Recommended me a new monitor?

CreAtiv3 · 8 Dec 2009 at 09:41

Hi All

Im currently using a NEC 24WMGX3 as my gaming/media monitor but recently ive become quite unimpressed by its black levels.
Tried various settings/calibrations but unless there is a hidden menu to access the backlight it wont be getting any darker.

Could anyone recommend me a monitor that can produce a decent quality black?
Ideally 24"+ (1920x1200)
Viewing angle is pretty much straight on so im willing to try a TN panel if its worth it.
HDMI port(s) would be a plus but not required

Something like a Pioneer Kuro in the monitor world is what im after!

cmndr_andi · 8 Dec 2009 at 09:47

What brightness setting have you set it to (using the OSD)?

That monitor really should be giving you some rather nice blacks with it AMVA panel and all, I can't imagine any TN monitor beating it in this area - so my first guess would be that the brightness is set too high on the monitor.

CreAtiv3 · 8 Dec 2009 at 09:52

Maybe its giving up on me then as ive tried a few settings posted on here and those on tft-central.

Currently using:
20 Brightness
50 Contrast

Perhaps I shouldn't be comparing this to a Kuro?...

Edit: Not sure if its worth mentioning its a year old and has been used a heck of a lot? Does the image degrade over time/use? Bit of a newb when it comes to monitors

cmndr_andi · 8 Dec 2009 at 09:55

CreAtiv3 said:
Perhaps I shouldn't be comparing this to a Kuro?...

Lol, thats a good point. Comparing an LCD monitor (even a very nice LCD monitor) to a plasma TV is a dangerous game, especially when comparing things like contrast ratios and black levels.

Not sure if its worth mentioning its a year old and has been used a heck of a lot? Does the image degrade over time/use? Bit of a newb when it comes to monitors

I think the main thing that degrades is the backlight - and that would mainly reduce the brightness. Are you by any chance comparing the NEC to the Kuro side-by-side? I mean, that Pioneer TV has some of the best black levels around, so it will be pretty impossible matching it with an LCD monitor.

CreAtiv3 · 8 Dec 2009 at 10:22

Nope not side by side, the NEC just seems to be a bit "naff" when going from one to the other.

I guess if the backlight dims over time you would have thought the depth of the blacks would be better too? Wishful thinking maybe

I'll have a go at calibrating it again via lagom this evening and post up some pictures.