Soyo 24" LCD @ Office Max $299 Aug 19th-25th

[Jiggz]

Originally posted by: Ravynmagi

Originally posted by: doggyfromplanetwoof
BlueRay/HDDVD.. Hbo and Skinymax wants to use it.. im sure others will too.

I'm probably wrong... but I was kind of under the impression that the HD content with HDCP protection would still work on non HDCP protected paths until about 2012 to allow plenty of time for consumers to get upgraded.

HDCP is a big hype now but not the standard. In the future, if this hype ever become a standard, there will be those HDCP box adapters which will allow those non-HDCP compliant units to view the signal in non-HD resolution. Probably the same resolution we now see on DVI connection. I'll say that is still acceptable!

In the battle for control of technology it's only a matter of when that determines which technology is in control.

 

[gigahertz20]

Damn I have no OfficeMax store near me, and I tried putting in 3 different zip codes to see if there were any stores around me that could ship it and nothing.


http://www.officemax.com/max/s...rodBlockOID=1611616418


I tried putting in a few other zip codes I know and nothing, I guess they are all gone.

 

[kmmatney]

I went to officeMax, checked it out, and bought one tonight. It is not a TN panel. I don't know what is is, probably S-PVA, but its definately not TN. You can tell by looking at the screen from below - all the other TN panels in the store washed out straight away when viewed from below, while this one didn't. Also, much better viewing angles side to side, compared to my 22" Acer.

No dead pixels, and overall a great picture quality, although the default color is way too blueish. Once adjusted, they look great. I used ATI Tools to adjust, starting from the 6500K color point, and turned down the brightness of the blue color a little.

So overall, this is a great deal. the only problem I have is that there is a slight buzzing sound coming from the back of the monitor - from the transformer I guess. I'll leave it on a few hours and see if it goes away.

Anyone else have a faint buzzing sound from their monitors?

 

[Ravynmagi]

Well I got my monitor home and started testing it further.

First I was surprised to find there is no toggle button for DVI/VGA modes. I have to go into the Menu, press 7 buttons to navigate the menu and switch modes. That is kind of annoying.

I have my Xbox 360 on the VGA connection. My PC on the DVI. I wanted to see if 1080P mode would work with the Xbox. Unfortunately it didn't. When the display was selected, the screen size was incorrect and cut off, unusable. I had to go back to 768P.

Now a big problem came up when I tried to go from VGA to DVI mode. The monitor went blank and none of the OSD controls would work. I power cycled the monitor, but still blank. I had to unplug the monitor. I retested this just to be sure it was a fluke due to me attemping to change the resolution on the Xbox before. Even just going from DVI to VGA and back to DVI, the monitor seems to lock up and go blank.

So my evaluation of this monitor is... the panel itself is pretty good. However everything else around this panel is just crap. Guess this isn't surprising. Soyo doesn't make the panel, but I'm guessing they are responsible for the rest of it.

If I just used the DVI connection, I could probably be happy with this monitor. But I do like the play my Xbox on my monitor as well, so this isn't gonna work. I am gonna have to return this monitor. Maybe I'll wait a month or two and get a real 24 inch monitor.

It's a $300 24 inch monitor. I guess there was bound to be a reason for it.

 

[kmmatney]

Originally posted by: Ravynmagi
Well I got my monitor home and started testing it further.

First I was surprised to find there is no toggle button for DVI/VGA modes. I have to go into the Menu, press 7 buttons to navigate the menu and switch modes. That is kind of annoying.

I have my Xbox 360 on the VGA connection. My PC on the DVI. I wanted to see if 1080P mode would work with the Xbox. Unfortunately it didn't. When the display was selected, the screen size was incorrect and cut off, unusable. I had to go back to 768P.

Now a big problem came up when I tried to go from VGA to DVI mode. The monitor went blank and none of the OSD controls would work. I power cycled the monitor, but still blank. I had to unplug the monitor. I retested this just to be sure it was a fluke due to me attemping to change the resolution on the Xbox before. Even just going from DVI to VGA and back to DVI, the monitor seems to lock up and go blank.

So my evaluation of this monitor is... the panel itself is pretty good. However everything else around this panel is just crap. Guess this isn't surprising. Soyo doesn't make the panel, but I'm guessing they are responsible for the rest of it.

If I just used the DVI connection, I could probably be happy with this monitor. But I do like the play my Xbox on my monitor as well, so this isn't gonna work. I am gonna have to return this monitor. Maybe I'll wait a month or two and get a real 24 inch monitor.

It's a $300 24 inch monitor. I guess there was bound to be a reason for it.

Do you get a buzzing sound from yours? The buzz on mine is really annoying - I'm probably going to have to take it back and exchange for another one. I'm happy with the panel.

 

[Ravynmagi]

No, didn't hear any buzzing at all. I had it in the office earlier where it was nice and quiet, so I would have definitely heard it if there was one.

 

[jhbball]

Bought two of these tonight. There's some ghosting, but it's normal for a panel this size. It's MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCH better than the 2407fpw-hc. The picture quality is a bit worse, but overall, it's a good buy.

 

[jhbball]

Update, one of these already developed a black line all the way through the monitor. Guess it's time to return one haha.

 

[Beh]

I just had to get in on this one. Bought it 2 days ago and it really is nice. I do notice a very slight buzzing when its turned on by itself but the computer drowns it out. The viewing angles are fantastic compared to my old 19" TN panel. The backlight is nice and even. I hardly notice any input lag or ghosting. My one gripe is that I have also developed a black line across the top third of the screen. Started showing up right away. I played with it a bit and really love the colors. Default color was set to 6500K but i set it to user and the RGB showed 38/38/38, exited out, came back in and it had magically changed to 50/50/38. Got the brightness at 30, contrast at 50 looks nice to me. Will play around a bit more once I exchange it for one without this damned line. Now that its turned out to be such a great deal I may check if I can extend the MaxAssurance warranty to 2 years.

Thanks anandtech!

 

[Jassi]

Originally posted by: Phrozen @ SD

Just opened and put back together in about 5 mins

Turns out its a AU Optronics P-MVA (M240UW01 V0) Panel.

BENQ owns AU Optronics, which is currently the second largest panel manufacturer behind Samsung (edging LG, Philips).

Acer AL2423W also has this same panel...

Props to phrozen over at SD for figuring out the panel mystery.

 

[imported_Husky55]

Originally posted by: Sikish
Got one. It's S-PVA panel, same thing used in Dell 2407 and my Acer AL2423W. Great deal guys


Sikish posted here a few days ago!!! But I was skeptical!!!

What's going on with the black line at the top third of the screen? Does the monitor run hot?

Mine is is transit.

Thanks Jassi and Sikish!!!

 

[Shimmishim]

also if you can't do it online for some reason (it won't process) give them a call at the local store.

i tried online checkout but it showed up as not deliverable in my area. i called my local store and they had it in stock. weird.

now let's see if they'll accept this $30 off $200 code in the store...

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Husky55
Does the monitor run hot?

Mine runs hot. I'm wondering if it is because I have mine inside a hutch on my desk, so perhaps it does not get enough ventilation?

 

[GEEBOSS]

You would be wise to provide some type of air circulation for that large an LCD inside a hutch. Heat build up will usually lead to shorter life of electronic equiptment.

 

[imported_Husky55]

@Zap,

Just got my monitor. Has been running for an hour so far. The top of my monitor is no hotter than the 22" it replaces. Warm to the touch.

I am fairly certain that you need some more ventilation and my monitor in open on both sides and rear.

I am still getting used to it. But first impressions are:

1. cheap stand
2. great panel color, I used GT Viper color calibration that he was good enough to post in this thread.

3. Viewing angles are definitely better than my TN panels.
4. I am still amazed at the price I paid, having lusted after the Dell 2407 and almost went for it.

 

[isekii]

i knew i should've ordered one when they had it in stock for delivery in my area.

now they're out of stock.

I guess i'll wait for the next batch.

looks like the lcd prices are finally coming down.

 

[stockjock]

I got one!! whoa is this thing BIG and I stepped up from a 22in. If you live in the Orlando area the West 50 store still has 2 in stock. I didn't really have time to mess with it but I like what I see so far. I do have to agree about the stand it is kina flimsy and I found it hard to adjust the angle of viewing but in the end I'm soooo glad to pick this up. My kid was even happier because he got my 22in Flat panel.

 

[NucEm]

I picked one up yesterday to use with the Dell XPS M1210 laptop at work. Either the Nvidia 7400 in the laptop or the monitor doesn't show 1920 x 1200 @ 32bit as an option for a setting. So I set a custom timing and it works well so far. The local OM had just 2 in stock with none on display (Boulder, CO). I use a pair of 24 inch Dells at home with an ATi AiW 800XL card. So I'm use to the 24 inch panels. I have one word for the Soyo, NICE. The Dells cost me about $700 each. There are more features on the Dell and they seem better made BUT they cost more than twice the Soyo. I used the $10 off coupon so with tax it was about $317 out the door. I don't have any buzzing sound and it seems to run about as warm as the Dell panels. Initially it seemed warm partly from the initial burn in of a new monitor. (I could smell an oder of warm plastic at first.) You can imagine the looks I get in the office with this 24 inch connected to the 12 inch XPS M1210. If it continues to work well I probably kick myself for not getting both when I had the chance.

Many thanks to Gigantopithecus for the heads up and to doggyfromplanetwoof for the coupon info.

 

[imported_Husky55]

Originally posted by: NucEm
I picked one up yesterday to use with the Dell XPS M1210 laptop at work. Either the Nvidia 7400 in the laptop or the monitor doesn't show 1920 x 1200 @ 32bit as an option for a setting. So I set a custom timing and it works well so far. The local OM had just 2 in stock with none on display (Boulder, CO). I use a pair of 24 inch Dells at home with an ATi AiW 800XL card. So I'm use to the 24 inch panels. I have one word for the Soyo, NICE. The Dells cost me about $700 each. There are more features on the Dell and they seem better made BUT they cost more than twice the Soyo. I used the $10 off coupon so with tax it was about $317 out the door. I don't have any buzzing sound and it seems to run about as warm as the Dell panels. Initially it seemed warm partly from the initial burn in of a new monitor. (I could smell an oder of warm plastic at first.) You can imagine the looks I get in the office with this 24 inch connected to the 12 inch XPS M1210. If it continues to work well I probably kick myself for not getting both when I had the chance.

Many thanks to Gigantopithecus for the heads up and to doggyfromplanetwoof for the coupon info.

Did you download and use GT Viper calibration file (ICC) ? My color is REALLY good!!!

 

[kmmatney]

After placing the monitor next to my computer, I can no longer hear the faint buzzing sound, as my computer (which is fairly quiet) drowns it own. So I'm not so sure I want to return it, since everything else is working well. The buzzing was very noticable when I had it hooked up to my laptop, but its rare that I'd do that. Decisions...

I'll try the ICC file as well...I was able to adjust my colors manually to my liking, but they are probably not as accurate as they could be.

 

[kmmatney]

The monitor doesn't have a stand that adjusts in height, but you can always get a separate monitor riser, such as this one, which adjusts from 2" to 4"

http://www.officedepot.com/ddS...earchFlag=true&An=text

I just have it on a 3" thick hard bound book - its adjustable by changing the book.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Husky55
Just got my monitor. Has been running for an hour so far. The top of my monitor is no hotter than the 22" it replaces. Warm to the touch.

I am fairly certain that you need some more ventilation and my monitor in open on both sides and rear.

There is about 5" between the back of the monitor and the wall. Around 7" between top of monitor and the hutch shelf. Around 13" on each side of the monitor. I'll monitor (pun ) the situation and see... at least it doesn't smell like warm plastic anymore. Right now it's been on for a half hour and the top barely feels warm, but I do remember it feeling hotter than my 42" 1080P Westinghouse LCD in the living room.

 

[masteraleph]

Originally posted by: kmmatney
The monitor doesn't have a stand that adjusts in height, but you can always get a separate monitor riser, such as this one, which adjusts from 2" to 4"

http://www.officedepot.com/ddS...earchFlag=true&An=text

I just have it on a 3" thick hard bound book - its adjustable by changing the book.

Just to check, it doesn't rotate (i.e. go vertical instead of horizontal) either, does it?

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: masteraleph

Originally posted by: kmmatney
The monitor doesn't have a stand that adjusts in height, but you can always get a separate monitor riser, such as this one, which adjusts from 2" to 4"

http://www.officedepot.com/ddS...earchFlag=true&An=text

I just have it on a 3" thick hard bound book - its adjustable by changing the book.

Just to check, it doesn't rotate (i.e. go vertical instead of horizontal) either, does it?

Nope, just a simple (and extremely small) tilt.

Viper GTS

 

[Viper GTS]

For those who are using the settings I provided...

I just noticed that when scrolling through the menu the values shown on the user color option are not consistent. It appears that my settings may actually be RGB = 38/39/35. Half the time it shows what I originally posted. :roll:

I'll re-do a profile with the 6500K option selected so that we don't have to deal with this nonsense.

OK, here's a profile using the 6500K pre-set:

http://www.mediafire.com/?9zudx9x2rt5

ColorEyes Display Validation Log
2007-08-23 18:28:52

Display: M24EI5 1
System Profile: Soyo Topaz 6500K Factory Preset
Created By: Unknown
Creation Date: 2007-08-23 18:28:52

Validation Results:
# C M Y K Target L a b Measured L a b DeltaE
1 0 0 0 0 100.000 0.000 0.000 100.000 0.074 0.166 0.18
2 0 0 0 0 94.910 0.000 0.000 94.616 0.108 0.361 0.48
3 0 0 0 0 89.823 0.000 0.000 89.647 0.151 0.234 0.33
4 0 0 0 0 84.746 0.000 0.000 85.038 -0.201 0.243 0.43
5 0 0 0 0 79.661 0.000 0.000 79.818 -0.399 0.422 0.60
6 0 0 0 0 74.579 0.000 0.000 74.651 0.108 -0.145 0.19
7 0 0 0 0 67.158 0.000 0.000 66.982 -0.164 0.375 0.45
8 0 0 0 0 58.960 0.000 0.000 58.629 0.550 -0.010 0.64
9 0 0 0 0 50.399 0.000 0.000 50.171 0.219 0.388 0.50
10 0 0 0 0 37.985 0.000 0.000 37.898 -0.163 0.188 0.26
11 0 0 0 0 25.702 0.000 0.000 25.569 -0.418 0.229 0.49
12 0 0 0 0 17.810 0.000 0.000 17.600 0.354 0.070 0.42
13 0 0 0 0 57.417 82.288 85.805 57.461 82.921 89.115 0.78
14 0 0 0 0 86.040 -83.325 81.014 86.084 -83.936 81.430 0.13
15 0 0 0 0 30.834 60.423 -91.962 30.513 60.672 -92.803 0.36

Maximum DeltaE: 0.78
Average DeltaE: 0.42

So in short:

Use THIS ONE if you stick with the 6500K factory preset.

OR

Use THIS ONE if you use my RGB settings (which may or may not be 38/39/35).

Both should produce good results.

Viper GTS