Author Topic: Advice/Help Thread  (Read 14319 times)

peat moss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #150 on: December 09, 2019, 07:55:49 pm »
Hi NCX,

What is the best 27" 1440p  IPS standard gamut monitor out there right now?

I'm looking for the best black levels, and the lightest anti-glare coating (but not full glossy). I don't do any gaming.

What panels should I look for (e.g. AH-IPS, PLS, AH-VA, etc) ?   Have any VA panels caught up to the quality of IPS panels yet?


Thanks!

Dtom

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #151 on: December 11, 2019, 11:22:50 pm »
Best 4K 27" for design, web dev

Hi NCX. I stumbled across your site tonight and I'm really amazed by your dedication to this subject. Thanks.

I'm looking for advice on a 4k 27" to be an external monitor for my MacBook pro.

Currently I have an old 1080 ViewSonic but it's time for an upgrade.

Right now I mostly do web dev and design but I also do print design. No hard core photo editing or color workflows but color accuracy is at least somewhat important.

I don't game at all -- well, I open Cities Skylines once and a while but that's about it -- so I don't care about any of those features.

Usually I work in a fairly well lit office area.

I'd like to keep it under $350.

I bought an LG 27UD68-W but I'm returning it. Picture seemed meh but maybe that's me. Also the stand seemed so so flimsy...

The Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q seemed like good build quality but a little more than I wanted to spend.

Any suggestions?

crislink

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #152 on: December 14, 2019, 06:45:32 pm »
Hi everyone.
I'm a designer.
Actually I've just bough a Dell S2719DC and it's quite good, but I'm thinking to go for a better panel overall. Colors are good but there is too much glow in my opinion and I do not like it in the dark of my environment.
I've discovered the Benq PD2720U (99 argb, 96 dci p3) and seems the best choice for me. Just discovered has the same panel of the Monoprice 4k 27 Vivid display (wich costs the half price), an LG LM270WR4.
Do you know more about the monoprice? WOuld you suggest that panel?

Do you think it's better going for a AHVA IPS or a IPS in my case? ( low light enviroment and screen brightness - 10/25% max - high color gamut requested - best contrast possibile)

What do you think of that LG Panel?

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #153 on: December 15, 2019, 09:47:34 am »
I'm looking for the best black levels

The non-professional-oriented AHVA/IPS/PLS all have around 1,000:1 contrast, grain free matte coatings, and almost all new monitors have fake bezel/frame-less casings with perceived black depth decreasing inner black bezels (example) which make the potential contrast gains (1300 vs 1000) irrelevant.  The BenQ PD2700Q (very accurate; review links) and Asus MG279Q (144hz but less accurate than the BenQ; review links) have perceived black depth increasing matte grey bezels, but normal contrast.

If you already have a decent 60hz 1440p AHVA/IPS/PLS panel the 32" 4K BenQ PD3200U (review links) is a true upgrade since it has has a low-glow AHVA panel and a perceived black depth increasing matte grey bezel. The Asus PG27UQ and Acer X27 with local dimming  are the only 27" monitors which best the BenQ contrast and glow wise, but at double the price.

Have any VA panels caught up to the quality of IPS panels yet?

No and never.

The Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q seemed like good build quality but a little more than I wanted to spend.

The Dell uses PWM flicker despite their Flick Free claims so I can't recommend it, especially since it's significantly less accurate than the Philips and equal to the LG's which are PWM/Flicker Free.  The Philips 276E8VJSB is as accurate as the 500$+ models, PWM/Flicker free, but does not have a height adjustable stand.  The BenQ PD2700Q (very accurate; review links) is a good 1440p alternative with a height adjust-able stand in your price range.

Do you know more about the monoprice? Would you suggest that panel?

No and no since I don't recommend untested monitors.

AHVA IPS or a IPS in my case?

It doesn't matter in this price and panel range, and AHVA/IPS/PLS with above 1,100:1 contrast are very rare, and black uniformity, lack of back-light bleed and perceived black depth(grey, silver or white bezel) are far more important than small contrast differences.

The BenQ PD2720's sRGB mode provides worse image quality than standard gamut monitors (it under saturates sRGB by 5% and locks the color controls) which is normal for wide gamut monitors in this price range.  Wide gamut monitors in this price range are a waste of money and a detriment (more glow and worse sRGB modes with locked color controls) if not needed for work with programs which support color management.

There are many better standard gamut 4K monitors (here) and 1440p monitors than versus the S2719DC which has below average preset RGB level accuracy (S2719DC versus Samsung S27H850QFU) compared to the monitors I recommend here
« Last Edit: December 15, 2019, 09:51:19 am by NCX »

peat moss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #154 on: December 18, 2019, 09:10:10 pm »
Thanks NCX.

I just came across this 27" monitor from NEC released last year. It's a wide gamut, but I think the sRGB mode can be adjusted.

https://www.necdisplay.com/p/displays/pa271q-bk

It boasts a 1500:1 contrast ratio.  Do you think the actual contrast is within the ball park of this number?  NEC isn't usually known for over-hyping their specs.

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #155 on: December 18, 2019, 11:26:05 pm »
It boasts a 1500:1 contrast ratio.

PC Mag measured 1100:1., and it's normal for professionally oriented monitors to have 10-30% lower contrast than advertised.  Significantly more money buys the Acer X27 or Asus PG27UQ with low glow (when local dimming is enabled) and 384 zone local dimming panels, but they suffer from flash lighting (watch the Lim's Cave review).

I thought you bought a low glow Eizo EV2736W with a Samsung LTM270DL04 or 06 PLS panel in 2013-2014 during the [H]ard Forum days.  No affordable (sub 2,000$) LCD panels compare, yet.  The Acer X27 and Asus PG27UQ have higher contrast, but I prefer the low glow, but sadly discontinued and very rare Samsung panel's lack of flash lighting.
« Last Edit: December 22, 2019, 12:21:53 am by NCX »

peat moss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #156 on: December 20, 2019, 02:54:14 am »
Hmm...that's quite a bit off from 1500:1.  Bummer. I was hoping it would be closer to the stated spec.

For low glow panels should I try to look for AHVA panels?


I was going to get that Eizo back in the HardForum days, but I got spooked by a bad sales support conversation I had when I called their California office to ask some questions. Added to this was the fact that Eizo doesn't have much presence in Canada. You can order Eizo from Amazon.ca, or Vistek, or a couple of online boutique PC retailers, but except for Amazon, return policies are kind of iffy. I ended up buying a cheap second hand 22" Dell for the time being, but I need to upgrade sometime within the next year. (I remember now, I think I also almost bought a BenQ monitor from you at the time).

240hzGodkingXxX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #157 on: December 20, 2019, 11:29:38 am »
What do you think of the newer AOC Agon AG251FZ2 240hz monitor? Is it worth it at $280 usd compared to other 240hz monitors?

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #158 on: December 22, 2019, 12:32:43 pm »
For low glow panels should I try to look for AHVA panels?

Only specific panels are low glow, and I listed the 1440p+ low glow panels already.  Also, the Acer X27 and Asus PG27UQ are only low glow when their 384 zone local dimming is activated.  The BenQ PD3200U is the only affordable 1440p+ and natively low glow panel.

What do you think of the newer AOC Agon AG251FZ2 240hz monitor? Is it worth it at $280 usd compared to other 240hz monitors?

Untested so no comment.

Godwin

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #159 on: January 05, 2020, 05:10:29 am »
Hello NCX, thanks for all your hard work over the years.

I currently use an IPS monitor and have been planning to buy a 27" VA as the second monitor for a while now since I consume a lot of dark content and annoyed by the glow in the corners of the screen.

So I've read your "best 144-165hz 1080p monitors" thread, and I guess I will have to choose between AOC C27G1 and MSI OPTIX MAG271C since Philips 278M6 is not available in where I live.

However, I have two other options in the same price range: Acer XZ272 and Asus TUF Gaming VG27VQ.

I'm having a hard time making a decision.

Any insight you can provide on them would be greatly appreciated.



NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #160 on: January 11, 2020, 03:24:44 pm »
Hello NCX, thanks for all your hard work over the years.

I currently use an IPS monitor and have been planning to buy a 27" VA as the second monitor for a while now since I consume a lot of dark content and annoyed by the glow in the corners of the screen.

So I've read your "best 144-165hz 1080p monitors" thread, and I guess I will have to choose between AOC C27G1 and MSI OPTIX MAG271C since Philips 278M6 is not available in where I live.

However, I have two other options in the same price range: Acer XZ272 and Asus TUF Gaming VG27VQ.

I'm having a hard time making a decision.

Any insight you can provide on them would be greatly appreciated.

144hz 1080p monitors are ranked here (the AOC is the best since the Philips is not available), and the Acer XZ272 and Asus VG27VQ are untested so I can't recommend them. 

diligentdeputy

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #161 on: January 23, 2020, 05:56:08 pm »
Hey NCX, you helped me a few years back. I haven't been checked in since the days of "any 4k, 144hz monitors? Should I wait?" lol. Awesome to see they are finally out there. And glad that I could remember your username and still find you. I was hoping to get some advice for my dad. With a 2070S, he'll be using the rig for a workflow, 3D architectural shenanigans, email, and movies. No gaming. I'd like to upgrade him to a dual-monitor or ultra wide setup, so that it feels like an upgrade from his single monitor setup. But without breaking the bank. What are your recommendations for best budget 4K in the 27" or 32" range? To dual up. Or one ultrawide monitor? I found your list for best flicker-free 4K monitors, but I struggled to find an area for best "budget" or "affordable" monitors. Thanks

Megathone

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #162 on: January 28, 2020, 01:19:45 am »
Hi NCX

I am interested about the ViewSonic VX2458-mhd because of the low minimum Brightness
but your review and prad review report different minimum brigtness value

http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/viewsonic-vx2458-mhd-review-matte-144hz-1080p-tn-with-amd-free-sync/msg679/#msg679

https://www.prad.de/testberichte/test-viewsonic-vx2458-mhd-gaming-monitor-neuheit/3/#HelligkeitSchwarzwertKontrast

It would be great if it is 15 cd/mē



NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #163 on: January 29, 2020, 08:47:35 pm »
I was hoping to get some advice for my dad. With a 2070S, he'll be using the rig for a workflow, 3D architectural shenanigans, email, and movies. No gaming. I'd like to upgrade him to a dual-monitor or ultra wide setup, so that it feels like an upgrade from his single monitor setup. But without breaking the bank. What are your recommendations for best budget 4K in the 27" or 32" range? To dual up. Or one ultrawide monitor? I found your list for best flicker-free 4K monitors, but I struggled to find an area for best "budget" or "affordable" monitors. Thanks

I factor price into my recommendations, but don't have specific budget picks or cover ultra-wide monitors.  Only 32" 4K VA panels are affordable and dual 27" are much easier to work with.  Also 32" VA panels usually need to be viewed from 3-4ft/90-120cm away to avoid seeing obvious gamma shift and color washout from the sides while AHVA/IPS/PLS can be viewed from 2ft/60cm.

27" 4K text is tiny and looks bad when enlarged by Windows which is necessary if the programs used don't support scaling.  The Philips 276E8VJSB is usually the cheapest, and one of the best 4K monitors, but it does not support VESA.  Philips also sells the 272P7VUBNB for 100$ more with a height adjustable stand and USB-C, but it is untested, though I suspect it is also great since their other 4K monitors are.  The LG 27UL550 (my review) is also very good and has a short, but height adjustable stand and supports VESA mounting.

The BenQ PD2700Q is a great affordable 2560x1440 monitor with a height adjust-able stand and VESA. 1440p is probably a better choice to avoid scaling issues, and cheaper too.  More 1440p options.

your review and prad review report different minimum brightness value

It's normal for monitor brightness and contrast to vary between the same panels, and it's pretty rare for monitors to have <50cdm/2 minimum brightness, but that is a large discrepancy.  I measure brightness and contrast with the User color controls enabled while I'm not sure if PRAD does.  Sometimes monitors brightness varies considerably when the color controls are unlocked or selected, even without modification.  Consider using bias lighting (light behind the display); I made a thread and video about bias lighting.

Megathone

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #164 on: January 30, 2020, 01:46:23 am »
Thanks for you reply

Yes, i use bias lighting (Hue play Bar), it helps a bit. But if i set the  bias lighting brightness  at 100%, my eyes begin to strain and i feel uncomfortable.
I also read about the viewing angle, it helps a bit.

It has been a nightmare since October 2019. I wanted to change my 10 years old monitor (Samsung Syncmaster 2243SN).
I had a 24G2U, 27G2U, VG249Q.
I discover IPS isnt for me, i cant bare ips glow , and since i like to be at 60 cm for reading, ips glow will always be here, except if i am at more than a meter

VA (MSI MAG272R) isnt for me either, because of the bleeding and smearing when there are black text on white background and vice versa
Curved VA(C24G1) feel weird when i read, but it is good for game immersion

So i went with TN. i followed your topic about viewing angle, position and height for vertical gamma shift

I had the VG258QR but it had horrible vertical gamma shift, with pixel inversion/scan line/ interlaced pattern artifacts
the VG248QG was a lot better, slight vertical gamma shift, no pixel inversion , but black feel weird. there is no glow but it feels something alike
The XF240H, i didnt notice vertical gamma shift, but the brightness strain my eyes, even with bias lighting. And overdrive at normal, had overshoot/inverse ghosting when there is black text on white background

I currently order a XG2401. From what i read on PCmonitor.info, Brightness should be ok (29 cd/mē) with good black (0.03 cd/mē), with no overshoot. I just hope it doesnt have pixel inversion/scan line/ Interlace pattern artifact