General Category => Monitor Reviews by NCX => Topic started by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:16:23 am
Title: HP 24 Envy Review: Semi-Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:16:23 am
Best Reviewed Flicker Free 24-25" 1080p IPS/PLS Monitors (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/general-discussion/best-24-25'-1080p-ipspls-monitors/l)
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(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1769/43407626982_7de2ff0bfe_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/298MrcL) DSC_0544 (https://flic.kr/p/298MrcL) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
2018: HP 25f Review: Almost-Glossy 75hz IPS with AMD Free-Sync (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-25/msg558/#msg558): 25er & 25es successor with AMD Free-Sync, native 75hz, the fastest pixel response times, but worse color accuracy than the 25er & 25es, and lower color space coverage than the older models.
2017: HP 24 Envy Review: Semi-Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/): The 24 Envy natively supports 75hz (no overclock required), can cover more of the HDTV/REC 709 color space than the 25-27" HP monitors, but is less accurate than the HP 25er and 25es.
2016: HP 25er/es Review (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-25er-25es-review-almost-glossy-1080p-lg-ah-ips/): Non-overclock-able 2016 Almost-Glossy/Low Haze Monitors with slightly more accurate color presets, 2x HDMI and 1x VGA.
2015: HP 27CW, 25XW and 27XW Review (https://web.archive.org/web/20171124033822/http://wecravegamestoo.com/forums/monitor-reviews-discussion/15935-hp-27cw-hp-25xw-27xw-review-almost-glossy-overclock-able-1080p-lg-ah-ips.html): Overclock-able 2015 monitors with worse preset color accuracy than the 25er and 25es.
The 25" and 27" HP CW/er/es/XW series monitors all use the same almost-glossy (Low Haze) coating which HP describes as:
"The reflective-ness typical with glossy screen surface is appreciably reduced with the Low Haze Screen enhancement, without losing clarity and contrast of screen imagery."
HP 25-27VX: These monitors use LED PWM Dimming or Flicker which ruins motion clarity and makes some people suffer from health issues like headaches and/or eyestrain. The VX monitors have less vibrant colors since they have a smaller and less accurate color gamut capable of covering up to 92% of the sRGB color space versus the 25-27CW & XW monitors 97%, and use a pure glossy coating while the 25-27 CW & XW monitors use a treated glossy or almost-glossy coating with some ant-reflective properties.
Review Information and Methodology:
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:20:07 am
Table of Content (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4200/35606946115_6a222b69f5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WfsUy4) DSC_0546 (https://flic.kr/p/WfsUy4) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
Features & Stand (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=86) Menu & Set-Up (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=87) Flicker/PWM Dimming (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=88) Brightness & Contrast (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=89) Semi-Glossy Coating (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=90) Ghosting (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=91) Input Lag (http://=http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=92) Preset Color Accuracy (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=93) Calibrated Image Quality (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=94) Perceived Black Depth (http://=http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=95) Viewing Angles (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=197) AH-IPS Glow (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=198) Playstation 3 & 4 (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=199) Xbox 360 & Xbox One (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=200) Settings & ICC Profile (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=201) Conclusion (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/monitor-reviews-by-ncx/hp-24-envy-review-glossy-1080p-ips-with-75hz-amd-free-sync/?message=232)
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:23:19 am
Features & Stand (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4201/34153759253_722814b2b3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U33WJa) HP 24 Envy Front & Back (https://flic.kr/p/U33WJa) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The HP 24 Envy uses a new variant of the Almost Glossy or Low Haze coating the HP 25-27 CW/er/es/XW monitors use, and the 24 Envy has a thinner fake-frame-less casing which they named a four sided micro-edge frame. The HP 24 Envy has a short stand which only tilts, Displayport, HDMI and USB-C. It natively supports 75hz, as well as AMD Free-Sync (requires compatible AMD graphics card) and comes with a VESA stand adapter.
The Dell S2418H and S2718H also use the same border-less casing/bezel; close up of the S2718H (https://3dnews.ru/assets/external/illustrations/2017/05/06/951857/ramki1.jpg) from the Dell S2718H Review by Alexander Gryzhin (https://3dnews.ru/951857/) (=DEAD=).
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:26:58 am
Menu & Set-Up (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4265/34946772170_0c97dc5e11_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Vf8kQE) DSC_0439 (https://flic.kr/p/Vf8kQE) by Dr NCX (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
Unlike the HP 25-27 CW/er/es/XW monitors the HP 24 Envy does not need to have its contrast reduced and only has one setting which needs to be changed which is the Video Overdrive setting which controls the monitors pixel response times. The Video Overdrive setting needs to be switched from Level 1 to Level 2, or 3; these settings are available under the Image Control Menu located in the main menu. For more information about the ghosting/overdrive/pixel response times refer to the Ghosting section of this review.
The AMD Free-Sync setting, Gaming - Free-Sync, in the Viewing Mode Menu must also be manually activated to enable Free-Sync with compatible AMD graphics cards and the Xbox One X. The Gaming - Free-Sync setting locks the color (Red, Green and Blue) controls, but not the Brightness and Contrast settings, and it provides the same preset color accuracy as the default setting.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:29:32 am
Flicker/PWM Dimming (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4218/35204545151_c43169791b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VCUuLp) DSC_0438 (https://flic.kr/p/VCUuLp) by Dr NCX (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The HP 24 Envy, 25" & 27" HP CW/er/es/XW series monitors are not advertised as being Flicker Free even though they do not use LED PWM Dimming (read about the side effects (http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/pulse_width_modulation.htm#side_effects)), regardless of high or low the brightness is set. LED PWM Dimming was tested for using the Blur Busters Test UFO Blur Trail/PWM Test from 0-100% Brightness. The lack of PWM is a good thing since PWM or Flicker ruins motion clarity (example (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/16320517710/)), and makes some people suffer from health issues such as headaches, and/or eyestrain.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:30:54 am
Brightness & Contrast (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4213/35313197002_a468960367_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VNvnbb) HP 24 Envy Brightness & Contrast (https://flic.kr/p/VNvnbb) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The brightness range of the HP 24 Envy ranges between 53-255cdm/2 which is very similar to the HP 25-27 CW/er/es/XW monitors, and suitable for all lighting conditions aside from the brightest, such as outside on a sunny day or in an office with lots of windows on a bright sunny day. The 1000:1 contrast is average (1500:1 is outstanding while 1200:1 is great) for a modern AHVA/IPS/PLS panel and too low for use in a light-less room, especially if the brightness is set above 25 (100cdm/2). The HP 25-27 CW/er/es/XW monitors contrast is a bit higher at 1100-1200:1, especially before reducing the Contrast from 80 to 75 to get rid of the green tint on light grey and white.
Like most other 1080p IPS/PLS panels, the HP 24 Envy, HP CW, er, es and XW monitors have frame-less casings which have inner black glossy bezels or frames which reduce the perceived black depth, or makes black look light (greyish) by comparison, but bias lighting (lamp placed behind the display) can be used to negate the need for reflection inducing room lights, and vastly increase the perceived black depth.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:33:42 am
Semi-Glossy Coating (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4162/34742685116_9bda5bf75f_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UW6kSm) HP 24 Envy Coating Comparison (https://flic.kr/p/UW6kSm) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
Left: HP 24 Envy (Semi-Glossy) Center:HP 25er/es (Low Haze / Almost Glossy) Right:Viewsonic VP2780-4k (Matte)
The HP 24 Envy uses a semi-glossy coating very similar to the coating most TV's use. The coating is equally as clear as the Almost-Glossy or Low Haze coating the HP 25-27 CW/er/es/XW monitors use, but looks washed out under bright lighting, and is more reflective.
The 24 Envy's semi-glossy coating looks a bit washed out under bright lighting, especially when display dark content since it turns light into a white haze. Some colors along with black wide screen movies letter box bars look obviously washed out under bright lighting compared to the Almost-Glossy or Low Haze coating and fully glossy coatings. The coating the 24 Envy uses is significantly worse than other glossy coatings under bright lighting, but looks great when used with bias lighting, or lights placed behind the display. I strongly advise against using the 24 Envy without bias lighting, otherwise it will look washed out which defeats the purpose of owning a glossy monitor since one of the main perks of glossy coatings is the enhanced vibrancy compared to matte coatings.
Ceiling (direct) Light versus Bias Light
Matte vs Low Haze vs Semi-Glossy with and without Bias Lighting
Top Left: Acer XB321HK (4K Matte AUO AHVA Panel) Top Right: HP 25es (almost-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS) Bottom Left: HP 24 Envy with ceiling light (semi-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS) Bottom Rightt: HP 24 Envy bias light (semi-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS)
Matte vs Low Haze vs Semi-Glossy with and without Bias Lighting
Top Left: BenQ Zowie RL2460 (Matte 1080p AUO TN Panel) Top Right: HP 25es (almost-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS) Bottom Left: HP 24 Envy with ceiling light (semi-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS) Bottom Rightt: HP 24 Envy bias light (semi-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS)
Glossy vs Low Haze vs Semi-Glossy with and without Bias Lighting
Top Left: SubGear (Glossy 1440p LG AH-IPS Panel) Top Right: HP 25es (almost-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS) Bottom Left: HP 24 Envy with ceiling light (semi-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS) Bottom Rightt: HP 24 Envy bias light (semi-glossy 1080p LG AH-IPS)
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:37:17 am
Ghosting (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4195/34523928103_72333cd3ce_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UALa2H) DSC_0427 (https://flic.kr/p/UALa2H) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4254/35599024805_fb327d9e79_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WeLiPK) HP 24 Envy PRTCF (https://flic.kr/p/WeLiPK) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
^The above compilation is of photos of the Test UFO Ghosting Test on the monitors featured in the compilation. Click here to view the test (https://testufo.com/ghosting). This part of the review was updated in 2019.
Out of the box, or by default, the HP 24 Envy's Response Time (erroneously named Video Overdrive in my Test UFO Ghosting comparison above) or pixel response time setting is preset to Level 1 while the HP 25 er and es have theirs preset to Off, just like the HP 27CW, 25XW and 27XW I reviewed in 2015 and 2016. The 24 Envy, 25er and 25es all offer extremely similar performance, the main difference being that the 24 Envy can natively overclock and has more Response Time settings. The 25er and 25es perform best when Level 2 of 3 is used, while the 24 Envy does when Level 2 and 3 of 5 are used. The 25er and es's Level 2 setting is most similar to the 24 Envy's Level 2 setting, and their Level 2 setting is essentially the same as the Video Overdrive On setting the CW and XW series monitors offer. The 24 Envy's Level 2 and 3 Response Time setting offer fast pixel response times close to a good TN panel, but with some obvious overshoot ghosting on light blue, yellow and white transitions when Level 3 is used. TN panels like BenQ Zowie RL2460 are indeed noticeably faster, but not significantly, and the increased speed or lesser amount of ghosting comes at a steep price which is TN panels vertical gamma shift and very restrictive viewing angles. Vertical gamma shift causes the top quarter of TN panels to be too dark, and the bottom half to be washed out, which results in the vertical, or top to bottom unevenness of colors and shades, and reduced vibrancy compared to AHVA/IPS/PLS and VA panels. TN panels also have very restrictive viewing angles which force one to only be able to look down at TN panels from above. I think most will be satisfied with the performance of the 24 Envy which offers extremely similar performance to the HP 25 and 27 inch CW/er/es and XW monitors I reviewed, as well as many other AHVA/IPS/PLS performance at 60hz.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1768/29585078628_a583db45f2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M5kg9y) Acer XB321HK vs BenQ Zowie RL2460 vs HP 25er and es vs HP 24 Envy (https://flic.kr/p/M5kg9y) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The only IPS-type panel I tested which is noticeably faster is the Acer XB321HK with Nvidia G-Sync, but it costs nearly five times more. Gamers who are only PC gaming may want to opt for a 144hz TN panel with significantly worse image quality like the LG 24GM79G or Viewsonic XG2401 and 2, or a 144hz VA panel like the Samsung C24FG70 and 73. Those who want to use both a PC and console for gaming, as well as care about image quality or dislike TN panels should consider the Dell SE2717H and HP 24 Envy which both support AMD Free-Sync and 75hz natively, or the matte Philips 257E7QDSB which can be overclocked to 75hz.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:39:16 am
Input Lag (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4248/35204536821_bf03373144_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VCUshM) DSC_0429 (https://flic.kr/p/VCUshM) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The HP 24 Envy and 25" & 27" CW/er/es/XW monitors can all be considered delay free (<3ms top screen Leo Bodnar measurement), but this is not surprising since most 1080p monitors are. Usually only multi-input 1440p-4k monitors have a around a frame (16.7ms) or two (33.33ms) of input lag. The Leo Bodnar device measures 9.8ms in the middle of the screen, but the Bodnar device has a built in delay and partially includes the monitors black-to-white pixel response times. Top screen Bodnar results are in the 3ms range, and both monitors tie with my CRT when using the SMT Tool. The actual signal delay (input lag without including the pixel response times) is likely less than a millisecond, but an oscilloscope is required to obtain the "true" value.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:46:40 am
Preset Color Accuracy (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4261/35334283085_02e2b326e0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VQnrkk) DSC_0395 (https://flic.kr/p/VQnrkk) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4280/35093700170_c3ac9cd10e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Vt7oq3) HP 24 Envy Preset Chart (https://flic.kr/p/Vt7oq3) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The HP 24 Envy is preset to the Neutral setting under the Color Control menu, and its colors are the same at both 60 and 75hz, as well as when the Custom RGB setting (unlocks the Red, Green and Blue controls) is selected in the Color Control menu. The other HP 25-27 CW/er/es/XW monitors colors changed slightly when set to the Custom RGB mode and when their refresh rate was changed. The 24 Envy also does not suffer from a blue or green tint when viewing the White Saturation Lagom page; the 24 Envy does not need to have its contrast reduced from 80 to 75 to get rid of the blue or green tint to greys.
HCFR Color Preset Measurements
-HP 24 Envy: Almost-Glossy/Low Haze LG AH-IPS (made in 2017) -HP 25er: Almost-Glossy/Low Haze LG AH-IPS (made in 2016) -HP 25XW: Almost-Glossy/Low Haze LG AH-IPS (made in 2015) -Philips 245C5Q: Matte 1080p LG AH-IPS (made in 2016) -Viewsonic VP2770: Matte 1440p Samsung PLS (made in 2012; tested in 2017) -Viewsonic VP2780: Matte 4K LG AH-IPS
HCFR Grey Scale
HCFR Gamma
HCFR RGB Levels
HCFR Color Temperature
HCFR CIE Diagram
There is no way to further improve the preset color accuracy of the HP 24 Envy, and aside from the Contrast issue mentioned above, the 24 Envy is slightly less accurate than the 25er/es I reviewed since the 24 Envy suffers from a stronger, but still mild preset blue and green tint. Another issue shared by a few other 24" 1080p IPS/PLS panels is the presence of <1mm thick vertical black lines which span from top to bottom of the panel when viewing some light colors such as light blue, grey and orange. Despite having gamed (Bloodborne, Destiny & Overwatch) on the 24 Envy for dozens of hours and looking at dozens of screen shots I did not notice the lines until the issue was pointed out to me by Magical Chicken here. Aside from the few test images I look at the 24 Envy only serves as a console gaming and YouTube monitor to me (replaced the 25er with it).
After noticing the vertical lines they can not be unseen, however I do not find them to be problematic for my uses (frequent console gaming), but this does not mean that others will notice or not notice the lines; results may vary.
PC Monitors also noticed the vertical black lines on the following monitors:
AOC I481FXH PC Monitors Review (https://pcmonitors.info/reviews/aoc-i2481fxh/) Viewsonic VP2468 PC Monitors (https://pcmonitors.info/reviews/viewsonic-vp2468/)
Flaws in all, the HP 24 Envy is still an excellent monitor with very accurate color presets capable of providing an appropriately vibrant and natural presentation of content. It's not neutral and not perfect, but very, very few monitors are, and the 24 Envy's Almost Glossy/Low Haze coating further enhances clarity and color vibrancy since it is free from clarity and vibrancy reducing matte coating grain and sparkle. Aside from the black vertical line issue I think the 24 Envy's reduced color accuracy compared to the 25er/es is worth putting up with in order to gain access to its native 75hz refresh rate and AMD Free-Sync for PC gaming. Console gamers and those who do not game should buy the 25er/es instead since it's both more accurate and cheaper. The HP 25-27XW are also still worth considering since they're only slightly less accurate than the 25er/es, can overclock to 75hz and are cheaper than the HP 24 Envy.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 03:48:20 am
Calibrated Image Quality (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4272/35167375592_9ea60650c8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VzBZxW) DSC_0452 (https://flic.kr/p/VzBZxW) by Dr NCX (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4262/35542441545_a29253c7f6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W9LiAi) HP 24 Envy Calibration Chart (https://flic.kr/p/W9LiAi) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The Blue setting needed to be greatly reduced from 255 to 219, but this left the monitor with an obvious green tint to white and some shades of grey. Reducing the Green setting from 255 to 247 and Red from 255 to 254 fixed the green dominance and left the HP looking very natural and neutral, and of course, accurate.
The HP 24 Envy is capable of covering 99% of the sRGB color space after calibration which is an excellent result for a budget monitor, and a superior result to the 25-27 HP CW/er/es/XW monitors which peaked at 94-98%. The 24 Envy's very accurate colors combined with the clarity and vibrancy reducing Low Haze coating provide a beautiful, but still flawed picture due to the thin black vertical lines visible on some light blue and orange shades.
The HP 24 Envy also looks a bit washed out when used with bright lighting due to its "frame-less" black bezel which the monitors high (versus OLED & Plasma) black level or low contrast (1,000:1) can not compete with. When the lights are off the HP looks even worse along with 99% of LCD panels which display black is greyish due to their low contrast, especially if their brightness is kept high in a light-less room.
When used with bias lighting (light placed behind the display) the HP 24 Envy looks beautiful since it, along with the majority of displays look much better when no light is penetrates the coating. Black blends with the glossy black frame-less bezel when used with my 4000 lumen 5000k LED light (example) and 5000 lumen 6500k CFL light (example) when the monitor's brightness is lowered to output 140cdm/2. Both of these lights cost 50$ Canadian, but they are essentially a one time investment which vastly improves the display viewing experience when used as a bias light since bias lighting eliminates reflections and vastly increases the perceived black depth of displays. Cheaper and dimmer bias lights can be used, but display brightness must be lowered to be used with dimmer lights. I use 140cdm/2 display brightness since it works well with a bright bias light and 2500 lumen ceiling light while <90cdm/2 display brightness functions well with 1500 lumen bias and ceiling lights.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on May 03, 2018, 05:40:27 am
Perceived Black Depth (https://farm1.staticflickr.com/843/43407700532_4056b60f20_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/298MP4S) HP 24 Envy TO1 NT vs T (https://flic.kr/p/298MP4S) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The Order 1886 Furnace Monitor Comparison Gallery (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/albums/72157662711357797)
All of the HP monitors have fake border-less or frame-less casings with inner black bezels which ruin the perceived black depth since the darkest black the monitors are capable of displaying is much brighter than that of the casings. Grey and silver casings help improve the perceived black depth, as well as don't look nearly as out of place as white casings do with most computer and display accessories such as desks, keyboards, mice and receivers.
The 24 Envy has a four sided black bezel and semi-glossy coating which puts it in last place in terms of perceived black depth and it also has the lowest measured contrast ratio of 1000:1 versus 1000-1200:1 after calibration for the other HP monitors. Proper display height paired with less than 100 nit or cdm/2 display brightness with a 2500 lumen bias light and no other light sources results in bezel blending perceived black depth from all the monitors, and no glare or reflections either. I have multiple articles and videos about bias lighting, display brightness and proper display height. The top of AHVA/IPS/PLS panels needs to at least match up with the viewers eyes, and ideally line up with the top of the viewers head to eliminate off angle vertical glow.
The semi-glossy coating used by the 24 Envy further reduces the perceived black depth under bright lighting. I put non-stick silver tape (3$ CAD for a roll) over the bezel to trick my eyes, or increase the perceived black depth vastly, however I still highly recommend only using the 24 Envy with bias lighting, which is a light(s) placed behind a display.
No Tape versus Silver Tape
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on July 16, 2018, 04:50:12 pm
Viewing Angles (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4287/34523924933_a11723b3fc_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UAL964)DSC_0409 (https://flic.kr/p/UAL964) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The 24 Envy suffers from the least amount of off axis vertical glow, and has the widest or most forgiving horizontal and vertical viewing angles out of the 24-27" 1080p HP monitors I tested. The CW, er, es and XW monitors are all pretty much the same viewing angle and glow wise. 32" 4K AHVA panels are the best in terms of minimal off axis glow and wide viewing angles, but all AHVA/IPS/PLS panels look awful when viewed from above or looked down at like one must do with a TN panel. AHVA/IPS/PLS panels only have wide viewing angles if the top of the display lines up with the top of the viewers head, and are not looked down at or from above. When set at the correct height all of the HP monitors offer forgiving viewing angles which allow one to lean back or off to the side without seing obvious contrast and color vibrancy loss, and are of course vastly superior to any TN panel when placed at the right height.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/930/43238924274_4fbe6191a9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28SSMLo) HP 24 Envy VA (https://flic.kr/p/28SSMLo) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on July 16, 2018, 04:51:00 pm
AH-IPS Glow (https://farm1.staticflickr.com/935/43052235955_54972112ea_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28AnXQg) HP 24 Envy Black & Glow (https://flic.kr/p/28AnXQg) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The 24 Envy suffers from the least amount of off axis vertical glow out of the 1080p IPS/PLS panels I've tested, and has the widest or most forgiving horizontal and vertical viewing angles. The CW, er, es and XW monitors are all pretty much the same viewing angle and glow wise. 32" 4K AHVA panels are the best in terms of minimal off axis glow and wide viewing angles, but all AHVA/IPS/PLS panels look awful when viewed from above or looked down at like one must do with a TN panel. AHVA/IPS/PLS panels only have wide viewing angles if the top of the display lines up with the top of the viewers head, and are not looked down at or from above. When set at the correct height all of the HP monitors offer forgiving viewing angles which allow one to lean back or off to the side without seing obvious contrast and color vibrancy loss, and are of course vastly superior to any TN panel when placed at the right height.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on July 16, 2018, 04:52:44 pm
Playstation 3 & 4 (https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4281/35294142216_537b54a740_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VLPGRo) DSC_0394 (https://flic.kr/p/VLPGRo) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The HP monitors scale 1280x720 and 1920x1080 without issue, and unlike the HP CW/XW monitors the er/es and 24 Envy monitors do not lack an HDMI Black Level setting and automatically and correctly, so the Playstation 4's RGB Range setting does not need to be changed.
PS3: PS4 & PS4 Pro:
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on July 16, 2018, 04:53:30 pm
Xbox 360 & Xbox One (https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1822/29585019778_8224b419e0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M5jXDU) DSC_0559 (https://flic.kr/p/M5jXDU) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
The HP 25-27 CW/er/es/f and 24 Envy monitors scale 1280x720 and 1920x1080 without issue, but the Xbox 360 must have its YCbCR709's setting selected to prevent the image from being washed out since the other settings send a 16-235 signal.
Xbox 360
Xbox One & Xbox One X
The HP 25f automatically reads both the Limited (16-235) and Full (PC RGB 0-255) signals sent out by the Xbox One and Xbox One X, and supports Free-Sync with the One S and One X if the Free-Sync setting is selected (Color Control Menu>Viewing Modes>Gaming FreeSync), and if the Allow variable refresh rate setting is selected in the Xbox One S and X's Display & sound Advanced video modes menu. Here's how to access this setting:
Quote from: Xbox One FreeSync and Variable Refresh Rates: Everything you need to know by Matt Brown
1.) Open the Settings app on Xbox One. 2.) Navigating to the Display & sound tab. 3.) Select the Video output tile. 4.) Select Video modes. 5.) Enable the Variable Refresh Rates checkbox.
Source=Xbox One FreeSync and Variable Refresh Rates: Everything you need to know by Matt Brown (https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-one-freesync)
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on July 16, 2018, 05:08:01 pm
Settings & ICC Profile (https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1792/42149409150_a7f05064e0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27dAJSS) DSC_0446 (https://flic.kr/p/27dAJSS) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
Use Color Sustainer (https://forums.guru3d.com/threads/application-color-sustainer-icc-profile-enforcer.386325/) to ensure games use ICC profiles.
Title: Re: HP 24 Envy Review: Glossy 1080p IPS with 75hz & AMD Free-Sync
Post by: NCX on July 31, 2018, 09:01:26 pm
Conclusion (https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1781/29585015988_039da41096_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M5jWwy) DSC_0551 (https://flic.kr/p/M5jWwy) by Deepinthesky Teslastorm (https://www.flickr.com/photos/97364704@N08/), on Flickr
+Displayport, HDMI & USB-C ports +Comes with cables for each video output as well as a VESA adapter +AMD Free-Sync and native 75hz support +Semi-Glossy coating is completely grain free and enhances clarity and color vibrancy +Accurate and vibrant color presets +99% sRGB/REC 709 color space coverage +Excellent calibrated image quality and out-of-the-box image quality +Accurate and neutral image quality without over-saturation and only marginal under-saturation +Wide viewing angles +Very minimal IPS glow when the brightness is not cranked in a dark room +Overdrive provides fast pixel response times for a 60hz non-TN panel without strong overshoot (Level 2) +Negligible input lag -<1mm thick black vertical lines visible when viewing light blue and orange -Minor preset blue and green dominance -Gamma is slightly too high -Semi-Glossy coating looks washed out under bright lighting -Border-less casing has an inner black bezel which reduces the perceived black depth -Overdrive settings are a bit too aggressive and cause overshoot ghosting
The 24 Envy is an excellent budget monitor for those who want good image quality and are not willing to pay significantly more for a 144hz monitor, or are like me and dislike both TN and VA panels. Slightly more accurate matte 1080p IPS panels exist, including models like the Dell SE2717H which supports 75hz and AMD Free-Sync, but it along with other great matte IPS panels like the XUB2492HSU-B1, Eizo 2451 and Philips 257E7QDSB don't have a color vibrancy and clarity enhancing coating, though they all look better than the 24 Envy in brightly lit rooms.
The HP monitors are my favorite budget monitors of all time since they offer excellent all around performance at a low price, as well as calibrated image quality I find preferable to far more expensive gaming monitors like the matte Acer XB321HK which has equally flawed out-of-the-box color accuracy despite costing five times more. I also prefer the HP monitors to all of the 144hz 1440p AHVA panel using G-Sync monitors which are marketed as IPS panels. I tested three of four of, the three being the Acer XB271HU, Asus PG279Q and Viewsonic XG2703-GS. The preset color accuracy of the HP monitors is superior to all of these since they're all too green, and are a bit washed out due to their low average gamma. Even after calibration I still prefer the HP monitors since they have less glow than the 27" AUO AHVA panels, have color vibrancy and clarity enhancing matte coatings, and don't purposefully over-saturate green like the 27" 1440p AUO AHVA panels do. The Acer 4K AUO AHVA panel using XB321HK offers better calibrated image quality than the HP monitors, as well as suffers from less glow, but its matte coating prevents it from being able to match the vibrancy and clarity of the HP monitors.
Best Reviewed Flicker Free 24-25" 1080p IPS/PLS Monitors (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/general-discussion/best-24-25'-1080p-ipspls-monitors/l)
Best Reviewed Flicker Free 27" 1080p IPS/PLS Monitors (http://bestmonitorsbyncx.createaforum.com/general-discussion/best-27'-1080p-ipspls-monitors/)