search is broken for me..again. How does the Dell 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor, SE198WFP fair? You can pick them up at wal-mart for about $200. But walmart employees get a extra %20 off this month only so was wondering if worth the price.

I know not to expect a lot, but for movie watching/web surfing I was wondering how it would fair?

This 19 inch, widescreen, Flat Panel Monitor from Dell delivers clear motion video with exceptional clarity and vibrant images.
Key Features:

* 300 cd/m brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio offer high color accuracy and uniformity
* 5ms response time enables crisp and clear images
* VESA mounting holes
* Slim, arctic silver bezel
* Cable management feature helps organize cables to reduce desk clutter

 

[Nnyan]

Other then one post just listing upcoming models your post is the only one that mentions the SE198WFP. Only review I've found is this one http://www.cnet.com.au/desktop...29422,339277757,00.htm which rates it pretty well but that's not a really in depth review.

 

[Nnyan]

@Cheex

That's the only review I've found for this panel. If you google the gateway you'll run into many user reviews on various forums. As soon as work lets up I'm planning on picking one of them up for a test.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: TMoney468
@xtknight

Quick question about wide-gamut monitors...I've read conflicting things online but are wide-gamut monitors suited for photo/web & graphic design work? Some of the things that I saw said that having a wide-gamut may actually help with printing photography as it can display a more accurate and wider-range of colors. This is all contingent upon calibrating the screen of course. Is this true?

Wide gamut monitors certainly are not the best idea for web design (sRGB-based) or screen matching.

But, they can be a great idea for matching prints since they almost fill the Adobe RGB space (as do most printers/scanners AFAIK).

If you're doing both screen/print work I don't really know what to recommend. Either type of backlight is fine I guess. With WG you have a bigger space so you can always emulate the smaller one thru "Proof Setup" in Photoshop. With a regular backlight, you can't ever get wide gamut colors. I'm not sure how reliable the emulation is because I don't do critical graphics work.

For most publishing work (printing brochures) wide gamut LCDs are a good idea. Other than that, chances are you want to stick with regular gamuts if you edit photos at all for the web.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: BillBright
Wow! Great threat. Thanks to Ed Bott for recommending it.

I too am looking at new LCDs to upgrade my mismatched dual 17" setup (currently a Samsung Sync Master 171P and a ViewSonic VG171 which sits on a 2.5" box) - which takes me to frustration #1. I fail to understand why so many monitors do not come with height adjustment. My chair is adjusted so my feet sit nicely on the floor. I like the height of my monitors so I am not jerking my head up and down to line up the correct focal length in my glasses so I don't irritate the prolapsed disks in my neck. I want a great quality 22" with height adjustment.

Frustration #2. It seems whenever I find a suitable candidate, I discover it has built in speakers! Is there really a big demand for built in speakers? Don't most people have computer speakers? With subwoofers? And maybe even 5.1? What is someone with a dual-monitor (or trips or quad) setup supposed to do? And on top of that, the sound quality of those I have heard competes well with what? A clock radio? Laptop speakers? Woopie!

I want a great quality 22" LCD with height adjustment and NO speakers. Oh yeah, and thin bezels so side-by-side viewing is not hindered by a 6" wide vertical bar. And DVI (or HDMI). 1680 x 1050 on a 22" is easy for my quinquagenarian eyes to see. Budget is $1000US for two monitors, but would prefer to keep it south of $800. Minimal gaming, mostly Internet viewing, MS Office document editing, email, etc.

Comments/suggestions welcomed.

The LG L226WTY is the best choice I can come up with, but sadly it does not have any form of height adjustment. It does have a thin bezel, and it has good image quality. It also does not have integrated speakers, and it's priced right.

The HP w2207 has some height adjustment (11cm according to TrustedReviews), and the dimensions are specified here:
http://www.anandtech.com/displ...howdoc.aspx?i=3054&p=2

The w2207 has a glossy panel, and decent image quality. It has no integrated speakers but only a one year warranty. The bezel is a bit bulky and glossy (AFAIK), and it's a bit pricey for what it is.

The 226BW has different panels, which can cause colors to be different (making dual monitor use frustrating) and the AL2216WBD gives you less than the L226WTY.

The ViewSonic VX2255wmb seems to be a decent choice other than the fact that its bezel is glossy and intrusive (much like the 226BW).

I wish I had a definite answer for you, but the L226WTY may be your best bet if the default height is appropriate.

This Gateway looks real sleek, but I can't make any guarantees when it comes to image quality as I haven't seen a review of it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824113011

I'm not sure if it has height adjustment (I don't think so), so again this is only a choice if the default height is fine or if you have some other way of mounting the LCD. Actually maybe you should consider a VESA mount to gain height adjustment options seeing how remarkably few LCDs offer it today.

I hope this was at least some help. There are actually quite a few other LCDs that might be suitable, but unfortunately I can't guarantee the image quality of any of them. If you find any model that looks particularly good or sleek to you, then I might be able to dig more info up on it.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: jzodda
I just wanted to give a little report as to my experiences on a big LCD for gaming and surfing. I have had the Westinghouse LVM-37w3 now for about 6 months and can say that gaming is a great experience with it. I have not noticed input lag in FPS games and I have played most of the big titles released since summer. I have noticed that its way too bright to surf and I have to lower the backlight to zero for surfing. I raise it to 80 when gaming. I also have to sit at least 30-36 inches away or its no good because I can't see the entire screen at once. I disagree though with the assumption that a monitor like this is only good for a HTPC. I have my Xbox and PC connected to it and use it for gaming and general PC use and have been loving it. I am sure that some big LCDs are terrible for gaming, but not this one. I took a chance on it after reading the huge thread at HardOCP and have not been disappointed. Sure its harder to get these days but the w3 works great for me. I have read bad things about the w1 and w2 for use as a monitor. I have not kept up but I don't think Westinghouse replaced this one with another 37 and that the next good one from them is 42 inches which is too big. 37 inches is as high as I would ever go for PC use because above that you would have to sit too far away.

BTW they still sell this at the Egg, and right now the LVM-37W3SE is $799.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...&Tpk=WESTINGHOUSE%2b37

Thanks for the overview. I was thinking of recommending the SE model but do you have any idea how it compares?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Ursidave
There is no SV version of the NEC LCD2190UXp, and that model is not listed as an associated product for the SVII software, so I am not sure whether SVIISoft is usable with the UXp. If it is not, would that be an advantage of the 2190UXi over the UXp, or is SVIISoft only of benefit to an absolute perfectionist who wants to be able to program the LUT? Since my main use will be photo editing, I am concerned about accurate colors, and intend to buy and use a colorimeter to calibrate the monitor periodically (although the factory setup on these is so good, it may be unnecessary). However, I'm not a professional photographer, so I'm not sure whether it would be worth the money to buy SVIISoft. I am unclear as to the benefits of SVIISoft vs. a standard calibration method such as you would do on a monitor that does not have a programmable LUT. I suppose if I decide to get SVII, I'll have to shop around for a high quality colorimeter, and determine whether it would be cheaper to buy SVSoft separately or the SVII kit.

Well the built-in LUT really doesn't offer much advantage over standard calibration to be perfectly honest with you. It is mainly a gimmick unless you need perfect accuracy of your gamma in MS-DOS too. It can offer bit depth benefits (I think) but these are generally very minor.

Calibrating this monitor with anything should yield great results. It is already OK by default.

Another thing that confuses me is that the monitor is supposed to be the same in both the SV and regular versions of 2190UXi, but the specs shown on NEC's website are not the same. For the regular 2190UXi, it shows a brightness of 300 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and for the 2190UXi-SV it shows 250 nits and 500:1.

I'm guessing this is a mistake. The only way to know for sure would be to contact NEC, though.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: siik
what do you guys think of this LCD? i've never heard of it. DCLCD DCL22A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824211010
http://www.dclcd.com/Products/LCD/Specs/spec_dcl22a.htm

22", 2ms, 170*/160* viewing angles, 2000:1 ratio .. for $250 .. decently priced

actually this tigerdirect video makes it look G-O-O-D
http://www.gatasi.com/video/7K...creen-lcd-monitor.html

Well thanks for the laugh. I wonder how much he got paid to act so excited about another 22" TN panel.

To be honest it's probably about the same as other 22" LCDs. Many use TNs from CMO (or AUO). Only true Samsung/LG panels are the really superior ones.

I am pretty sure this one uses a CMO or AUO.

StealthX32 has some good advice.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Cheex
I'm now genuinely interested in the Gateway FHD2400.

I found this review at Extreme Tech:
Gateway FHD2400 24-inch LCD Review - Finally, a 24-inch LCD Worth Buying

I can't seem to find any more. Can anyone give me any more links to reviews on this monitor please?

Thanks in advance.

This is the only one I have seen also. Sorry.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: imaheadcase
Search is broken for me..again. How does the Dell 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor, SE198WFP fair? You can pick them up at wal-mart for about $200. But walmart employees get a extra %20 off this month only so was wondering if worth the price.

I know not to expect a lot, but for movie watching/web surfing I was wondering how it would fair?

This 19 inch, widescreen, Flat Panel Monitor from Dell delivers clear motion video with exceptional clarity and vibrant images.
Key Features:

* 300 cd/m brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio offer high color accuracy and uniformity
* 5ms response time enables crisp and clear images
* VESA mounting holes
* Slim, arctic silver bezel
* Cable management feature helps organize cables to reduce desk clutter

I'd stay away from this unless you're desperate. Dell E/SE series panels tend to be trouble (they have had inverter problems and they usually have terrible color setup and average or lackluster response time).

In other words picking up a good $230 LCD like the Acer AL2216WBD is a much better idea, and really a much better deal if you're talking about performance/price.

I would assume the SE198WFP to have a lot of backlight bleeding and poor color setup. So, movie playback wouldn't be anything spectacular. On the other hand it might be just fine. There are few horrible, terrible, despicable LCDs out there I'm just saying it's certainly not anything spectacular and there's much better deals out there.

 

[sunnyoc]

xtknight,

somehow I landed up with a NEC 20WMGX2 but seems like I have a problem. I hear static noise from the speakers. Are there any instances of these NEC's have faulty speakers? There is definitely a very low hum when I put my ears(static noise some times goes high) but definitely its there. Can we do anything about this? When I switch off the monitor, then there is no noise. I have not heard the static noise when I had PC speakers attached.

Please let me know.

thanks

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: sunnyoc
xtknight,

somehow I landed up with a NEC 20WMGX2 but seems like I have a problem. I hear static noise from the speakers. Are there any instances of these NEC's have faulty speakers? There is definitely a very low hum when I put my ears(static noise some times goes high) but definitely its there. Can we do anything about this? When I switch off the monitor, then there is no noise. I have not heard the static noise when I had PC speakers attached.

Please let me know.

thanks

I think you're actually hearing the transformer/inverter of the NEC. It tends to make a noise (especially in standby mode).

Not sure what else you can do but if it's actually the speakers then they are detachable.

 

[ClockHound]

BenQ 241W (Sept 2007 Edition) finally arrived today!!!

I am migrating from 19" CRT to a twenty-four inch w i d e s c r e e n LCD, so large screen cognoscenti can just skip to the next post, unless you need a good eyeroll.

1st impression after setup: It's huge, it's bright, it's hugely bright! Fortunately, before losing consciousness, I managed to drop the brightness to 28 and contrast to 50. Even then, I'm only comfortable visiting dark websites. Farewell Anandtech. Hello Hard|Forum!

Found one stuck white pixel 1/2" in from the left near the top. Hardly notice it tho, since it's way over on the far left and I don't expect to glance over there again for days.

I'm still too dumbstruck by the sheer size to comment on the finer points like color accuracy. That will have to wait until it's calibrated. The stand doesn't go low enough for my now too high and too small desk. And this bruiser has forced my Trinitron onto the floor, temporarily. Not ready to give up the CRT for color critical tasks just yet, so a wide-aspect desk will be the next upgrade.

I will report back, with more details for those still interested in this formerly xtknight-approved screen. So far, no blackouts in the first few hours, other than the user.

Thank you, xtknight, for recommending this beast, even tho you have banished it forever from the A list. The viewing angles are very good. Text clarity is way better than expected. Uncalibrated colors are vivid. As is the size. For my use, I expect this MVA to be much better than the TN models in the $500 range that were my only local choices.

If I can become comfortable typing onto a billboard, I may keep this screen.

 

[sunnyoc]

xtknight,

If I put the monitor in the standby mode, the static noise goes away. I haven't detached the speakers to see if that is the problem. I will test them tonight removing the speaker connection and attaching the audio port of my computer to the PC speakers that I had before. But the static noise is coming even when I connect to my headphones...its(static noise) there even I am playing any movie or song. This is driving me crazy....

Please let me know if I can do anything...

thanks

Originally posted by: xtknight

I think you're actually hearing the transformer/inverter of the NEC. It tends to make a noise (especially in standby mode).

Not sure what else you can do but if it's actually the speakers then they are detachable.

Originally posted by: sunnyoc
xtknight,

somehow I landed up with a NEC 20WMGX2 but seems like I have a problem. I hear static noise from the speakers. Are there any instances of these NEC's have faulty speakers? There is definitely a very low hum when I put my ears(static noise some times goes high) but definitely its there. Can we do anything about this? When I switch off the monitor, then there is no noise. I have not heard the static noise when I had PC speakers attached.

Please let me know.

thanks

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: Nnyan
@Cheex

That's the only review I've found for this panel. If you google the gateway you'll run into many user reviews on various forums. As soon as work lets up I'm planning on picking one of them up for a test.

Let me know if you find any other reviews on it. Also, let me know your experience when you 'test' it out.

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Cheex
I'm now genuinely interested in the Gateway FHD2400.

I found this review at Extreme Tech:
Gateway FHD2400 24-inch LCD Review - Finally, a 24-inch LCD Worth Buying

I can't seem to find any more. Can anyone give me any more links to reviews on this monitor please?

Thanks in advance.

This is the only one I have seen also. Sorry.

Do you know about the panel it uses?

Its obviously TN but based on that review, I'm seriously considering it now. So many inputs, adjustments (height, tilt, pivot), 92% wide gamut, they also say the viewing angles aren't as bad as with other TNs....etc...etc.

I'd just love to know that I'm making a good purchase and not one that I'll end up regretting. If its bigger brother, the XHD3000 (10/10 @ $1700) is anything to go by, then the FHD2400 (9/10 @ $550) should be a great purchase.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions??

 

[imaheadcase]

Thanks for the response xknight..1 more question.
I was also getting a Playstation 3, how does one hook that up to my dell monitor, the 2407WFP-HC. It has a VGA and a DVI port on monitor..naturally the DVI port is in use to my video card. Do I just plug PS3 up to my extra DVI port on video card? I want to play in the 1080p ps3 offers so Im guessing the VGA is out.

 

[Mockyngbyrd]

I'm sorry to see the BenQ FP241W removed from the recommendation list. I've had mine for a few weeks now and really like it. I have not experienced the "blackout issue" so far and I've had it on for several hours at a time (I'm running it thru a Nvidia 7900GTO). Other than the brightness (which I think is also a function of its size), it's a very fine monitor.

Keep up the good work.

 

[MonitorSearcher]

Does anyone know if SyncMaster 931BF is any good for gaming and movies? I'm getting the monitor from a specific shop and they didn't have any of the top ones listed in the first post.

I'm looking for a 17-19 inch display if anyone has other recommendations. Thanks in advance!

 

[Nnyan]

I could not find reviews for the 931BF. Does the shop have a return policy? It is a 2ms panel so you have a shot of it being good in games, if they have a return policy then give it a whirl.

 

[Trean]

So, I decided to not buy my 24" until after Christmas; due to Xmas expenditures and other reasons it seemed like the best choice.

I was rec'ed either the HP 2465 or the Gateway FHD2400. I still have not seen a 2400 Gateway in person, despite going to be Best Buy and Circuit City.

I plan on using the monitor to watch television, movies, and play video games; maybe not in that priority. Oh and do programming homework. Priority tends to get jumbled once the semester's courses start. I plan on using a blu-ray player to play both regular and hi-def dvds. As for TV source input; I don't know yet whether I will use my computer or just buy a twenty dollar VCR and use it as a TV Tuner for the cable signal I have.

I view the monitor currently from either a chair, a couch, or my computer chair. I don't know much about viewing angles, but if 0 degrees is the perpendicular to the center and the view angle is the stray from that then I would break it down as follows: computer chair -5 to 5 degrees, chair -20 to -35 degrees, and couch -30 to -50 degrees. The negative angles meaning I am sitting lower than perpendicular normal line. Like I said I don't know viewing angles so if those of you who do wish to interpret these please do so.


I was leaning heavily towards the FHD2400; there have been complaints about backlight-bleeding being above normal to excessive. I was wondering if anyone with this monitor for a good period of time already can relay their situation. Also, what exactly does blacklight bleeding prevent/disturb as far as gaming/television/movies/etc? I am going from a 17" CRT (its been buzzing a high pitch noise for awhile which I have been told is soon to be death of it).

Lastly, has there been any developments in the LCD market that might lead to an alternate monitor suggestion?

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

I'm looking to replace my 20" Samsung 204T with either a 24" or 26-27" LCD (non-TN). I don't want a 30" because that is just too big, and too hard to get decent fps in games. I'm leaning more towards a 26-27" just to get the slightly bigger dot pitch, although I can view my 20" fine. But a slightly bigger picture never hurt!

For the 26-27", it comes down to :

Planar PX2611W
Samsung 275T
Acer AL2616Wd
Dell 2707

Anyone with experience using the Acer? I found one review, but haven't found many user reivews. The Planer seems to be pretty good, little lag, but more expensive.

BTW, usages will be probably 60% email/internet/office 30% games, 10% photo editing (not real serious editing, but I do some with my DSLR). I don't watch movies or hook it up to watch TV or PS3 games either.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: ClockHound
BenQ 241W (Sept 2007 Edition) finally arrived today!!!

I am migrating from 19" CRT to a twenty-four inch w i d e s c r e e n LCD, so large screen cognoscenti can just skip to the next post, unless you need a good eyeroll.

1st impression after setup: It's huge, it's bright, it's hugely bright! Fortunately, before losing consciousness, I managed to drop the brightness to 28 and contrast to 50. Even then, I'm only comfortable visiting dark websites. Farewell Anandtech. Hello Hard|Forum!

Found one stuck white pixel 1/2" in from the left near the top. Hardly notice it tho, since it's way over on the far left and I don't expect to glance over there again for days.

I'm still too dumbstruck by the sheer size to comment on the finer points like color accuracy. That will have to wait until it's calibrated. The stand doesn't go low enough for my now too high and too small desk. And this bruiser has forced my Trinitron onto the floor, temporarily. Not ready to give up the CRT for color critical tasks just yet, so a wide-aspect desk will be the next upgrade.

I will report back, with more details for those still interested in this formerly xtknight-approved screen. So far, no blackouts in the first few hours, other than the user.

Thank you, xtknight, for recommending this beast, even tho you have banished it forever from the A list. The viewing angles are very good. Text clarity is way better than expected. Uncalibrated colors are vivid. As is the size. For my use, I expect this MVA to be much better than the TN models in the $500 range that were my only local choices.

If I can become comfortable typing onto a billboard, I may keep this screen.

Glad it worked out for you. I just can't see myself recommending an LCD that's a little sporadic. The image quality is certainly among the best, though.

Originally posted by: sunnyoc
xtknight,

If I put the monitor in the standby mode, the static noise goes away. I haven't detached the speakers to see if that is the problem. I will test them tonight removing the speaker connection and attaching the audio port of my computer to the PC speakers that I had before. But the static noise is coming even when I connect to my headphones...its(static noise) there even I am playing any movie or song. This is driving me crazy....

Please let me know if I can do anything...

thanks

Do you need to use the NEC for audio? I recommend just using the sound card. There's a volume control on the side of the monitor somewhere. If you turn this all the way down, is there still static?

Originally posted by: imaheadcase
Thanks for the response xknight..1 more question.
I was also getting a Playstation 3, how does one hook that up to my dell monitor, the 2407WFP-HC. It has a VGA and a DVI port on monitor..naturally the DVI port is in use to my video card. Do I just plug PS3 up to my extra DVI port on video card? I want to play in the 1080p ps3 offers so Im guessing the VGA is out.

Plugging the PS3 into your video card isn't going to do anything.

You should be able to hook it up through the component cables offered by the AV MULTI OUT connection on the PS3. Output from PS3->component inputs on monitor.

Originally posted by: Mockyngbyrd
I'm sorry to see the BenQ FP241W removed from the recommendation list. I've had mine for a few weeks now and really like it. I have not experienced the "blackout issue" so far and I've had it on for several hours at a time (I'm running it thru a Nvidia 7900GTO). Other than the brightness (which I think is also a function of its size), it's a very fine monitor.

Keep up the good work.

I'll keep an eye on the problem and I might possibly recommend it again in the future.

Thanks for the kind words.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: MonitorSearcher
Does anyone know if SyncMaster 931BF is any good for gaming and movies? I'm getting the monitor from a specific shop and they didn't have any of the top ones listed in the first post.

I'm looking for a 17-19 inch display if anyone has other recommendations. Thanks in advance!

If they have any LG models that are rated "2 ms (g2g/gtg)", these are usually the best gaming monitors you can find.

Is there some way that you can get me a list of what they do have?

I really am not sure about the 931BF. I haven't seen it reviewed by X-Bit/THG/BeHardware but it would be a good bet. Here is a favorable review of its gaming performance:

http://hardware.gotfrag.com/portal/story/36725/?spage=2

 

[zod96]

Are their any glossy 19 inch LCD's out their in standard 1280x1024 resolution? I know the Nec 90gx2 is, and that is what I want but their hard to find and if you do find one its like $400 which is way to much.

 

[Buck Armstrong]

Xtknight:

Since I just can't find a 20WMGX2, I'm considering an NEC LCD2470WNX. The only bad thing I saw about it are the reports of input lag on this model and/or all 24" LCDs. I don't know much about it, but in your opinion, just how concerned should I be? I'm coming from a ViewSonic VP2130B, and I'm totally satisfied with the way it performs in games; so would the 2470 be comparable to it, or have more noticeable input lag?

Also, is there a "best" 24" non-TN?

Thanks very much for this thread and all your advice.