[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Sengar
Any good reason to get the NEC LCD2690 (or LCD2490) over the Planar PX2611W for a system where color accuracy isn't particularly critical? Right now I'm using a Soyo Topaz P-MVA that I picked up for next to nothing from OM a year or so ago, but it's killing my eyes (I've never had eye strain anywhere near this from a CRT). I want to try out an IPS panel and it's down to basically the three I mentioned. I do a fair amount of gaming, but also a heavy amount of text reading.

With non-critical work, there isn't a reason to get the LCD2690 over the PX2611W besides for more scaling options. The PX2611W will have less input lag as well.

Originally posted by: Exclusive
What's the best 24" monitor for gaming?

- Moderate gaming (CoD4, Crysis, etc)
- Moderate graphic work
- Moderate video editing

- Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (3.6GHz)
- ATI HD4870 512MB
- Corsair HX-620W

I was headed with the Samsung 2493HM, although, not sure now, as that lacks the 1:1 pixel mapping. And that's pretty much all the cons.
What about the BenQ V2400W/G2400WD? Are there any cons about them too? If so, please state them, so I'm aware of them.
Don't know what to get, please recommend me an excellent 24" gaming monitor! Thanks in advance!

The HP LP2475W is an awesome choice if you can afford it.

Otherwise, then the BenQ G2400WD and V2400W are great options in the TN sector. I'm not aware of any serious cons but for in-depth information you'll have to read some user opinions or pro reviews on them. I have not used them myself.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: TLW
A minor update after purchasing the LG L227WT and using it for about 10 days now, very happy with the monitor, now it's set up (way too bright out of the box) the colours are vibrant, the response time IS noticeable and there were zero dead pixels in mine

If, like me, you're coming from an older monitor the LG will be a decent step up in terms of performance and although it probably may not be the most capable 22" available it was cheap and performs everything i wanted

Thanks to xtknight for the excellent guide and response

Glad you're happy with it. I am also very happy with my L227 as I've stated many times and I've heard several success stories here with it.

Originally posted by: borfgordon
Hi All
I have dual ATI 4870 x2's and am looking for a monitor exclusively for gaming.

I see that 26 inch Planar that is recommended, what about anything in the 30 inch range? Or are there any other recommended 26 inchers?

Or would people recommend I go with three smaller monitors?

The 3007WFP-HC is a good choice for gaming. In fact it should actually be in the gaming section due to its low input lag. I recently relaxed the requirements for the gaming section and forgot to include the 3007.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: WaitingForNehalem
Honestly, I'm not sure what to do anymore. 24" monitors are ridiculously expensive, 22" are a good size but offer a large dot pitch, 20" is too small and only ads horizontal width to my 17". There is no sense in spending too much on a monitor when they all have their flaws IMO. It seems to be a trade off between response time and image quality. CRT monitors, come back!!!!

Monitors like the L227WTG-PF, LP2475W, and PX2611W have few drawbacks except of course price or that the first one is a TN. So yeah, you do need to pay to get a near flawless monitor.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Xellos2099
I been think about these:

V7 Series D22W12 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor for 150, and it is cheap enough to help me afford a hpu upgrade from 8800gt as well.

L227WTG-PF for like 260 or possibility cheaper with ebay cashback.

BenQ 2200 or 2400HD. Will cost similiar to lg one thanks to cashback.

Which would be the best choice here?

The easy choice for me would be the L227. I have one and I love it. I doubt that any of the others could surpass its image quality.

Originally posted by: ati666
is having a LED backlight better for lcds in terms of image quality or is that bad?

Depending on the implementation, an LED backlight is quite good for image quality. It allows for a wider gamut (more vibrant colors) and a more uniform screen. What happens is that several LEDs are placed across the screen, so each of these can be adjusted for better uniformity. LEDs emit a more pure white than CCFLs, meaning that they can be split into more colors as well. Samsung's Local Dimming technology dims LEDs at positions on the screen that display black, for superior black levels. One of these implementations actually measured a contrast ratio of ~27,000:1, higher than the typical aperture grille CRT ratio of ~11,000:1.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Cellulose

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Cellulose
Xtknight, thanks for the extensive post which has helped decide two previous monitor setups

Unfortunately while on holiday our 2232BW got stolen I was hoping to replace it with a HP LP2475W as it seems like great value for money.

Sorry to hear. But good to know you've got a good LP2475w on the way.

However we also plan to play quite a lot of Xbox 360 (by VGA -> which on the 2232BW we had to use a VGA -> DVI adaptor) on the monitor from close up. Would 720p upscaled to 1080p (I assume that's the best resolution to use) look acceptable?

Yea this should look OK. I believe the LP2475w lets you do aspect scaling.

Thanks again,
Joe

edit: Also, we live in the UK, so our choice of monitors are a little....limited :heart:

Thankyou

I don't actually do any colour specific jobs on my computer but this monitor is also an investment for the next 3.5 years at least

Sounds like 1920x1080 should look quite good on the HP -> however I didnt realize that the HP didn't have VGA input either. Is there much quality loss from Xbox360->VGA->DVI->Monitor (1080p)?

Quality loss compared to inputting pure VGA? Hardly at all if you are converting VGA to DVI-A/DVI-I. If you're converting it to DVI-D with a ~$100 transcoder device then there will probably not be much degradation either.

If there is, I might have to go with a L226WU or L227WT simply for VGA, unfortunately! (in the UK the L226WU costs £200 vs. the HP's £350).




Within the next few hours I am going to pick it up from someone selling it for £330 second hand (but barely used) -> Ill let you know how it goes, hopefully everything will work to plan!

I think the VGA->DVI conversion, however you are doing it, should be just fine. You could also try its component connection, although I'd think DVI-A would look better.

 

[Onelunglow]

I was looking at the Acer G24.... Would this be a bad buy? Should I be looking a the LG 24" LCD?

 

[Xellos2099]

For L227WTG-PF, is there a easy way for me to use it as a computer monitor and maybe use it later as a monitor for a 360. Is there a easy way for em to do it without much hassle? I know i can use the hdmi to dvi cable but I would then have to use VGA cable for my computer use.

 

[Exclusive]

Can you tell me why you didn't recommend the Samsung?
Or is the BenQ just a more superior choice ...?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Exclusive
Can you tell me why you didn't recommend the Samsung?
Or is the BenQ just a more superior choice ...?

Maybe 1:1 is important to you? From your post, I couldn't tell.

The BenQ has always been well-revered though but the Samsung has a great review from PRAD.

I'm still at a loss of whether to put the BenQ or Samsung first in the OP really.

But here's 10e's opinion on it.

Originally posted by: 10e
BTW all,

For those interested in the Samsung 2493HM vs. the BenQ G2400W, I can tell you right now, as I have the two sitting beside each other, the BenQ is far superior in my eyes. Here's a quick synopsis:

1) BenQ has better out-of-box colors. The Samsung has oversaturated reds (typical of wide gamut panels) that turn the dark greys to brown.
2) BenQ handles consoles over HDMI and VGA much better. Its only disadvantage is that it (the G2400W) will not go into power save mode over HDMI, where the Samsung will. The BenQ can do 1:1 pixel mapping over HDMI with PCs and consoles, the Samsung cannot do this with consoles, and can only do it with PCs set at 1920x1200 resolution
3) The BenQ scales resolutions with less input lag. The Samsung is fast at 1920x1200, but at lower resolutions, because its scaler is doing more work, it's slowing down more. 1 frame slower 30% of the time at 1680x1050, 2 frames 30% of the time @ 1280x1024
4) The BenQ is much better with dark colors. Playing Condemned 2 on the 360 over VGA on the Samsung was difficult due to dark detail washout.
5) BenQ has very slightly better vertical viewing angles.

The Samsung is a good monitor, but as a PC + console monitor cannot still compare to the BenQ. The Samsung will be returned soon.

FYI

10e

His review explains why I've always levitated towards the BenQ.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Onelunglow
I was looking at the Acer G24.... Would this be a bad buy? Should I be looking a the LG 24" LCD?

Sorry, can't vouch for the G24 because I haven't seen any pro reviews of it.

Check the original post for recommendations on what to buy at 24" depending on your main use. I keep it updated.

Originally posted by: Xellos2099
For L227WTG-PF, is there a easy way for me to use it as a computer monitor and maybe use it later as a monitor for a 360. Is there a easy way for em to do it without much hassle? I know i can use the hdmi to dvi cable but I would then have to use VGA cable for my computer use.

Hook your computer up to the DVI port and Xbox to the VGA port. Can't guarantee that the Xbox and resolutions support will play well with just any monitor though. I've had set-top-box devices refuse to hook up to my monitors numerous times. For peace of mind, Google for others who have hooked up the Xbox to the LCD.

 

[Exclusive]

Oh, dam, okay.
And I will NOT be using any PS3 or XBOX 360 device via HDMI through the monitor.

If so, the BenQ would still be better unfortunately?
And for confirmation, which has better warranty for dead pixels/etc?
Samsung or BenQ?

 

[Datsmah]

What is the 1:1 pixel scaling subject about ?

I just bought a Samsung 2493 (didnt pick it up yet)

I dont play consoles on a pc monitor

The only thing i use my pc for is playing WoW (windowed!) and reading text (surfing the web) and watching movies (generally fullscreen)

I do play a bit of fallout3 too (fullscreen) but havent played it for some weeks
Any reason to be concerned ?

Or is this just the min maxing nitpickety obsessive compulsionism in communities as these kicking in ?

 

[scotyard]

please suggest a good 22" LCD monitor for gaming.

 

[Inhaber]

I'm looking into purchasing an LCD Monitor sometime this holiday season. I am looking at a 20" or 22" inch monitor. I primarily game but I would really like the feature of watching tv on it as well.

I know that solely for gaming the LG L227WTG-PF is highly regarded as the best from every site/forum that I look at. The questions I'm looking at are:

1. What's the best 20" for gaming/tv?
2. What's the best 22" for gaming/tv?
3. Are any of Samsung's T200 series HD LCD's any good with the built in tuners?
4. Are there any good tuners out there (with a remote) that I could buy separate? Any software recommendations are welcome as well.

The price range I'm looking at is about $200-$350 ($350 would have to be once everything is final). Also, can take into consideration that a lot of the more expensive monitors could go on sell during the holidays. About the Samsung series I mentioned earlier I understand that Samsung is known for panel lotteries, but I was wondering about how they do aside from that. Thanks for the help.

 

[Cometer]

So would you guys recommend the Benq G2400WD for gaming and movie watching?

I'm looking for the best possible experience in terms of image quality for movie watching and the best in terms of low delay for games.

I don't want to have low delay and end up being disapointed with the image quality or the other way around .

My budget can reach around 400 to 500 euros.

I've also been adviced regarding a new LCD monitor. The Benq E2400HD.
Don't know if its better image quality and delay wise compared to the Benq G2400WD.

But anyway if you guys have other sugestions other than this LCDs go ahead.

 

[Diocles]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Diocles
Hi!

Can you tell me whether or not the HP LP2475W supports 1920x1200@75Hz through the DisplayPort connection?

Thanks in advance.

No clue, I would email HP about this.

Well, it's been 2 weeks now, two auto-replies, but still no answer from HP...

Anyway, my only concern about the LP2475W is the relatively high input lag. Do you know of any other monitor that has an equally beautiful image (which implies that TN panels are ruled out), but has less input lag? Unfortunatelly 'Planar' monitors are not available in my country.

 

[ericinho]

Prad states: this panel has a response time of 6 ms grey-to-grey and 12 ms black-white, which should also be sufficient for video playback and occasional computer games.

> Does this has any influence on the playing of DVD movies on the screen?

 

[Malpractice1]

well I just recieved my LCD2690WUXi-BK
Is there anybody here that can help me set it up?
I've been playing with the contrast/brightness/sharpness but I was just curious if anybody had this monitor if they could write down there settings so I could plug them in.
I've tried reading the manual a few times but, all I get is a headache/confused.
I'm just trying to get the most out of this monitor and was hoping I could get some help from you all.

 

[Renob]

Need some input from you guys, its time to upgrade.

I have done a little research and think I will be buying one of these two monitors. Which would you buy?

Sammy
Sexy
Has a Digital Tuner built in with remote and just looks very sexy, does true 19:9 1080p

LG
25.5 incher
$20 cheaper I hear it has better black and inch and a half bigger.

Both have a 3 year warranty, which would you get and why oh and by the way I do watch lots of DVD movies and streamed TV shows in my office

 

[fyleow]

..

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Exclusive
Oh, dam, okay.
And I will NOT be using any PS3 or XBOX 360 device via HDMI through the monitor.

If so, the BenQ would still be better unfortunately?
And for confirmation, which has better warranty for dead pixels/etc?
Samsung or BenQ?

Sorry, I can't tell you. Haven't used both side by side. But as 10e stated the BenQ has better default colors, to his eyes. So it would seem to me that regardless of whether you're hooking up a PS3 or Xbox the BenQ is still better.

Better warranty? Hmm, that's a good question.

Here is the 2493HM's detailed warranty info: http://www.samsung.com/us/supp...mType=&dType=D&vType=R

And, the G2400WD's: http://benq.us/products/LCD/?p...page=downloads&dtype=W

I'm a tad lazy to read it all.

Per the manual, the 2493HM is ISO 13406-2 Pixel fault Class II.

G2400WD is also ISO 13406-2 Class II according to their FAQ of all their LCD monitors ( http://benq.us/support/library...50,351,551,376,364#365 ) and another site where it's sold ( http://wcam.ee/?p=3&iid=3332 ).

See here for details on ISO 13406-2 Pixel fault Class II: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

Note those measurements are per million pixels. A 1920x1200 display has 2,304,000 pixels.

Yet more info here: http://www.behardware.com/art/imprimer/666/

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Datsmah
What is the 1:1 pixel scaling subject about ?

The first post talks about it.

I just bought a Samsung 2493 (didnt pick it up yet)

I dont play consoles on a pc monitor

The only thing i use my pc for is playing WoW (windowed!) and reading text (surfing the web) and watching movies (generally fullscreen)

I do play a bit of fallout3 too (fullscreen) but havent played it for some weeks
Any reason to be concerned ?

I think the 2493 will be fine for these uses.

Or is this just the min maxing nitpickety obsessive compulsionism in communities as these kicking in ?

Yeah, that happens a lot. It's the reason that many issues deemed severe by zealots get slipped under the covers. And then they wonder why. Most of us humans are used to dealing with problems but some people insist their products be absolutely perfect. The average consumer expects you to tell him the truth. If you're going to tell him there's a problem with the monitor, then he thinks it's going to affect him. Thus, you can't tell him about many minor issues about a monitor. All monitors have minor problems unless you spend too much money. He will be discouraged from buying it and pretty much deceived. Yet, when you don't tell him about problems he thinks you're a salesman. Not really. Just trying to help him choose and not confuse him with minutia.

I think that those who really care about minor issues are skilled enough to do their own research, or should be. I'm pretty sure it's a lot worse in the audio forums though. Thinking people want to hook up amps and get esoteric, unsupported sound cards for their computers so they can get the last few hertz of their bass. Don't get me started. I certainly don't suggest that the average, confused customer needs or wants a colorimeter. Not even for people who are just asking for a good quality monitor. You don't even need one unless you edit photos, plain and simple. I won't lie to you though, I used to not see the forest for the trees and obsess over small issues as well. There are some issues that I can completely understand would annoy even many consumers, such as viewing angles, lack of contrast, or flaky response time control.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: scotyard
please suggest a good 22" LCD monitor for gaming.

LG L227WTG-PF, check the first post for others.

Originally posted by: Inhaber
I'm looking into purchasing an LCD Monitor sometime this holiday season. I am looking at a 20" or 22" inch monitor. I primarily game but I would really like the feature of watching tv on it as well.

I know that solely for gaming the LG L227WTG-PF is highly regarded as the best from every site/forum that I look at. The questions I'm looking at are:

1. What's the best 20" for gaming/tv?

I don't know a good 20" with a built-in tuner off the top of my head, really.

2. What's the best 22" for gaming/tv?

And ditto here. They simply don't review the monitors with built-in tuners much.

3. Are any of Samsung's T200 series HD LCD's any good with the built in tuners?

Some of them probably are. Samsung's ToC series is hit-and-miss. Check the X-Bit Labs review: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...lay/samsung-topaz.html

And I just have to assume the ones with the HD suffix have the same internals aside from having the extra tuner.

4. Are there any good tuners out there (with a remote) that I could buy separate? Any software recommendations are welcome as well.

Yea, there are many, many solutions out there. I think this is the most flexible option because you can also record videos this way or set up a media center when you use a tuner card.

I use an analog+HD tuner card with my LG L227WTG-PF and I love watching TV on this screen especially in the f-Engine modes. I watched the Olympics that way. My card is fairly cheap and doesn't have good software for Windows though so you may seek recommendations for tuner cards elsewhere.

The price range I'm looking at is about $200-$350 ($350 would have to be once everything is final). Also, can take into consideration that a lot of the more expensive monitors could go on sell during the holidays. About the Samsung series I mentioned earlier I understand that Samsung is known for panel lotteries, but I was wondering about how they do aside from that. Thanks for the help.

Aside from that Samsung is great. Especially the design of their monitors... Unfortunately, the panel lotteries often mean that the image quality is screwed up (blue tint, poor response time, lower contrast). Not all of their models participate in panel lotteries, but sometimes it's hard to tell. I'm not even sure that the X-Bit article covered that. It's unfortunate you really can't trust what's inside a Samsung anymore.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Cometer
So would you guys recommend the Benq G2400WD for gaming and movie watching?

I'm looking for the best possible experience in terms of image quality for movie watching and the best in terms of low delay for games.

The HP LP2475w delivers best overall viewing angle for good movie viewing. I don't think the delay would bother you. I think that would be the best solution for you if it's available in your area and price range.

I don't want to have low delay and end up being disapointed with the image quality or the other way around .

My budget can reach around 400 to 500 euros.

I've also been adviced regarding a new LCD monitor. The Benq E2400HD.
Don't know if its better image quality and delay wise compared to the Benq G2400WD.

But anyway if you guys have other sugestions other than this LCDs go ahead.

The BenQs are great for gaming. If you're really looking for the best movie experience and are willing to pay for it, then the LP2475w is better. It has a wider gamut and better viewing angle. And it'll be decent for gaming too, although not as fast as the BenQ.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Diocles

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Diocles
Hi!

Can you tell me whether or not the HP LP2475W supports 1920x1200@75Hz through the DisplayPort connection?

Thanks in advance.

No clue, I would email HP about this.

Well, it's been 2 weeks now, two auto-replies, but still no answer from HP...

Anyway, my only concern about the LP2475W is the relatively high input lag. Do you know of any other monitor that has an equally beautiful image (which implies that TN panels are ruled out), but has less input lag? Unfortunatelly 'Planar' monitors are not available in my country.

Sorry I don't really know of any. I doubt the delay would bother you that much though. Most people can't notice 2 frames and the 3 frames is a maximum. Or, if you do notice it you will probably just get used to it unless you're an extremely competitive gamer.