Help in buying a LCD monitor.

[john_the_ultimate]

Ok, people, want to buy a 19" and above LCD monitor. My budget is around 15K maybe could strech my budget to 20K at most and this would be my first LCD monitor. So pls suggestion wanted. Will be all purpose monitor...browing, gaming, watching movies etc.
Have found one, SAMSUNG 940BW but waiting for ur replies.
Thanks.

[Kiran.dks]

LG is performing well in LCD business. LG FLATRON L1950SQ costs you around Rs.20,000.

[goobimama]

When i was going in for a 19 inch monitor, I had decided upon the Samsung 940BW (the widescreen one isn't it?).

[soham]

Since you can stretch your budget to 20k why dont you go for the ViewSonic 20" VA2012W. Its the cheapest 20" monitor out there available for around 18k and provides a resolution of 1680X1050 WXGA. No 19" monitor can do this.

[samrulez]

For 20k....VX2025wm 20'' would be the best buy!..
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/de...ries/vx2025wm/

[john_the_ultimate]

Thanks for ur replies. The Viewsonic and Samsung looks to be good choice. The 940BW comes under 15K. Well haven't actually seen any of these monitors, so will first see how they perform and then buy.
So pls tell me the important things to look out for (from ur experience) when I go to a shop and hopefuly see a demo. Also would it be a good upgrade from my existing Samsung 17" CRT (to say....the 19"), more toward Samsung as it has 4ms response time.

only one suggestion dont go for wide screen, it gives shortened look.

[john_the_ultimate]

Guyz please confirm to what sariq has mentioned. Will it be a problem for day to day work because my first priority is 3d modelling and animation then gaming and movies.

[goobimama]

@Sariq: Most of the content that comes in nowadays comes in widescreen format. TV shows, movies, so what's the point in getting something which wastes screen space with huge black bars....?

Also, widescreen is good for keeping two windows side by side, which is not possible in a 4:3 aspect ratio. And the 4:3 does not allow for stacking two windows one over the other.

Your eyes can see wider than they can see taller, that's why shorter and wider is better than tall and narrow.

agreed on keeping two windows side by side. on third point in 4:3 screen, actual working area is wide screen if we leave toolbar/ taskbar/ status bar / titlebar

[john_the_ultimate]

So widescreen or non-widescreen??? Also I am getting 7900gs, will it be sufficient for the 19" (like gaming, movies at native resolution) or should I get 7900gt. I am prefering 7900gs as I can overclock it to 7900gt's speeds also gt's cost more.

[pra_2006]

i am also looking for 19 inch LCD monitor for gaming and movies but i want to know is there any available with which i can see tv without using my PC ? and should support tata sky

[ranjan2001]

Originally Posted by sariq

only one suggestion dont go for wide screen, it gives shortened look.

Well u need to have a demo of this monitor then ensure that the dealer has a graphic card which supports wide screen (custom resolution) most nvidia cards do this.
Without which you will always be seeing that shortned look, bcoz the screen gets squeezed to regular 4:3 ratio. Graphic card is must to get the best results out of any wide screen monitor. 7600GS/GT will also support wide screen.

Instaed of getting viewsonic 1inch higher @ 20K buy samsung at 14500 & invest in a good graphic card.

[goobimama]

I'm using the dell 24 inch widescreen (1920*1200) on GMA900 onboard graphics (intel 915GAV board). No probs here, even played some high definition content without much stutter. Have not dared to game on it though...

[john_the_ultimate]

Guys I am going to buy the monitor in a few days time so suggest........should I go for 20" normal or widescreen. First priority MAYA, 3d MAX then gaming and movies.
Actually going for 20" due to higher resolution than 19" widescreen (my 7950GT should be able to handle it).
Its urgent so please reply.

Here are the price I got"
1) Dell E228WFP..........24500 (22")
2) Dell 2007WFP..........26660 (20")
3) Del 207WFP............21000 (20")
4) Samsung 940BW......15000 (19")
5) Benq FP222W..........25000 (22")

All are widescreen and prices are inclusive of all taxes. There also one more model from Benq FP202W (20")........don't know its price. Was also looking for Viewsonic VX2025wm (20.1") but didnot find one.

[premsharma]

Originally Posted by john_the_ultimate

more toward Samsung as it has 4ms response time.

Be aware! 4ms is GTG and not BWB which is actual response time. BWB for this model, i think is 8ms.

TFT monitors have been discussed :

Urget Help - Hardware
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Originally Posted by john_the_ultimate

Guys I am going to buy the monitor in a few days time so suggest........should I go for 20" normal or widescreen. First priority MAYA, 3d MAX then gaming and movies.
Actually going for 20" due to higher resolution than 19" widescreen (my 7950GT should be able to handle it).
Its urgent so please reply.

Here are the price I got"
1) Dell E228WFP..........24500 (22")
2) Dell 2007WFP..........26660 (20")
3) Del 207WFP............21000 (20")
4) Samsung 940BW......15000 (19")
5) Benq FP222W..........25000 (22")

All are widescreen and prices are inclusive of all taxes. There also one more model from Benq FP202W (20")........don't know its price. Was also looking for Viewsonic VX2025wm (20.1") but didnot find one.

Samsung 940BW is Rs 13800 at Delhi (19"Wide) and Rs 14200 at my place at Agra. Viewsonic VX2025wm is I think 8ms response time.
__________

Originally Posted by samrulez

For 20k....VX2025wm 20'' would be the best buy!..
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/de...ries/vx2025wm/

Response time of this TFT is way too high at 8ms gray-to-gray (avg.); 16ms white-black-white (typ)
__________

Originally Posted by sariq

only one suggestion dont go for wide screen, it gives shortened look.

No man. Its time for wide sreen. Others will be lost in the race. You will find only wide screens after few years. Wide screen games are also about to come.
__________
Choose between Viewsonic & Samsung only. They are the best of the day performance wise and at same time costwise too.

[ranjan2001]

Dont choose Samsung 940BW its a crap monitor with false advertising, I tested with a newly bought comp with XFX 7600GT & the 4ms time is all crap meant to please ignorant people so they can boast about their wide screens. Its response time is far over 18ms black to white & you see flares when you do a Direct X test, so beware advertising is meant to please us not serve our actual need.

I got 2 940BW to test they both showed banding & angle of view is all crap , you move 6 inches from the monitor & u see the color change, This is a false AOV , if it is what it claims then moving 2 feet left right also should not change the colors & the menu is the worst of all the monitors I saw in viewsonic/samsung.

Viewsonic 1912BW passed out my test better & had good menu too the only thing which bothered me was silver (shiny cheap looking) front panel, but it surely worth the price RS 13700/- here in delhi N. Place

I suggest all the members here not to buy these wide screen monitors without actually testing them with your comp & the following softwares.

passmark monitor test (trial works for a month I guess)
www.passmark.com

Dead Pixel Tester
http://www.dps.uk.com/freeware_DTP.htm

dead pixel buddy
http://www.laptopshowcase.co.uk/downloads.php?id=1

Pay Rs 500 more but ensure you test it as in India the dealers dont provide any return policy, once billed to you they wont take it back but send you to Samsung for ALL UR PROBLEMS.

TEST TEST TEST TEST TEST TEST, ur money doesnt grow on tree in ur backyard.

Any fast responce time u see less than 12ms is GTG not BTW so be aware that they had a bottleneck created all these years to achieve faster response times & suddenly overnight they are now offering fastest 2ms LCDs too.

[Ch@0s]

There are only two good displays available in India in the 20k range... the VX2025WM for 21k which is a P-MVA panel and the Dell 2007WFP for 26k which is an S-IPS panel. Get either depending on budget. Avoid the rest like plague cos they are TN and total crap. Avoid 22 inchers too cos they are TN as well.

[ranjan2001]

I could not find in delhi nehru place the VX2025WM but have read some good reviews about it, meanwhile I have asked for the return policy from dell, I think I will go for Dell 2007WFP for 26k which is an S-IPS panel.

What does S-IPS panel do, any clue?
__________
Found my own question answered here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD#IPS

[premsharma]

Originally Posted by ranjan2001

Viewsonic 1912BW passed out my test better & had good menu too the only thing which bothered me was silver (shiny cheap looking) front panel, but it surely worth the price RS 13700/- here in delhi N. Place

Any fast response time u see less than 12ms is GTG not BTW so be aware that they had a bottleneck created all these years to achieve faster response times & suddenly overnight they are now offering fastest 2ms LCDs too.

What about Viewsonic VG 1921 & VG 1930 both vide models one 1921 without DVI and 1930 with DVI input.

Do you mean only Wide Screen has these problem, and others are OK?????
Please clarify.

This response time business [GTG & BWB], I have shouting from rooftops, that till recently they were not able to reduce beyong 12ms due to limitations and suddenly you so many TFTs claiming to be 2ms even. This is just tricking the customer by GTG in stead of BWB.

After so much of deliberation in another thread, I have suspended my decision of buying TFT for time being, specifically, as Indian vendors will not take the item back, If on buying I demonstrate to them that this contains more than 5-7 dead pixels.

The issue of dead pixels is one more thing to be tested apart from response time. There are details analysis on sites like anadtech.com

[ranjan2001]

found some useful links on LCD topic worth reading

Viewing angles
http://www.behardware.com/articles/6...6-8-16-ms.html

A Creative Pro's Guide to LCD Screens
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthre...Cspan%20class=

LCD Buyer's Guide
http://forums.anandtech.com/messagev...&enterthread=y

[premsharma]

Originally Posted by ranjan2001

Viewsonic 1912BW passed out my test better & had good menu too the only thing which bothered me was silver (shiny cheap looking) front panel, but it surely worth the price RS 13700/- here in delhi N. Place.

I also like this monitor, I don't think its silver frame going to discourage me but response time 8ms. Is response time GTG or BWB?

Other drawback is that it has got no DVI input interface. Except these two points, I think this monitor is OK and as you said it passed your tests.

But still, if any problem like dead pixels, will vendor take it back? or one has to go through horrible cycle of service centers. Though Viewsonic offers onsite warranty but God only knows how effetive will that be when you land up in a trouble.

[ranjan2001]

Hi prem, it has surely DVI port & it auto detect all setting from the card, it was the best out of box monitor I tested as of now & the only one that passed the test. I did not set any thing to test it, where as on Samsung I struggled to get it set as per my requirements & their menu is , god knows for whome have they done that.

Passmark monitor test has R/G/B smooth gradient test & a grey gradient test which is where most monitors fail, all 4 of this should pass for a good monitor. Since I did not like the front panel & decided that I am not going to buy, I did not test the response time with Direct X test but I guess any time reported below 12 ms is a GTG .

This monitor has good viewing angle as claimed, but before you buy TESTING is what I would always recommend. I found only one guy in nehru place who did let me test this & made special arrangement for me after 7PM.

NO vendor will take it back, the poor customer is now sent to (jail for his crime) the company service center for all ur problems. To my knowledge Viewsonic does not offers on site warranty, at least I am not aware of it, but lately they have appointed a new different distributor who will aggressively market their products, earlier its been Roop technology mumbai who never answered my any email I sent to them in last 6 months.
__________

Originally Posted by premsharma

What about Viewsonic VG 1921 & VG 1930 both vide models one 1921 without DVI and 1930 with DVI input.

I did not test these so cant say about anyone of them.

Originally Posted by premsharma

The issue of dead pixels is one more thing to be tested apart from response time. There are details analysis on sites like anadtech.com

I tested 6 LCD in last few months & none was found to have a dead pixel they had other problem though, so I assume that modern LCD quality is better than it was before.

[premsharma]

Originally Posted by ranjan2001

Hi prem, it has surely DVI port & it auto detect all setting from the card, it was the best out of box monitor I tested & the only one that passed the test.

To my knowledge Viewsonic does not offers on site warranty, at least I am not aware of it, but lately they have appointed a new different distributor who will aggressively market their products, earlier its been Roop technology mumbai who never answered my any email I sent to them in last 6 months.

I tested 6 LCD in last few months & none was found to have a dead pixel they had other problem though, so I assume that modern LCD quality is better than it was before.

Are you sure that this model VG 1912 has DVI interface. I am told by Roop Technologies that, it do not have have DVI input and hence they recomended me VG 1921 [without DVI] and VG 1930 [with DVI]. Cost was quoted to me as VG1912 @ 14000, VG1921 @14500 and VG1930 @ 15000. All these TFTs are wide screen. These costs probably includes the shipping from Mumbai to Agra and all other taxes. Are these prices ok?

I am based at Agra and no body responded to me other than Roop technology mumbai. He claimed that it has onsite warranty. I have no option but to believe him. He also gave me all India toll free number of viewsonic.

Are you sure that none had any dead pixels. That is not possible. Allmost, all of them will have some number of dead pixels. 4-5 dead pixels are permitted but not beyond that. You tested with software for dead pixel or by placing a white paper on TFT after increasing constarst & britness??

Can you say with certain confidence that all viewsonic TFTs will be better than others. Already 3-4 advance members here suggested to me that viewsonic is superior. Your Thoughts ?????

[ranjan2001]

I tested it on a DVI cable so its sure.
http://www.tech2.com/india/reviews/t...1912wwb/1340/0

Viewsonic have been known in graphic art series monitor ssince long & they can be relied upon but as I said earlier testing or a return policy should be there to protect you, are we customer at mercy of those dealer who have no idea of what a customer service.
DO u buy ur bike / cars/ without test driving it, or pant shirt all box packed???? no u don't, then why take an LCD or any IT product just bcoz illiterate lala dealers sitting with fat deep pockets to rob u out & then send you to the service center.
I downloaded passmark to test these monitors & you cant go wrong with these test, do homework & read the help file.

If there is a dead pixel then it will show in these test for sure.
Company testing is far more robost that the software one so on a new LCD its hard to find a dead pixel but as it ages you may develop dead pixels then u are covered under warranty.
__________
I finally found one excellent Lenovo 20 inch monitor getting one for the demo tomorrow, only issue is that the warranty is only 1 year here in India, but a friend using this in US said that it is at par with top models.

http://www-8.ibm.com/lenovoinfo/in/d...cessories.html

[Ch@0s]

S-IPS is the panel type. In case you didn't know, the response time, contrast ratio really mean jack. What matters is what technology panel it is. S-IPS which stands for Super InterPlane Switching is an LCD technology (the current best all round). Similarly PVA (Patterned Vertical Array) is another type. TN (twisted neumatic) which is the most common is the worst kind of panel available. Whereas PVA, MVA and IPS panels are 8 bit per channel... i.e. can display true 8 bits of color(256 shades of red,blue and green each), TN panels are pathetic and can only display 6bits of color information. To display the 24bit color of a standard display, it actually switches between adjacent color values very quickly. However this is not very effective and gives the display a washed out appearance and that makes it look ugly. Also remember that the response times across different panel techs are not comparable.... PVA/MVA is the slowest and IPS the fastest with TN somewhere in the middle. So a 6ms IPS is a faster panel than a 6ms TN which is again faster than a 6ms PVA/MVA. Also the viewing angles of a TN are way poorer than a PVA or IPS panel. A TN is max 160/140 degrees (horizontal/vertical) whereas an IPS or PVA is 178/178. IPS panels are easy to identify... when looking from extreme angles, they have a purple tinge. I'm not sure what that lenovo screen is but if it costs any more than the dell 2007 and is not IPS, then its a sad deal. As I said before, look for IPS or PVA/MVA panels. Avoid TNs like plague.

[premsharma]

How do you know which TFT has which kind of panel. Companies don't declare it. What about viewsonic & samsungs which panels in use? IPS or PVA/MVA panels or TNs

[ranjan2001]

Hey guys got the lenovo , a beast, which is rock solid , Just opened it connected & I am typing this, ..........................
My goodness I cant believe, its rocking my eyes , its what I have been looking for , straight out of the box, no menu setting done yet , well calibrated colors at 6500°K

Ch@0s going by ur description this doesn't change color at all & appearance even if I move to 4 feet side up or down, it seems to be S-IPS panel, though when looking from extreme angles, it does have a purple tinge, but that may be due to its having a protective high quality PVC sheet which I was told not to be removed if I plan to return it......................but I dont think I am sending this back......Its what I needed & you were right in ur recommendations.

Its 16ms with my test but tried few fast moving film scene & it does not show ghosting to me.
More to follow in the day as I test this beast & color calibrate it with hardware.

[john_the_ultimate]

@ranjan2001
Please do post some pictures if possible and how much did it cost u?

[ranjan2001]

Sure will post images around 3-4PM today, its around 18000/- plus tax, as of now this passed all the test from passmark surprisingly all at default setting, so when I actually calibrate it it will be better, as of now the brightness is higher which is good but for graphics its essential that it has the brightness set around 120-130 foot candles.