LCD Monitors for gaming

[Paul87]

Hi all

I looking for a 19inch LCD monitor that is good today and will be good for the future below £200 that has a very high resolution(as i intend to upgrade soon) and has high general specs. My 15ich LCD 23ms with a max res of 1024x768 just isnt cutting it anymore.

My main question is how important is the contrast ratio becuase I have found this monitor here and its on of the highest ratio ive seen. Any comments will be appreciated

 

[jaguarskx]

The contrast ratio of 2000:1 is really a marketing gimmick, just like response times. Those are really theoretical stats given the most optimistic ideal conditions.

I recall reading an article about a Samsung LCD monitor with a 3000:1 contrast ratio. After using some equipment to test the monitor, it was found to only have a contrast ratio of around 950:1. Still very good, but nowhere near 3000:1.

 

[Paul87]

hmmm so what would you recommend in the way of monitors then and what should I look out for?

 

[jaguarskx]

The LG is still a good monitor it just that the contrast ratio is immensely optimistic. If you are set on buying it, then don't let me stop you.

But I will entice you to something that's a bit more "future proof". I would suggest the Samsung 225BW; including VAT it brings you right to your £200 limit. Shipping will push you over it. If you can't afford it just yet, then simply save up money for another month or so.

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/117386

Here are two review:

http://www.bcchardware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2842&Itemid=40

http://www.neoseeker.com/resourcelink.html?rlid=145196

 

[Paul87]

nice find looks very intresting. Reading an older Tomshardware articleHere it does seem that contrast ratios can be hype but then what makes a good brightness to contrast ratio or is it one of those things where you need to go to a shop to see?

What then would be an important thing to look for in a LCD monitor then if the contrast ratio cannot be trusted.

 

[jaguarskx]

Generally speaking, LCD monitors with contrast ratios of up to 1000:1 are more or less truthful from some prior research. I would any LCD that lists between 600:1 to 1000:1 will be fine.

Also be aware that some LCD monitors' spec can also be conservative sometimes as well. I recall reading a few reviews from tomshardware that showed actual contrast ratio was higher than the listed specs.

I don't recall which monitors those were since I was only perusing.

The most important thing to do is to read actual hardware reviews of any LCDs. User reviews are okay to get a general idea if the monitor is good or not, but it's reviews like the ones I provided the link which should be your first priority.

Next up, I would try and find a store that carries the unit(s) so that you can see and touch it yourself. Not always possible though. For example, based on hardware reviews and user reviews the BenQ FP241WZ is at top of my short list despite the fact that only online stores carries them and they are a bit expensive; starting at $780.

For me the most important thing is a quality panel technology; P-MVA, S-PVA or S-IPS. Those panels produces 8-bit color (16.7 million "real" colors) as opposed to TN panels that 6-bit that can only produce 262,144 "real" colors. 6-bit TN panels can "produce" up to 16.2 million colors by using a dithering algorithm; some brands lists 16.7 million colors to confuse people.

TN panels are good for gaming because of fast response times, but poor for everything else (at least to me). Because TN panels uses dithering their color accuracy is not as good as 8-bit panels. That can cause artifacts to appear more often when watching a movie. Some people are oblivious to the artifacts because they may not be able to notice them.


Don't let my comment stop you from buying the Samsung 225BW which does use a 6-bit TN panel. For me, I expect a certain minimum level of quality for the money I spend. Besides TN panels are inexpensive compared to the other panel technologies I listed.

A lot of people simply balk at the price difference between a 22" LCD and a 24" LCD. Is the extra 2" worth the extra $300? Most people will say no. The simple fact of the matter is that all 22" LCDs uses inexpensive 6-bit TN panels, while all 24" LCD panels uses the more expensive P-MVA or S-PVA panels. The really expensive one $1,200+ use S-IPS panels.

 

[squatpuke]

nice post jag...answers many of my unasked q's....

 

[Jake_Barnes]

Given what you posted above, do you have any product links to 8-bit color panels?

Do you know if this 24" Dell monitor is 6 or 8-bit? (TN or, P-MVA or S-PVA panels)?

 

[Eurasianman]

Good question.

I was planning on getting a Dell 24" (1920x1200) as I'm using one at work right now and love it to death (beats my Samsung SyncMaster940BW 19" WS @ 1440x900 )

 

[jaguarskx]

Given what you posted above, do you have any product links to 8-bit color panels?

Here's a link that offers panel information for many different LCD monitors:

http://axofiber.no-ip.org/inside/monitor.lcd.panels.en.htm

Do you know if this 24" Dell monitor is 6 or 8-bit? (TN or, P-MVA or S-PVA panels)?

For the moment all 24" and larger LCD monitors are based on 8-bit P-MVA, S-PVA, or S-IPS panel. Samsung has developed a 24" panel based on the inferior TN panel technology, but I am not positive if it will be a 6-bit or 8-bit TN panel.

According to the above link the Dell 2407WFP uses an 8-bit PVA panel if the panel model # is LTM240M2. To the best of my limited knowledge, only revisions A00 used this model #.

However, some Dell 2407WFP monitors uses a different panel; model # LM201W01. Possibly limited to revisions A04, but A03 may use it as well. According to Hardforum, this is a S-PVA panel which is generally better than a standard PVA panel. Also, while all S-PVA panels are 8-bit, not all PVA panels are 8-bit. See the link below to HardForum.com, it also provides info on some other LCD monitors:

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1039222

Revisions A01, A02 of the Dell 2407WFP uses panel model # LTM240ML2. That is a S-PVA panel (based on research). Revision A03 probably uses this panel as well.

 

[jaguarskx]

Do you know if this 24" Dell monitor is 6 or 8-bit? (TN or, P-MVA or S-PVA panels)?

Hmmmm..........

The Dell 2407WFP is about $200 less than the BenQ FP241WZ which is at the top of my list.

Tempting.........

 

[jaguarskx]

For the moment all 24" and larger LCD monitors are based on 8-bit P-MVA, S-PVA, or S-IPS panel. Samsung has developed a 24" panel based on the inferior TN panel technology, but I am not positive if it will be a 6-bit or 8-bit TN panel.

Apparently a 24" LCD monitor with a TN panel has made it's first appearance with the Samsung 245b which can be purchased for $500 after a rebate over at Newegg.com.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001234

Here's the actual announcement:

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/news.htm#samsung_245b

For the moment the easiest way to tell the difference between a 24" monitor that uses a TN panel is the response; 5ms. If the response time is 6ms or higher, then it's either a P-MVA, S-PVA, or S-IPS panel.