[Retired] The LCD Thread

[xxceler8]

Quick question. I own a Toshiba xf550 LCD, 52" Set using as a monitor. In the nvidia control panel under Digital Color Format, what is the correct setting: RGB, or YCbCR444.

 

[mmnno]

Without knowing anything specific about your TV, or how you have it hooked up, I'd say YCbCr444 is likely to work better.

Some TVs don't play nice with RGB. If you try both and can't tell the difference, you probably don't have one of those TVs, and then it doesn't matter what you use.

 

[xxceler8]

The TV is hooked up to a 9800gtx via HDMI. Yea I really can't tell the difference but I would like to know what the difference is between the two, technically.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: xxceler8
Quick question. I own a Toshiba xf550 LCD, 52" Set using as a monitor. In the nvidia control panel under Digital Color Format, what is the correct setting: RGB, or YCbCR444.

If it supports RGB I'd use that. Both are just different ways of encoding the same colors. However, the YCbCr space may only use gray levels 16-235. It would depend on the implementation.

And just because you're playing a media file encoded in YCbCr/YUV (JPEG/MPEG and derivatives) that doesn't mean you should output YCbCr. Many media players (at least under Video Mixing Renderer mode) will perform the YUV->RGB color space conversion for you.

RGB encodes red, green, and blue to specify a certain color. As you may know, red, green, and blue are primaries of the human visual system. That means they can be used together to represent any color available (within reason I guess, I'm not a physicist and don't know the details).

YCbCr encodes Y-luminance (brightness), Cb-chroma (blue difference), Cr-chroma (red difference).

Really, I'd just be copying what you can get from Wikipedia, but there are formulas to convert from RGB to YCbCr and vice versa. They are mathematical transformations. However, sometimes compression will work better when the information is encoded as YUV due to a higher level similarities and repetition in the data when encoded in this format. Component video is YPbPr (the analog encoding of YCbCr), so why convert a decompressed video from YUV when you don't need to?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: geokilla

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: geokilla
xtknight, can anyone give me advice on which monitor to purchase from Canada Computers. My friend is looking to get one in the $200 price range. Samsung 2233BW seems to be a good monitor for the price. There's also a Dell S2209W on sale at dell for $189.99 today only.

Thanks.

Of course, we're open to suggestions as well, but we'd prefer to purchase from Canada Computers, unless that Dell monitor is really good.

The LG L226WTY is a great monitor, as is the Samsung T220. Simply take a look at the recommendations list. There are plenty of monitors I recommend that are there. I'd probably get the LG.

They don't sell the LG L226WTY anymore, so that's not an option. We're currently leaning towards the Samsung 2233BW cus it's only $199.99, compared to the T220's $219.99. He's already over his new-computer budget by around $100. There's no one to blame but both him and me.

It's up to you really. I would go for the T220 and that's because I don't know much about the 2233BW. Samsung's had so many models it's hard to keep straight but I thought the 2233BW was still in a panel lottery and still subject to the blue tint and response time problems.

 

[geokilla]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: geokilla

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: geokilla
xtknight, can anyone give me advice on which monitor to purchase from Canada Computers. My friend is looking to get one in the $200 price range. Samsung 2233BW seems to be a good monitor for the price. There's also a Dell S2209W on sale at dell for $189.99 today only.

Thanks.

Of course, we're open to suggestions as well, but we'd prefer to purchase from Canada Computers, unless that Dell monitor is really good.

The LG L226WTY is a great monitor, as is the Samsung T220. Simply take a look at the recommendations list. There are plenty of monitors I recommend that are there. I'd probably get the LG.

They don't sell the LG L226WTY anymore, so that's not an option. We're currently leaning towards the Samsung 2233BW cus it's only $199.99, compared to the T220's $219.99. He's already over his new-computer budget by around $100. There's no one to blame but both him and me.

It's up to you really. I would go for the T220 and that's because I don't know much about the 2233BW. Samsung's had so many models it's hard to keep straight but I thought the 2233BW was still in a panel lottery and still subject to the blue tint and response time problems.

Panel lottery meaning there's the A,B,C,S panels right? The T220 doesn't have this lottery and blue tint and response time problem that the 2233BW might have?

How's the Samsung T200? It should be more or less the same as its brother, T220 right?

Edit: Now he's telling me he's thinking of getting a no-name 19" LCD monitor. Wtf.

Edit again: He's keeping his current monitor atm. Thanks for the help!

 

[jafick]

Hey All,
just wanted to say thanks to XT for the thread. I was pointed to this thread from ARS forums as I am getting ready to purchase my first LCD. I'm moving from a 10 year old 19" CRT (Micron, although I think the innards might be Viewsonic, can't remember why). I'd like to get a 24" inch monitor for preferably under $300 and I'm looking at the best bang for the buck. I've been told to look at the Benq G2400 (refurbed, $253 @ Benq Shop) and it seems to fit my bill. I've also been impressed with the V2400 ($287, refurbed @ Benq) and I see I can get the G2400wd for approximately $290. My primary uses are internet, WoW, some FPS...about your average user.

I had a chance recently to play with an ACER 22" P221W with an older computer. It seemed decent...but I was on an older computer (P4 2.4ghz, 6600GT AGP) and think there was some lag there. I don't mind the looks of the V2400, but I am concerned that it doesn't have VESA compatibility even though I don't think I plan on wall mounting (never know though). I've heard that the V2400 and G2400wd have the newer panel, but it may not be as good as the old G2400. Comments from owners?

So anyway, out of the three, which represents the best value? Are there any other monitors I should look at? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[tedward]

Please recommend me a 22" monitor that's good for office work...spreadsheets & text.

I just returned 2 - DELL 2209WA's. They're great monitor's in all but one area - text. Text & numbers in spreadsheets were fuzzy & caused me eye strain. I've got a L226WTY-BF, at home & it's much better. I'd buy another one for the office, but they're discontinued.

I remember ck'ing out an NEC 20gmx2 (name?), due to it's high reviews, but was dissappointed with it's text display as well. I've come to the conclusion that for my eyes, IPS panels are not a good choice. I read at the beginning of this post about the "screen door effect", found on IPS panels.

So I guess I'm looking for a TN or VA panel in 22" with CLEAR text display.

Any suggestions???

 

[jrw1]

I'm currently using a Dell/Sony 19" (4x3 aspect ratio) CRT. It has a max resolution of 1600x1200. However, I have weak eyesight. Therefore, I have it set to a lower resolution - 1024x768 - to make everything larger & easier for me to see. I also have all of the font & type settings at the largest
possible. (note: DPI is @ 96). I'm extremely pleased with the way everything looks with this monitor.

As its now 8 years old I have begun to look for a 19" non-widescreen LCD monitor to replace it with. I want one that will have as close a look to my CRT as possible. I primarily use it for the internet and some .avi/flash videos. I don't use it for gaming, photos or DVDs. I rarely use it for spreadsheets & word processing.

I was surprised to find that all non-ws 19" LCD monitors have a native resolution of 1280x1024 and 5x4 aspect ratio. This resolution makes everything too small for me. As I understand it if I set it to 1024x768, it will make the screen letterboxed & everything stretched - correct? If I keep it at
1280x1024 I can make some things appear larger by using 120dpi instead of 96dpi but this causes problems with some forms, menus, etc. - correct?

I have seen some 20" monitors with a native resolution of 1600x1200 which I gather means their aspect ratio is 4x3 - correct? If I set the resolution on one of these monitors to 1024x768 will everything be displayed correctly because its the same 4x3 resolution as the monitors native resolution? Will doing this get me as close as I possibly can to the look of my current CRT?

Thanks for any assistance.

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: jrw1
I'm currently using a Dell/Sony 19" (4x3 aspect ratio) CRT. It has a max resolution of 1600x1200. However, I have weak eyesight. Therefore, I have it set to a lower resolution - 1024x768 - to make everything larger & easier for me to see. I also have all of the font & type settings at the largest
possible. (note: DPI is @ 96). I'm extremely pleased with the way everything looks with this monitor.

As its now 8 years old I have begun to look for a 19" non-widescreen LCD monitor to replace it with. I want one that will have as close a look to my CRT as possible. I primarily use it for the internet and some .avi/flash videos. I don't use it for gaming, photos or DVDs. I rarely use it for spreadsheets & word processing.

I was surprised to find that all non-ws 19" LCD monitors have a native resolution of 1280x1024 and 5x4 aspect ratio. This resolution makes everything too small for me. As I understand it if I set it to 1024x768, it will make the screen letterboxed & everything stretched - correct? If I keep it at
1280x1024 I can make some things appear larger by using 120dpi instead of 96dpi but this causes problems with some forms, menus, etc. - correct?

I have seen some 20" monitors with a native resolution of 1600x1200 which I gather means their aspect ratio is 4x3 - correct? If I set the resolution on one of these monitors to 1024x768 will everything be displayed correctly because its the same 4x3 resolution as the monitors native resolution? Will doing this get me as close as I possibly can to the look of my current CRT?

Thanks for any assistance.

Most of what you said is exactly true. BUT 19" 1280x1024 won't be that small of a pitch comparing it to your 17" viewable (assumed) @ 1024x768. Check out a 22" in store to see, those have the same pitch as 19" non-widescreen.

20" monitors with 1600x1200 will have a smaller pitch which won't help you, and running at 1024x768 will look like ass. Running non-native resolutions on all LCD's look horrid.

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: tedward
Please recommend me a 22" monitor that's good for office work...spreadsheets & text.

I just returned 2 - DELL 2209WA's. They're great monitor's in all but one area - text. Text & numbers in spreadsheets were fuzzy & caused me eye strain. I've got a L226WTY-BF, at home & it's much better. I'd buy another one for the office, but they're discontinued.

I remember ck'ing out an NEC 20gmx2 (name?), due to it's high reviews, but was dissappointed with it's text display as well. I've come to the conclusion that for my eyes, IPS panels are not a good choice. I read at the beginning of this post about the "screen door effect", found on IPS panels.

So I guess I'm looking for a TN or VA panel in 22" with CLEAR text display.

Any suggestions???

I have a 20WMGX2. I have yet to see a better text display (in person).
How far are you viewing from the monitor? For example, I only notice the screen door effect when it is 3-4 ft away or if I turn to the left side.

 

[ZX81]

Originally posted by: tedward
Please recommend me a 22" monitor that's good for office work...spreadsheets & text.

I just returned 2 - DELL 2209WA's. They're great monitor's in all but one area - text. Text & numbers in spreadsheets were fuzzy & caused me eye strain. I've got a L226WTY-BF, at home & it's much better. I'd buy another one for the office, but they're discontinued.

I remember ck'ing out an NEC 20gmx2 (name?), due to it's high reviews, but was dissappointed with it's text display as well. I've come to the conclusion that for my eyes, IPS panels are not a good choice. I read at the beginning of this post about the "screen door effect", found on IPS panels.

So I guess I'm looking for a TN or VA panel in 22" with CLEAR text display.

Any suggestions???

Sorry to read that they didnt work for your eyes tedward, but I was just sitting here thinking exactly the opposite

I am short sighted, need low power reading glasses for PC work, but I have the same panels and 'for me' its like reading off paper. I was just bemoaning my laptop panel appearing yellow white and artificial.

(I am using cleartype in vista, I've used it on everything for years, and have the dell supplied ICC profile in vista x64, with brightness 4 , contrast 74 and standard RGB)

I don't think you'll have a problem with finding a panel with clear text, assuming that its the IPS effect that's the problem.

 

[tedward]

Originally posted by: ZX81

Sorry to read that they didnt work for your eyes tedward, but I was just sitting here thinking exactly the opposite

I am short sighted, need low power reading glasses for PC work, but I have the same panels and 'for me' its like reading off paper. I was just bemoaning my laptop panel appearing yellow white and artificial.

(I am using cleartype in vista, I've used it on everything for years, and have the dell supplied ICC profile in vista x64, with brightness 4 , contrast 74 and standard RGB)

I don't think you'll have a problem with finding a panel with clear text, assuming that its the IPS effect that's the problem.

I really liked the monitor & wish I could get the text a little sharper. I would ordinarily try to exchange one, but seeeing I had 2 units, one at work & one at home...2 different PC's, I didn't think I should bother. I notice you're running VISTA. Both PC's I used them with had XP. I wonder if that could be the diff? Maybe I'll try the one at home with VISTA...though I much prefer XP.

Is there a panel lottery with these monitors? Maybe I should exchange the one I haven't returned yet.

 

[imported_Jid]

Originally posted by: Jid
Any info on the Lacie 324? Can't find much except for what I found on digital versus but their reviews aren't all that detailed, seems like a decent all around S-PVA screen, I'm a little hesitant about the HP LP2475w after reading that so many people seem to be getting tinting issues and the Nec 2490Wuxi is sRGB and also tends to ship with dead pixels and such which you have to sort out with the vendor.. at least HP is allowing people to replace their monitor multiple times untill they get an acceptable one with no fuss, and is priced surprisingly nicely.

How does the Lacie 324 stack up against those two?

^.. just in case someone with info missed my post. Getting close to ordering time and I'm going to pull the trigger on the LP2475w and hope for the best, worst case scenario I call HP 10 times to replace my screen, unless the lacie is a better option

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: jafick
Hey All,
just wanted to say thanks to XT for the thread. I was pointed to this thread from ARS forums as I am getting ready to purchase my first LCD. I'm moving from a 10 year old 19" CRT (Micron, although I think the innards might be Viewsonic, can't remember why). I'd like to get a 24" inch monitor for preferably under $300 and I'm looking at the best bang for the buck. I've been told to look at the Benq G2400 (refurbed, $253 @ Benq Shop) and it seems to fit my bill. I've also been impressed with the V2400 ($287, refurbed @ Benq) and I see I can get the G2400wd for approximately $290. My primary uses are internet, WoW, some FPS...about your average user.

I had a chance recently to play with an ACER 22" P221W with an older computer. It seemed decent...but I was on an older computer (P4 2.4ghz, 6600GT AGP) and think there was some lag there. I don't mind the looks of the V2400, but I am concerned that it doesn't have VESA compatibility even though I don't think I plan on wall mounting (never know though). I've heard that the V2400 and G2400wd have the newer panel, but it may not be as good as the old G2400. Comments from owners?

So anyway, out of the three, which represents the best value? Are there any other monitors I should look at? Thanks in advance for your help.

I think any of the BenQ 24"s are an amazing choice. And they have a great overall package.

The V2400W apparently lacks VESA mounting, but the G2400WD has it, so you can go for the latter. The main issue is size (22" vs 24"). But given that the BenQ 24" is a proven choice and 1920x1200 is a nice res to look at, it's safe to say the G2400WD is the best choice.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: tedward
Please recommend me a 22" monitor that's good for office work...spreadsheets & text.

I just returned 2 - DELL 2209WA's. They're great monitor's in all but one area - text. Text & numbers in spreadsheets were fuzzy & caused me eye strain. I've got a L226WTY-BF, at home & it's much better. I'd buy another one for the office, but they're discontinued.

When I read this I am just very confused.

I would have expected the 2209WAs to be great at text, and I need to know if I need to remove it from the Office section recommendations.

Can you elaborate on this problem in any more detail? I hope it's not because of software (e.g., ClearType being on, or especially being on in the wrong settings).

I remember ck'ing out an NEC 20gmx2 (name?), due to it's high reviews, but was dissappointed with it's text display as well. I've come to the conclusion that for my eyes, IPS panels are not a good choice. I read at the beginning of this post about the "screen door effect", found on IPS panels.

So I guess I'm looking for a TN or VA panel in 22" with CLEAR text display.

Any suggestions???

Interesting.

Well, the LG L227WTG-PF is the next best choice to the L226. For my eyes it doesn't hurt, I can say that. It is glossy though. If you don't like that, then try the Samsung T220.

Maybe the SDE is what's causing all your trouble. With the 20WMGX2, text was a bit hard to read but it was because of the dot pitch. Otherwise it was great for me. And my LCD26 (IPS) also has great text output. I wouldn't say the L227 is easier on the eyes than the LCD26, but it appears to be slightly higher contrast in some situations.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: jrw1
I'm currently using a Dell/Sony 19" (4x3 aspect ratio) CRT. It has a max resolution of 1600x1200. However, I have weak eyesight. Therefore, I have it set to a lower resolution - 1024x768 - to make everything larger & easier for me to see. I also have all of the font & type settings at the largest
possible. (note: DPI is @ 96). I'm extremely pleased with the way everything looks with this monitor.

Welcome to the forums.

As its now 8 years old I have begun to look for a 19" non-widescreen LCD monitor to replace it with. I want one that will have as close a look to my CRT as possible. I primarily use it for the internet and some .avi/flash videos. I don't use it for gaming, photos or DVDs. I rarely use it for spreadsheets & word processing.

I was surprised to find that all non-ws 19" LCD monitors have a native resolution of 1280x1024 and 5x4 aspect ratio. This resolution makes everything too small for me. As I understand it if I set it to 1024x768, it will make the screen letterboxed & everything stretched - correct? If I keep it at
1280x1024 I can make some things appear larger by using 120dpi instead of 96dpi but this causes problems with some forms, menus, etc. - correct?

Yes, some programs have issues dealing with a Windows DPI change.

I have seen some 20" monitors with a native resolution of 1600x1200 which I gather means their aspect ratio is 4x3 - correct?

1600/1200=4/3

If I set the resolution on one of these monitors to 1024x768 will everything be displayed correctly because its the same 4x3 resolution as the monitors native resolution? Will doing this get me as close as I possibly can to the look of my current CRT?

Thanks for any assistance.

Things won't be displayed the same and probably not very satisfactorily. LCD scaling is still quite fuzzy, even though by technological standards the algorithms are great.

The closest thing you can get to your current CRT is probably this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824254026

Now, I don't necessarily vouch for 27.5" Hanns TN panels, but you do what you have to. The viewing angles may be a bit annoying, but it has quite a big dot pitch.

I highly recommend going the high DPI route. You can give that a try with any monitor you have currently, and see how your programs react to it. Some programs also have a zoom function for the current document (but this won't zoom the menus or interface themselves).

Scaling may not be the end of the world. If your eyesight isn't great, maybe you won't notice the fuzziness anyway. My dad uses an LG L226WT (1680x1050) not even at the same aspect ratio: 1024x768. It honestly doesn't look that bad. But if you try this, make sure you can return the LCD if you need to.

Originally posted by: BassBomb

Originally posted by: jrw1
I'm currently using a Dell/Sony 19" (4x3 aspect ratio) CRT. It has a max resolution of 1600x1200. However, I have weak eyesight. Therefore, I have it set to a lower resolution - 1024x768 - to make everything larger & easier for me to see. I also have all of the font & type settings at the largest
possible. (note: DPI is @ 96). I'm extremely pleased with the way everything looks with this monitor.

As its now 8 years old I have begun to look for a 19" non-widescreen LCD monitor to replace it with. I want one that will have as close a look to my CRT as possible. I primarily use it for the internet and some .avi/flash videos. I don't use it for gaming, photos or DVDs. I rarely use it for spreadsheets & word processing.

I was surprised to find that all non-ws 19" LCD monitors have a native resolution of 1280x1024 and 5x4 aspect ratio. This resolution makes everything too small for me. As I understand it if I set it to 1024x768, it will make the screen letterboxed & everything stretched - correct? If I keep it at
1280x1024 I can make some things appear larger by using 120dpi instead of 96dpi but this causes problems with some forms, menus, etc. - correct?

I have seen some 20" monitors with a native resolution of 1600x1200 which I gather means their aspect ratio is 4x3 - correct? If I set the resolution on one of these monitors to 1024x768 will everything be displayed correctly because its the same 4x3 resolution as the monitors native resolution? Will doing this get me as close as I possibly can to the look of my current CRT?

Thanks for any assistance.

Most of what you said is exactly true. BUT 19" 1280x1024 won't be that small of a pitch comparing it to your 17" viewable (assumed) @ 1024x768. Check out a 22" in store to see, those have the same pitch as 19" non-widescreen.

20" monitors with 1600x1200 will have a smaller pitch which won't help you, and running at 1024x768 will look like ass. Running non-native resolutions on all LCD's look horrid.

22"s actually have quite a smaller dot pitch than 19" standard panels, and quite noticeable in practice.

19" standard: 0.294 mm
22" widescreen: 0.282 mm

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: tedward

Originally posted by: ZX81

Sorry to read that they didnt work for your eyes tedward, but I was just sitting here thinking exactly the opposite

I am short sighted, need low power reading glasses for PC work, but I have the same panels and 'for me' its like reading off paper. I was just bemoaning my laptop panel appearing yellow white and artificial.

(I am using cleartype in vista, I've used it on everything for years, and have the dell supplied ICC profile in vista x64, with brightness 4 , contrast 74 and standard RGB)

I don't think you'll have a problem with finding a panel with clear text, assuming that its the IPS effect that's the problem.

I really liked the monitor & wish I could get the text a little sharper. I would ordinarily try to exchange one, but seeeing I had 2 units, one at work & one at home...2 different PC's, I didn't think I should bother. I notice you're running VISTA. Both PC's I used them with had XP. I wonder if that could be the diff? Maybe I'll try the one at home with VISTA...though I much prefer XP.

Is there a panel lottery with these monitors? Maybe I should exchange the one I haven't returned yet.

At least so far there is no panel lottery with the 2209WA.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Jid

Originally posted by: Jid
Any info on the Lacie 324? Can't find much except for what I found on digital versus but their reviews aren't all that detailed, seems like a decent all around S-PVA screen, I'm a little hesitant about the HP LP2475w after reading that so many people seem to be getting tinting issues and the Nec 2490Wuxi is sRGB and also tends to ship with dead pixels and such which you have to sort out with the vendor.. at least HP is allowing people to replace their monitor multiple times untill they get an acceptable one with no fuss, and is priced surprisingly nicely.

How does the Lacie 324 stack up against those two?

^.. just in case someone with info missed my post. Getting close to ordering time and I'm going to pull the trigger on the LP2475w and hope for the best, worst case scenario I call HP 10 times to replace my screen, unless the lacie is a better option

Ah sorry.

Well the LaCie I'd believe is certainly a good option although I would always gravitate towards IPS panels given the chance. I don't think the HP has so many issues anymore. Try it out if you are willing.

The Planar PX2611W is another good, rather barebones choice. It seems solid though. Also I don't think the LCD2490 really has that many dead pixel problems but you have to deal with it with any monitor. My LCD26 has a dead pixel and I rarely if ever notice it. Fortunately, it's not white and it's not in the letterbox portion (16/10 vs 16/9 scaling bars).

 

[imported_Jid]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Ah sorry.

Well the LaCie I'd believe is certainly a good option although I would always gravitate towards IPS panels given the chance. I don't think the HP has so many issues anymore. Try it out if you are willing.

The Planar PX2611W is another good, rather barebones choice. It seems solid though. Also I don't think the LCD2490 really has that many dead pixel problems but you have to deal with it with any monitor. My LCD26 has a dead pixel and I rarely if ever notice it. Fortunately, it's not white and it's not in the letterbox portion (16/10 vs 16/9 scaling bars).

I guess you're right about the IPS thing.. I'll try the HP, the few bucks I'll save I can put towards a good colorimeter and software

thanks

 

[Paladin]

Jid, the HP2475w that I received in January is pretty much flawless, but I'm only 1 of many of course..... The newer revisions seemed to not have the tint issues. Highly recommend this monitor!

 

[jafick]

Thanks, I ended up buying a G2400wd from NCIXUS. Unfortunately they didn't have the zero pixel policy available. For me, it came down to the recommendations on here, ARS and Hard OCP forums along with the fact that the G2400wd was brand new, while the V2400w would have been a refurb from Benq's online store. The vesa mount was the straw that weighed in on the G2400wd's favor. Can't wait to see it, hopefully it will exceed my expectations. Thanks for your hard work XT.

 

[mmganga]

Guys what could be the cause of a blue tint on an LCD (used to work fine). It's using the D-SUB (VGA) connection when this happens and I can't try the DVI because the port on my DVI card is dead...

Could it be monitor failure or a bent pin on the connection/etc? The same VGA cable used on another LCD works fine.

Thanks!

[see attached picture for a snapshot of the screen -> white becomes blue on this thing]

<img src="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7687/imgp1847.jpg"></img>

 

[edm]

I purchased a DELL S2409W a couple weeks ago and have been using it via the DVI connection at the default resolution of 1920x1080, without any issues. Today, however, I started messing with the resolutions and noticed 1280x720 doesn't work (along with some others). I just get the 'no signal message' and the screen goes black. I know my video card supports that resolution because it worked on my old monitor. I also tried uninstalling and reinstalling my graphic drivers.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be? this monitor should support 1280x720 via DVI, correct?

Update Never mind. After some tinkering of the cat settings I enabled 720p support under the HDTV options and it worked.

 

[Araemo]

Well, thanks to it being mentioned in the multimedia section of this guide (and then me going and reading reviews), I purchased a dell 2209WA w/ the 25% off coupon that was around last weekend.

It had no dead pixels, thankfully. I'm using it via DVI at the native resolution, and I'm not terribly concerned about the lack of 1:1 scaling, any recent ATI or nVidia GPU can do the scaling itself, probably faster than most monitors can.

I was surprised how smooth gradients look on this monitor - I really don't see any banding, so I think I can ignore the claims that it 'may' be a 6-bit panel, which is good for me since I do some photo editing.

As for the color reproduction - I can't really comment intelligently on it. I think it's pretty close to the last LCD I had, which was decent, color-wise. I would somewhat like to find a cheap colorimeter for peace of mind, but it's really not a big deal for me as long as I can make out all the detail, and the colors are 'about' right...

I haven't noticed any problems with text like tedward above. If he bought two, and was using them for text/spreadsheets, was he using them in portrait mode, with cleartype turned on? IIRC, cleartype does not work in portrait mode because windows assumes the RGB subcomponents are horizontally aligned, rather than vertically, but when you rotate the monitor, they are vertically aligned, and cleartype makes text look horrid.