Author Topic: Advice/Help Thread  (Read 14290 times)

Koss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #210 on: May 06, 2020, 10:09:33 am »
In the day environment I can see the benefits of a matte screen. It's a little less harsh on the eyes now. It's in darker environments that the low haze screen really shines. Also, I enabled "full color" on the matte screen and that made a big difference. I think many people could be running their screens at limited color 16-235 instead of 0-255 because HDMI sometimes does that by default. This can explain some of the reviews calling certain screens washed out and lacking good black levels. It's a big difference.

salty363

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Re: Advice please
« Reply #211 on: May 06, 2020, 11:25:09 am »
Quote
NCX: Thank you for the kind comments.  The MSI has a fake-bezel/frame-less casing with a perceived black depth decreasing black bezel which partially negates the point of having a VA panel, especially when also dealing with the slower pixel response times and less sharp text vs AHVA/IPS/PLS, and warped curved image.  3$ silver tape can be put on the inner bezel, but the MSI, but there are better 32" 4K VA panels, though no monitor come close to the Samsung plasmas.  I highly recommend saving up for the BenQ PD3200U.  The PD3200U competes with VA panels perceived black depth wise since the PD has a perceived black depth increasing matte grey bezel and low glow AHVA panel.

I use this silver Scotch tape on a few fake border or frame-less monitors I own such as the HP 24 Envy (HP 24 Envy with and without tape and HP 25er without and without tape) and 25er.  I've removed and re-taped a few monitors after a few months and not had issues with residue, however I must warn that adding tape to a monitor may void the warranty.


If you really want a VA panel the BenQ EW3270U (review links) and LG 32UD59 review links both have better image quality than the MSI, proper bezels/cases and should be competitively priced against it.  The BenQ requires some research and set-up to use properly since it has a native DCI-P3 (wide gamut) panel, passable HDR and a good SDR mode.



Thank you NCX for that breakdown and information, it was very helpful indeed, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I had already decided on the MSI MAG321CURV by the time you sent this. I don't think I would have found a better deal than the one I got, and needed it rather soon with shipping/delivery in mind.

Having said that, I checked out the reviews on the monitors you mentioned, and I completely see where you're coming from regarding many factors such as colour gamut and bezels. Despite the specs of those VAs, coming from much larger and older TVs at 1080p, and being my first monitor, I don't think I'll see the differences that seasoned experts or long-time monitor consumers will see.

I've also never used an IPS, so on that front, although I will enjoy this first monitor I got that's VA and will probably love the colours and all being it's my first so I don't have the bias to compare, I do think I will likely switch to an IPS for my next monitor in a couple years just to see the difference. This is assuming VA doesn't improve much over its IPS counterpart. Clearly the facts and tests says it all, as you've shown.

In a way, I may have subconsciously opted for VA knowing full well that as a first monitor it may be my only chance to appreciate it before experiencing IPS. Of course, I care a lot about contrast/blacks, especially coming from the last good old plasma tv that finally bit the dust. But I switched to a basic Sony Bravia 42in 1080p after that one for the last two years. My purchase at the end of the day really came down to the value for the price point that I found with the MSI MAG321CURV while ticking my specs boxes such as curved (although I see you make a valid point on curves), USB ports, price, size and resolution.

Being my first monitor I wasn't going to discern differences like most others and would fully appreciate what I'm getting in colours, vibrancy, and all as I have no subjective or factual comparisons to go by. But based on what I've read and seen such as your amazingly accurate tests and reviews, I will most likely be more subjective in my next purchase, and it may most likely be IPS.

For now, I'm just going to enjoy my first monitor which happens to be VA. I've grown very intrigued by this subject though, thanks in large part to your reviews, feedbacks, findings, and general content. It'll be exciting to see the developments for the next gen VAs IPSs and TNs.

Thanks again for your help, feedback and support.
« Last Edit: May 06, 2020, 11:30:05 am by salty363 »

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #212 on: May 09, 2020, 06:46:37 pm »
You say the 25f is not quite as good as the 25er, or do you think it's the luck of the draw?

I think it has a new variant of the panel since a HP 25er tested last year was very similar to the 25f and worse than the 25er and es I tested in 2016.  The 25f is a good monitor though and on par with most of the best budget 1080p IPS/PLS.  The 25er and es from 2016 were exemplary at the time, especially for the price, but there are other affordable and outstanding panels like the Samsung S24E650PL and now discontinued Philips 257E7QDSB which also came out in 2016.

Also, should have a new HP low haze around this fall?

I hope so but I haven't seen any announcements for glossy-type monitors.

Is the HP 22xw that I have flicker free? I can't find any information on that.

Don't know but you can test for it with this after reading the instructions:

https://testufo.com/blurtrail

Koss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #213 on: May 10, 2020, 08:13:19 pm »
How about the Samsung 24" FHD Monitor with Bezel-LESS Design - LS24R350FHNXZA, Dark Blue Gray

Says only 1000:1 contrast.

The VA 27" curved Philips has much better contrast.

I'm wondering if the Philips is better for eye and brain comfort, but I've also read many reviews on Amazon complaining of defects on their Philips units, which seem to have a high rate of issues.

Koss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #214 on: May 10, 2020, 08:54:39 pm »
When I try that PWM test page, I get a "sync failure" error at the bottom, which is telling me to move all my apps to my primary monitor.

I don't know what that means, and if it means the test won't work properly.

I don't notice any difference running that test at various brightness levels on my 22xw, and the results look the same as on my 25er. I'm assuming the 22xw is flicker free, but with that sync failure error I can't know for sure.

Of my two HPs, I definitely prefer the low haze 25er. I bought this 25er when the 22xw seemed to be straining my eyes and someone suggested the low haze feature might help.

Koss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #215 on: May 11, 2020, 04:20:57 am »
Now my HP 25er is starting to fail. Losing focus? I don't know how to term it except that I can see very faintly horizontal lines. The backlight has only about 13,000 hours.

I tried changing the cable, and it looks the same in the BIOS as in the OS. Just has a subtle grainy look about it now.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2020, 04:22:35 am by Koss »

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #216 on: May 11, 2020, 08:08:56 pm »
Samsung 24" FHD Monitor with Bezel-LESS Design - LS24R350FHNXZA


I can only vouch for the quality or lack of for the tested monitors in my Best Reviewed Flicker Free Buying Guides, or check the review sites linked to here.

When I try that PWM test page, I get a "sync failure" error at the bottom, which is telling me to move all my apps to my primary monitor.


Set the 25er to the primary monitor.  Desktop Right Click>Displays>Scroll down and click the Make This My Main Display Box.

Now my HP 25er is starting to fail. Losing focus? I don't know how to term it except that I can see very faintly horizontal lines. The backlight has only about 13,000 hours.

I tried changing the cable, and it looks the same in the BIOS as in the OS. Just has a subtle grainy look about it now.

Call or email HP and see if they will exchange it or take it for repair.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2020, 08:11:39 pm by NCX »

VanKid

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #217 on: May 12, 2020, 10:53:11 am »
Hello! My monitor recently broke, so after 7 years itīs time for a new one.
For me the contrast and colours would be most important, theoretically speaking. I donīt know if I would even spot the difference. But at least the few times I played horror games, the lacking contrast of my old monitor was visible. I would go for an OLED TV for the heck of it, but thatīs not in my price range right now which would be up to ~350€.
I have my eyes on the Aoc C27G1 and the Samsung C27FG73. They apparently have a static contrast of ~3000:1, and besides that get they get great reviews in a lot of places, including this site.
But the thing is, I donīt really care about the 144hz these monitors offer. So if there are any HD monitors with similiar or better quality/contrast/colours you know of, [perhaps even cheaper than the ones mentioned as of the missing refresh rate,] please let me know. Size also wouldnīt be a problem, my previous one was 23".
Kindly looking forward for your advice, thank you in advance!

Koss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #218 on: May 17, 2020, 05:30:38 pm »
The grainy look of my HP 25er fixed itself, but now instead of one horizontal blue line, I have 2. Still very usable, but something obviously is failing. Only 13,000 backlight hours. Out of warranty. I wouldn't expect HP to help me given that I bought this in early 2017.

rasmas

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #219 on: May 20, 2020, 11:26:53 am »
Really weird (or stupid xD ) idea-question: to achieve a "glossy" coating over a matte monitor, would something like the "Displex Scratch Remover" do anything good?

I've read someone that applied it to a matte monitor (to fix a scratch) and turned it a bit glossy. Not really sure what is that made of and probably you'll need a lot of the "paste", but as you are a glossy lover maybe you attempted something like that. I highly doubt i would ever try myself but just curious.

(most likely there is not really any product that can "paint" a glossy coating but the comment i read made me curious, you never really know if they invented something -probably not xD -)



Thanks anyway ;) .


The grainy look of my HP 25er fixed itself, but now instead of one horizontal blue line, I have 2. Still very usable, but something obviously is failing. Only 13,000 backlight hours. Out of warranty. I wouldn't expect HP to help me given that I bought this in early 2017.
I would ask HP support, maybe they can be of any help anyway.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2020, 11:33:52 am by rasmas »

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #220 on: May 20, 2020, 08:01:15 pm »
I have my eyes on the Aoc C27G1 and the Samsung C27FG73. They apparently have a static contrast of ~3000:1, and besides that get they get great reviews in a lot of places, including this site.
But the thing is, I donīt really care about the 144hz these monitors offer. So if there are any HD monitors with similar or better quality/contrast/colours you know of, [perhaps even cheaper than the ones mentioned as of the missing refresh rate,] please let me know. Size also wouldīt be a problem, my previous one was 23".

The Samsung has vastly superior perceived contrast versus the AOC since the Samsung has a matte grey bezel versus the AOC's inner black bezel.  The smaller Samsung C24FG73 is equally as good as the 27".  The older, tested, 60hz + 1080p and non-curved 24" VA panels were significantly worse than the 27" models and I don't know of any newer tested 24-27" 60hz VA panels which are good.  Also, the newer 144hz Samsung panels also have fake bezel/frame-less bezels like the AOC monitors, so I'd definitely try out a C24FG73 before it gets replaced.

Really weird (or stupid xD ) idea-question: to achieve a "glossy" coating over a matte monitor, would something like the "Displex Scratch Remover" do anything good?

Someone made an Acer XB271HU glossy accidentally with scratch remover, but I have not seen this process repeated; there's no surefire way to make the fake bezel/frame-less panels glossy, and often those who try the distilled water + paper towel method end up removing the polarizer and ruining their display. 

I wouldn't expect HP to help me given that I bought this in early 2017.

No harm trying.
« Last Edit: May 21, 2020, 06:15:22 am by NCX »

rasmas

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #221 on: May 21, 2020, 05:33:20 am »
...
Really weird (or stupid xD ) idea-question: to achieve a "glossy" coating over a matte monitor, would something like the "Displex Scratch Remover" do anything good?

Someone made an Acer XB271HU glossy accidentally with scratch remover, but have not seen this process repeated; there's no surefire way to make the fake bezel/frame-less panels glossy, and often those who try the distilled water + paper towel method end up removing the polarizer and ruining their display. 
...
That's a curious result on the post; weird people has not found a method to do it "safely", although not sure how that can look in real life :D .
Thanks ;) .

salty363

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Re: Advice please
« Reply #222 on: May 22, 2020, 05:34:18 am »
Thank you for the kind comments.  The MSI has a fake-bezel/frame-less casing with a perceived black depth decreasing black bezel which partially negates the point of having a VA panel, especially when also dealing with the slower pixel response times and less sharp text vs AHVA/IPS/PLS, and warped curved image.  3$ silver tape can be put on the inner bezel, but the MSI, but there are better 32" 4K VA panels, though no monitor come close to the Samsung plasmas.  I highly recommend saving up for the BenQ PD3200U.  The PD3200U competes with VA panels perceived black depth wise since the PD has a perceived black depth increasing matte grey bezel and low glow AHVA panel.

I use this silver Scotch tape on a few fake border or frame-less monitors I own such as the HP 24 Envy (HP 24 Envy with and without tape and HP 25er without and without tape) and 25er.  I've removed and re-taped a few monitors after a few months and not had issues with residue, however I must warn that adding tape to a monitor may void the warranty.


If you really want a VA panel the BenQ EW3270U (review links) and LG 32UD59 review links both have better image quality than the MSI, proper bezels/cases and should be competitively priced against it.  The BenQ requires some research and set-up to use properly since it has a native DCI-P3 (wide gamut) panel, passable HDR and a good SDR mode.


Hi NCX and monitor community - a crazy update on this. Firstly, I'm enjoying the MSI MAG321CURV, nice black levels, colours are good, like the curve, but I found somewhat noticeable dead pixels up close and the backlight bleed can sometimes be noticeable.

More importantly, when I decided to ask BHPhotoVideo about an exchange for the LG 27UL550 due to a potentially defective monitor, they didn't even give me a chance to confirm and just decided to issue me an exchange, immediately informed me of the new order and even threw in that there is no need to return my 'defective' monitor.

So now I get to keep the MSI and I'm getting a brand new LG 27UL550, the one you NCX reviewed so well, for free. Maybe it's meant to be that I got that one, as I had my eye on it for quite some time, plus it's IPS and seems to have rendered great reviews by you and across the community for its many pros.

A part of me doesn't want to try it once I get it because I don't want it to veer me off from the MSI or see the difference and become subjective. It will be my second monitor that I never planned to get hah. But alas I digress, I'll update on the new monitor LG27UL550 once I've tested it out.

Thought you'd enjoy/appreciate this update. Take care and be safe all.

Koss

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #223 on: May 24, 2020, 01:59:46 am »
Any thoughts on this?
https://www.monitornerds.com/asus-va249he-preview/

I know you seem generally to prefer IPS to VA, but I've encountered many people saying VA is more comfortable for those prone to eye strain.

NCX

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Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #224 on: May 24, 2020, 01:37:46 pm »
I'll update on the new monitor LG27UL550 once I've tested it out.

Interested to read your thoughts.  If the LG does ruin the MSI for you, you can always sell the MSI locally and buy a second AHVA/IPS/PLS, though I don't recommend doing so right away in case B & H Photo changes their mind and demands it back or cancels the refund.

Any thoughts on this?

Monitor Nerds is not a real review site.  They are an Amazon affiliate site which puts monitor specifications in paragraph form and makes the rest up.  VA text is less sharp than AHVA/IPS/PLS, it's not possible for VA to be easier on the eyes unless the AHVA/IPS/PLS has a very grainy matte coating, and usually only professionally oriented monitors do.
« Last Edit: May 24, 2020, 01:39:54 pm by NCX »