Not impressed by my HP w2207... Is SyncMaster 225BW any better?

[rippaman77]

After being a happy Samsung SyncMaster 204B owner for a year and change, I finally decided to move up to a 22 inch lcd. I loved my Samsung. Colors were accurate, it didn't ghost, and backlight bleeding was non-existent. However, I just decided I needed more real estate for my few gaming days and DVD viewing. So I decided to sell it on eBay and use the money the money towards a new 22 inch HP w2207. Before doing this, I was unaware of the whole 22 inch TN color reproduction issue.

Picking up my new w2207 was an exciting day. The thing was huge coming out of the box. However, once I connected it to my pc and turned it on, I immediately missed my Samsung. The colors were less rich and defined in comparison to my previous lcd. I did the usual calibration routine to see if I could adjust it but to no avail. After doing some research, I found out that almost all 22 inch lcds had TN panels with mediocre color production. Sadly, I was stuck with this large, color faded lcd. Everyone says "you won’t notice a difference". But I guess coming from a TFT panel to a TN panel, the difference is extra noticeable.

My question is about the SyncMaster 225BW. It claims to use a TFT panel. Is this correct, or is it really TN? The reason I ask is because I've noticed in so many threads people saying there are no 22 inches without TN panels currently out in the market. Does anyone know when the next "true" non-TN LCD will be available?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[jaguarskx]

TFT is basically another way of saying LCD. It is not another type of panel technology.

Panel Tech are as follows:

TN - As you can see TN panels sucks because the are 6-bit panels. All 22" monitors uses TN panels. TN panels have infiltrated almost all the market segments, like the 24" LCD monitor market. One exception is the Eizo ColorEdge CG221 which uses a S-IPS panel and has tons of extra electronics. At $5,000+ it is not for your average consumer.

MVA/PVA - These are 8-bit panels and these are the types of monitors you seem to be looking for. These are more expensive than TN panels, but they have true 16.7 million colors and better viewing angles so that colors will not look washed out. The only MVA/PVA monitors that I know of are in the 24" market and are generally priced over $580.

Lenovo will be releasing a 22" LCD monitor (ThinkVision 220x) that uses a MVA panel which is to be released in November @ $550. I think street price should be a little less.

Lenovo launches 22-inch WUXGA ThinkVision L220x


S-IPS - Expensive and offers the best color accuracy and viewing angles. Probably more money than you want to spend.

 

[jaguarskx]

Go to the following site for more info about LCD/TFT

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/

Edit: By the way, the Samsung SyncMaster 204B also uses a TN panel.

 

[rippaman77]

Thanks a lot for the help. It looks like I'll go with the BenQ FP241W. Amazing customer reviews and it might also come in handy for the new $400 PS3 coming next month. It might be a little pricey but after I sell off my W2207 (this monitor seriously stinks for all the hype it got) I'll be able to dish out a few hundreds just in time for the holidays.

Has anyone seen, or better yet own, this monitor?

Also, would constantly playing PS3 on the LCD monitor shorten its life span?

Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rippaman77]

Wow didn't know the Syncmaster 204B used a TN panel. I wonder why the colors on this monitor seems so inaccurate in comparison. Could it be HP w2207's glossy screen vs. Samsung's matte?

 

[Hose]

Wow didn't know the Syncmaster 204B used a TN panel. I wonder why the colors on this monitor seems so inaccurate in comparison. Could it be HP w2207's glossy screen vs. Samsung's matte?

Glossy screen usually enhances color depth and contrast. TN panels often have issues with color accuracy, though that appears to be getting better.