Trying to decide on a new monitor

[Engraver]

I am currently using a NEC 20WMGX2 (20.1"), which I have had since they first come out. It is still a good monitor, but I'm getting to the point where I'd like to have a larger size. I haven't been keeping up with a lot of the panel improvements, etc, so I'm having some trouble deciding.

Here are some monitors I've been looking at in the 24" - 27" range:

Dell Ultrasharp 2407WFP-HC 24" - S-PVA Panel

NEC LCD2470WNX 24" - S-PVA Panel

SAMSUNG 275T 27" - S-PVA Panel

It seems most monitors in this size range are S-PVA. Do those panels still do that silvering of black, or was that just MVA panels? When I was shopping for LCDs before I got the 20WMGX2, I remember most of the others I tried had that problem which annoyed me to no end.

Since I was going to be spending several hundred dollars anyways, I also started mulling over the idea of getting a Sharp Aquos LC-32GP3U. After some measuring, I found it will fit on my corner desk, but I think it will be too big and too close to use for a monitor.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Engraver]

It seems most monitors in this size range are S-PVA. Do those panels still do that silvering of black, or was that just MVA panels? When I was shopping for LCDs before I got the 20WMGX2, I remember most of the others I tried had that problem which annoyed me to no end.

Anyone at least know the answer to this question?

 

[kmmatney]

Not sure what you mean by "silvering" of black. My LCD is an S-PVA and the blacks are pretty decent - at least better than my other TN LCDs I have.

I know a few poeple who like using a 32" 1080P TV as their monitor. I have a 28" LCD at work and love for programming and work stuff. However I have bad eyes and like the large pixels. The pixel size will be monstrous compared to your 20" screen and you will "see" the individual pixels, which some people don't like. Games and movies will be awesome.

 

[Engraver]

Thanks for the input, I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet on one and see what happens.

As for the silvery blacks I was talking about, the best example I can think of is when I was playing Oblivion. I was looking at a corridor that was dark except for the center which was fairly lit. The side of the corridor were almost pitch black, and it had a greyish sheen to the black. If I remembered correctly it was mostly a problem with VA panels, and they called it silvering of blacks. I think it had something to do with the viewing angles on earlier VA panels, where you lost some shades by looking at it head on.

 

[mcloud777]

I have only bought Dell monitors and never had any problems with them. If you have a Costco card I would buy a monitor from Costco or from Dell directly. If you plan to game mainly you can do better then 6ms response time.

 

[BernardP]

I have had the Dell 2407WFP-HC since august and I am very satisfied with it. Color, contrast, black level, vision angles, everything is top notch.

This model is known for having problems with RTC Motion Artifacts on dark backgrounds. I have found I can reproduce these when I set up a dark grey background and move the mouse pointer at medium speed, but it is not noticeable in normal use or gaming.

Here is a complete review

With Dell, you can order it and return it within 30 days if you don't like it. There is basically no risk. Just wait for it to be on sale for a better deal.

 

[shingletingle]

I got the Soyo 24" widescreen LCD last week at Office Max for $300 while it was on sale. Couldn't be happier. I was skeptical after reading some issues people were having with it, but mine is fine and looks awesome. Best bang for the buck. COD4 looks truly awesome.