Can anyone advise me about responsive/'fast input switching' monitors? (more explanation inside!)

peanutismint · 23 Apr 2016 at 13:38

So I don't really know how to describe what I'm looking for but let me give you an example:

I use my current monitor (an Iiyama 24" of about 5 years...) with my Mac plugged into the HDMI input and my PC plugged into the DVI. When the monitor is turned on, or when either one of the machines' display outputs goes to sleep, or even when I'm just trying to switch from one input to the other, the display takes an inordinately long time (we're only talking like ~10 seconds, but that's long when you're trying to get something done!) to 'pick up' the signal and display the image. Sometimes (the Mac is more guilty of this), the display won't even find the image and will either display digital static for a while until it goes into auto-standby mode, or will just turn off saying "no input" and I'll need to manually power cycle the display, or waggle my mouse around 'in the dark' until it picks up some kind of activity on the display...

Now I realise this may well be a fault of one of my devices not providing a good enough output signal or something, but in looking to purchase a new monitor and learning all about IPS, curved screens and QHD resolutions (!!), one thing I fail to see mentioned a lot is how responsive and user-friendly the displays themselves are, both when turning on/off and when switching from one input to the other.

I want a display that reacts to me as fast as an old 'analog' display would, whereby you'd flip a big heavy switch to literally swap contacts from one input to the next and the change would be almost instantaneous. Now I realise we're a long way from those days and nothing is probably ever going to be as fast as that, but are there some brands to favour/avoid when it comes to things like this? I'm imagining the higher price you pay, the quicker operation is....?

Also if anyone favours a particular display (mainly for web, video editing etc, not really looking for anything 'gaming spec'...) then let me know. I'm looking to upgrade to a ~30" screen, ideally ultra-wide, ideally with a decently high resolution (something like a 2K/QHD/whatever they call it!). Assume price is no barrier but would rather pay ~£350 than ~£800....!

bimbleuk · 24 Apr 2016 at 06:10

I think due to the fact that monitors now communicate with the host devices all modern monitors will suffer this to an extent. The monitor will always do some processing to establish the signal, res etc. evey time they switch.

For example my Acer X34 will switch in 2-3 secs assuming both PCs (1 DP & 1 HDMI) are awake and displaying an image. If not they you can wait for the channel label, then the no signal banner and then finally the display when the PC awakens which can take 10+ Secs. That monitor is also notorious for not switching on all the back lights when returning from sleep!

Maybe an external KVM switch will do this better though you can pay almost as a decent monitor for one that supports HDMI/DP switching. I've got rack mounted KVM units at work with an integrated LCD panel that basically switch within 1 or 2 secs regardless of the host state between 16 devices but of course they are hundreds of pounds each, only come with a 4:3 19" LCD and are limited in res.

As you mention though a Dell professional class display for example may come with better switching functions.

Phixsator · 24 Apr 2016 at 08:14

These days when looking at reviews 99% of them are missing major important data that leaves you wondering about what to get. One of the simpler things that many leave out is backlight bleed issues with their test sample and potential glow if its an IPS.

Sadly since you looking for something with proper colours the TNs are out of the picture. The Dell S2716DG is the fastest on/off monitor ive seen. Instant picture from off and no more than a second of switch time between HDMI and DP. To bad it is TN

peanutismint · 24 Apr 2016 at 12:44

I wouldn't necessarily say a TN is out for me (especially considering I didn't even know what an IPS was until a few days ago!!). I do edit a lot of video but none professionally.

Also, as far as getting a KVM goes, Yes I have experimented with them before but it just doesn't suit my personal setup.

Rroff · 24 Apr 2016 at 12:48

Phixsator said:
These days when looking at reviews 99% of them are missing major important data that leaves you wondering about what to get. One of the simpler things that many leave out is backlight bleed issues with their test sample and potential glow if its an IPS.

Sadly since you looking for something with proper colours the TNs are out of the picture. The Dell S2716DG is the fastest on/off monitor ive seen. Instant picture from off and no more than a second of switch time between HDMI and DP. To bad it is TN

Problem is some of those aspects can be highly varied from individual monitor to monitor of the same model - and switching time can be the same - I've got 2 of the same Dell monitors one of which starts up far faster than the other - probably due to being on different firmwares.