[Retired] The LCD Thread

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Cheex

Originally posted by: Cheex
Are the Gateway and the Acer the only glossy panels in this list:
If I'm going to get a TN, it might as well be glossy

???

Can anyone confirm please?

Yes, I am reasonably sure that is the case. Some of the other ones have a glossy bezel only (like Westinghouse and NEC AccuSync 24").

I'm not as crazy about glossy panels as I used to be, though since I've had a good matte, so I wouldn't discard the matte panels.

P.S. The new Acer X263Wbi looks interesting, not glossy though and probably over your price range.

I saw that one. It does look interesting but as you said it is over my price range.

I have narrowed my choice down to 1 of 5. Seeing as though I'm not quite ready to purchase, I'll continue reading and such. I'll post the comparison of the 5 when I can.

Thanks xt...:beer:

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Cheex

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: Cheex

Originally posted by: Cheex
Are the Gateway and the Acer the only glossy panels in this list:
If I'm going to get a TN, it might as well be glossy

???

Can anyone confirm please?

Yes, I am reasonably sure that is the case. Some of the other ones have a glossy bezel only (like Westinghouse and NEC AccuSync 24").

I'm not as crazy about glossy panels as I used to be, though since I've had a good matte, so I wouldn't discard the matte panels.

P.S. The new Acer X263Wbi looks interesting, not glossy though and probably over your price range.

I saw that one. It does look interesting but as you said it is over my price range.

I have narrowed my choice down to 1 of 5. Seeing as though I'm not quite ready to purchase, I'll continue reading and such. I'll post the comparison of the 5 when I can.

Thanks xt...:beer:

A comparison of the reviews you come up with, you mean? That would be helpful.

No problem, by the way.

 

[UTFan81]

look at this. New Samsung 2253BW. It must be the true replacement of the 226BW.

http://www.samsung.com/us/cons...2AQWJFV/XAA&fullspec=F

 

[dragon57]

I just called around and an OfficeMax says they have an HP W2207 w/a Samsung panel (one of my choices if I go with a 22" panel), which I have read is the best panel to have in the 2207 (versus an LG or Innolux). The price is $360. Since I have read the 2207 is discontinued, is the 2207 now worth $360+tax?

 

[redlinez33]

w2207 is disc probably for the w2207H

same thing I believe except one has HDMI vs DVI

 

[esjrobles]

Guys, any idea about the difference of the samsung 2232bw and 2232gw models? 2232gw is the only availlable 2232 model here in the phillipines.

 

[dragon57]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: dragon57
xtknight (or anyone else), do you have any opinions on the Samsung 2693HM? I just got back from Fry's Electronics and they had one. I had never seen one before and unfortunately trying to get any info out of the employees was an exercise in futility.

I know it is a TN panel, but it is the same size as the NEC 2690.

Edit: Never mind about the 2693HM. I just tracked down and chatted with a guy that bought a 2693HM at Fry's yesterday. He said it was a huge disappointment and will be returning it.

I guess my search continues. 🙁

I don't know much about this LCD besides that it's a TN. A pretty big size for a TN too IMO. Viewing angles might be a problem, not much different than the 245BW.

The fellow said the viewing angles were very poor on the new Samsung 2693. He said sitting straight on to the monitor he could see color changes up/down/left/right when looking at the center of a mono-colored background. He said $699 was way too much for this panel with the faults he found.

 

[starcycle]

Originally posted by: xtknight
That's actually pretty surprising. I'm not used to hearing reports about the 215TW being oversaturated or missing detail.

Digging around, it seems that others have reported it also, like from this review on amazon:

Out of the box, everything about the monitor seemed nice, conservative case, basic access controls and the height/tilt adjustments were key points. The first images needless to say were way over driven...too bright, overly saturated and typical of how the manufacturers set these up to "wow" potential buyers in stores. After calibrating using Monaco Optix Pro, things settled well but I felt the reds were a bit more than "real" and highlights a bit bright still.

http://www.amazon.com/review/p...ZP1QE?showViewpoints=1

That reflects my experience exactly. Switching to the radeon seems to have helped a little (and it's faster than the matrox, too, which is nice - and the rotation with xrandr is cool to impress people with 😀). A lot also depends on the source. I think the samsung is more revealing of a poorly rendered photo or video, especially like those that populate the web, and that probably had a lot to do with it.

Strangely enough, the LG looks even better on my old windows 2000 computer with the matrox than it did on linux. I suspect the linux drivers just aren't up to snuff. I'd still like to see the lenovo 22", but for now I think I'm keeping the samsung after all.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: xtknight

A comparison of the reviews you come up with, you mean? That would be helpful.

No problem, by the way.

Maybe I could do that...but I was talking about a quick pros/cons review from what I can see about specs and what I gather from reviews.

 

[craftech]

Looking for Dual Monitor Recommendation:

I am looking for this recommendation for my son who asked me to help him build a new computer. Currently I am still favoring my 22 inch Trintron monitor so I am not much help to him.

I have read through the LCD thread including the recommendations. That was quite an effort by the OP. Remarkable in fact. Thank you for that.

I am still not sure what to do for the dual monitor setup he wants.

I think two 19 inch 5:4 monitors are probably the right choice, but I may be wrong. Seems that anything wider will become too wide I suppose.

What size and which ones do you think would be best for him?

Also, which video card for a dual monitor setup.

He wants to do normal computer tasks and also games with occasional photography, but photo editing is not the main emphasis. Two TN monitors? Is that right?

John

Moved here from separate thread with no responses.

 

[KenSings]

Again, many thanks for this forum and the recommendations.

Got my ViewSonic VX2435WM - looks great. Love it. No noticable problems, except it's so stinkin' bright that if I use it at night, it burns my "visual purple" so much that I can't find my way upstairs in the dark afterwards. 🙂

1)
A question related to brightness - if I turn the brightness down 50%, where is the reduction coming from? Are they dimming the actual backlight (in which case is there a color shift?) or do they just multiply all the pixel values by 50%, thus turning the 8-bit colors into 7-bit colors? I hope they don't do the latter. I intend to turn it down to some accaptable level and then do a color calibration for photo editing.

2)
Second question, perhaps a little off topic for this forum, but still - I'm hoping one of you can help me with this mystery. When I use this monitor via HMDI directly from my video card, there is about a 1 inch perimeter around the screen that is missing. That is, the "start menu" and windows taskbar and such aren't even visible! The corners are missing - They're off the screen. This happens regardless of any monitor settings (scaling, etc), and regardless of what resolution I use. Examples: If I set scaling to 1:1, (and computer to the monitor's native 1920x1200) I see black border all the way around the screen including where the task bar should be (not just top and bottom!). If I use the monitor's full screen scaling (not 1:1), it now fills the monitor, but the windows taskbar is off the screen too - in other words, the same thing, just larger. Now, if I use the DVI-I out, with a DVI->HMDI adapter, everything works fine at all resolutions. So I belive the problem is in the computer /graphics / Windoze Vista, not in the monitor. I'd really appreciate help, because I intend to use a second montior (CRT) hooked up to teh DVI-I port, meaning I have to get this ViewSonic working with the HDMI port. I've tried web searches, but haven't found any mention of similar issues.


Here's the setup details:

HP computer, NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS,
HDMI out -> ViewSonic HDMI in
can't see the edges of screen area

HP computer, Windoze Vista, NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS,
DVI-I out -> DVI to HDMI adapter -> ViewSonic HDMI in
everything is fine.

Any help is greatly appreciated - I suppose this is a horrible Windows Vista thing, or something to do with all the video copy protection, but all I want is a working video card.

(yes, I know, I should have bought the Mac after all!!!)

- Ken.

 

[najames]

Originally posted by: craftech
Looking for Dual Monitor Recommendation:

I am looking for this recommendation for my son who asked me to help him build a new computer. Currently I am still favoring my 22 inch Trintron monitor so I am not much help to him.

I have read through the LCD thread including the recommendations. That was quite an effort by the OP. Remarkable in fact. Thank you for that.

I am still not sure what to do for the dual monitor setup he wants.

I think two 19 inch 5:4 monitors are probably the right choice, but I may be wrong. Seems that anything wider will become too wide I suppose.

What size and which ones do you think would be best for him?

Also, which video card for a dual monitor setup.

He wants to do normal computer tasks and also games with occasional photography, but photo editing is not the main emphasis. Two TN monitors? Is that right?

John

Moved here from separate thread with no responses.

The question: does the usage/gaming require widescreen?

I have older dual 19" Dells here at work. One runs off the onboard video and the second runs off a ATI 7000 video card. It works very well and is easy to set up in WinXP for sure. My only complaint is that one Dell monitor has a slight case of high frequency "jiggles". It is MUCH better now with a new Optiplex 745 dual core and different 7000 card, but still there. It has to be the monitor. Sorry, no games here, only PC/Solaris/IBM mainframe work, SAS programming, and documentation crap. With a decent video card these should be ok at 1280x1024.

I just installed two 22" HP widescreens at home. Sure, I like the glossy wide screens better, but the dual 19" are plenty for what I do at work. No gaming on either system so I can't help with a video card. Someone else can help with video cards. Most video cards now will have dual outputs for the monitors. 1680x1050 is a LOT different that 1280x1024 for sure. The dual setup is essentially 3360x1050 running drag and drop across screens.

Card comparisons
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html

Ahh, time's up, back to my beatings.

 

[Pheran]

First I must say thanks to xtknight for maintaining this incredible fount of knowledge.

I'm looking to upgrade to a 22" widescreen (1680x1050) LCD. After reading all the info I'm a little frustrated at the options. Currently, I have a Dell 1905FP (19" 1280x1024). If I'm not mistaken, it's a VA panel. So, I'm sort of worried about transitioning to a TN panel - after being used to VA, will I think the quality is subpar? My applications are gaming, various "text" applications, amateur photo editing, and a bit of multimedia (video editing and a rare movie).

Based on the recommendations, it looks like I should consider the Viewsonic VX2255wmb ($325 shipped after MIR from Newegg). Or, there's the Samsung 215TW ($458 shipped from TigerDirect). So, the idea of paying an extra $130 for a smaller monitor isn't very appealing - would the quality difference of the Samsung really be worth it, given that it might even be inferior for gaming?

Thanks for listening!

 

[Trean]

@KenSings

For my computer I only have the option of using the DVI->HDMI cable. All seems to work fine.

I also have hooked up my receiver (HDMI->HDMI) and my HDTV tuner via component. I haven't had any problems with displaying things full screen.


I would try to contact customer service at viewsonic. I don't think you mentioned whether you are missing stuff at the top of the screen as well. If this is the case maybe when sending signal HDMI->HDMI it thinks the signal should be 1080p thus displaying the 1920x1080 signal centered on the screen and cutting off 60 pixels on the top and 60 pixels on the bottom. Don't know, I don't seem to have the problem, but again I cannot send a signal like that from my computer since I just have two DVI ports on my graphics card.

 

[starcycle]

Originally posted by: Pheran
First I must say thanks to xtknight for maintaining this incredible fount of knowledge.

I'm looking to upgrade to a 22" widescreen (1680x1050) LCD. After reading all the info I'm a little frustrated at the options. Currently, I have a Dell 1905FP (19" 1280x1024). If I'm not mistaken, it's a VA panel. So, I'm sort of worried about transitioning to a TN panel - after being used to VA, will I think the quality is subpar? My applications are gaming, various "text" applications, amateur photo editing, and a bit of multimedia (video editing and a rare movie).

Based on the recommendations, it looks like I should consider the Viewsonic VX2255wmb ($325 shipped after MIR from Newegg). Or, there's the Samsung 215TW ($458 shipped from TigerDirect). So, the idea of paying an extra $130 for a smaller monitor isn't very appealing - would the quality difference of the Samsung really be worth it, given that it might even be inferior for gaming?

Thanks for listening!

I would say no, it's not worth it if you're primarily interested in gaming. And in that case I woud steer away from the 215tw anyway because of the reports of the infamous "input lag." The other caveat I would say is go with PVA over TN if viewing angle is an important requirement for you. If you're just going to be looking mainly straight on, then I wouldn't worry too much about it.

You're trying to cover all bases, so that makes the decision a little tough, but I would still say go with a TN. They're actually surprisingly good these days, imo. You just might miss a little color depth, but for general use it's not going to be a big deal, and you'll probably get benefits for gaming. Preferably I would get a 24" though. 😉

 

[UTFan81]

Originally posted by: Pheran
First I must say thanks to xtknight for maintaining this incredible fount of knowledge.

I'm looking to upgrade to a 22" widescreen (1680x1050) LCD. After reading all the info I'm a little frustrated at the options. Currently, I have a Dell 1905FP (19" 1280x1024). If I'm not mistaken, it's a VA panel. So, I'm sort of worried about transitioning to a TN panel - after being used to VA, will I think the quality is subpar? My applications are gaming, various "text" applications, amateur photo editing, and a bit of multimedia (video editing and a rare movie).

Based on the recommendations, it looks like I should consider the Viewsonic VX2255wmb ($325 shipped after MIR from Newegg). Or, there's the Samsung 215TW ($458 shipped from TigerDirect). So, the idea of paying an extra $130 for a smaller monitor isn't very appealing - would the quality difference of the Samsung really be worth it, given that it might even be inferior for gaming?

Thanks for listening!

I can't bring myself to buy that viewsonic. Apart from a couple good reviews there really isn't that much feedback around it on the web opposed to some of the other popular models. It only has a 5ms response time and a built in webcam which I would find totally useless. Yes it has a nice stand but I never move my lcd once I have it in a good postion anyway.

 

[carmichael]

Any reviews or info on response time and input lag on the Soyo 24" 24DYLM24D6 that OfficeMax has on sale? I heard it has great picture quality but I play many fast paced FPS games so minimal lag is very important to me.

 

[ClockHound]

Originally posted by: Pheran
First I must say thanks to xtknight for maintaining this incredible fount of knowledge.

I'm looking to upgrade to a 22" widescreen (1680x1050) LCD. After reading all the info I'm a little frustrated at the options. Currently, I have a Dell 1905FP (19" 1280x1024). If I'm not mistaken, it's a VA panel. So, I'm sort of worried about transitioning to a TN panel - after being used to VA, will I think the quality is subpar? My applications are gaming, various "text" applications, amateur photo editing, and a bit of multimedia (video editing and a rare movie).

Based on the recommendations, it looks like I should consider the Viewsonic VX2255wmb ($325 shipped after MIR from Newegg). Or, there's the Samsung 215TW ($458 shipped from TigerDirect). So, the idea of paying an extra $130 for a smaller monitor isn't very appealing - would the quality difference of the Samsung really be worth it, given that it might even be inferior for gaming?

Thanks for listening!

215TW without a doubt. Don't look back. The 215TW is a classic.
Upgrade from 6bit to 8bit panel: $130
TN + Buyer's Remorse: Priceless

 

[czajunia]

Anyone interested in monitor calibration packages - there's the first professional review of Spyder3 at TFTCentral. Very interesting, especially compared with the renowned Eye1/LaCie solution.

 

[SCCA Racer X]

Originally posted by: carmichael
Any reviews or info on response time and input lag on the Soyo 24" 24DYLM24D6 that OfficeMax has on sale? I heard it has great picture quality but I play many fast paced FPS games so minimal lag is very important to me.

I have one of these. The box says 6ms response time. I've never seen any measurement of lag. I can say that I've never perceived any lag or ghosting.

I agree with the popular assessment of this monitor: the picture is good, but they have a high failure rate. Get one and use it mercilessly for the 14 day over-the-counter exchange period. If it survives that, I would expect the mortality rate to be comparable to any other monitor. Yes, my first one's backlight crapped out within 5 days. But my second one has been in constant use 9 or 10 hours a day M-F since January 8 with no problems.

The price is unbeatable. I personally consider this the best entry-level bargain on the market, which makes all the TN panels obsolete. When you consider that you can't touch an IPS panel this size for three times the price, its even more obvious what a value this monitor is.

For a quarter grand more, you can have one of the recommended *VA panels, and probably get better reliability and/or picture, but I can think of higher return-on-investment uses for my money.

When it comes to contrast ratio and color quality, I am very satisfied. I set the contrast, brightness and RGB using various free manual calibration images from the web, and am convinced that if I gave up anything in picture quality, I am blissfully ignorant.

My only complaint is the viewing angle stability, which is a problem for every *VA panel. I wish I could personally view some IPS panels, because I am seriously considering getting an HP LP2065. There would probably be one on the way to me right now if the price had not jumped by $30. That is probably a better monitor for viewing angle stability, at the expense of price (higher), size (20" 4:3 vs 24" 16:10) and dot pitch (smaller is not what my 45 year old eyes are asking for!). On the plus side, warranty (3 vs. 1 year) and reliability would be advantages for the HP.

So my conclusion is in the low end of the market, $350 or less, the Soyo and the HP are my picks. You could minimize lag and response time with a TN panel, but you probably would not notice the difference, and you would definitely sacrifice picture quality.

 

[Pheran]

Originally posted by: ClockHound
215TW without a doubt. Don't look back. The 215TW is a classic.
Upgrade from 6bit to 8bit panel: $130

If that was the *only* difference, it wouldn't bother me much. But "upgrading" to lose an inch of screen size just seems dubious.

I must admit that I'm half-tempted by the Soyo 24" deal. But, I didn't really want a 24" 1920x1200 monitor because of the overly-high DPI and the fact that I'd need a monster graphics card to run games at native resolution. I suppose I could run some games in 4x3 pillarbox at 1600x1200 if necessary though. I'm also not sure about fitting such a beast on my desk.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: UTFan81
look at this. New Samsung 2253BW. It must be the true replacement of the 226BW.

http://www.samsung.com/us/cons...2AQWJFV/XAA&fullspec=F

Maybe...we'll just have to see.

Originally posted by: dragon57
I just called around and an OfficeMax says they have an HP W2207 w/a Samsung panel (one of my choices if I go with a 22" panel), which I have read is the best panel to have in the 2207 (versus an LG or Innolux). The price is $360. Since I have read the 2207 is discontinued, is the 2207 now worth $360+tax?

I wonder how they knew it was a Samsung panel?

Gee...the salesmen you must have the fortune of meeting are a lot better than the ones around here. 😛

For a Samsung panel, I'd jump on it. True Samsung 22"s are rare, even coming from Samsung Electronics.

Originally posted by: esjrobles
Guys, any idea about the difference of the samsung 2232bw and 2232gw models? 2232gw is the only availlable 2232 model here in the phillipines.

Samsung BW models are coated with a matte, anti-glare coating. GW ones have a shiny, glossy panel coating (Samsung MagicClear) which improves brightness but also has increased reflection.

Originally posted by: dragon57

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: dragon57
xtknight (or anyone else), do you have any opinions on the Samsung 2693HM? I just got back from Fry's Electronics and they had one. I had never seen one before and unfortunately trying to get any info out of the employees was an exercise in futility.

I know it is a TN panel, but it is the same size as the NEC 2690.

Edit: Never mind about the 2693HM. I just tracked down and chatted with a guy that bought a 2693HM at Fry's yesterday. He said it was a huge disappointment and will be returning it.

I guess my search continues. 🙁

I don't know much about this LCD besides that it's a TN. A pretty big size for a TN too IMO. Viewing angles might be a problem, not much different than the 245BW.

The fellow said the viewing angles were very poor on the new Samsung 2693. He said sitting straight on to the monitor he could see color changes up/down/left/right when looking at the center of a mono-colored background. He said $699 was way too much for this panel with the faults he found.

You won't see it being recommended by me then, unless it somehow garners great reviews. The TN 245BW made it, but it was a close call.

Originally posted by: starcycle

Originally posted by: xtknight
That's actually pretty surprising. I'm not used to hearing reports about the 215TW being oversaturated or missing detail.

Digging around, it seems that others have reported it also, like from this review on amazon:

Out of the box, everything about the monitor seemed nice, conservative case, basic access controls and the height/tilt adjustments were key points. The first images needless to say were way over driven...too bright, overly saturated and typical of how the manufacturers set these up to "wow" potential buyers in stores. After calibrating using Monaco Optix Pro, things settled well but I felt the reds were a bit more than "real" and highlights a bit bright still.

http://www.amazon.com/review/p...ZP1QE?showViewpoints=1

That reflects my experience exactly. Switching to the radeon seems to have helped a little (and it's faster than the matrox, too, which is nice - and the rotation with xrandr is cool to impress people with 😀). A lot also depends on the source. I think the samsung is more revealing of a poorly rendered photo or video, especially like those that populate the web, and that probably had a lot to do with it.

Strangely enough, the LG looks even better on my old windows 2000 computer with the matrox than it did on linux. I suspect the linux drivers just aren't up to snuff. I'd still like to see the lenovo 22", but for now I think I'm keeping the samsung after all.

Weird. It's not as if the 215TW has a wide gamut backlight or anything. (Even then, the overvibrance there would be in the green range.)

If it still happens after calibration, then you've puzzled me. The 215TW does have a great contrast. Are you sure it's just red that's overvibrant, even after calibration?

Or perhaps the correct color space transformation isn't taking place in your media player (NTSC->sRGB). I find that with Media Player Classic, using the VMR output correctly converts colors (NTSC range is 16->235 I think).

With Linux, I think mplayer does the color space transformation automatically (before even being sent to video-out driver?) And in Linux, after applying an ICC, calibration actually does take place on video-out (assuming xv or x11 outputs I believe, not sure about gl/overlay).

In what way did it look better under Windows?

Yes a VA panel is generally very preferable to a TN. I do find the red punch hard to believe after calibration. Is there any way you could photograph that (in comparison to LG?)

You could try handing Firefox Gran Paradiso the ICC profile for your 215TW on the CD, which contains gamut information, and enable color profiling in that Firefox beta. But, I doubt this will do anything differently. Like I said, the 215TW's backlight should be normal. And I don't think that color profiling effects plugins like Flash or WMPlayer/totem.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: craftech
Looking for Dual Monitor Recommendation:

I am looking for this recommendation for my son who asked me to help him build a new computer. Currently I am still favoring my 22 inch Trintron monitor so I am not much help to him.

I have read through the LCD thread including the recommendations. That was quite an effort by the OP. Remarkable in fact. Thank you for that.

My pleasure...at least most of the time. 🙂 I will continue it despite the drought of decent/VA/IPS panels.

I am still not sure what to do for the dual monitor setup he wants.

I think two 19 inch 5:4 monitors are probably the right choice, but I may be wrong. Seems that anything wider will become too wide I suppose.

What size and which ones do you think would be best for him?

Also, which video card for a dual monitor setup.

Any modern video card with two DVI outputs. At least GeForce 6xxx or Radeon X300 series I'd say. Preferably GeForce 7xxx and whatever the ATI equivalent is these days. X1800?

Of course you're going to want to go at least that much or higher if you're gaming. But if gaming is not an issue any lowly card with two DVI outputs will work (unless, of course, that card has weak DVI outputs for some reason, but this isn't too common).

He wants to do normal computer tasks and also games with occasional photography, but photo editing is not the main emphasis. Two TN monitors? Is that right?

John

Moved here from separate thread with no responses.

TNs certainly sound suitable although of course VA/IPS are always preferred.

I would personally recommend two ViewSonic VP930b (P-MVA) panels. They have treated me great and I think they would work better in a dual setup than a TN since they have a wider viewing angle.

Should that be unavailable, the HP LP1965 (VA-type) is a good secondary option. Avoid the Samsung 971P because it will have more ghosting (bad for gaming).

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: KenSings

Again, many thanks for this forum and the recommendations.

Got my ViewSonic VX2435WM - looks great. Love it. No noticable problems, except it's so stinkin' bright that if I use it at night, it burns my "visual purple" so much that I can't find my way upstairs in the dark afterwards. 🙂

1)
A question related to brightness - if I turn the brightness down 50%, where is the reduction coming from? Are they dimming the actual backlight (in which case is there a color shift?) or do they just multiply all the pixel values by 50%, thus turning the 8-bit colors into 7-bit colors? I hope they don't do the latter. I intend to turn it down to some accaptable level and then do a color calibration for photo editing.

Check out Brightness Control in the OP. But, it does depend on the monitor and I don't know specifically in the VX's case.

Some monitors like the LG L245WP adjust too much thru matrix and limit colors. At least as far as I can tell from this review: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...display/24inch_11.html

Generally speaking, adjusting brightness is not going to limit you. "Brightness" most of the time adjusts the backlight itself. It's contrast that you're going to have to worry about (going over 50% when color components R/G/B=100% is usually bad).

You can tell if the bit depth is being limited simply by looking at a gradient. Adjust contrast while you look at the gradient and watch how the ends are burnt off if you go too far (assuming at the very least, of course, that R, G, and B components are set to 100%).

2)
Second question, perhaps a little off topic for this forum, but still - I'm hoping one of you can help me with this mystery. When I use this monitor via HMDI directly from my video card, there is about a 1 inch perimeter around the screen that is missing. That is, the "start menu" and windows taskbar and such aren't even visible! The corners are missing - They're off the screen. This happens regardless of any monitor settings (scaling, etc), and regardless of what resolution I use. Examples: If I set scaling to 1:1, (and computer to the monitor's native 1920x1200) I see black border all the way around the screen including where the task bar should be (not just top and bottom!). If I use the monitor's full screen scaling (not 1:1), it now fills the monitor, but the windows taskbar is off the screen too - in other words, the same thing, just larger. Now, if I use the DVI-I out, with a DVI->HMDI adapter, everything works fine at all resolutions. So I belive the problem is in the computer /graphics / Windoze Vista, not in the monitor. I'd really appreciate help, because I intend to use a second montior (CRT) hooked up to teh DVI-I port, meaning I have to get this ViewSonic working with the HDMI port. I've tried web searches, but haven't found any mention of similar issues.


Here's the setup details:

HP computer, NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS,
HDMI out -> ViewSonic HDMI in
can't see the edges of screen area

HP computer, Windoze Vista, NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS,
DVI-I out -> DVI to HDMI adapter -> ViewSonic HDMI in
everything is fine.

Any help is greatly appreciated - I suppose this is a horrible Windows Vista thing, or something to do with all the video copy protection, but all I want is a working video card.

(yes, I know, I should have bought the Mac after all!!!)

- Ken.

It sounds like an overscan problem to me. You might try messing with advanced NVIDIA refresh rate options to set the image up properly. Why you should have to do this, I don't know but if you want to fix it that's probably how.

To be honest, it sounds like a video driver monitor autodetection bug.

HDMI isn't copy protection any more than DVI but you're probably thinking of HDCP. I don't know if that card has it or not, but I doubt that's the issue if the image works at all, but is just offset.

What resolution does your monitor state when the screen area is cut off? What do you see in the OSD, along with what frequency range? Write down the info you see when it works, and when it doesn't work, in this INFO screen in the on screen display/menu.

If you have scaling options when you're at native res, clearly something is wrong anyway.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Pheran
First I must say thanks to xtknight for maintaining this incredible fount of knowledge.

I'm looking to upgrade to a 22" widescreen (1680x1050) LCD. After reading all the info I'm a little frustrated at the options. Currently, I have a Dell 1905FP (19" 1280x1024). If I'm not mistaken, it's a VA panel. So, I'm sort of worried about transitioning to a TN panel - after being used to VA, will I think the quality is subpar? My applications are gaming, various "text" applications, amateur photo editing, and a bit of multimedia (video editing and a rare movie).

Yes, the 1905FP is a VA (the 1907FP is a TN, though). 1907FPV is also VA.

You will notice a difference for the better when it comes to gaming and text apps. I speak this from personal experience of seeing/in-depth testing a 19" VA (VP930b) and 22" TN (L226WT). For photo editing and multimedia it may be a toss-up. Multimedia may favor a new-gen TN because of higher contrast, but photo editing may favor the VA because of color accuracy and detail/depth.

I don't think you will be that disappointed. Personally I would rather use a 22" TN.

Based on the recommendations, it looks like I should consider the Viewsonic VX2255wmb ($325 shipped after MIR from Newegg). Or, there's the Samsung 215TW ($458 shipped from TigerDirect). So, the idea of paying an extra $130 for a smaller monitor isn't very appealing - would the quality difference of the Samsung really be worth it, given that it might even be inferior for gaming?

Thanks for listening!

I doubt the size difference is worth getting bothered over. 21" is a good size.

I don't really know if it'd be worth it to you. Maybe if photo editing was a big priority. The 215TW is a great monitor but I don't really think for your purposes it's going to matter that much. And input lag is a big concern. I'd go as far to say the 215TW is a bit of a niche monitor (especially considering recent comments about oversaturated red).

Just give the VX2255wmb a try. If you find yourself real disappointed then try the 215TW. Otherwise, I'm sure there will be more VA/IPS panels in the future and LED backlights and everything, so it's not like the 215TW is the last great monitor in the universe. It's not even that great, just a little better in most instances. If viewing angle is an issue (it might turn out to be), then you will probably like the 215TW better. I don't want to suck you out of getting a good monitor but I really think the VX is the better deal for you right now.