Having a hard time letting go of my CRT...

[Twitch22]

Hello everyone!

Just built my new rig (running fast and stable for last 5 days) and the ATI 1900XTX is on the way! May go Crossfire once the DX10 cards are out.

Anyway, I'm currently using a ViewSonic PS790 CRT monitor. It's a 19" 4:3 tube, part of their Professional Series. I've always been delighted by it's color fidelity and accuracy and by the fact that it does a great job at gaming as well. But, with the new rig, new age of GPU's, I figure it's time to get a new monitor.

I'm not really well versed on what measurements/stats make up a good LCD monitor. I know that I want a widescreen (16:9) display, around 22"-24" that will be suitable for gaming and at-home video/picture work. I have read a bunch of reviews and comparisons on the web about LCD monitors. My problem is, I'm not sure what measurements/stats I need to value most. Resolution, speed, etc.?

Reason I ask is that I'd rather by my monitor at my local Sam's Club or Costco so that I can return the thing easily if I don't like it. Plus, the prices are good. Unfortunately, they rarely carry the same brands and models that many sites review. I just want to know what features tolook for first and what should matter most.

Thanks for any info!

Twitch

 

[MBrown]

If you still want a CRT you might want to check out a FW900. I'm even looking into that.

 

[apoppin]

actually there isn't much [any] advantage - visually - that an LCD can offer

Perhaps you should hang on to your CRT until the next gen of LCDs are shortly out . . . and compare them side by side with your CRT before you decide if they are worth the bucks to "upgrade" .

edit: i suggest you actually go LOOK at the LCDs that are currently available . . . buy the very best one you see and take it home to compare side-by-side. . .

i know i am keeping my 19" CRT - for now - and it isn't even as nice as yours

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: Twitch22

I'm not really well versed on what measurements/stats make up a good LCD monitor. I know that I want a widescreen (16:9) display, around 22"-24" that will be suitable for gaming and at-home video/picture work. I have read a bunch of reviews and comparisons on the web about LCD monitors. My problem is, I'm not sure what measurements/stats I need to value most. Resolution, speed, etc.?

Simple mistake but there basically are no 16:9 widescreen LCD monitors under 30". They're pretty much all 16:10.

To start, if colour fidelity is important to you, make sure you get an 8-bit panel not a 6-bit panel. This is sometimes shown in the description of the monitor as one that supports "16.7 million colours" (8-bit panel) vs "16.2 million colours" (6-bit panel w/ dithering).

I'd say 60-80%+ of LCD's out there are TN film, which are almost all 6-bit panels.

but fortunately for you the 22-24" crowd is populated with more 8-bit technologies ("VA" and all of its relatives - PVA, MVA, etc., IPS and its family, etc.)

---------

I'm too tired to get into it, but factors you will need to consider are response time (IMO, 8 ms or less is fine for me), inputs, whether HDCP is a factor for you, etc.

The new BenQ 24" screen (241W I think) looks amazing from what I've heard.

 

[Zebo]

I've found what makes CRT's color and contrast most similar to a CRT is with Opticlear, Xbrite, NeoV Optical Filter and other name glossy coating. Check those out... Also a fast one helps. Like NEC 20WmGX2 most gamers are in love with.

 

[Twitch22]

Thanks for the info guys!

That Sony FW900 is one beautiful piece of harware...I've lusted after one for a while now, but the weight and footprint is crazy big! But I hear you all about the quality of the CRT image...reasons why I have such a hard time letting mine go. I did an eBay search and yup, there they were. Shipping is a beast on 'em, though. May wait for my local computer show and see if any show up there later this month.

Zebo: I think that the NEC 20WmGX2 is actually offered at my local Sam's Club...st least I remember seeing NEC 20W___2. LOL...will go and check it out, thanks!

BTW...anyone here know anything about Sun monitors? I remember seeing on last month at a computer show (off lease) and it was at least a 21"-22" with a FD Trinitron tube. It was cheap at $250, but I heard that Suns have funky ports on back of them.

Twitch

 

[Hadsus]

You should read the LCD sticky in this forum. It is a very good resource.