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Vrock
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20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 8:55 am

So it looks like I'll be a bachelor for a while as my SO won't get transferred immediately with me when I move to PA. I've been in the market for a new monitor for a while but haven't had an excuse to replace my beastly CRT until now.

Criteria:

I want an all-in-one decent display for computing, PS3, OTA HDTV, and DVD/Blu-ray.

~720p native (1366x768 resolution)

HDMI w/ HDCP (at least one, two is better)

20"-23" screen size as listed above

Less than $500.

I'm tossing around these three displays right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889112020 (it's cheap and 23". that's about all it has going for it)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005006 (on the small side and I don't know much about it)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 889102122R (clearly the best of the three, but it's open box, which makes me nervous. If it was new for that price, it'd be mine.)

What other options are out there that I'm missing?
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 9:29 am

Oh dude, you are so looking in the wrong place. Try this instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... pk=fhd2400

Gateway FHD2400 24" LCD monitor

features:

* Full 1080P
* DVI
* HDMI
* HDCP support
* Coax and S-Video inputs
* Composite inputs
* Awesome picture-in-picture support
* > 1000:1 native contrast ratio
* > 92% color gamut

I own one and highly recommend it for BOTH PC and TV. Movies and games look incredible and any resolution thanks to high color and contrast ratio. Only downsides are viewing angle and potentially the glossy screen that could reflect windows or lights behind you (a problem that I do not have).

Edit: Here's a good review and comparison with many other top 24" monitors. The TN-panel-based Gateway takes home the second prize, bested only by the S-PVA-based Dell 2408WFP.
JdL
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Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 9:37 am

Nice, but no speakers, no TV tuner, it's TN, and I don't like that 1920x1200 resolution.
 
JdL
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 10:00 am

You actually want built-in speakers? :o

I understand on the TV-tuner part. External or USB-based tuners really aren't as good as the ones built into TV's -- but that only makes sense if you want over-air HDTV signal. If you've got cable or satellite, you dont' need the tuner.

Not sure why you don't dig the resolution. You planning on using it from 10 feet?

Edit: For TV's, here are a couple models that I would consider, given the constraints:

23" LG model: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005015
LG's with the high contrast ratio (relatively speaking) and good brightness are excellent screens. I personally own a 42" model and I find its quality comparable to that of Sony or Samsung.

26" LG model: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005007
It's a bit larger than what you asked for, but still under the $500 cap.

22" LG model: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/LG-22-LC ... tDetail.do
This is a brand-new model that claims to support up to 1680x1050, which should give you a nice sharp image on those BluRay movies.
JdL
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Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 11:17 am

JdL wrote:
You actually want built-in speakers? :o
Yes. The intent is to use this as an all-in-one display for a while, and then eventually it will probably wind up as a bedroom TV.

JdL wrote:
Not sure why you don't dig the resolution. You planning on using it from 10 feet?
No 16x9, no sale. I'm sure it'll 1:1 pixel map with black bars for 16x9, but I see no need to pay for screen real estate I don't need and won't use. Since I'll mostly be playing PS3 or watching TV on it, 1366x768 makes much more sense, and that resolution will be acceptable for computer use too.

JdL wrote:
Edit: For TV's, here are a couple models that I would consider, given the constraints:

23" LG model: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005015
LG's with the high contrast ratio (relatively speaking) and good brightness are excellent screens. I personally own a 42" model and I find its quality comparable to that of Sony or Samsung.

26" LG model: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005007
It's a bit larger than what you asked for, but still under the $500 cap.

22" LG model: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/LG-22-LC ... tDetail.do
This is a brand-new model that claims to support up to 1680x1050, which should give you a nice sharp image on those BluRay movies.
The 23" LG looks interesting. Thanks.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 12:39 pm

Vrock wrote:
JdL wrote:
Not sure why you don't dig the resolution. You planning on using it from 10 feet?
No 16x9, no sale. I'm sure it'll 1:1 pixel map with black bars for 16x9, but I see no need to pay for screen real estate I don't need and won't use. Since I'll mostly be playing PS3 or watching TV on it, 1366x768 makes much more sense, and that resolution will be acceptable for computer use too.


Sorry if I'm beating an already dead horse, but as you'll read here, the Gateway actually has multiple scaling modes just like an LCD TV would. Here's a clipping:

"The FHD2400 has four aspect ratio options: Wide, Zoom, 1:1, and Panoramic. "Panoramic" scaling only shows up with component (and perhaps other analog video connections), but then it just seems to do the same thing as "Wide". "Wide" fills the entire LCD with your current resolution, while "Zoom" fills the height or width while maintaining the correct aspect ratio. "1:1" is again a direct-mapped mode without any stretching."

With Zoom you would not have black bars. You've got to take my word when I say that this thing totally blows away ANY TV in terms of sheer display quality. For speakers, these look like they're the best value in a 2.0 configuration (and will totally blow away any built into a TV), and your total display + speakers cost would still be about $500.

Oh well. Just my thoughts. :)
JdL
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Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 1:13 pm

I'm not sure how else I can say this: I do not want scaling, thanks, and I do not need 1920x1200, and I need speakers and a tuner. :)

This set looks to have what i want, but it's impossible to find correct specs for it. Even Samsung's own specs and brochures contradict themselves. Some list it as having 1 HDMI, some 2, some websites say it's a 1366x768 panel, and others say it's a 1680x1085 or whatever. Most frustrating.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 1:17 pm

Have you gone to Sams yet?
 
Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 1:23 pm

Usacomp2k3 wrote:
Have you gone to Sams yet?
No, I've looked on their website though. They have some nice 26" TVs that would probably work, but they're larger than I want and cost a bit more, too.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 2:17 pm

Willing to take a chance on a refurb?

I purchased a pair of Westinghouse LCDs, one a HDTV.
I got a great price on them, and used my Visa card to add a 5 year warranty to each one.

My thread about it, with pics.

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=55228

I think the true value is right around the 32" size, but here are some 19" to 27" models for a little less.

All under $500 with shipping.

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=40437119

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=38243649

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=38243614

Hope this helps.
 
Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 3:15 pm

The 27" model has potential....larger than I wanted, but for the price, wow. I'll have to measure my desk and see if it will fit. Thanks for the links.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 3:54 pm

I have a friend who has that same 27" Westinghouse and it looks pretty good. I would imagine that the 26" is not much different :)
JdL
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Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 5:33 pm

Gah, the 26 and 27 inch units are too big for my computer desk. Tis a shame.

*However*

I think I have found a winner:

LG 20LS7DC

Essentially the same set as the LG in my first post. It's on the smaller end of my requirements, but it'll make a dandy computer monitor or bedroom TV. Gateway sells them for $350 shipped. The viewing angles and contrast ratio could be better, but for $350 I ain't gonna bitch too much. Anyone have anything good, bad, or indifferent to say about it?
Last edited by Vrock on Tue May 13, 2008 5:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 5:35 pm

I'll be indifferent.
...
 
Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 5:38 pm

It appears to have an S-IPS panel, too.
 
JdL
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 5:59 pm

Definitely the best choice of the options, in my opinion. The bigger 23" version of the same model only runs for $399.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005015
JdL
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Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 6:18 pm

JdL wrote:
Definitely the best choice of the options, in my opinion. The bigger 23" version of the same model only runs for $399.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005015
And it's tempting. But I'd have to get a new desk, as it's just a hair too wide. :(
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Tue May 13, 2008 9:18 pm

Note that the LG 20LS7DC has an S-IPS panel while the 20LS7D and 23LS7D are TN.
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Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 6:39 am

crazybus wrote:
Note that the LG 20LS7DC has an S-IPS panel while the 20LS7D and 23LS7D are TN.
That's good info. Thanks.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 8:58 am

Vrock, you need pink. :lol:

I'm astonished to see that there are TN panels in LCD TV's. I thought they were totally immune from such devices (though I guess for most people, they wouldn't mind as they could get a bigger screen for less and not know what they're missing).
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 9:02 am

Off topic, but where in PA are you moving too?
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 9:21 am

derFunkenstein wrote:
Vrock, you need pink. :lol:

I'm astonished to see that there are TN panels in LCD TV's. I thought they were totally immune from such devices (though I guess for most people, they wouldn't mind as they could get a bigger screen for less and not know what they're missing).

As am I. Viewing angles are much more of a concern for TV's than computer. Both vertically and horizontally.
 
Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 9:33 am

derFunkenstein wrote:
Vrock, you need pink. :lol:
It takes a real man to have a pink TV/monitor. Frankly, I don't think I'm that real of a man. :lol:

derFunkenstein wrote:
I'm astonished to see that there are TN panels in LCD TV's. I thought they were totally immune from such devices (though I guess for most people, they wouldn't mind as they could get a bigger screen for less and not know what they're missing).
Yeah it's all about the $$ I guess.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 9:34 am

Corrado wrote:
Off topic, but where in PA are you moving too?

We'll eventually wind up around Carlisle, but I'll be in Harrisburg by myself for some time.
 
Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 10:32 am

Anyhow, I got the 20" LG. Found it at a reputable online dealer for $330 shipped. If anyone is interested, I'll report on performance and whatnot in this thread when it arrives.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 12:44 pm

Wow, that's quite impressive...$330 is reasonable.

I'm not sure I'd like using the computer with a 768-pixel-high screen anymore...I'm stuck with one for work and hate it. The extra width might be worth it though, I guess.
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Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Wed May 14, 2008 1:05 pm

derFunkenstein wrote:
Wow, that's quite impressive...$330 is reasonable.
Yeah, I thought so, especially for a "jack of all trades, master of none" type solution.

derFunkenstein wrote:
I'm not sure I'd like using the computer with a 768-pixel-high screen anymore...I'm stuck with one for work and hate it. The extra width might be worth it though, I guess.
Two things that might make you LOL:

1) My display at work is a crappy 15" Dell running VGA connections at 1024x768.

2) My display at home is a nice 19" Sony Trinitron at 1152x864. Sometimes I run it at 1280x960, but the font gets kinda small.

So I think I should be okay with the 768 height. We'll see.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Sat May 17, 2008 7:37 am

I got the panel yesterday. Overall I am pleased; as the all-in-one machine that I was looking for it does a fine job. Blacks out of the box aren't great, but I was able to tighten them up quite a bit by putting the panel into low power mode and tweaking the 100 step backlight control. The TV and tuner section are pretty solid; it pulled in and decoded tons of HD channels from my cable that I didn't know existed. PS3 and DVD/Blu-ray over both component (1080i) and HDMI (you can run 1080p via HDMI on this machine) look great, can't complain there at all. My only real gripe is that the panel is just an average computer monitor. It has a native res of 1360x768 (at least on my Nvidia card, that's what it shows) and that's fine. The issue is text: it's sharper/finer in some places than it is in others. This occurs when using either the RGB VGA port or the HDMI port, so it's not an analog/digital issue. I was able to mostly resolve this issue by enabling Clear Type and using the Clear Type tuner; this evened out the text.

Overall I would recommend this display for someone looking for a machine that's a jack of all trades, but if super-sharp text clarity is a requirement you should probably look elsewhere.

*edit: I don't seem to have the text problem when I run the display 1:1 pixel mapped at 1024x768. So I'm thinking the text anomalies I see at 1360x768 are a driver issue. Especially since LG lists the native res of this display as 1366x768, but Nvidia thinks it is 1360x768. Hmmm.
 
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Sat May 17, 2008 8:40 am

Try a custom res in the NV control panel using the resolution LG gives and see if that gets rid of the fuzzy text issue?
 
Vrock
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Re: 20-23", 720p, under $500?

Sat May 17, 2008 8:48 am

SpikeMeister wrote:
Try a custom res in the NV control panel using the resolution LG gives and see if that gets rid of the fuzzy text issue?
I did. It only made things worse and introduced overscan. Very strange.

The fuzzy text issue isn't really fuzzy. Maybe I'll post a pic. There'll be sharp as a tack text right next to text that looks "fatter". But, again, I don't get this running the monitor in 1024x768...either 1:1 pixel mapped or stretched to fit the screen. Odd.

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