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Theshelfan
Mar 5, 2007, 06:26 PM
Well, I currently have a CRT and looking to get an LCD. But I don't know what are considered decent specs for an lcd monitor. In my shopping around I have seen the following that I need to consider:

Analog vs Digital?

Brightness?

Contrast Ratio?

Maximum Resolution?

I'm not into major computer design or anything. I'm just a regular user who like to play the occasionaly game of NHL hockey or maybe use Adobe Photoshop. Any direction on these specs is greatly appreciated. I don't want to get scammed on a low quality product but at the same time don't want to bust my budget.
Thanks

HVAC888
Mar 5, 2007, 07:53 PM
VGA input is analog, DVI is digital.

The higher priced displays will have both types of input. Some even have s-video and component video and PIP, such as the Dell 2407WFP or a Gateway FPD2185.

If you would like an upgrade path, find an LCD with DVI.

The majority of LCDs on the market now use panels made by one of the 3 largest panel makers, LG, Samsung and AU optronics. Of course there are other too.

For some info on panel technology, and which lcd models use them, check this link (http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1039222).

Use this LCD panel search (http://www.lcdnfo.com/) for comparisons.

I am using a Dell 2405FPW and a 2007FPW, because I was looking for: S-IPS technology, height and rotate adjustment, high resolution and additional a/v inputs.

To give you an idea, the Dell 2405FPW is a 24 inch monitor with a 1920x1200 resolution. The 2007FPW is 20 inch with a 1680x1050 resolution. Both have VGA, DVI, S-video, composite video inputs. The 2405 has component video inputs. Both displays are very bright and have excellent contrast.

I paid quite a lot for the 2405 a few years ago, the 2407 is its replacement and is a lot cheaper. Plus Dell is always having sales, so it makes it a much better deal, considering all the additional features they have.

LCD prices are always dropping, so have fun shopping... lots of choices out there... :)

sjbfrost
Aug 13, 2007, 05:00 PM
My understanding of LCD monitors is that the best picture quality only occurs at the "native reslution. How can a game look good on the LCD if the maximum resolution of the game is less than the native resolution? As example, Viewsonics VX2835 LCD has a native resolution of 1920x1200 while Mirosoft's Flight Sim X progam has a max resolution setting of !600x1200. The recommended FSX resolution is 1024x768. It appears that this mismatch of resolutions will create a very poor picture quality. How can this be resolved or is a LCD an inherently poor choice as display for games

jstrike
Aug 14, 2007, 10:35 AM
In addition to what HVAC888 said, if you go with a larger monitor, or even if you go for a digital monitor first make sure your video card has a DVI connector and also make sure it will support the max resolution of the monitor. When I bought my Dell 2405FPW a few years ago I had to purchase a new video card to support it, but it was well worth it. As for the games, don't worry about that... my monitor right now runs at 1920x1200 and I have several games that don't run that high. They still look and play great.

sjbfrost
Aug 14, 2007, 11:27 AM
Thank you for your immediate response and you cleared up my main concern. I have a dual-sli setup with (2) 8800GTX video cards which I know can handle the several Wide-Screen LCD's I am considering. One, the Viewsonic VX2835 has the same max resolution as your monitor, 1920x1200 and the 8800GTX card can match it. Thanks again