Author Topic: Advice/Help Thread  (Read 14165 times)

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #15 on: August 02, 2018, 08:50:07 pm »
Quote from: MagicalChicken

Yeah, I thought so too at first, but then I noticed it was using 16-235 for the test images by default, I'm pretty sure that was wrong, and was giving me incorrect contrast readings too, so I had to switch that.

I installed the new version after your first post and must and have been on auto pilot since I didn't notice that I switched it to 0-255.

Quote from: MagicalChicken
Also, the default "color space/standard:" setting in "references" was I believe at HDTV REC709, but that wasn't giving that gray reference curve. Changed that to sRGB for the reference curve, should I be using the default there instead?

HDTV REC 709 and sRGB are extremely similar to the point that it doesn't really matter if not doing anything which requires precise accuracy.  The main difference is the gamma which is linear 2.2 for REC 709 while sRGB has a curve with lower gamma for 0-30% white. 

Quote from: MagicalChicken
Would it be fine to just trust the ones around 1000-1100:1? (I got a couple of 700:1 readings at one point for some reason, but those seemed to have stopped for now)

Slight bumps can move the meter and cause contrast differences, and I've found that if I try to multi-task on a second monitor the HCFR readings can get screwed up, so it's best to just leave it to measure. 

Quote from: MagicalChicken
Which is the better of these? Black stabilizer seems to hurt certain colors, but makes others better.

Set the reference gamma to sRGB and see which BS setting gets the closest, or use dispcalgui or X-Rite's calibration software and calibrate to linear 2.2 or sRGB gamma.  AUO panels tend be aim for sRGB, so I'd change the HCFR settings to get the gamma curve closest to an sRGB curve if only wanting to use the menu settings to calibrate.  I try to achieve the best results with the menu settings first since I connect my monitors to consoles, and because more banding and contrast loss occurs when calibration programs have to perform more corrections.
« Last Edit: August 02, 2018, 08:54:28 pm by NCX »

AdamFOO

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #16 on: August 03, 2018, 07:23:32 am »
Hi NCX,
I appreciate everything you do, I've used your guides multiple times to suggest people what monitors to buy.
What do you think about new AOC's C24G1? Seems to use the same VA panel as the MSI Optix, but it's reviewed fairly well and has good opinions. On top of that it costs ~15-20% that any other VA 1080p 144hz monitor in my country. I'm still deciding whenever I want a VA or TN panel. I've never used an IPS, so I'd be fine with bad colors, as long as it's not worse than my current Samsung SyncMaster 913v.
Here are the only reviews I could find, unfortunately not in English:
http://diy.pconline.com.cn/1124/11242024.html
http://www.xyscyihaodian.com/rw/2018/0726/148407.html
Thanks again for your work.

TAEHSAEN

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #17 on: August 03, 2018, 04:47:44 pm »
Dear NCX, I am a huge fan of the work and knowledge you share with everyone and I am very grateful to be here. If you could give me a little advice on this, I would be truly grateful.

I play PUBG with my friends but I am really bad at it. My friend suggested that I upgrade to a better monitor.

So I am looking for a 24-25", 1080p, 144Hz, TN panel.

My current set up is a 27" BenQ GL2760-B, 60Hz, VA panel.

The reason I want to switch is because I think my game will improve with a higher framerate and response time. I also prefer smaller 25" monitor personally because it allows me to focus more. I don't believe I should try to upgrade more than 1080P / 144Hz because my GTX 970 cannot push more than 120 FPS on my current monitor so I don't think I will benefit from a much higher spec monitor. I am curious whether I should consider G-Sync as well. My budget is ideally below $400 but I am happy to increase more if it is truly worth doing so.

Any advice you can provide will be extremely valuable to me. Thank you for all that you do :)

« Last Edit: August 03, 2018, 06:14:41 pm by TAEHSAEN »

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #18 on: August 06, 2018, 11:47:15 pm »
Thanks to both for the appreciative comments.

Quote from: AdamFOO
What do you think about new AOC's C24G1? Seems to use the same VA panel as the MSI Optix, but it's reviewed fairly well and has good opinions.

I'm aware of diy PC online and don't use them as source since they use an inaccurate Spyder colorimeter and don't provide enough important information to base a decision on, and neither does the second site which has even less information and uses a Spyder.  Based on the information provided by PC Online the AOC has accurate gamma which indicates that it won't look washed out, which is something to be skeptical of since even AOC's flag ship G-Sync monitors have low preset gamma resulting in washed out image quality.  Expect it to look washed out and in need of its gamma setting to be increased.  Familiarize yourself with the Lagom Black Level page; if the gamma is to low the squares in the top row will be easily distinguishable while square 1-4 will mostly blend if the gamma is 2.2 or higher.

Quote from: TAEHSAEN
The reason I want to switch is because I think my game will improve with a higher framerate and response time.

The frame rate will be the same on a high hz 1080p monitor if V-Sync is turned off, and upgrading from a lag-less 60hz VA panel to a high hz TN panel won't make you a better player.   Less screen tearing, ghosting (VA color smearing and streaking), and motion blur are benefits, and gaming will feel both faster and smoother, but it skill is skill.  If you were upgrading from a display with very high input lag (TV with the game/PC mode turned off) then expect significant improvement. 

Quote from: TAEHSAEN
I also prefer smaller 25" monitor...My budget is ideally below $400 but I am happy to increase more if it is truly worth doing so.

If that's 400$ US then I'll suggest the

Acer XB241H (144hz TN with G-Sync and ULMB/back-light strobing)
from r/Monitors
(new 144hz AUO TN panel with accurate color)
Samsung C24FG73 (144hz VA panel with back-light strobing; my top pick)
Viewsonic XG2402 (144hz TN panel)

G-Sync will extend the usefulness of the 970 since it gets rid of screen tearing and makes lower frame rates feel better.  Blur Busters G-Sync Input Lag Testing & Optimal Lag Reducing Game Settings.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2018, 11:48:59 pm by NCX »

TAEHSAEN

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2018, 01:33:17 am »
Dear NCX, thank you so much for your help on this. The Acer XB241H looks amazing and I'm especially looking forward to using G-Sync. I really fell hard for the Samsung C24FG73 but at the end the option to be able to try G-Sync for the first time made me want to get the XB241H. Thank you so much again NCX I appreciate your advice on this :)

MagicalChicken

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #20 on: August 09, 2018, 02:52:10 pm »
Might as well put this here, as it fits better. I'm assuming my XG2402 unit is worth keeping? Only reason I ask is that I'm still in the return window, so just want to be absolutely, 100% sure. The Acer seems good, but is it better enough to consider over my particular XG2402? I definitely know that there is no guarantee that I'd get an Acer like yours, so I'm not even sure if the lottery is worth it. (Edit: The Acer doesn't actually seem to be in stock anywhere here either way) (And I'm going to assume that the XFA240 is a different monitor)

Hey, might as well get out all of my uncertainties before the return window closes (That button snapping made me even more uncertain, though not a dealbreaker, just annoying)
« Last Edit: August 09, 2018, 03:06:32 pm by MagicalChicken »

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #21 on: August 09, 2018, 04:25:47 pm »
I'm assuming my XG2402 unit is worth keeping?

It's your decision, one which is not a big deal if it's easy to exchange and return monitors where you live, and if you have the time to do so.  I dislike both monitors and would rather read a book than use either for gaming or watching content since matte TN panels hurt my soul :)  I'm surprised that you can stand using the XG2402 after using a good IPS panel like the 24 Envy for a year.

The Acer XF240H is definitely significantly better than our very similar XG2402's, and did not have any weird menu/operation and reset issues like the XG2402, but most of its advantages are preset color accuracy and ease of use based.  The Acer only needed to have its gamma settings changed to achieve good image quality for a TN while the XG2402 needs and ICC profile since the gamma and RGB levels are so skewed.

It is the XF240H; look at the top right:




« Last Edit: August 09, 2018, 04:30:02 pm by NCX »

MagicalChicken

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #22 on: August 09, 2018, 04:48:49 pm »
Quote
I'm surprised that you can stand using the XG2402 after using a good IPS panel like the 24 Envy for a year.

Probably helps that I used a matte 60hz TN for long before that, so I guess I'm just used to the usual TN issues :P

Quote
It is the XF240H; look at the top right:

Yeah, was actually asking if the XFA240 is the same thing, as they look similar (And that one is actually in stock most places)

I think I saw a few XF240H's on Ebay, but I'm thinking that might be more of a hassle to return things, even if the listings allow returns.


Edit: From what I've seen, the XFA240 seems to be a new version of the XF240H. The fact that the XF240H's were near completely phased out here in favor of that seems to confirm it a bit. Wish there was more info on it (Though since I have an i1 Pro 2, it wouldn't be as much of a risk if I end up trying that)
« Last Edit: August 09, 2018, 08:17:16 pm by MagicalChicken »

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #23 on: August 09, 2018, 11:44:39 pm »
Quote from: MagicalChicken
Yeah, was actually asking if the XFA240 is the same thing, as they look similar (And that one is actually in stock most places)

Ah, ok.  I doubt the XFA240 is much different, but suggest trying a Samsung C24FG73 or one of the 144hz 1440p AHVA panels (Pixio & Nixeus in the US) instead if you're going to return the XG2402.

trevinshu

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #24 on: August 14, 2018, 11:02:54 pm »
Hey NCX I am from Reddit and I am wondering what your thoughts are on the HP VH240a. It's extremely popular on amazon.com and I just wanted to check and see what your thoughts are on it. I am looking for a 1080p 24 inch IPS monitor that has a matte screen & small bezels. Freesync & G-Sync aren't important. My budget is $200 Canadian.

https://www.amazon.com/HP-23-8-inch-Adjustment-Speakers-VH240a/dp/B072M34RQC

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #25 on: August 15, 2018, 01:28:05 am »
Hey NCX I am from Reddit and I am wondering what your thoughts are on the HP VH240a. It's extremely popular on amazon.com and I just wanted to check and see what your thoughts are on it. I am looking for a 1080p 24 inch IPS monitor that has a matte screen & small bezels. Freesync & G-Sync aren't important. My budget is $200 Canadian.

https://www.amazon.com/HP-23-8-inch-Adjustment-Speakers-VH240a/dp/B072M34RQC

Best Reviewed Flicker Free 24-25" 1080p IPS/PLS Monitors

It's not mentioned here ^ since I don't have any information. 

BDash

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #26 on: September 30, 2018, 11:26:45 pm »
I'm looking to replace my AOC G2460GP that I've been using for over 2 years, or possibly keep it around as a second display. I'm interested in non-curved, HDMI-support, G-Sync, >60hz and between 1080p and 1440p. What are some good options?

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #27 on: October 01, 2018, 07:15:41 am »
I'm looking to replace my AOC G2460GP that I've been using for over 2 years, or possibly keep it around as a second display. I'm interested in non-curved, HDMI-support, G-Sync, >60hz and between 1080p and 1440p. What are some good options?

Budget? There's a G2460PG with G-Sync, and the only monitors which aren't side grades are 500$+ US curved 1080p VA panels with G-Sync, one of the four 144-165hz 2560x1440 AHVA (marketed as IPS panels), of which the AOC AG271QG (review links is the best (top choice), or the flat LG 32GK850G with G-Sync which uses a matte 144hz 1440p VA panel.  None of the G-Sync monitors under 2,000$ support more than 60hz or 1080p over HDMI.  There are 1440p TN panels with G-Sync, but they don't have better image quality, use grainy matte coatings, or suffer from obvious banding and have poor image quality (Dell). 
« Last Edit: October 01, 2018, 07:46:28 pm by NCX »

BDash

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #28 on: October 01, 2018, 11:47:08 am »
Quote
Budget?
My bad, my budget is around 500 max, though i'd love to have it around 3-400 if possible.
Quote
None of the G-Sync monitors under 2,000$ support more than 60hz or 1080p over HDMI.
The AOC AG271QG is very tempting but it's outside my budget, especially considering how i'd like to upgrade my GPU (Stuck with a GTX 970, only one DP port and not beefy enough for 1440p). The LG even more so.
Quote
of which the AOC AG271QG ([ur=http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/general-discussion/best-144hz-monitors/msg342/#msg342l]review links[/url] is the best (top choice), or the flat LG 32GK850G
When I said "HDMI support", I meant for stuff like consoles and other devices.
Quote
There's a G2460PG with G-Sync
?? That's what i'm trying to replace unless you meant a different model.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2018, 11:50:07 am by BDash »

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #29 on: October 01, 2018, 08:08:09 pm »
?? That's what i'm trying to replace.

Yes I know.  There's nothing to upgrade from with G-Sync under 500$, and it's easy to downgrade (Dell S series).  You could buy an X-Rite Colormunki (150$) to calibrate and improve the G2460PG (use the free Color Sustainer to ensure games use ICC profiles), a 24-25 or 27" IPS 60-75hz 1080p IPS panel (no need to spend more than 200$ in the US; the Philips 257E7QDSB is on of the best and sells for under 165$ in the US from Amazon), and a quality light to use as a bias light (20$) if there are no other light sources in the room.

The problem with dual monitor set ups with IPS and TN is that AHVA/IPS/PLS must be viewed differently (top of the panel should line up with the top of the viewers head or be a bit higher) to not see glow while TN panels must be looked down at to not look awful.

AHVA/IPS/PLS Proper View
Spoiler (hover to show)

TN Proper View
Spoiler (hover to show)

Best Reviewed Flicker Free 24-25" 1080p IPS/PLS Monitors

Best Reviewed Flicker Free 27" 1080p IPS/PLS Monitors

If you drop the G-Sync requirement then you could buy a 27" 144hz 1440p AHVA (marketed as IPS) panel with Free-Sync like the Acer XF270HUA (good),  Nixeus Edge 27 or Pixio PX277 (untested but likely fine), but the GTX 970 limitations make upgrading pretty much pointless. 
« Last Edit: October 01, 2018, 08:19:59 pm by NCX »