IPS/*VA Monitor recommendations

PanchoVilla · 9 Jun 2010 at 15:33

Calling all experienced IPS/*VA users..... esp. baddass

I want a good monitor mainly for movies/web. Preferably 1920x1200.

Not bothered about colour accuracy, BUT must have good black detail - I've sent too many TFTs back where dark movie scenes just appear mainly black.

Recently, tried the DELL 2408wfp (sent back, fault), HP ZR24W (sent back, no black detail). Experience with DELL/HP has put me off the u2410/LP2475w.

Any recommendations/advice gratefully received.

PCM2 · 9 Jun 2010 at 18:55

What is your budget? It has pretty nasty ghosting issues at times, but the Samsung F2380 has some of the deepest blacks I've seen. It also has some issues with 'black crush', whereby shadow detail and dark grey detail is lost as well. Why exactly are you wanting an IPS or *VA panel if you are using it for web browsing and movies, incidentally? Is it a viewing angle thing?

Apple's cinema displays are worth a look and as I'm sure Baddass will confirm black depth is certainly not a weakness of new Dell UltraSharp monitors.

PanchoVilla · 9 Jun 2010 at 20:29

Yes, I was considering the F2380 before the HPZR24w but I read a review about the black crush. Basically, I don't like watching movies where dark scenes just look completely black.

I learnt later on that some reviews rate a monitor for black depth, when actually they mean that blacks are really black. This is not what I am prioritising. I want good color and detail in dark images/movies.

As the monitor is for iplayer/movies etc. viewing angles are somewhat important.

I'm looking to spend around 450.... and this was my max amount. I've spent so much returning monitors that I want to make a more informed choice this time.

PCM2 · 10 Jun 2010 at 10:34

I would certainly give Dell another try. It seems a little hit and miss with the tinting issues, but this can be considered a fault that is covered by the warranty and hopefully you'll be given a suitable replacement.

I know it can be a real hassle trying to return monitors all the time and it isn't something that you should have to do. Do you look at the monitor from infront or to the side? I think you could be better off with a really good bright TN panel unless you absolutely need 'extreme' viewing angles. You should check out the XL2370 review on my website if you haven't already and see if you think this would be suitable - it's one of the best panels for movies, in my opinion. I also have a review of the F2380 for comparison which higlights the problems you're already aware of - given the budget the F2380 is the only real choice on Samsung's end for now.

Bint Box · 13 Jun 2010 at 09:02

If the user is only using the monitor for non games use and head on and not at angled views is there any real advantage of IPS over sPVA?

My main use is with applications such as excel and access and a bit of internet browsing with outlook for email. Apart from the internet the other applications are mainly white backgrounds. Would I be better with a decent quality 24" sPVA panel rather than a 24" IPS panel where the tinting could be an issue?

Rgds
Binty

PCM2 · 13 Jun 2010 at 09:29

If you are going to use the panel mainly for internet browsing and desktop applications (not gaming, movies or photography with dark scenes) I think you would be better off with a 'cheap' cPVA like the F2380. The black levels are simply stunning, the colour uniformity is great and the weaknesses of reponse time and 'black crush' shouldn't be a problem.