[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: psionics
Still few review for Acer P223w. i'll just put it here. i bought one yesterday after my hard research days about LCDs battling with HP, LG and Samsung for price and value. everything are just great btw(response time, clarity of text @ 1680X1050 ~etc). the issues about the screen resizing @1680X***(solution for "L" & "I" recognition problem i found on other review) is all about the "video card" driver which is not updated, to support LCD widescreen. one thing i noticed that when I'm using the DVI inputs, the screen is zoomed in. the LCD is still using 1280X*** while the video adapter resolution is @ 1680X1050 in DVI mode. or maybe i haven't yet figure it out. tested some clear HD movies and games and all test are good. the only cons here is the height is not adjustable but is not really important. all in all, I'm ok with this Acer P223w for multimedia performance, the sleek look and the good price. in reality, almost all LCD monitors are great so just consider the price and value.

Yeah this is a good lesson actually. Thanks for the review.

Originally posted by: Scalarscience
Finally got my RMA sorted by Newegg. Dealing with them on the phone was fine everytime, and they even threw in such niceties as upgrading my shipping for the return (in addition to the prepaid shipping to them). However I found that by the time their RMA department and online info was updated, it was already several days behind the actual status of my RMA. Also they shipped the unit to the wrong address shortly before closing for the holidays and it took a few days wrangling with Fedex to get the package held for pickup (since I have to do a change of address on teh shipping through the original shipper, Newegg, who is closed until the 26th). Overall I'd say that Newegg's customer service is great but I suspect they were extremely overloaded for the Christmas buying season and my RMA unfortunately wound up being fulfilled during this process. I'm sitting here typing on my replacement 275t (after working on getting the shipping issues resolved Friday, over the weekend and finally resolved on Monday) so it worked out find in the end.

Cool, but sounds like you had a lot of trouble. Hope your current unit is fine.

Originally posted by: Trean
I don't know, most VA panels I have looked into have had ghosting problems and I do not know how well I will deal with these. I guess I won't know without trying. How are the ghosting issues on the VX2435wm?

The VX should be a fast panel. It does use overdrive, and most VAs with overdrive aren't much slower than TNs in perception.

Also, an input question...

Since the VX2435 has HDMI as input:

If I connect my computer to a reciever via a DVI->HDMI cable and also connect a blu-ray player to a receiver with an HDMI cable then use the HDMI out of the receiver to connect to the monitor will:

1) This work?

Assuming you're using the receiver as a switch, this should be fine.

2) This introduce any new input lag? (lag beyond that of just connecting directly from comp to monitor)

I don't think so, but I'm not sure.

Also given this 'receiver' solution, and that the above answers are 1)Yes 2)No are there any alternate monitors you would suggest for me?

I think the above is a good solution (I have heard of people using HDMI switches w/ the VX) but the BenQ FP241W is another good choice. Unfortunately this can have blackout problems. The LP2465 doesn't have other video inputs, and the 2407WFP-HC has more ghosting issues than you may want to deal with. The FHD2400 isn't that great of a choice because it's a TN, and nor is the Samsung 245BW.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: jabronie185
Is there a big difference between the Samsung 226 BW and the 226CW?

The 226CW uses a wider gamut backlight (and it also uses only one panel consistently). That means colors will be more punchy (likewise, less accurate) on the CW by a noticeable amount. But, the 226CW isn't as good as the 226BW(S) when it comes to response time or input lag. The 226CW is still a decent choice for a lot of people though. I just don't recommend it because of no good pro reviews.

 

[dreydin]

im hoping my PM makes it through to xtknight, but with the amount of activity this thread is picking up, i wouldnt be surprised if it didnt. anyways, this is my first post here. (not first visit though)

to start, 2 months ago, i decided to replace the mammoth 19" CRT. but what i didnt realize was how much of a headache the 22" LCD category was. the 1st monitor i purchased, was a black Friday 22" Westinghouse. it had severe back light bleeding and a few dead pixels. returned. the 2nd purchase was a lower model SynchMaster that was on sale from black Friday, as well. same issues on this one, except i was able to clear up the stuck pixels. but this one had some crapola speakers the Westinghouse didnt and the whole thing screamed "IM CHEAP!" returned. by the 3rd purchase, i was ready to spend a little more money and ended up getting the 2232BW. at first, all i could think was, "Wow." considering i was messing around with cheap junk, prior to this. im not sure which panel i had, but i do know, these things have the worst case of the wiggles and wobbles. like a beast OUT OF CONTROL!!! it has an absolute horrible base! returned.

ugh, so, the 4th and current display i have, is the 226BW-A panel. ive had it for about 2 weeks now and shocker, im ready to return this one too... now, before going any further, i think its important for me to mention this. since my very first purchase, ive had every intention to keep the LCD i bought. i had no intention on buying and returning these things like hotcakes, but alas, i have. i cant help the fact that ive not been happy with the product ive been receiving. yes, maybe im underspending what i should to expect quality, but im not paying 3 bills to settle for a mediocre POS that makes me want to pull my CRT back out.

my dilemma... ive DLed a ton of color profiles for the 226BW-A and have yet to find one that i like. funny, the C panel profile @25bri by Andrew Swihart is the best one ive found and even then, red dominance is staggering. again, before continuing, ill clear up a few things... no, im not color blind and no, i dont have my own personal calibration tools/program. i guess im just an anal SOB but the honest truth is, i just want my moneys worth! id be more than happy to hear and tryout more suggestions(PLZ!) to help improve the 226BW, but as of now, its going back.

what im considering for my 5th purchase...

1) 245BW - depending on price, why not go bigger? i have on every monitor since my 1st purchase, heh.
2) L226WTQ - ghosting issues still? ive read somewhere that theyve fixed this.....
3) VX2255wmb - overall "great monitor" ive heard, but im leaning more into gaming and this comes with speakers? ick!
4) w2207 - read some on this just today, seems like a good buy? i dont know?

so yea, ill be using this monitor for gaming/browsing... halp =(

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: dreydin
im hoping my PM makes it through to xtknight, but with the amount of activity this thread is picking up, i wouldnt be surprised if it didnt. anyways, this is my first post here. (not first visit though)

Yea sorry dude I just much prefer it here in the thread. Welcome to the forum though & happy holidays.

to start, 2 months ago, i decided to replace the mammoth 19" CRT. but what i didnt realize was how much of a headache the 22" LCD category was. the 1st monitor i purchased, was a black Friday 22" Westinghouse. it had severe back light bleeding and a few dead pixels. returned. the 2nd purchase was a lower model SynchMaster that was on sale from black Friday, as well. same issues on this one, except i was able to clear up the stuck pixels. but this one had some crapola speakers the Westinghouse didnt and the whole thing screamed "IM CHEAP!" returned. by the 3rd purchase, i was ready to spend a little more money and ended up getting the 2232BW. at first, all i could think was, "Wow." considering i was messing around with cheap junk, prior to this. im not sure which panel i had, but i do know, these things have the worst case of the wiggles and wobbles. like a beast OUT OF CONTROL!!! it has an absolute horrible base! returned.

ugh, so, the 4th and current display i have, is the 226BW-A panel. ive had it for about 2 weeks now and shocker, im ready to return this one too... now, before going any further, i think its important for me to mention this. since my very first purchase, ive had every intention to keep the LCD i bought. i had no intention on buying and returning these things like hotcakes, but alas, i have. i cant help the fact that ive not been happy with the product ive been receiving. yes, maybe im underspending what i should to expect quality, but im not paying 3 bills to settle for a mediocre POS that makes me want to pull my CRT back out.

my dilemma... ive DLed a ton of color profiles for the 226BW-A and have yet to find one that i like. funny, the C panel profile @25bri by Andrew Swihart is the best one ive found and even then, red dominance is staggering. again, before continuing, ill clear up a few things... no, im not color blind and no, i dont have my own personal calibration tools/program. i guess im just an anal SOB but the honest truth is, i just want my moneys worth! id be more than happy to hear and tryout more suggestions(PLZ!) to help improve the 226BW, but as of now, its going back.

what im considering for my 5th purchase...

1) 245BW - depending on price, why not go bigger? i have on every monitor since my 1st purchase, heh.
2) L226WTQ - ghosting issues still? ive read somewhere that theyve fixed this.....
3) VX2255wmb - overall "great monitor" ive heard, but im leaning more into gaming and this comes with speakers? ick!
4) w2207 - read some on this just today, seems like a good buy? i dont know?

so yea, ill be using this monitor for gaming/browsing... halp =(

Sounds like you've had quite a journey but I think the VX2255wmb is what you should try next. It should have good overall image quality and the speakers/webcam certainly aren't too conspicuous. It should be a good gaming display. Maybe not quite as fast, I don't know for sure, but the image quality should make you happy.

The w2207 may not be as pleasing; it can use different panels and I've heard it's inferior to the HP w2007 in image quality based on multiple reports. It does have a glossy panel though, but not everyone likes this.

The 245BW is a 24" TN. 24" TNs have quite limited viewing angles so you may want to avoid this one if you're trying to search for a better LCD.

The L226WTQ is a great choice and most later revs are fixed, or are fix-able thru simple options in the service menu, but I don't know if you want to take the risk.

 

[Ursidave]

You recently recommended to me the NEC LCD2190UXp as the best choice in the 20-21" range for photo editing (and occasional video editing), with the 20WMGX2 second, Samsung 215TW third, and HP LP2065 fourth. The owner of a local computer shop that is building a PC for me recommended also looking at Planars, which are of high quality and have an excellent warranty and RMA policy. The only suitable model I found was the Planar PX212M, which is 21.3", 1600x1200, 178 degrees viewing angle H & V. I don't know for sure what type of panel it is, but I'm guessing IPS, based on a comment by PC Magazine that "except for the darkest gray shades and black, extreme viewing angles had little impact." The only professional reviews I found were on CNET and PC Mag, both of which gave it a fairly high overall rating. It has height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments. It's a little less expensive than the NEC 2190UXp, but not much (perhaps $60, depending on which stores you compare). I'm leaning toward the NEC, because it has been reviewed by a more reliable lab (X-Bit), and, although the CNET DisplayMate score for the PX212M was quite good, it wasn't outstanding. Unfortunately, they haven't reviewed the 2190UXp, so I have no direct comparison, but I suspect it would score very highly. Do you have any information or opinion on the PX212M?

 

[dfn]

Hi.
This is my first post on the forum. In fact, it was this thread that led me to register.

I am looking to buy an LCD monitor. My uses are basically gaming (competitive), surfing, programming, and light office stuff. I plan to use it with my xb360 and PC. I have been unable to find any of the monitors listed under the Hardcore Gaming section locally, except the 245BW. I also tried looking for the FP93GX+, but no luck with that either.
Are there any places online that would carry the monitors listed under the Hardcore Gaming section? Are there any other models I should be looking at?
My only concern is that if I get a gaming monitor, that the viewing angle will be too small. I just want to be able to move my head up and down, while still seeing the picture clearly
Basically, I am looking for advice on where to get the listed monitors, or what other monitors are similar/better to the ones listed.

This is a great thread btw, very helpful

 

[Trean]

Do you know of any "brick & mortar" stores that offer the following monitors you suggested:

1) Viewsonic VX2435wm
2) BenQ FP241W
3) HP LP2465

Also did you say the LP2465 is not HDCP over its DVI inputs? If so, this makes it impossible to hook up and play Blu-Ray movies right?


The reason I was inquiring about the store fronts is because they are generally easier to deal with in regards to returns when it comes to problems I may or may not run into. The "brick & mortar" stores tend to offer a better dead/bad pixel return policy also, much better than the newegg policy (you linked the egg for the viewsonic in the OP).


Thanks for all the help again.

 

[Killy]

Hallo; first post here.

I guess I'm in the market (finally) for a larger LCD. I've been using a Samsung 150s for about 6 years, and I have to say that without a doubt this thing HAS been great to me. The reponse time, subjectively, to me, is still good (I'm a twitch gamer and I don't tear in the majority of games I play) and for some reason the colour reproduction seems to be quite accurate, as well as getting the 'true' black. I have had no complaints about this monitor whatsoever.

The only problem is that I feel that the monitor IS getting a bit small, and on certain games (Dystopia for HL2) I experience tearing in some areas (e.g. many pillars).

So, I'm basically looking for (in Canada) any monitor at 19" (I prefer a 4:3 - what's the difference between 4:3 and 5:4?) or perhaps a bit larger that will be an upgrade to what I have. I'm looking for, most importantly, gaming aspects to it (low response, low input lag) - I'm sure anything I get now will be a step up on colour performance so I don't really mind.

The reason why I prefer 4:3 is that I hear some games cause the monitor to incorrectly place the 'black bars' to reduce widescreen to standard 4:3, which results in distortion of the image displayed on the screen - is this just a myth?

Any advice would be appreciated. I've got my eye on a 931C on ncix, but I have no information about it and it's hard to decipher reviews.

(Budget hovers around ~250, really want to avoid going higher if possible)

Essentially, I'm looking for an upgrade to the 150s with improvements all around : P (I'm not aware of what panel this monitor uses - but the wide viewing angle leads me to believe it isn't a TN)

 

[siik]

i have a 19" DELL 1905FP .. and honestly for gaming i think it's fine .. i want to upgrade to a 22" widescreen .. seeing as how this bad boy is 20ms .. if i can get my hands on a samsung 226cw for cheap .. will i be making a bad mistake? i do photoshop + gaming (MMO's/CS) on this monitor.

 

[Featherock]

Hi XT - You recommended the NEC LCD2690WUXi to me a couple weeks ago as a good, big panel for photo-editing in the $1200-$1500 price range. Seems like everyone else thinks so too because I cannot find one anywhere. Three weeks for delivery of new stock is what vendors are saying. I've got artwork for a 200 page book of photographs due at the end of Feb., and 3 weeks is cutting it real real close. I need something yesterday. My 19" LaCie CRT is flaking out on me (although replacing the video card seems to have had a salutary effect on the monitor blackouts)

In the event I can't get the NEC, what do you recommend that's just as good?

 

[ClockHound]

Originally posted by: Featherock
Three weeks for delivery of new stock is what vendors are saying.

Dell US says 1-2 weeks delivery
Dell Canada says 1 week.

One unit on Amazon at a hideous price: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...S/ref=nosim/6553223-20

One unit in Vancouver, BC:
http://www.tddirect.ca/product...ITORS/LCD2690WUXIBKSV/

Maybe same unit here:
http://www.directdial.com/LCD2690WUXIBKSV.html

SV edition:
In Stock:
http://www.nxsource.com/produc...TIONS/LCD2690WUXIBKSV/

Happy Hunting!

 

[GeneralOreo]

I'm wondering about something, when people refer to 1:1 pixel mapping do they mean literally 1:1 or just keep the aspect ratio?

A lot of times people are asking this for consoles. On something like a 1920x1200 monitor, I'm guessing 720p, which is the resolution used by most 360/PS3 games, would look pretty small while 1:1 is activated. Filling it to screen with black bars to keep aspect ratio would make more sense. Even better though is to control the 720p image size on the screen.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Ursidave
You recently recommended to me the NEC LCD2190UXp as the best choice in the 20-21" range for photo editing (and occasional video editing), with the 20WMGX2 second, Samsung 215TW third, and HP LP2065 fourth. The owner of a local computer shop that is building a PC for me recommended also looking at Planars, which are of high quality and have an excellent warranty and RMA policy. The only suitable model I found was the Planar PX212M, which is 21.3", 1600x1200, 178 degrees viewing angle H & V. I don't know for sure what type of panel it is, but I'm guessing IPS, based on a comment by PC Magazine that "except for the darkest gray shades and black, extreme viewing angles had little impact." The only professional reviews I found were on CNET and PC Mag, both of which gave it a fairly high overall rating. It has height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments. It's a little less expensive than the NEC 2190UXp, but not much (perhaps $60, depending on which stores you compare). I'm leaning toward the NEC, because it has been reviewed by a more reliable lab (X-Bit), and, although the CNET DisplayMate score for the PX212M was quite good, it wasn't outstanding. Unfortunately, they haven't reviewed the 2190UXp, so I have no direct comparison, but I suspect it would score very highly. Do you have any information or opinion on the PX212M?

Sadly I do not have info on the PX212M. I don't know what panel it uses either. It's possible it would be better/equal to the LCD2190UXp (PVA). But if you wanted an S-IPS there is also the UXi...I just doubt it's worth it to you. PVA does have a higher contrast and the UXp, being pre-tuned as it is, is a great PVA panel.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: dfn
Hi.
This is my first post on the forum. In fact, it was this thread that led me to register.

I am looking to buy an LCD monitor. My uses are basically gaming (competitive), surfing, programming, and light office stuff. I plan to use it with my xb360 and PC. I have been unable to find any of the monitors listed under the Hardcore Gaming section locally, except the 245BW. I also tried looking for the FP93GX+, but no luck with that either.
Are there any places online that would carry the monitors listed under the Hardcore Gaming section? Are there any other models I should be looking at?

LG 2 ms (g2g) gaming models are usually good choices. But you're right, most of the LCDs in that section are indeed hard to find. There's no reviews on many of the TN LCDs out there so I am hesitant to just recommend any model. But, TNs w/ overdrive are your prime candidates for Hardcore Gaming.

My only concern is that if I get a gaming monitor, that the viewing angle will be too small. I just want to be able to move my head up and down, while still seeing the picture clearly

It depends how far down you mean. TNs can invert when you look all the way at the bottom. But if it's just a little angle, it shouldn't be too annoying.

Basically, I am looking for advice on where to get the listed monitors, or what other monitors are similar/better to the ones listed.

This is a great thread btw, very helpful

Maybe you should look at 22" models. The LG L226WTQ and VX2255wmb sound look good choices for you. They are fast and high[er] quality (color-wise/uniformity-wise) than the 19" models.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Trean
Do you know of any "brick & mortar" stores that offer the following monitors you suggested:

1) Viewsonic VX2435wm
2) BenQ FP241W
3) HP LP2465

Nope. I'm not seeing any that I recognize on Froogle.

Also did you say the LP2465 is not HDCP over its DVI inputs? If so, this makes it impossible to hook up and play Blu-Ray movies right?

The LP2465 does not have HDCP. Not sure about Blu-Ray stuff but I think that's the case. At least if the content protection flags are enabled HDCP is required.

The reason I was inquiring about the store fronts is because they are generally easier to deal with in regards to returns when it comes to problems I may or may not run into. The "brick & mortar" stores tend to offer a better dead/bad pixel return policy also, much better than the newegg policy (you linked the egg for the viewsonic in the OP).


Thanks for all the help again.

Have you given Dell a shot? They offer a 21-day (or maybe 30-day?) total satisfaction policy where you can keep trying refurbs if you're unhappy with your current unit.

I don't think the brick and mortar stores offer better dead pixel policies (generally), but at least they offer refunds. Newegg does not offer refunds for LCDs whatsoever.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Killy
Hallo; first post here.

I guess I'm in the market (finally) for a larger LCD. I've been using a Samsung 150s for about 6 years, and I have to say that without a doubt this thing HAS been great to me. The reponse time, subjectively, to me, is still good (I'm a twitch gamer and I don't tear in the majority of games I play) and for some reason the colour reproduction seems to be quite accurate, as well as getting the 'true' black. I have had no complaints about this monitor whatsoever.

The only problem is that I feel that the monitor IS getting a bit small, and on certain games (Dystopia for HL2) I experience tearing in some areas (e.g. many pillars).

Well it's a good thing you're happy with the 150s. You'll be even happier with your new monitor.

So, I'm basically looking for (in Canada) any monitor at 19" (I prefer a 4:3 - what's the difference between 4:3 and 5:4?) or perhaps a bit larger that will be an upgrade to what I have. I'm looking for, most importantly, gaming aspects to it (low response, low input lag) - I'm sure anything I get now will be a step up on colour performance so I don't really mind.

19" 4:3 monitors don't exist (at least for LCD/consumer). 5:4 is therefore the standard ratio for 19" LCDs.

The reason why I prefer 4:3 is that I hear some games cause the monitor to incorrectly place the 'black bars' to reduce widescreen to standard 4:3, which results in distortion of the image displayed on the screen - is this just a myth?

I talk a little about this in the OP (original post). The monitor doesn't place black bars around anything though unless you tell it to. Ones that aren't configurable almost always use a "fill screen" mechanism where it gets distorted but fills every single pixel. Configurable ones may offer 1:1, aspect ratio scaling, and fill.

Any advice would be appreciated. I've got my eye on a 931C on ncix, but I have no information about it and it's hard to decipher reviews.

(Budget hovers around ~250, really want to avoid going higher if possible)

Essentially, I'm looking for an upgrade to the 150s with improvements all around : P (I'm not aware of what panel this monitor uses - but the wide viewing angle leads me to believe it isn't a TN)

The 931C is certainly an upgrade. It's vibrant and it should have a good response time. I have little doubt you'll be happy with it. The 931C is indeed a TN, with a wide gamut backlight for more vibrant colors.

You might want to feast your eyes on the ViewSonic VP930b, a P-MVA panel. I was pretty impressed by it when I upgraded from my 17" TN Samsung 710T. It definitely has wider viewing angles, and it's brighter. It does not have a wide gamut backlight (just as your 150s doesn't, nor do most LCDs).

Besides, 22" monitors are getting cheap these days. You can probably pick up an Acer AL2216wbd (or AL2216 variant) for cheap.

If you can't pick up the 22" then I think the 931C is the best choice for you, if you're a hardcore gamer. The VP930b has response time issues on a few tones. But with a newer rev these issues may have been fixed. It's certainly up there with the best. The 931C hasn't been professionally reviewed yet but it's a TN, which very often indicates great response time. It also looks like it has overdrive, and it was the official gaming monitor of the WCG, so it can't be that bad.

This Danish review seems to speak well about the 931C:
http://flatpanels.dk/test.php?...&archive=&start_from=&

"Malgruppe" (usage group, I assume) includes gamers and all-around use. Response time is on the positive side, as it homogeneity, contrast, and design. AFAIK they didn't like the color spectrum as it was a little vibrant and inaccurate but this is what you expect out of wide gamut panels. It's not a big deal for gaming, but for photo editing it can be disastrous.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: siik
i have a 19" DELL 1905FP .. and honestly for gaming i think it's fine .. i want to upgrade to a 22" widescreen .. seeing as how this bad boy is 20ms .. if i can get my hands on a samsung 226cw for cheap .. will i be making a bad mistake? i do photoshop + gaming (MMO's/CS) on this monitor.

Using Photoshop on a 226CW (wide gamut) could be a mistake unless you don't really care about color accuracy that much. It'll be more vibrant and if you're doing stuff for the web, it will end up looking dim on standard sRGB screens (unless you use Photoshop's proof features, but I don't know how well these work).

You should probably stick to the LG L226WTQ or ViewSonic VX2255wmb.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Featherock
Hi XT - You recommended the NEC LCD2690WUXi to me a couple weeks ago as a good, big panel for photo-editing in the $1200-$1500 price range. Seems like everyone else thinks so too because I cannot find one anywhere. Three weeks for delivery of new stock is what vendors are saying. I've got artwork for a 200 page book of photographs due at the end of Feb., and 3 weeks is cutting it real real close. I need something yesterday. My 19" LaCie CRT is flaking out on me (although replacing the video card seems to have had a salutary effect on the monitor blackouts)

In the event I can't get the NEC, what do you recommend that's just as good?

There's the Planar PX2611W. This is far from "as good" though. I hear that the UI is clunky and the uniformity is poor. But it's at least an S-IPS wide gamut panel with reasonably decent properties.

The Samsung 275T might make you happier. It passes UGRA certifications for print matching (at least after some pesky calibration).

I recommend picking up the 275T personally. No reason the break the bank unless you really need to.

prad review of 275T: http://prad.de/en/monitore/rev...view-samsung-275t.html

I think most of the Eizos are not wide gamut, and besides they are expensive and hard to find. Many are also still VA panels. With new LED or whatever-else panels on the horizon, save your money and get the 275T.

The LCD2490WUXi is yet another option but it's std. gamut only. Otherwise it might be your best option.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: GeneralOreo
I'm wondering about something, when people refer to 1:1 pixel mapping do they mean literally 1:1 or just keep the aspect ratio?

Literally 1:1. Centered mode.

Aspect ratio preservation is another mode.

A lot of times people are asking this for consoles. On something like a 1920x1200 monitor, I'm guessing 720p, which is the resolution used by most 360/PS3 games, would look pretty small while 1:1 is activated. Filling it to screen with black bars to keep aspect ratio would make more sense. Even better though is to control the 720p image size on the screen.

I don't know what's so exciting about 1:1 either, but it's my job to make sure it's present on whatever I recommend to anyone who wants it.

The main attraction is that it does not modify the image at all. But that's not saying much when the whole thing is so small anyway. Surely aspect ratio scaling is worth it to even more people.

 

[Trean]

Originally posted by: xtknightNewegg does not offer refunds for LCDs whatsoever.

Yeah, I don't order anything from "the egg" they are a good spot to look up specs on items and read some reviews; but I find there return policies on items to stern for my likings of free shipping that takes a while to get to me... or the no return policy as you said. Plus usually I can find stuff cheaper elsewhere.

Thanks for all the info; I will look into Dell's online store policy. Do you know Buy.com's store policy, I tried to do a search on there site for returns on dead/bad pixel stuff but couldn't find anything.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Trean

Originally posted by: xtknightNewegg does not offer refunds for LCDs whatsoever.

Yeah, I don't order anything from "the egg" they are a good spot to look up specs on items and read some reviews; but I find there return policies on items to stern for my likings of free shipping that takes a while to get to me... or the no return policy as you said. Plus usually I can find stuff cheaper elsewhere.

Thanks for all the info; I will look into Dell's online store policy. Do you know Buy.com's store policy, I tried to do a search on there site for returns on dead/bad pixel stuff but couldn't find anything.

No, I don't, but here is their page: http://www.buy.com/corp/suppor....asp?what=returnpolicy

 

[siik]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: siik
i have a 19" DELL 1905FP .. and honestly for gaming i think it's fine .. i want to upgrade to a 22" widescreen .. seeing as how this bad boy is 20ms .. if i can get my hands on a samsung 226cw for cheap .. will i be making a bad mistake? i do photoshop + gaming (MMO's/CS) on this monitor.

Using Photoshop on a 226CW (wide gamut) could be a mistake unless you don't really care about color accuracy that much. It'll be more vibrant and if you're doing stuff for the web, it will end up looking dim on standard sRGB screens (unless you use Photoshop's proof features, but I don't know how well these work).

You should probably stick to the LG L226WTQ or ViewSonic VX2255wmb.

okay thanks for the LG model .. on newegg it only shows up LG L226WTY-BF .. is that not the same?

actually nevermind i found it. compusa.com has this on sale for 279.99 after $50 instant rebate .. but i thought they ran out of business and closed up shop? anyone know if their online is still around? http://www.compusa.com/product...t=&cm_pla=&cm_ite=feed

 

[DoctorM]

I've managed to put off my monitor replacement thus far in hopes of something new and exciting presenting itself... but that doesn't seem to be the case.

It's starting to look like this display isn't much longer for this world, so what is the current least sucky lcd?

The 20wmgx2 would be ideal if it were a) a bit bigger and b) available.

To be clear a TN panel is out. I can't put up with 6-bit color, small viewing angles, or backlight bleeding (ok that's not exclusive to TN's but it is to cheaper panels I suppose).

 

[Trean]

xtknight:

In regards to the BenQ FP241W, last I looked deeply into this monitor there was a lack of 1:1 mode and a huge overscan problem where it made the image larger than 1920x1200 then cropped like 5% of it or something, oh and you couldn't turn it off. These were for the supplies of U.S. consumers, but the last time I looked into this monitor was back in June.

Edit -> found answer on hardforum; so you can skip all those above. Answers were yes black outs exist; overscan is supposably fixed, you can now toggle it and 1:1 has been added. If you get the 1:1 firmware you should also have other fixes, don't know if they came together just know that they are all in the 1:1 firmware.



Both are similarly priced at the moment, after the Viewsonic's 100 dollar rebate. However, with all the BenQ's input options it seems that it should be priced at a greater amount or the Viewsonic at a lesser due to its lack of inputs. Any knowledge to why this is?

Additionally, they have two different panels in them: MVA for Viewsonic and S-PVA for BenQ. In your OP you state MVA is the cheaper of the two, but I read a different site that said the opposite. Since its late I only read one site, and since you have presented a ton of great info I just wanted to make sure you are right on MVA is the lesser in quality of the two.

And lastly, do you know whether the BenQ is 8-bit or 6-bit? I believe I read somewhere the Viewsonic is 8-bit; could be wrong info though if you have sources stating something contrary.


Again thanks for all the help.

 

[Mallomar]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Mallomar
Did you get the LCD2690WUXi or the LCD2690WUXi-SV?

I got the regular one. The regular one contains the exact same monitor unit as the SV model. The regular one has a built-in LUT which can be calibrated by supporting software. The SV simply comes bundled with the SVIIKit (which contains SpectraView software and a custom colorimeter). The SpectraView software can be ordered separately for $100 and it supports the generic Eye One Display 2 (which I already have) as well as some other colorimeters. So, I got the regular model, and the SV software only ($100) which came off of NEC's site.

I have my heart set on the SV model, but can't find it in stock anywhere (at least not at an attractive price). And I have spent hours trolling the web, looking for it. I ordered it a couple of weeks ago from one of the resellers on NEC's list, but as of today they still couldn't give me even a tentative delivery date (plus they had dropped the price by $100 on their web page, but I'd still have to pay the previous higher price), so I cancelled the order. I would have been able to live with paying the extra hundred smackers if they had told me the monitor had already shipped and it was too late to cancel, but they had no idea when the order was going to be filled.

I did find one reseller that claims to have the SV model in stock, but the price is a couple of hundred bucks higher. (Even higher than the "street price" shown on the NEC site!)

I suppose I could buy the non-SV model (assuming I could find one in stock) and buy a separate calibration device, but I'd really prefer to get the SV-equipped model. I seem to remember there was some technological advantage (something to do with the LUT?) to getting the built-in SV thang.

Like I said the regular one has the LUT too.

What you can do is get the regular model and order the SVIIKit ($250) from here. You're not really spending more money than just getting the SV model. It's the exact same thing AFAIK.

The SVIIKit contains the software AND the colorimeter.
`Accessories` here: http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Storefront/

One thing I'm a little foggy on -- if you buy the SV model, do you still have to pay extra for software?

No, the SV model contains the SVIIKit.

So, basically (as I understand it):

LCD2690WUXi: regular unit
LCD2690WUXI-SV: regular unit + SVIIKit

SVIIKit ($250): SV software + NEC/i1 Display 2
SV software ($100): win32 software which supports various colorimeters including NEC-branded and standard i1 Display 2. Works by adjusting LUT of several supported monitors thru DDC/CI.

I know for sure that the LCD2690WUXi regular has a built-in LUT as I have calibrated mine several times using my standard i1 Display 2 and the SV software.

It'll be awhile till I post the review of my LCD2690WUXi. I've decided to make it comprehensive and in my typical OCD fashion it will be several pages or so I hope. But that also means it'll only be up when I get around to it. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions though. To be honest I'm still 'learning' this monitor. I thought the black level sucked until I realized I had calibrated it with the wrong gamma.

Okay, so if I don't already have a colorimeter, and if I can find an SV that's less than $250 (the cost of the SVII Kit) higher than the non-SV, I should get the SV. My old Mitsubishi Spectraview CRT came with a colorimeter -- I can't find it at the moment (found the empty box!) but it's around here someplace -- but I'm guessing it wouldn't work with a new NEC LCD. I did some googling and that old colorimeter was a SpectraSensor.

So now I have to decide where to order the monitor. I did impulsively "buy" a 2490 from buy.com's eBay site for about $825, but of course they cancelled the transaction. (They still have the 2490 in stock, but for considerably more than $825.) Anyway, I really wanted the 2690.

Do you know if there are any gotchas to ordering from Canada (I'm in the U.S.)? I worry about international shipping costs, long shipping times, and the possibility of the monitor getting hung up in customs. But nobody in the U.S. seems to have it in stock (except for the obscenely priced one at amazon -- over $1,600 and it's not even the SV). I guess I should just order it from one of the U.S. vendors and resign myself to a long wait.

I've never had this much trouble trying to give away $1000+.