LCD Monitors ... In a Quandry

[JKSeidel]

I'm looking for a new monitor. I could get a great price on a large CRT (19" and up), but most pundits are declaring the CRT is dead. So, I'm looking into LCDs. I need something like a 20" or 21" model. The reviews I read still confuse me. Most still say that text isn't as crisp on even the more expensive LCDs as compared to CRTs and that LCDs still have issues with gaming graphics at higher FPS. There also appear to be some color consistency issues.

Anyone have experience with a variety of LCD makes and relate their impressions? I was looking at some of Dell's models but found out that they are one of the only companies out there with a no return policy for dead pixels. I'm now looking at Viewsonic, Samsung, and a few other manufacturers.

[Paul Shields]

I picked up a Formac 2010 Gallery LCD (20.1") last year and have been more than pleased with it. I much prefer it to my Mitsubishi 21" CRT at the same native resolution of 1600x1200. It has very little in the way of controls, but it really didn't need much adjustment. It is also very well priced. I had the 20" Apple widescreen immediately before that and I would say it was as good - and the Apple display is a pretty good screen.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by JKSeidel

Most still say that text isn't as crisp on even the more expensive LCDs as compared to CRTs and that LCDs still have issues with gaming graphics at higher FPS.

Stop worrying. I know of no one who has used an LCD who wishes in any way, shape, or form to return to a CRT. As for text, no competition: LCD is flat-out better.

CRTs: Yuck.

[JKSeidel]

What about viewing angle? I know some are better than others just from looking at them in stores.

[Shortie]

yes but how often do you look at your monitor side on

[JKSeidel]

Originally Posted by Shortie

yes but how often do you look at your monitor side on

Often. I am involved in several MMORPGs and to lose sight of the screen can mean virtual death.
More importantly, I've seen some LCD models where the viewable angle isn't very large and just sliding my chair around a bit would make the screen look dim. I suppose this is something I'll have to compare when looking at them in a store.

[Shortie]

point taken

but for most users it is not a problem

[Walter Moss]

I think all your worries will be behind you once you start using them. I know mine were. The Samsung 213T is nice, as are the Dell LCDs. I've heard good things about the 24-incher. I also have an NEC 21-incher. All are profiled with Gretag Macbeth's EyeOne Photo (Display), and all are outstanding.

I'll never use another CRT.

Originally Posted by JKSeidel

Often. I am involved in several MMORPGs and to lose sight of the screen can mean virtual death.*
More importantly, I've seen some LCD models where the viewable angle isn't very large and just sliding my chair around a bit would make the screen look dim. I suppose this is something I'll have to compare when looking at them in a store.

[Mr. Pickles]

There are three different LCD panel technologies, TN, S-IPS and VA (MVA & PVA).

TN is the most common, because it's the cheapest (produce) and also the fastest (advertised like 3, 4, 8ms). Its emphasis is on gaming speed. But their viewing angles and color reproduction are worst. (generally, the faster it is, the worst colorwise)

Good S-IPS or MVA LCD monitors which are not so expensive can be found. There are few in wide format, which is very nice, both for imaging and movies. Examples would be the Dell 2001FP or 2005FPW (wide) or NEC 2070NX (4:3). The Dells usually have Phillips or Samsung guts.

Also, a good way to find out the type of panel in an LCD is at this site (non-english language stuff, but the results are in english):
http://www.flatpanels.dk/panels.php

[Walter Moss]

I just love LCDs.

[ohenry]

I was fairly happy with a Samsung, but a year ago I went with an Apple Cinema Display 23inch and I am extremely pleased with its display. I don't use it for gaming, so I can't comment on that but I never saw an issue gaming on the Samsung I had. It is fully capable of displaying movies without issue. I bought the Apple specifically for Photoshop reasons and have not been disappointed.

[JKSeidel]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

There are three different LCD panel technologies, TN, S-IPS and VA (MVA & PVA).
[snip]

Ahhh, that explains alot. I was looking at the models from a company named AOC. The jump of specs between models had me puzzled, but your explanation clarifies the reason. I'm afraid I can't afford an Apple Cinema and Dell's policy about refusing returns based on dead pixels (they are the only company I've found so far with that policy) leaves me cold.

I've narrowed things down to: LG 1950H, AOC 203P, AOC 193P+, Viewsonic Vx922, and Iiyama Prolite E481S. I am still looking though. If I can get a decent price on a 20.1" with 12ms or faster response time and 600:1 or better contrast ratio. I'll probably hit the stores on Monday to look at models up close and see how they perform.

Thanks for all the input so far! It's been a huge help.

[JKSeidel]

After much research, and help from here, my Samsung 214T arrived (from Newegg). It took me an hour to convince myself not to box it up and ship it back. It just didn't 'perform' like a CRT out of the box. I have no shortage of desk real estate, so size savings wasn't a factor. I was convinced that I should have gone with my initial feelings and purchased a 21" CRT. I guess deep down I really didn't want to like LCDs. I researched all the models on my final 'short list' and every review seemed to have an implied "but" in it referring to CRT performance. They all read like the reviewers were forcing themselves to like LCDs over CRTs in spite of better CRT performance in most areas and LCDs' limitations.

I finally forced myself to sit down and get serious. Tweaked this, messed with that, calibrated, retweaked, remessed. I finally got to the point where I was impressed. While I'm still not to the point where I'd say "You can have my LCD when you pry it from my cold dead hands.", I am fairly pleased with it now. I'd still take a quality 21" CRT over it any day of the week though. Perhaps I'll grow to like it more over time, but I have my doubts that LCD technology will ever surpass CRTs in several areas that I deem important. I have a few more days to play around before I have to decide whether to keep it or not.

Thank you all again for your advice, opinions, and information!

[JDArt]

Well, you sound like you're slow to warm to new things. I'm that way sometimes.

[JKSeidel]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Well, you sound like you're slow to warm to new things. I'm that way sometimes.

I couldn't wait for digital to be competitive with film. I can't wait for the next greatest CPU or video card. I dove into replacing my LPs with DVDs and tossing VHS tapes out the window. Quantum computing, great ... slap a particle accelerator on my desk right now. I usually embrace the advances in technology with enthusiasm. I'm not sure LCDs are so much of an advance as a step sideways. I'm not in favor of a mad rush to adopt something that's new and almost as good as what it's supposed to replace. I waited on digital cameras until they were at least debatably equal to film. LCDs, at least to me, still have a way to go until the technology can claim to be the new king. That is if the tech involved can even be advanced much further.