22" LCD for new gaming rig

[roofio86]

Hey guys

First post on the forum and was just looking for abit of advice about a new LCD.

Ive done a lot of research into the different 22" out there and orginally was going to go for the Samsung 226BW as I thought it cost abit more but you were guarenteed quality...until I read more upto date reviews saying that the previous S and the lower quality A panel, which could be calibrated to be almost as good as the S, had now extended to substandard C and P panels..Im really not up for the lottery if Im paying £200+

I then had pretty much settled on the Iiyama PLE2201W but realised it wasnt HDCP, as I would like to use the LCD for my PS3 also.

So then after a lot of deliberating I considered the LG226WTQ but would prefer the WT as there dont seem to be the same ghosting problems. Also was thinking about the Benq FP222WH as it has HDMI port also but Ive read much about both being fairly average in terms of colour accuracy and response time. Also the LG226WTQ is not easily calibrated according to a Behardware review, and also it seems LG are beginning the whole panel lottery aswell.

This lead me to think if I was paying almost £200 for a fairly average LCD, I might as well try and get best bang for my buck and I am beginning to settle on the HannsG HG216DP as for £150 its well priced and also comes with HDMI port but no DVI-D port but this isnt a problem as I can use my HDMI splitter and connect both my desktop and PS3 and switch between them with the remote

The only real problem I am having is the lack of indepth reviews of the HG216DP, or even any HannsG LCD. Whereas with all other LCDs I pretty much know if Im getting a good or crap panel and whether it can be calibrated to good levels. Though I am told HannsG are very reliable, and TBH at £150 I could probably afford to get a Spyder2Express for calibration if it isnt to good.

Basically just want to get some input as to what you guys make of my whole dilemma and whether anyone could offer up an suggestions a great HDCP LCD or offer some opinions of HannsG!

Thanks alot guys

[Zak33]

I'm in the same spot chap,,,,need same as you really.

Trouble is, the monitor panels seem to vary on Samsung's, so they're out.
Most of the 22" screens are often the slower style of panel, hence the cheapness, and frankly...I'm lost

[kalniel]

L226WTQ and just change the service menu to the right option and it seems to remove the ghosting (for two hexites at least).

[Zak33]

Dare I buy another LG? This one has had SO MANY storm midges/flies in it, that it's ruined.

LG do seem to suffer from that more than, say iiYama or NEC (both of which Sair uses, same room as my monitor, no midges)

[roofio86]

Ive decided to take a shot in the dark with the HannsG due to the tempting price and the face that it has HDMI ports. The gamble with the Samsung and LG panels just wasnt worth the risk IMO

Whereas with the HG216 even if it were the worst 22" in the world, I couldnt complain due to the cost
But I do have faith in HannsG though, I'll post a mini review of it when Ive got my new rig together if anyones interested

[Smudger]

PCPro magazine did a group review of 22" monitors a few months ago, and the HannsG one came out pretty well.

The one they reviewed was this one though: Hanns.G HW223DP which seems to be the full 22" one.

Review is here: PC Pro: Product Reviews: Labs: 20-22 inch TFTs

Fill your boots...

[Instinct]

I have an LG Flatron LG204WT or something its 20" so not quite what you want. The resolution 1680x1050. It has a 2000:1 contrast ratio (yes 2000) and 5ms response time. Its an excellent monitor and has had no problems. Its also a great price.

So id say LG are a good brand, or at least they did well with this monitor.

[Zak33]

PCPro magazine did a group review of 22" monitors a few months ago, and the HannsG one came out pretty well.

The one they reviewed was this one though: Hanns.G HW223DP which seems to be the full 22" one.

Review is here: PC Pro: Product Reviews: Labs: 20-22 inch TFTs

Fill your boots...

that's the one I read.....finding the monitor for sale is another issue

[Smudger]

That's a good point, i haven't seen it anywhere. Doesn't the article tell you where they sourced it from?

[Smudger]

Well, it doesn't online, I've got the magazine at home, I'll check in there...

[kalniel]

I have an LG Flatron LG204WT or something its 20" so not quite what you want. The resolution 1680x1050. It has a 2000:1 contrast ratio (yes 2000)

No it doesn't I have one also - the contrast ratio is 700:1, with dynamic backlight.

It is a good price and not a bad monitor, though there are better out there for both response time (this one has a 'real' response time of 15-25ms) and colour (though there's no noticeable dithering or banding, it's not as vibrant as it could be).

[amjedm]

Trouble is, the monitor panels seem to vary on Samsung's, so they're out.

I was hoping Samsung would have sorted out the issues by now?

I was after a 22" monitor a few months ago and went with the LG 22" monitor because of the Samsung panel lottery.