X-bit labs

24" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part II

Category: Other

by Oleg Artamonov

[ 04/28/2008 | 11:40 AM ]

Although TN matrices are an attribute of budget monitor models, they have not just penetrated the relatively expensive 24-inch monitor segment, but they tend to be a leader there already, at least judging y the number of new models announced lately. But is it necessarily a bad thing? Not very advanced characteristics of TN matrices are well compensated by their low price. Today we are going to talk about 6 monitors on such matrix from Acer, Dell, NEC and Samsung.

Table of contents:

• Testing Methodology
  
• Acer AL2416WBsd
  
• Dell 2407WFP-HC
  
• NEC AccuSync LCD24WMCX
  
• NEC MultiSync LCD2470WNX
  
• NEC MultiSync LCD2470WVX
  
• Samsung SyncMaster 2493HM
  
• Conclusion
  

You will see six new models of 24” monitors in this roundup. They are based on two matrix types, PVA and TN. Although the latter type is traditionally considered an attribute of low-end models due to its modest technical characteristics, it is not only available in the sector of rather expensive 24-inchers but claims the leadership, at least in terms of the number of new products announced. For example, only two monitors to be discussed here are based on PVA, and the remaining four are TN.

But is it so bad after all? The lower characteristics of TN matrixes are made up for by the lower price. So the question is if the quality is up to the price or not.

Testing Methodology

Click the following link for a description of our testing methodology, the equipment we use, and a brief explanation of what the specified and tested parameters of LCD monitors mean: the article is called Xbit Labs Presents: LCD Monitors Testing Methodology Indepth. If you feel overwhelmed with the numbers and terms this article abounds in, check out an appropriate section of the mentioned Description for an explanation.

Acer AL2416WBsd

In our previous 24-inch LCD monitor roundup we tested the Acer AL2416Ws model. The new monitor differs by only two letters in the model name.

The specs suggest that the AL2416WBsd is not an update of the AL2416Ws but a completely different model. It differs with the matrix type in the first place: the AL2416WBsd has a TN matrix without Response Time Compensation.

The exterior is simple, even somewhat rude. A light-gray front panel with a black stand. The monitor is hardly appealing. It just won’t be noticeable among its surroundings.

The stand allows adjusting the tilt of the screen. You cannot tilt it forward, however. The native stand can be replaced with a standard VESA mount.

The monitor’s got analog and digital inputs. The latter is indicated by the letter d in the model name.

The control buttons are placed in a separate block below the screen. The Power button differs from the others with its shape and size. The Power indicator is built into it. It is green and not distracting at work. In sleep mode the indicator changes its color into amber. Quick access is provided to the automatic adjustment of analog connection and to switching between the factory-set image modes.

I’ve seen this menu in many other models from Acer. It offers a standard selection of options without anything extraordinary. Particularly, it doesn’t allow you to choose the interpolation mode (to stretch a 4:3 image out to the full width of the screen or not).

By default, the monitor has 77% brightness and 50% contrast. I lowered the brightness setting to 30% and the contrast to 35% to achieve a 100nit white. You shouldn’t increase the contrast setting above 50% as it makes light halftones indistinguishable from white. The brightness is regulated by means of backlight modulation at a frequency of 209Hz.

Against my apprehensions, the viewing angles proved to be quite acceptable. Of course, the image gets darker when viewed from below as is typical of TN technology. You won’t be able to watch a movie on this monitor while lying on a sofa, for example. People who are sensitive to distortions of brightness at the border of the screen shouldn’t buy it, either. And still, the viewing angles are going to satisfy most users. You may want to buy a high chair for such a monitor not only because it’s better for the eyes to look at the screen slightly from above but also because the top viewing angle of TN matrixes is wider than the bottom one. Ideally, the user’s eyes should be level with the top edge of the screen.