No DVI Connector - a problem or not ?

Tuvoc · 20 Mar 2006 at 20:17

For many of us a decent monitor lasts through several PCs and upgrades (my 17" CRT lasted 6 yrs).

So, in terms of future-proofing, is a lack of a DVI connector going to be a problem say 3+ yrs from now ? Will the VGA connector become obsolete ? If say all new videocards have DVI connector only, where do you stand with a monitor that only has a VGA input ?

Tuvoc · 20 Mar 2006 at 20:54

Baddass said:
you can get convertors to allow you to connect VGA only monitors to a DVI output, so you're covered in that sense. it's quite rare for modern screens to not have DVI now anyway

Thanks - many do not have DVI, including for example the highly rated Acer AL1751AS and Samsung 913n

Tuvoc · 20 Mar 2006 at 21:05

Think I'll buy one with DVI in an attempt to be a bit more flexible in the future. It's incredibly hard to guess what technology is going to do, but having both VGA and DVI seems the best bet.

The Viewsonic VX724 looks good for about £180 incl. Yes you can get 19s for the price, but they aren't DVI - unless anyone knows a decent sub-£200 DVI 19"

Tuvoc · 20 Mar 2006 at 21:55

Baddass said:
AG Neovo F419 (R12) is a good bet

What's the "R12" ? Is this part of the model number, or is it just the refresh rate ?

Tuvoc · 21 Mar 2006 at 06:44

Baddass said:
it was added the model number to indicate the 12ms response time. I refer to it as that (as do some places) since it replaced a different version before it.

I've found the R12, but there is also a model they say has a refresh rate of 4ms (GTG) plus a 700:1 contrast ration not 500:1 - see below

This seems to be a new version - or is this the "different version before it" that you mention - any idea ?

Product specs below - NB these aren't competitor links

The R12
http://www.tuvoc.plus.com/F-419_E-Brochure_V9_20060207.pdf

The 4ms GTG
http://www.tuvoc.plus.com/Another F419 D55183.pdf

Tuvoc · 21 Mar 2006 at 09:20

Baddass said:
yeah, i've seen those new specs. the R12 is still available on OcUK and stocks in most places as well, but Neovo have updated the spec now to a 4ms panel. Might bump the price up above £200 though

The new version can be bought for £149.99 + VAT

Tuvoc · 21 Mar 2006 at 10:07

pcfan said:
The new version is not out yet!

Yes it is, I just ordered it

Tuvoc · 21 Mar 2006 at 10:54

pcfan said:
Can you let us know what it is like Tuvoc? Pics and a little write up on here would be great!

I'll certainly give a little write-up, but pics are beyond me as I don't have a digital camera

Tuvoc · 22 Mar 2006 at 19:32

The monitor arrived next day as promised.

The new version has the same refresh rate as the old one - 4ms (GTG) / 12ms (BTB). Only difference is the contrast ratio which is now up to 700:1 from 500:1
Spoke to the guy on the phone, a change in European regulations or something has resulted in the need to describe it as 4ms now not 12ms (or something like that)

Anyway - I'm no expert on these LCD screens, but in my view the monitor is incredible. I can't see any dead pixels whatsoever. I have used the supplied DVI cable to connect it to the DVI output of my somewhat elderly Radeon 9500 Pro. The screen is incredibly bright (too much so perhaps, the whites are very strong) but that is compared to my old CRT...
Great colours, sharp text, can't fault it. I'm VERY pleased.

As for playing games or watching DVDs - I do neither of these, so can't comment there. Well, I do have FEAR but after playing it for a few minutes a while ago I lost interest.

At work I have an IIyama 17" which is probably quite expensive. This seems as good if not better

The saving in desk space is incredible, while at the same time the increase in screen size is amazing - I guess the 17" CRT had 16" viewable at most, so I've gone from 16 to 19 and it is excellent. I'm an LCD convert now

Tuvoc · 23 Mar 2006 at 11:32

pcfan said:
Thanks for those comments Tuvoc. Very misleading by AG Neovo claiming a 4ms when it is actually 12ms! Still, looks like the TFT lives up to its name and is a very capable TFT!!

Not misleading at all, it isn't their choice the chap said - new EU regulations mean they now have to quote "grey-to-grey" times rather than "black-to-black", so all manufacturers will have to follow. Perhaps some of them are already using the new system. So actually you don't know what you're buying. Sort of like engine output being quoted in kw and bhp - mine for example is 110kw and 150bhp - same engine but two different figures.

The refresh rate is irrelevant to me as it happens, as I don't play games on it or watch movies

Having used it for a few more hours, I do want to reduce the brightness as the whites are incredibly bright. I've done this at work on my IIyama as all TFTs seem to be to be delivered with standard settings that are incredibly bright for my eyes

Tuvoc · 23 Mar 2006 at 12:21

pcfan said:
Yea, my Acer has a very bright screen! Not sure the best way to reduce it without spoiling the overall pic?

My IIyama at work has an on-screen menu where you can adjust the brightness and contrast. I've done this without spoiling the picture.

Presumably the Neovo has a similar adjustment system but haven't got around to looking yet.