Wow! New Dell 24" FP

[jblust]

Originally posted by x_filed
Could somebody PM me too on how to get a great deal on this monitor too. I see that if I order a computer with it it is cheaper but I do not see any that I want right now. Thanks
Me too, please. Thanks!

[Fists_of_Legend]

My 2405 arrived last night and I wanted to share my first impressions....

I also own the 2005. Until last night it was my primary monitor for about a month.

This sounds obvious, but the 2405 is LARGE. I don't just mean dimension-wise; I mean my eyes started wierding out a little because there was screen everywhere I looked. My mouse hand muscles even got a lttle tense becaue I was doing extra work getting around all that surface. :-).

I fired it up and was pleased to see no dead or discolored pixels. I did notice that the 2405 as bright and clear as it is upon 1st boot was not quite as luminous as the 2005. Looking at them together (the 2005 was setup on my second computer) It immediately made me go into the settings to check the brightness. It's default setting was 50 exactly. I wound up pushing up to 84 before my eyes felt that it was comparable to the 2005.

Next realization was something I wasn't counting on. For those of you with high resolution mice, (I own a Razor Diamondback (1600 DPI), you will probably wind up turning your sensitivity waaay down. I was overshooting everything from links to buttons and barely hitting desktop Icons. It seems that WUXGA and the razor work together almost TOO WELL. I would have to search for the exact line a web link was on when before anywhere near the lower half of the wording was sufficient. I worked through this for at least an hour before lowering my mouse sensitivity. I'm hoping I'll adjust...

Once I got those items sorted out, I went straight for some WMV videos...

All I can say is that 1080P on this monitor almost made me a sexually confused person. It was a mind blowing experience watching Coral Reef Adventure on that puppy. I'm pretty sure I'll propose to my monitor before the month is out. LOL

I ran Coral Reef in parallel on the 2005 and It was impossible to note any differences. Once the brightness settings were adjusted on the 2405, they were visually indistinguishable.

Next I fired up HL2, UT2K4, even FIFA2004 (to see the stretch). All but FIFA were at 1900x1200. I'm running SLI 6800GT's on my system with the 2405.

Again, the results were outstanding... All eye candy settings turned on and maxed, and the images were eye popping to say the least. The SLI 6800's ran all games I tried without pause. I wound up spending the remainder of the evening on Tiger Dave's Wide Screen Gaming Forum working on a few other titles to get them up to 1900x1200.

I haven't tried component in or even VGA for that matter. I will try both a progressive scan DVD player and my Comcast cable box (component) tonight and share my results afterward.

While I was darn near doing back flips based on the initial performance of my new 2405, I gained even more respect for the 2005 as well. The little guy (lol) held his own running against his new bigger brother. :-)

For a guy like me life don't get much better.. :-)

[webboy10169]

Well i just finished setting up both monitors on two different systems.
The screen real estate gained going from 19 inch to this is amazing.

On my desktop (p4 3.4 gig asus p5ad2 mobo 1 gig of ddr667 ram asus ax-600xt video card (hd card using ati radeon x600 chipset)) Im running the screen at 1920x1200 via dvi (haven't tried component yet the component is being fed D* HD threw a hughes E86) WOW screen is perfect in every aspect.

Ive played a few hd clips (ts files threw VLC) stunning...
D* HD does not look that good in my opinion.

The second screen is being fed by my wife's laptop as a secondary monitor.
I had doubts when i bought the pair that her laptop could drive it (dell insperion ati mobility 9000 chipset) but low and behold no problems. although i cant get the monitor drivers to install?!?

I an in the process of uploading to my website a HD ts file of INHD's screen calibration tests to share with all of you who want to take a stab at calibrating it. HDTVtoMPEG2 reports the file as:

1920 x 1080i
29.97 FPS
16:9 aspect
38.82 Mb/s Video rate
file size is 330 megs.

Please dont download it if you dont have the bandwidth. Drop me a pm and ill burn it to a cd and mail it to you for a small paypal reimbursement :)

INHD Calibration Pattern (http://www.totalconfusion.org/INHD HD Tune-up.ts)

[dahester]

Originally posted by jblust
Me too, please. Thanks!

Could someone also please PM me on to how get the best deal? Thanks.
-Dylan

P.S.: I almost pulled the trigger on the HP L2335 a few months ago but decided to wait. Now I'm glad I did.

[nighttrain20]

Well after a lot of reading here I called Dell and gave them my best "cry me a river" story and ended up getting this puppy
But to tell ya.....I don't think I really needed to cry. They seemed very willing to deal if I was purchasing this evening. I've had my 20" Dell for 2 years now and the PiP is great for work & watchin TV at same time. If the 2405 is anything like it's little brother I'm going to be very happy.

[x_filed]

nighttrain20?

So if I just call their 1-800 number I can try to get as deal too?

[xingr]

I have received my 2405FPW and am quite pleased with its performance in most respects.

-Driven by a PC, the picture quality is astounding.

-Driven by S-video from my VCR, SD picture quality is quite good if you are viewing from 4 or 5 feet away and haven't just switched from HD input. The scaling seems to work well. The picture looks best to me with the sharpness turned all the way down.

-Now the problem... I am trying to drive the component inputs from my Panasonic DVD RV80. The DVD players default background screen comes on okay. When I start playing a disk, the FBI warning displays okay, but when the menu screens start the 2405 shows scan lines for a couple of seconds then goes black. Any thoughts on what might be wrong or how to make it work?

jerryd

[Peter740]

Originally posted by dahester
Could someone also please PM me on to how get the best deal? Thanks.
-Dylan

P.S.: I almost pulled the trigger on the HP L2335 a few months ago but decided to wait. Now I'm glad I did.

Hey patience is a virtue... Good luck with the new 2405...

[ultimate]

Originally posted by webboy10169
I an in the process of uploading to my website a HD ts file of INHD's screen calibration tests to share with all of you who want to take a stab at calibrating it.

Although I didn't use that InHD file with my Dell 2405FPW, I did use it to calibrate my Syntax Olevia LT32HV and it greatly improved its black levels.

Thanks for uploading it,

Dennis

[dusk]

I guess I'll have to download the file myself since I have those same two displays. I'd definitely like to improve the blacks on my LT32HV.

[syncro]

Originally posted by xingr

Now the problem... I am trying to drive the component inputs from my Panasonic DVD RV80. The DVD players default background screen comes on okay. When I start playing a disk, the FBI warning displays okay, but when the menu screens start the 2405 shows scan lines for a couple of seconds then goes black. Any thoughts on what might be wrong or how to make it work?

jerryd

Try setting the "Image Settings->Scaling" to Aspect first, and if that doesn't work try the 1:1.

If both modes fail, connect the DVD to the 2405 with a Svideo cable or Composite. If you see nothing again, something is wrong with the DVD.

Hope it helps.

[xingr]

Try setting the "Image Settings->Scaling" to Aspect first, and if that doesn't work try the 1:1.

If both modes fail, connect the DVD to the 2405 with a Svideo cable or Composite. If you see nothing again, something is wrong with the DVD.

Hope it helps.

Syncro, thanks for the response.

S-video works fine with the DVD player. Aspect and Fill modes don't work. I will try 1:1 to see if that does anything. The cables check out okay for contunuity and no shorts with an ohm meter. It seems to act like something with the sync or timing. Any other ideas?

[O2C]

There have been reports of buggy component inputs on this monitor. I tried a handful of DVDs via Component on mine. Some worked perfectly, other failed miserably. I'm guessing that the monitor recognizes more common aspect ratios / signals and displays them properly but freaks out when it sees a less common one.

[markrubin]

Sound Bar

I got the sound bar option from Dell for the 2405 ($49.00 list)

This option is a universal part that fits many Dell monitors: it has 2 small speakers with built in amp: it comes with a power cable that plugs into the monitor and a standard stereo mini plug cable for connection to the PC sound card

The sound bar mounts easily on the bottom of the monitor: to me it detracts from the sleek look of the monitor but it works as advertised except it makes a loud pop when the monitor is turned off

[anthonymoody]

Ahh the joys of the Mac. Plugged my 2405W into my Mini using DVI and voila - full resolution. A thing of beauty to behold - the best thing I did since switching!

TM

[Solfan]

This Dell 2405 looks to be a fantastic deal...if I didn't have a Samsung 240T, I'd be jumping on this.

Do you guys realize the earlier Samsung model 241MP looks like it might be still selling for something like 4 times the price of this Dell? I'll bet a lot of people are kicking themselves... :D

[stephenC]

Originally posted by anthonymoody
Ahh the joys of the Mac. Plugged my 2405W into my Mini using DVI and voila - full resolution. A thing of beauty to behold - the best thing I did since switching!

TM

Just what I wanted to hear. Great news. Have you made an Apple logo sticker to cover the Dell logo?

[khomotso]

I was starting to get a little annoyed by all the requests for PMs on the special seekrit deal ... but after several pages of this praise I realize that I now want one, too. Don't hate me for caving :D

In case that's not clear, please to PM :)

[irkuck]

Originally posted by Solfan
This Dell 2405 looks to be a fantastic deal...if I didn't have a Samsung 240T, I'd be jumping on this.Do you guys realize the earlier Samsung model 241MP looks like it might be still selling for something like 4 times the price of this Dell? I'll bet a lot of people are kicking themselves... :D

I have several months old Samsung 243T and I am too getting
Dell-temptation. If I see Dell having way better BL (black levels)
the will be a problem what to do with the 243T :D

[KANE4]

Got my 2405 yesterday. This thing is huge! :D

I am only running it off my Dell PC via DVI right now so I haven't tried TV or an external DVD player via component. Played a DVD from the internal DVD drive and the picture looked pretty good through MCE. Farcry at 1900x1200 is pretty awesome too! It made me dizzy at first because of the huge image!

Anyway, I wanted to tweak some of the settings on this bad boy but when I go to the OSD, most of the settings are greyed out. Also, when I go to the brightness & contrast screen, I can only change the brightness. Why is that? Hope someone can help. Thanks.

Kane

[PlasmicMike]

Originally posted by KANE4
Got my 2405 yesterday. This thing is huge! :D

I am only running it off my Dell PC via DVI right now
...

Also, when I go to the brightness & contrast screen, I can only change the brightness. Why is that? Hope someone can help. Thanks.

Kane

The DVI limits most of the options. You can access most menu options through a VGA cable (however some settings will / will not affect the DVI.)

Mike

[Solfan]

When using the DVI inputs on these displays, many of the picture adjustments are not available. You can use a program like Powerstrip instead, if you want.

[webboy10169]

Originally posted by markrubin
Sound Bar

I got the sound bar option from Dell for the 2405 ($49.00 list)

This option is a universal part that fits many Dell monitors: it has 2 small speakers with built in amp: it comes with a power cable that plugs into the monitor and a standard stereo mini plug cable for connection to the PC sound card

The sound bar mounts easily on the bottom of the monitor: to me it detracts from the sleek look of the monitor but it works as advertised except it makes a loud pop when the monitor is turned off

I can check this to see if its a pc issue or monitor as my wife ordered one and it came today. Ill post back...

<EDIT>
Normals sound operation i guess as mine does it too
</EDIT>

Originally posted by anthonymoody
Ahh the joys of the Mac. Plugged my 2405W into my Mini using DVI and voila - full resolution. A thing of beauty to behold - the best thing I did since switching!

TM

Hmm seems that its not only a mac thing as i did the same with my pc. And they say macs are soooo much better.

[sharkattack]

I have a few questions about this LCD monitor before I buy it. I will be using it mainly for console.

1. Can the VGA and component input display interlaced sources?
2. If we assume that next generation console (Ps3/Xbox2/Revolution) have HDMI/DVI output, will I be able to make use of them or will I get HDCP error :confused:

[O2C]

1. Not sure about VGA but the component correctly identifies 1080i, 480p, and 480i sources. I suspect the VGA does too.

2. It depends on if or how the Next Gen Console makers choose to implement HDCP and what outputs they supply. The monitor doesn't have a HDMI input so that's out of the question. If the NGC has a DVI output, the monitor should be able to display it fine (as I understand it, you have to go HDMI to get DVI with HDCP). If the NGC has a VGA output, it should work. If the NGC has component output, it should work. And so on. But it's silly to guess based on something that hasn't been released yet. It will work with one or more of the inputs though.

[ralphjb]

I have been following this thread for a while with the notion I might buy this display. I have decided that it is just too large for my application.

But I have a question - is there also a "special price" for the 2005FPW? If so, can someone PM me with the information to order one?

Thanks!

[tenton]

Originally posted by ralphjb
I have been following this thread for a while with the notion I might buy this display. I have decided that it is just too large for my application.

But I have a question - is there also a "special price" for the 2005FPW? If so, can someone PM me with the information to order one?

Thanks!

While I don't know if there's some sort of "special" price for the 2005FPW, the specials that Dell runs from time to time usually apply to that monitor. The 2405FPW, probably because it's new, doesn't usually qualify for these things.

If someone wants to PM me on how to get the special pricing for the 2405FPW, I'd appreciate it. :D

[Pradeep]

Originally posted by O2C
1. Not sure about VGA but the component correctly identifies 1080i, 480p, and 480i sources. I suspect the VGA does too.

2. It depends on if or how the Next Gen Console makers choose to implement HDCP and what outputs they supply. The monitor doesn't have a HDMI input so that's out of the question. If the NGC has a DVI output, the monitor should be able to display it fine (as I understand it, you have to go HDMI to get DVI with HDCP). If the NGC has a VGA output, it should work. If the NGC has component output, it should work. And so on. But it's silly to guess based on something that hasn't been released yet. It will work with one or more of the inputs though.

HDMI has HDCP support.

DVI may or may not have HDCP support.

The vast majority of HD display devices have component inputs, only a small minority have DVI/HDMI. It is almost certain that PS3/XBox2 will have component support.

[x_filed]

Could somebody PM me on how to get this deal, please.

Thanks

[jeff_tyrrill]

It seems there are still a few unclear things about this monitor. I am thinking of buying it but first I have some questions about the scaling and aspect ratio settings, and also deinterlacing capabilities of the monitor.

It would seem to me that for an "ideal" 16:10 monitor, there needs to be at least 5 distinct aspect/zoom modes supported. Actually, arbitrary zoom and scaling of any ratio would be ideal, but if we're limiting to fixed modes, here's what's needed, and also whether the Dell 2405 supports it, according to the information so far in this thread:

assume input is 16:10 (stretch video to corners): yes, confirmed supported
assume input is 16:9 (letterbox the video to 16:9 ratio): support unclear
assume input is 4:3 (pillarbox the video to 4:3 ratio): support unclear
map input to output pixels 1:1: yes, confirmed supported, almost (see below)
assume input is a letterboxed 16:9 image in a 4:3 signal (chop off the top and bottom bars and stretch remainder to 16:9 ratio): doesn't look like it's supported

Looking in the manual at Dell's web site, it seems there are only 3 modes: 1:1, Fill, and Aspect. "1:1" is self-explanatory. "Fill" appears to correspond to "assume input is 16:10" in the above list. It is not clear what "Aspect" does, though. It would seem that if either of 16:9 or 4:3, or both, is supported, then it would be accessed through the "Aspect" setting. But how does the "Aspect" setting know which to choose, 16:9 or 4:3? I read this entire thread twice and I can't find any post that clarifies this or indicates anyone has tested this situation. I can see how it might be able to tell when the input is VGA from a computer, because I think it has a pixel clock, but what about S-Video or component? I don't think there is any way for a receiving monitor to tell whether you are watching a 4:3, or an anamorphic 16:9 DVD, so how do you choose or how does the monitor know? Also, what about VGA from, say, a Gamecube? I doubt there's a pixel clock transmitted in that case, so there would be no way to indicate the horizontal resolution. (There's a mod of Nintendo's official cable to get VGA out from the digital out port. I have this cable and it works with my CRT monitor, for progressive-scan games only.) Some games let you choose between 4:3 or 16:9, and the monitor does not re-sync when switching between the settings.

As for the "assume letterboxed" mode of the 5 I listed above, it does not appear that the 2405 supports this, which is no surprise, but a proper widescreen TV definitely needs to, for watching non-anamorphic but widescreen DVDs, and widescreen VHS and LD sources.

Also, there have been a couple hints in this thread that the "Fill" mode, or possibly "Aspect" mode, when it assumes 16:9 input (which was unclear) possibly does non-linear scaling of S-Video and composite sources. I certainly hope this is NOT the case, because it would make proper viewing of anamorphic input impossible. Maybe somebody can clarify.

There's another possibility, if the monitor doesn't support all the modes in the Scaling setting: using the Position controls to manually zoom until the aspect ratio matches the input. However, when I check the manual, it looks like there are no independent horizontal and vertical zoom/stretch modes! All you can do is zoom in and out while preserving the aspect ratio that the monitor already decided. So this would appear to rule out adjusting the aspect ratio in any way other than the 3 choices in the Scaling setting. The funny thing is, this actually means that the "assume letterboxed" setting is possible but "assume 16:9" isn't, even though the latter is much more common and necessary!

One other thing: What does the 1:1 setting do with S-Video or Component input? This goes along with what I was saying above about those connection types not transmitting a horizontal resolution.

To summarize: perhaps somebody can test and see if there's a reliable way to get the monitor to assume a 4:3 or 16:9 input and preserve its aspect ratio while making it as large as possible. 4:3 should stretch vertically to the edges and leave borders at the sides, and 16:9 should stretch horizontally to the edges and leave borders ot the top and bottom. Also, are all modes supported on all input types?

There's ANOTHER possibility: Through the service menu, perhaps by setting registers to the GM1601 chip, arbitrary scaling modes can be inputted?

In any case, it'd be a real shame if this monitor can't do 4:3 or 16:9 scaling properly, because the GM1601 sure supports it, and it's just lazy ignorant programming to not provide an option in the OSD to access them. (Or Dell wanting to also sell you an "HDTV". I sure as hell am not buying two monitors, though. I'd sooner buy an external deinterlacer/scaler from Faroudja or somebody like that to get the aspect ratio corrected properly.)


Also, about the deinterlacing:

I see on the brochure for the GM1601 that the chip supports 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection. Does the monitor implement this? On the block diagram for the chip on page 2, it shows extra RAM being optional. I have heard of chips sometimes requiring this extra memory in order for pulldown detection to be active, so it is not a sure thing that the 2405 actually supports it.


And to answer one thing:
Originally posted by O2C
[B]1. Not sure about VGA but the component correctly identifies 1080i, 480p, and 480i sources. I suspect the VGA does too.
480i is probably not supported over VGA, at least according to the specs at Dell's website. It says the minimum scan rate is 30KHz, but 480i is half that. I suppose there's the possibility it could work, but it's safer to assume it doesn't unless tested otherwise. If it supported that it'd be useful to use with the Gamecube for interlaced-scan games. Not really necessary though, because you can use the component cable instead, unless you're like me and bought the VGA cable not anticipating that a monitor in the near-future would support component. :) (These cables are $35-$50 because of a DAC.)


I'll probably buy this monitor even if it's missing some of the features I've asked about, because I normally use a capture card and DScaler, and am therefore feeding inputs to the computer and can select the right aspect ratio in software. However, not always: I attach the Gamecube directly to my monitor for progressive-scan games and would definitely like to be able to properly select 4:3 or 16:9 in the monitor.


Note: I would have linked in this post to the 2405 manual at Dell's website, the screenshot for the service menu, and Genesis's GM1601 brochure, but I can't include URLs in my first 5 posts to AVS Forum, so I can't. All but the Dell manual are elsewhere in this thread, sorry. Anybody can PM me if you need the URLs.

[Pradeep]

I can confirm that when fed a 16:9 HD signal on component, and with image setting to 1:1, the 2405 will letterbox the 16:9 properly (bars on top and bottom).

[jeff_tyrrill]

Originally posted by Pradeep
I can confirm that when fed a 16:9 HD signal on component, and with image setting to 1:1, the 2405 will letterbox the 16:9 properly (bars on top and bottom).
That's good, but it's probably just an accident of the 1:1 functionality--if it's a 1080 signal, then letterboxing is just the natural result of using 1080 of the 1200 vertical lines, which is 1 pixel per scaline. What about 720p, for example? Or 480p or 480i with VGA, S-video, or component. I particularly want to know how the "Aspect" mode decides between 16:9 and 4:3, or how the user can choose (hopefully the latter).

[kilmar]

I have tested both 720p and 1080i on the monitor and both show correct aspect ratio with bars on top and bottom.

[teamw]

I'm interested in the 2405. Would someone please PM me how to get the "special pricing."

Thanks
JohnW

[O2C]

"Aspect" tries to maintain the aspect ratio and enlarge it to fit the screen. It will pillarbox 480i/p signals, letterbox 1080i, and should completely fill a 720p. I haven't seen a 720p (aside through my capture card) so I'm guessing at that via math. It also recognizes the "NTSC" signal and letterboxes it.

"Fill" stretches it out to fill the entire screen. This looks like crap so I avoid using it.

I have yet to feed it any VGA signal, but I'm guessing it just looks at the resolution and gives you the same options of 1:1, Aspect, and Fill.

[tenton]

Originally posted by O2C
"Aspect" tries to maintain the aspect ratio and enlarge it to fit the screen. It will pillarbox 480i/p signals, letterbox 1080i, and should completely fill a 720p. I haven't seen a 720p (aside through my capture card) so I'm guessing at that via math. It also recognizes the "NTSC" signal and letterboxes it.

720p is the same ratio as 1080i (16x9). It's 1280x720, but uses progressive frames (in contrast to 1920x1080, with interlaced frames). So, it should behave the same way as 1080i.

Basically, what aspect is suppose to do is scale the the image out to the edge of the screen, but not stretch the image out completely. Basically, keep the aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, or 16:10), but take the image out to the farthest edge (meaning, if it's not 16:10, the picture will be letterboxed or pillarboxed, depending on the aspect ratio). The HP 23" had some odd problems with this, but it sounds like the 2405FPW is doing things correctly.

[O2C]

Right you are. For some reason I was thinking that 720p was some other number x 720. You'd think I'd realize 16:9 was 16:9 regardless. I blame it all on bad math skills from my publik skool edukazion.

[jeff_tyrrill]

Originally posted by O2C
[B]"Aspect" tries to maintain the aspect ratio and enlarge it to fit the screen. It will pillarbox 480i/p signals, letterbox 1080i, and should completely fill a 720p. I haven't seen a 720p (aside through my capture card) so I'm guessing at that via math. It also recognizes the "NTSC" signal and letterboxes it.
Is there any way to force 16:9 for 480i/p inputs, if it is anamorphic? I guess if the choice isn't given, 4:3 is better because that is more common, but there are cases when I would want to choose either one.

[jeff_tyrrill]

I just thought of something else. On 480i/p inputs, does 1:1 actually display a tiny little square of video in the center of the screen? I was thinking, that because the monitor doesn't know the horizontal resolution of analog 480i/p inputs, maybe the 1:1 option doubles as something different. So, maybe on 480i/p inputs, Aspect assumes 4:3, and 1:1 assumes 16:9? (While Fill still stretches to both edges, assuming 16:10.) That would be a good way of supporting every possible aspect mode while using economy of options--only 3 options instead of 4.

[stromm]

Originally posted by ralphjb
I have been following this thread for a while with the notion I might buy this display. I have decided that it is just too large for my application.

But I have a question - is there also a "special price" for the 2005FPW? If so, can someone PM me with the information to order one?

Thanks!

JMHO. Unless it's a "too big to fit on my desk" problem, I'd still buy it. I came from a 21" CRT and was leary of going with this screen size. Especially since it's native resolution is 1920x1200. I figured since I never ran my CRT at 1600x1200 why would I run at higher. And everything I learned from years in the computer field was that non-native resolutions suck.

I couldn't have been more wrong. This monitor looks awsome at it's native AND NON-native resolutions. Even at a stretched 1024x768 text is clean and sharp.

Games look great in all resolutions even Diablo2 at 800x600 (it's max).

I'm glad I didn't buy the 2005FPW which is what I was going to get until I saw the deal at fatwallet.

[O2C]

With a 480i/p input:
"1:1" displays a tiny box in the center of the screen.
"Aspect" displays a pillarboxed image using the entire height of the screen.
"Fill" displays a slightly stretched out image using the entire screen.

As far as recognizing inputs, when I feed it a 480p signal over component and hit the middle button on the monitor, the OSD pops up identifying it as "480p". When I switch it to 1080i and hit the button, the OSD identifies it as "1080i". It can detect the signal change and adjust accordingly. On a side note, when I feed it an over the air standard TV signal via composite, it identifies it as "NTSC".

I'm mainly feeding it via the DVI connection though so my testing of the component inputs have been pretty limited. I only have a PS2 and GT4 to test it.

Oh yeah, if you don't have the desk space, it uses VESA standard mounting (100mm) so you can wallmount or buy an arm and clamp it to your desk.

[ralphjb]

Originally posted by stromm
JMHO. Unless it's a "too big to fit on my desk" problem, I'd still buy it. I came from a 21" CRT and was leary of going with this screen size. Especially since it's native resolution is 1920x1200. I figured since I never ran my CRT at 1600x1200 why would I run at higher. And everything I learned from years in the computer field was that non-native resolutions suck.

I couldn't have been more wrong. This monitor looks awsome at it's native AND NON-native resolutions. Even at a stretched 1024x768 text is clean and sharp.

Games look great in all resolutions even Diablo2 at 800x600 (it's max).

I'm glad I didn't buy the 2005FPW which is what I was going to get until I saw the deal at fatwallet.


My application is to use as a small screen, second video source, in my Home Theater. Space is the major issue. The 2405 is just too big.

I agree with you, from everything I've read, this would be a great choice. But I can see some time in the not too distant future buying a display like this. It is exciting to see the quality improve and the price drop so dramatically on these displays!

[tenton]

Originally posted by O2C
With a 480i/p input:
"1:1" displays a tiny box in the center of the screen.
"Aspect" displays a pillarboxed image using the entire height of the screen.
"Fill" displays a slightly stretched out image using the entire screen.

As far as recognizing inputs, when I feed it a 480p signal over component and hit the middle button on the monitor, the OSD pops up identifying it as "480p". When I switch it to 1080i and hit the button, the OSD identifies it as "1080i". It can detect the signal change and adjust accordingly. On a side note, when I feed it an over the air standard TV signal via composite, it identifies it as "NTSC".

I'm mainly feeding it via the DVI connection though so my testing of the component inputs have been pretty limited. I only have a PS2 and GT4 to test it.

I suppose if you have the PS2 set to display 16:9 and play anamorphic DVDs with it, the monitor (when set to Aspect ratio) does display it correctly (out to the full edge, since the PS2 is sending it a squeezed signal)? Correctly would be video to the left and right edges and a small amount of black space on the top and bottom (like the 1080i signal gets displayed)?

...I'm tempted to just buy this without any deals or specials. I think I've committed myself to buying it (as I've been buying the extra things necessary for it, like multi-input speakers). :D

[jeff_tyrrill]

Originally posted by tenton
I suppose if you have the PS2 set to display 16:9 and play anamorphic DVDs with it, the monitor (when set to Aspect ratio) does display it correctly (out to the full edge, since the PS2 is sending it a squeezed signal)? Correctly would be video to the left and right edges and a small amount of black space on the top and bottom (like the 1080i signal gets displayed)?
I don't have the 2405 yet, but based on what I have read in this thread, it looks like this feature is NOT supported. It looks like you can only use 4:3 with 480i/p inputs. It's quite unfortunate, but it seems to be the case. The problem is that:

The monitor does not provide an option to the user of 4:3 or 16:9.
There is no way (probably) for the monitor to "know" whether a 480i/p input is 4:3 or 16:9, because S-Video and component signals don't transmit the number of pixels on a scanline. Both 4:3 inputs and 16:9 anamorphic inputs don't have any black bars, so there's no way to know even by analyzing the image. Only a human can tell, by seeing whether people, objects, etc., look distorted or not.

Actually, there is an aspect ratio indicator signal that exists for S-Video, but I doubt it is well-supported by devices. I doubt the PS2 or Gamecube, for example, transmit this signal when you select the aspect ratio in the game.

Here are some quotes throughout the thread that seem to show this limitation of the monitor:
Originally posted by O2C
"Aspect" tries to maintain the aspect ratio and enlarge it to fit the screen. It will pillarbox 480i/p signals, letterbox 1080i,
Originally posted by Alex
Well, to clarify for others, I'm feeding 16:9 SD (720x576i) via YPrPb into 2405FPW, and it does not create black areas on top and bottom but instead goes all the way to top of screen.

So, if indeed this is how it's meant to work, then at least for 576i, 2405FPW (cannot treat it as a 16:9 and ) automatically assumes that it can only be 4:3. Which means bad news for 576i DVD-players and SDTV-decoders.
Originally posted by desertdome
Aspect - The source material is kept in its orginal aspect ratio, yet scaled to fit as much of the screen as possible. 4:3 material will fill the screen vertically, but have narrow black bars on the sides. 16:9 material will fill the screen horizontally, but have black bars at the top and bottom.

Last night I hooked a VCR up to the component input on the 2405fpw. I chose aspect and the correct 4:3 ratio filled the screen vertically. However, when I shut everything off and turned it back on my image was stretched horizontally rather than scaled vertically. I had to cycle through the inputs before it showed the image properly.
Actually, the above quote hints at what could perhaps be a backdoor way of getting it to display 480i/p in 16:9--if "stretched horizontally" means 16:9 and not 16:10 (we already knew it could display anything in 16:10 with the "Fill" mode).

Otherwise, there's no way of displaying 480i/p in 16:9 on the 2405. This is a necessary feature of a widescreen TV. Neither 4:3 nor 16:9 is always "correct". The option needs to be there.

[tenton]

Originally posted by jeff_tyrrill
I don't have the 2405 yet, but based on what I have read in this thread, it looks like this feature is NOT supported. It looks like you can only use 4:3 with 480i/p inputs. It's quite unfortunate, but it seems to be the case. The problem is that:

The monitor does not provide an option to the user of 4:3 or 16:9.
There is no way (probably) for the monitor to "know" whether a 480i/p input is 4:3 or 16:9, because S-Video and component signals don't transmit the number of pixels on a scanline. Both 4:3 inputs and 16:9 anamorphic inputs don't have any black bars, so there's no way to know even by analyzing the image. Only a human can tell, by seeing whether people, objects, etc., look distorted or not.

Actually, there is an aspect ratio indicator signal that exists for S-Video, but I doubt it is well-supported by devices. I doubt the PS2 or Gamecube, for example, transmit this signal when you select the aspect ratio in the game.

Here are some quotes throughout the thread that seem to show this limitation of the monitor:



Actually, the above quote hints at what could perhaps be a backdoor way of getting it to display 480i/p in 16:9--if "stretched horizontally" means 16:9 and not 16:10 (we already knew it could display anything in 16:10 with the "Fill" mode).

Otherwise, there's no way of displaying 480i/p in 16:9 on the 2405. This is a necessary feature of a widescreen TV. Neither 4:3 nor 16:9 is always "correct". The option needs to be there.

See, I've had this discussion before. My 4:3 Sony can figure this out automatically (it's has a 16:9 squeeze mode); there has to be something transmitted along component cables; perhaps not an explicit resolution/scanline, but something that lets the TV know what to do. Or else, how does a widescreen TV know what to do, either? When I set my DVD players (which includes the PS2) to 16:9 display mode, what it really does is send the full, squeezed 4:3 signal to the display device, as opposed to trying to create a 4:3 picture with (player generated) black bars. So, there's something that the player is sending that let's the TV know to either leave the video alone, or to stretch it (as this happens automatically on my TV). So, something is being sent, so my TV knows what to do (for 480i/480p, since I have a progressive scan DVD player; the Panny CP-72, set to progressive mode; my TV locks to 16:9 for 720p/1080i).

(I know when my TV jumps to the mode, because the CRT guns no longer shoot at the upper and lower portions of the screen; if I hit the menu button, the text for the menu fits in the 16:9 picture).

Now, of course, the question is does the 2405 parse this information correctly? Now, if a sweet deal could be PM'ed to me, I'd most likely order the monitor and find out first hand. :D

[Aeronca46]

Could someone PM me about how to get the "special pricing"?

Much appreciated!

[igorsat]

Has anyone hooked up this LCD to an older graphics card, like GF Ti4200, 4600 or Ati 9000 Pro? Does it work on max. DVI resolution (1920x1200). I saw a list of "compatible graphics cards", but I wonder if some older GPUs and TDMS transceiver can drive such display at max. resolution. I will order this LCD, but I'm reluctant to replace graphics card, because I intend to buy a new PC in six months and I don't want to invest in a new AGP graphics card now, which will soon be replaced with the pci-express version.

[patmunn]

I know I'm late on the matter, but could sombody pm me the info.

Thanks

[Pradeep]

My elderly ATI AIW 7500 runs the 2405 at 1920*1200 in DVI with no issues.

[DDD]

Also looking for a PM on special pricing please!

[jbradway]

I had my TS360 hooked up to component output on the 2405 and I was less than pleased. I never could get it to calibrate right. Last night I switched the input to the DVI and holy moses the thing came alive. The factory default settings were a bit on the bright side, but the colors were pretty close match to my Fujitsu plasma. I did change the TS360 to output 720p all the time instead of native since 1080i showed a lot of line twitter. Now I'm getting greedy and wondering if I can scale the TS360 output from 1080i to 1080p? I'll also have to check the component with another cable to see if my cable was junk or the component input. By comparison, the component was unwatchable, even on HD.

[GrantR]

If you go through Dell's small business side of their website, the 2405 gets an automatic 15% discount, while on the home side, it does not. I have no idea how this compares to the "secret" special price deals people keep asking for pms about.

Once I realised this, after logging in through my small business account just out of curiousity, of course I could not prevent my fingers from clicking the "yes, buy this now" button :) oops. Unfortunately they haven't shipped it immediately in spite of their estimated April 8th shipping date. What on earth is wrong with them?:) argh.

[chris_in_SJ]

Originally posted by O2C
There have been reports of buggy component inputs on this monitor. I tried a handful of DVDs via Component on mine. Some worked perfectly, other failed miserably. I'm guessing that the monitor recognizes more common aspect ratios / signals and displays them properly but freaks out when it sees a less common one.

Some notes on my similar experience and hope that I get thoughts from the group.

My PS2 is hooked up to my Dell 2405 via component cables. When playing games on my Playstation this thing looks GREAT. When I select 1080i mode in Gran Tourismo 4 it snaps up to the higher resolution during the racing then back down to 480p during menus (as it should -- menus aren't in HD). Also for recent release God of War it also snaps up cleanly when I select the "Progressive Scan Mode" and looks quite sharp.

However -- when I tried to play DVDs in my PS2 I ran into some definite strangeness. Then PS2 menu would pop-up and when I put in a dvd it would blank out after (sometimes) a full screen stutter -- like it was trying to sync up the signal. DVD after DVD.

So I tried another (my only other) source of component output -- a progressive scan Samsung DVD player.

The DVD player faired only SLIGHTLY better. While in Progressive Scan mode, the DVD player would for some discs display nothing other than the menus and menu-related video -- all of which looked SUPER sharp.. but when it came to playing the actual movie content it would (at worst) loose signal entirely or have major sync issues or (at best) display a picture that is SEVERELY combed or sharp from the bottom of the picture up until to top 95% mark.. with the last, top 5% of the screen having a strange, static 'curve' to it that reminds me of a VCR with a tracking issue or a VCR that can't quite swallow it's macrovision pill.

So I ask the group:

Is this just the reality of this monitor being just that -- a monitor -- and not a TV or does it sound like there are issues with my component inputs (as O2C mentioned in the quote above)??? I've tried two devices (PS2 and Prog. Scan DVD player) with two sets of cables and both display either blank or unwatchable DVD video. (PS2 game video in progressive scan is FLAWLESS).

I haven't heard/seen concrete reports that the component is problematic -- more that it's not a TV and shouldn't expect to work as such (although I -- like many -- kinda assummed that component inputs meant it would/should work with -- well component outputs).

If this sounds patently strange or inconsistent with any other owners experience please let me know and I'll arrange to get a replacement.. I just hate to replace it only to find out that my experience is normal..

Thanks in advance -- sorry about the length! Feel free to follow-up with any questions..

- Chris

[chris_in_SJ]

Originally posted by markrubin
Sound Bar

I got the sound bar option from Dell for the 2405 ($49.00 list)

This option is a universal part that fits many Dell monitors: it has 2 small speakers with built in amp: it comes with a power cable that plugs into the monitor and a standard stereo mini plug cable for connection to the PC sound card

The sound bar mounts easily on the bottom of the monitor: to me it detracts from the sleek look of the monitor but it works as advertised except it makes a loud pop when the monitor is turned off

I purchased the soundbar as well and am quite happy with it. I agree that it detracts a bit from the look monitor but it's nice that there is at least an option that keeps you from being reliant upong a stereo or external speakers.

I'm no audio-file but I'm impressed with the quality of sound from the SoundBar. I would guess that if you want the best possible sound then you'd be better off spending $50 on a pair of larger/louder multimedia speakers.. but if you want the convenience of knowing that you could drag this thing into a bedroom to watch a movie or play games on then the Sound Bar is a pretty decent investment..

- Chris

p.s. I also get to enjoy that 'loud pop' when the monitor goes into sleep mode.. it's particularly annoying/alarming when (as I am) your component video source it having problems syncing. Visually the screen just turns black -- but (I think because it can't figure out if it is trying to go into sleep mode) it FREAKS out.. turning off and on every-other-second.

[nebrunner]

Has anybody calibrated this using some external test equipment? If so, how far off was the default settings? And can you provide us with your RGB and contrast/brightness numbers that you ended up with?

[Axon]

Originally posted by chris_in_SJ
Some notes on my similar experience and hope that I get thoughts from the group.

My PS2 is hooked up to my Dell 2405 via component cables. When playing games on my Playstation this thing looks GREAT. When I select 1080i mode in Gran Tourismo 4 it snaps up to the higher resolution during the racing then back down to 480p during menus (as it should -- menus aren't in HD). Also for recent release God of War it also snaps up cleanly when I select the "Progressive Scan Mode" and looks quite sharp.

However -- when I tried to play DVDs in my PS2 I ran into some definite strangeness. Then PS2 menu would pop-up and when I put in a dvd it would blank out after (sometimes) a full screen stutter -- like it was trying to sync up the signal. DVD after DVD.

So I tried another (my only other) source of component output -- a progressive scan Samsung DVD player.

The DVD player faired only SLIGHTLY better. While in Progressive Scan mode, the DVD player would for some discs display nothing other than the menus and menu-related video -- all of which looked SUPER sharp.. but when it came to playing the actual movie content it would (at worst) loose signal entirely or have major sync issues or (at best) display a picture that is SEVERELY combed or sharp from the bottom of the picture up until to top 95% mark.. with the last, top 5% of the screen having a strange, static 'curve' to it that reminds me of a VCR with a tracking issue or a VCR that can't quite swallow it's macrovision pill.

So I ask the group:

Is this just the reality of this monitor being just that -- a monitor -- and not a TV or does it sound like there are issues with my component inputs (as O2C mentioned in the quote above)??? I've tried two devices (PS2 and Prog. Scan DVD player) with two sets of cables and both display either blank or unwatchable DVD video. (PS2 game video in progressive scan is FLAWLESS).

I haven't heard/seen concrete reports that the component is problematic -- more that it's not a TV and shouldn't expect to work as such (although I -- like many -- kinda assummed that component inputs meant it would/should work with -- well component outputs).

If this sounds patently strange or inconsistent with any other owners experience please let me know and I'll arrange to get a replacement.. I just hate to replace it only to find out that my experience is normal..

Thanks in advance -- sorry about the length! Feel free to follow-up with any questions..

- Chris

Your experience is pretty normal. Personally, both DVD players I've tried with the 2405 show either the complete loss of sync or the static horizontal distortion issues you mention, although interestingly enough a lot of DVDs work fine. (LOTR:ROTK:EE in particular.) HDTV cable box output works fine too, as do the other analog inputs.

[zstryder]

I'm new here, but since I have a 2405fpw I thought I'd chip in on my experience with it as well.

As a PC monitor, it is absolutely gorgeous. There's no doubt about it. It is clear, crisp, vibrant, and response time in fast motion video and games is incredible.

I have, however, had some issues with the PS2 via component input. As somebody mentioned before, how would the monitor be able to detect 4:3 or 16:9 input? This, I am not sure, because the monitor is definitely not picking up 16:9 content on my PS2. When I set my PS2 to 16:9, the view on the monitor does not change - instead, it displays the 16:9 content in a 4:3 window, making everything squished. Even using 1:1 on the monitor does not help, aspect does not change either. Using fill will create 16:10, which is close, but is still distorted.

I am wondering if this is a PS2 issue, or if this is a documented issue with all devices using component input?

[ssuh]

Hi, I'm noticing a high-pitched whine coming from behind the monitor, on the card reader side. Is anyone else hearing this? It's not very loud, but shrill and annoying. I just need confirmation that it's not supposed to be there so I can order a replacement. Thanks!

[tenton]

Originally posted by zstryder
I'm new here, but since I have a 2405fpw I thought I'd chip in on my experience with it as well.

As a PC monitor, it is absolutely gorgeous. There's no doubt about it. It is clear, crisp, vibrant, and response time in fast motion video and games is incredible.

I have, however, had some issues with the PS2 via component input. As somebody mentioned before, how would the monitor be able to detect 4:3 or 16:9 input? This, I am not sure, because the monitor is definitely not picking up 16:9 content on my PS2. When I set my PS2 to 16:9, the view on the monitor does not change - instead, it displays the 16:9 content in a 4:3 window, making everything squished. Even using 1:1 on the monitor does not help, aspect does not change either. Using fill will create 16:10, which is close, but is still distorted.

I am wondering if this is a PS2 issue, or if this is a documented issue with all devices using component input?

I guess the first question is what 16:9 content are you trying? I can try the PS2 on my TV (which switches modes for 4:3 and 16:9/anamorphic content), if I have something similar (I don't recall any games off hand that send anamorphic video). As for the 2405, I suppose that will have to wait until I manage to get one of those, or for someone else to chime in. :D

[zstryder]

Originally posted by tenton
I guess the first question is what 16:9 content are you trying? I can try the PS2 on my TV (which switches modes for 4:3 and 16:9/anamorphic content), if I have something similar (I don't recall any games off hand that send anamorphic video). As for the 2405, I suppose that will have to wait until I manage to get one of those, or for someone else to chime in. :D

I have tried GT4 and Tekken4 and Tekken5 at the moment. I have not yet tried DVD's, so I can't say... in fact, I think I'll try it out right now.

[zstryder]

Hm... it appears after setting the parental controls on the PS2, the screen simply becomes blank. When I click on the menu button, it simply says "Component Input: No Input."

Bizarre!

[GrandMasterJ]

Does anyone know if this "calling a representative" deal is still in effect? Or if it ever expires?

[tenton]

Originally posted by zstryder
Hm... it appears after setting the parental controls on the PS2, the screen simply becomes blank. When I click on the menu button, it simply says "Component Input: No Input."

Bizarre!

I wonder if changing the component out setting (there's two settings for the PS2) has any effect on this? I would assume it's set for Y Cb/Pb Cr/Pr (and I would also assume that's the setting that you should be using for the monitor), but I could be wrong...(might be worth trying to flip the setting to the other one, to see if anything changes).

No GT4/Tekken games here to test...I'll have to pop a DVD in and move my PS2 back to my living room to see how my TV reacts (though I though the TV switched properly).

[syncro]

Originally posted by chris_in_SJ

So I tried another (my only other) source of component output -- a progressive scan Samsung DVD player.

The DVD player faired only SLIGHTLY better. While in Progressive Scan mode, the DVD player would for some discs display nothing other than the menus and menu-related video -- all of which looked SUPER sharp.. but when it came to playing the actual movie content it would (at worst) loose signal entirely or have major sync issues or (at best) display a picture that is SEVERELY combed or sharp from the bottom of the picture up until to top 95% mark.. with the last, top 5% of the screen having a strange, static 'curve' to it that reminds me of a VCR with a tracking issue or a VCR that can't quite swallow it's macrovision pill.
- Chris

I have hooked one of my progressive scan DVD players (Toshiba) from my HT and it displays all the DVDs I threw at it via component normally as expected. It did not have any of the problems toy are referring to. Granted I only tried 4 DVDs. I do not use the DVD player to watch DVDs normally. My setup is very computer/server-centric, so to speak.

Have you played with the DVD settings on your Samsung to see whether that makes any difference. When you try the different options make sure you have the 2405 set at 1:1 mode.

[O2C]

I ran a bunch of DVDs through it last night and it seems to crap out only for certain distributors. In particular, Fox (including 24: Season 1 and Family Guy: Season 1, Disk 1), Trimark, Artisan, Columbia, Miramax, and Universal releases all fail miserably for me. However MGM (I think), New Line and WB all seem to work. One exception to that list was the first Matrix release (one of the earliest New Line releases) that didn't work.

1:1 vs Aspect didn't matter. PS2 setting of 16:9 / Full (aka 4:3 letter box?) / 4:3 (aka 4:3 pan and scan?) didn't seem to matter. Aspect ratio of the DVD didn't seem to matter in "getting an input signal".

Aspect ratio did seem to matter when it came to displaying the image of course. The Matrix/Potter/LOTR DVDs were all letterboxed in 1:1 (being that they are 2.35:1 or 2:40:1 type films). Oddly enough, only a 1.85:1 New Line DVD (Harold and Kumar) seemed to take up the full DVD area when set to 1:1. That DVD area seemed to always be set to an 1.5 aspect ratio (~7.5" x 4.875") .

[zstryder]

So I guess the question is.. does the monitor only support 4:3 via component input?

[webboy10169]

Originally posted by zstryder
So I guess the question is.. does the monitor only support 4:3 via component input?

Im feeding the monitor HD via component (Hughes E86 Sat box Directv).
with no problems. So 16:9 is very possible. the problems being discussed are dvd and ps2 issues. Dont confuse the issue...

I will hook up a JVC progressive scan 7 changer dvd to the screen later and test.... Might even pull the xbox and test with that too.

[zstryder]

Originally posted by webboy10169
Im feeding the monitor HD via component (Hughes E86 Sat box Directv).
with no problems. So 16:9 is very possible. the problems being discussed are dvd and ps2 issues. Dont confuse the issue...

I will hook up a JVC progressive scan 7 changer dvd to the screen later and test.... Might even pull the xbox and test with that too.

Okay, thanks. I just wasn't sure if anyone had actually gotten 16:9 content to work correctly (with black bars on top and bottom, like it should).

Bizarre, I wonder what it is that DVD players and the PS2 are doing that would cause it to work incorrectly..

[ralphjb]

Can someone PM me the details on the "special deal/"
Thanks

[jeff_tyrrill]

Originally posted by O2C
I ran a bunch of DVDs through it last night and it seems to crap out only for certain distributors. In particular, Fox (including 24: Season 1 and Family Guy: Season 1, Disk 1), Trimark, Artisan, Columbia, Miramax, and Universal releases all fail miserably for me. However MGM (I think), New Line and WB all seem to work. One exception to that list was the first Matrix release (one of the earliest New Line releases) that didn't work.
Maybe the monitor doesn't handle Macrovision-protected signals? I can't otherwise see why different DVDs would affect it--it's just a video image. When you mentioned the different studios, that was the tip-off.

Maybe there's a list online somewhere of Macrovision-protected titles? (I couldn't immediately find one using Google.) Or perhaps a software tool can check whether a DVD is Macrovision-protected, and if your DVDs that are protected are exactly the ones with the problem, then the culprit has been found.

[jeff_tyrrill]

Originally posted by zstryder
Okay, thanks. I just wasn't sure if anyone had actually gotten 16:9 content to work correctly (with black bars on top and bottom, like it should).

Bizarre, I wonder what it is that DVD players and the PS2 are doing that would cause it to work incorrectly..
It was already established earlier in the thread that the monitor correctly displays 16:9 for HD input. What is currently unknown is whether it does it for 480i/p input, on component, S-Video, VGA, or any input type. Unless there's a user option, the only way the monitor could tell whether the input is 4:3 or anamorphic 16:9 is via some flagging mechanism from the DVD, game console, etc., because 4:3 and anamorphic 16:9 are the same signal type.

Nobody has clarified yet whether it is possible, which makes me think it isn't, and therefore if you want to play an anamorphic PS2 game or DVD, you are SOL. However, there is a possibility that the monitor can read the flagging in the signal, and change the aspect ratio. (Then, the problem with this method is that I'll bet many devices, and especially game consoles, don't output this flag, so without a user choice on the monitor, you are stuck. Real TVs that are widescreen have a user setting, except those older ones that are broken and lock to 16:9.)

[bmott]

Anyone have any luck with the service menus?

[jeff_tyrrill]

Originally posted by bmott
Anyone have any luck with the service menus?
I can't find any info on the GM1601 registers on Google or this forum, but if the service menu of the monitor shown in this image (http://www.geocities.com/miike232001/124.jpg) actually does let you change register values, then we should be able to access LOTS of hidden functionality, including custom aspect ratio modes, possibly allowing Macrovision-protected inputs to be viewed (if that is indeed the cause of the problem people are having, which has not been confirmed yet), custom zoom modes, changing deinterlacing settings, and so forth.

If anybody can figure out a way to know what the registers do, or find a service manual, that would be awesome.

Be careful with just fiddling around with registers: Many probably NEED to be a certain value for the monitor to work. The monitor may re-initialize everything on a power cycle, or it may not.

One "safe" thing to try (if fiddling around in the service menu like this can be "safe" at all) is to look for values that are certain numbers of pixels, for changing the aspect ratio settings. Of course, changing it to an unsupported value could shut off the display...who knows...and changing it could possibly not work if the monitor firmware constantly re-writes the values IT thinks should be there, based on the user choices!

But to figure out most stuff, a GM1601 manual or documentation will probably be needed.

[syncro]

Originally posted by jeff_tyrrill
Maybe the monitor doesn't handle Macrovision-protected signals? I can't otherwise see why different DVDs would affect it--it's just a video image. When you mentioned the different studios, that was the tip-off.

Maybe there's a list online somewhere of Macrovision-protected titles? (I couldn't immediately find one using Google.) Or perhaps a software tool can check whether a DVD is Macrovision-protected, and if your DVDs that are protected are exactly the ones with the problem, then the culprit has been found.

Best way to determine if Macrovision's CSS implementation is causing the issue would be for two different people with two diffrerent DVD player brands to try the same 2-3 titles that O2C lists (preferrably movie tilles rather than TV shows).

If it presents the same issues in both of the brands, the security would be a strong suspect warranting further testing. If not, then there is soething with the O2C's Samsung DVD player.

Finaly, one guy commented that he didn't see anyone mention whether the 2405 shows 16:9 letterboxed. I found more than than 12 clear mentions that there is no issue there. I've used it with 16:9 HD 720p/1080i/1080p and DVD 480p content and it displays correctly all the time both on 1:1 and Aspect mode. I do not think it can get more definitive than that.

As a minor issue I noticed that if you switch from SD to HD and vice versa there is a 1.5-2 sec delay (on Comcast feed) to do the switch in any mode.
A little annoyance if you switch between the HD and SD channels.

[O2C]

I don't think it's a Macrovision problem. "The Way of the Gun" plays fine and it has a Macrovision symbol on back. IMDB's details for the DVD (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202677/dvd) also say that title has Macrovision copy protection too.

I suppose it's possible that my copy (bought in Walmart IIRC) doesn't actually have it, but it's unlikely.

I'm happy to blame my PS2 for my DVD problems but it does work fine when outputting the signal over composite. I actually stumbled across another thread that suggested that it might be because my (earlier model of) PS2 isn't a progressive scan DVD player. I'll have to hunt down yet another DVD player -- one that lets me turn on and off progessive scan.

I put together a longer list of 30 or so titles that I tested in my setup. Distribution company may not be the factor -- the company that did the DVD authoring might be a better explanation.

[zstryder]

Originally posted by O2C
I'm happy to blame my PS2 for my DVD problems but it does work fine when outputting the signal over composite. I actually stumbled across another thread that suggested that it might be because my (earlier model of) PS2 isn't a progressive scan DVD player. I'll have to hunt down yet another DVD player -- one that lets me turn on and off progessive scan.

My PS2 doesn't support progressive scan DVD playback either - but it supports progressive gameplay just fine.. although, it's not like the PS2 has to output progressive scan in order for it to display correctly, so I'm not sure what the issue would be...

[O2C]

The reason I'm suspecting progressive scan DVD playback is that I saw a post in another forum (which I can't find again of course) of someone comparing some different output options from their player and this screen. I think I remember them saying that 480i showed no image, but 480p did. They may have been comparing a PAL or 50Hz system though. I just wish I could find it again.

Oh, if anyone wants to test it out, either of the latter two Harry Potter releases are good test cases. Neither Chamber of Secrets nor Prisoner of Azkaban work.

But oddly enough the second disks with extras work. :confused:

And the first release works. :confused:

[syncro]

Originally posted by O2C
The reason I'm suspecting progressive scan DVD playback is that I saw a post in another forum (which I can't find again of course) of someone comparing some different output options from their player and this screen. I think I remember them saying that 480i showed no image, but 480p did. They may have been comparing a PAL or 50Hz system though. I just wish I could find it again.

Oh, if anyone wants to test it out, either of the latter two Harry Potter releases are good test cases. Neither Chamber of Secrets nor Prisoner of Azkaban work.

But oddly enough the second disks with extras work. :confused:

And the first release works. :confused:

HP:Chamber plays fine on mine (Toshiba progressive scan DVD). "21 Grams", "Traffic", "Spinal Tap", "Dr. Strangelove", "Rounders" = all good

BTW the opening credits of Spinal Tap is a good way to test black levels and BL leakage with different ambient light scenarios.

[O2C]

Are there DVDs that don't work for you? Can you turn of progressive scan on your DVD and try it?

[neomoz]

One simple way for people who are having problems with certain movies and think it's macrovision, is if you have a dvd burner, just download a copy of dvd shrink, use dvd shrink to copy the film and that will strip the macrovision bit from the film. play your backed up copy and see if the dell syncs. If it does then we have a macrovision issue that could be player specific since the macrovision signal is added by the actual player and isn't in the encoded video.

[KANE4]

I have been using this LCD monitor for about two weeks now. So far I have been very happy with it for computer use and for use watching DVD's via my computer's DVD drive via DVI. However after reading of several people's issues with a seperate DVD player, I felt the need to hook up my old Toshiba SD2200. This is a non-progressive scan DVD player so it only outputs interlaced signals. I tested a variety of movies and here are the results:

Apollo 13 - 2.35:1 Anamorphic - Universal - could not sync signal
Jurassic Park - 1.85:1 Anamorphic - Universal - could not sync signal
Gladiator - 2.35:1 Anamorphic - Dreamworks - could not sync signal
Chicken Run - 1.85 Anamorphic - Dreamworks - worked fine
Matrix - letterboxed - WB - could not sync signal although it was close a few times
Pink Floyd The Wall - widescreen - Columbia - worked although the monitor showed the signal at 240 rather than 480 and had a hard time deinterlacing this signal as well.

Via the DVI through the computer, the image was much better than via component though the Toshiba. I wonder if my NVIDIA 6800 is doing a better job sending a 1920x1200 signal. However, as I mentioned in a previous post, I am unable to configure the black level and other settings via the monitor when using the DVI connection. I'll have to figure out how to change this in the software settings as the black level via the Toshiba was much better.

I also hooked up the Toshiba via Composite just for fun. I ran two identical cables for Component and Composite (one cable of a 2m AR composite cable) so there were no differences in cable shielding. It was amazing to see the quality difference! Composite was absolute garbage when flipping back and forth but it did show every movie I tried. Is this issue limited to just the component input?

My order of image quality:

1 - By far the DVI via the computer DVD drive
2 - Composite via 480i DVD player (when it worked)
3 - Component via 480i DVD player

As I do not have a stand alone progressive scan DVD player (yes I know they are about $40 at BB but I have been looking at universals lately) I was not able to test that option but assume it would take the number 2 spot. Has anyone tested this monitor using an upscaling DVD player?

Kane

[Axon]

OK, I just copied my DVD of Pink Floyd: Live At Pompeii (Director's Cut), one of the DVDs I've been having problems with, with DVDShrink. The Macrovision-like problems went away, and - surprisingly enough - interleaved mode now works too! (It didn't sync before.) I'm not exactly sure what this proves, though, since many, many things get changed in the process of these reencodings.

Does anybody know of a way to query the copy protection bits on a DVD, and perhaps set them, in order to isolate that potential suspect?

[O2C]

Well, I hunted down a Pioneer unit that lets me turn on and off progressive scan and that definately seems to be a key part of the problem. When I turn off progressive scan I get the no input signal for certain titles. When I turn it on, those titles will play -- but with corruption at the top fifth of the LCD. Titles that will play in interlaced mode do not show this corruption when in progressive mode.

I guess the question now is will the unit show the "problematic majority" of DVDs in 720p or 1080i without corruption?

Oh yeah, if you have this monitor and are experiencing this problem, please call Dell Technical Support and report it. They probably won't be able to fix it right now, but unless many people report the problem it won't become a priority for them to come up with a solution. You'll probably end up in Dell Dimension Technical Support (which is okay). The keys are 1) this is a hardware problem with the component inputs, 2) this is not a software problem related to the computer (it happens when hooked up to DVD player), 3) if they don't have an immediate solution you would like them to ask lvl 2 tech support, and most importantly 4) be nice -- it's not the help desk's fault the engineers messed up. Honey catches more flies than vinegar -- patience is a virtue -- insert your most hated cliche here.

[bmott]

I too did some testing last night. I hooked up my reference dvd player (denon 3800) and tested it with several dvds (those copied and burnt with macrovision removed and the originals)

I was initially very disapointed when i used progressive scan (with original dvds) i got the top part of the screen all jarbled. Then i switched to non-progressive scan component and got no video output onto my screen, svideo that was fine, and composite was fine as well.

I tried this on a total of 6 or so dvds.

Then i switch to my copied selection with macrovision removed and hooked it up 480P. 480P is perfect scaling for this 1080P display and it looked phenonimal. Suddenly i saw again why i bought this monitor. First movie i tried was Monsters Inc and it looked sooo good, that i ended up stopping testing and watching the whole film. Compliments to samsung benq and dell for bringing us such a great monitor.

Im not sure if this macrovision thing is a fault with their engineering, mabye they don't want it to play macrovision? They want you to buy their lcds tvs, but then again why have all these inputs if they don't work with a majority of material.

I can also add my experience with HDTV. I had it hooked up to my HD box via dvi it worked for a second then went blank, i then hooked up via component and it worked fine. It looked even more amazing then the dvds. YEAH 1080i.

Though still the best source so far is the 1080P HD downloads from microsoft.

[stromm]

Originally posted by bmott
480P is perfect scaling for this 1080P display

Just so others don't get confused, the 2405FPW is NOT a x1080 display. It's X1200 (as in 1920x1200).

[nebrunner]

- Though still the best source so far is the 1080P HD downloads from microsoft.

I was using the WM9 HD downloads from MSFT to check out the monitor, and they looked great.

With WM9, if you go full screen, the top and bottom windows bars fade out after a moment, and you get a nice, full picture.

I upgraded to WM10, and I cannot get the top and bottom windows bars (volume control, pause button, etc) to completely disappear.

Even choosing full screen mode, the bars stay there.

Any idea if I am doing something wrong, or did WM10 actually take a big step backwards from WM9?

[zstryder]

Originally posted by nebrunner
- Though still the best source so far is the 1080P HD downloads from microsoft.

I was using the WM9 HD downloads from MSFT to check out the monitor, and they looked great.

With WM9, if you go full screen, the top and bottom windows bars fade out after a moment, and you get a nice, full picture.

I upgraded to WM10, and I cannot get the top and bottom windows bars (volume control, pause button, etc) to completely disappear.

Even choosing full screen mode, the bars stay there.

Any idea if I am doing something wrong, or did WM10 actually take a big step backwards from WM9?

Look for a little pin icon, and unclick it. It keeps the windows locked permanently unless you unlock it. :)

Man, what are everyone's CPU specs? I have an Athlon XP 2600+ and 1GB of RAM, and my computer slows down to a crawl when viewing HD WMV9 material... I guess I need to get my 6600GT working correctly so I can get the WMV9 acceleration.

[Solfan]

Originally posted by nebrunner
- Though still the best source so far is the 1080P HD downloads from microsoft.

I was using the WM9 HD downloads from MSFT to check out the monitor, and they looked great.




Has anyone had a chance to try the fusionHD demos?

[DerDirektor]

Requesting a PM for the double-secret special deal.

Thanks!

[daumier]

Me too please! :)

Originally posted by DerDirektor
Requesting a PM for the double-secret special deal.

Thanks!

[ksjcorpus]

me three

[neomoz]

so it does appear to be the macrovision that's causing issues with the syncing, I guess the hunch was right but that's disappointing macrovision is on every dvd out there so why would they make a panel that doesn't handle the macrovision. My guess is that in order to get the gm1601 to work with component you need to supply an external component AD chip, I have a feeling the component AD convertor they might of put in doesn't strip/filter the macrovision which probably most component AD convertors out there do before sending the signal to the digital processor. So the spikes put in by macrovision are confusing the digital processor hence why it doesn't sync. I wonder what sort of component AD chip they're using.

As you can see by the diagram, the gm1601 chip handles rgb signals and digital rgb directly, but HDTV/video signals require seperate ADC chips. This is where maybe dell put in a cheaper component ADC that doesn't filter/handle macrovision.

http://www.sourceopen.biz/company/vendor/genesis/video/multimedia_monitor/gm1601/gm1601_sys.gif

[Carbo]

Me four

[ksjcorpus]

ok i gave up on buying this monitor on the cheap --- besides im impatient and i didn't want to wait the 3 plus weeks that dell's website tells you it'll take. anyway i bought a new one off ebay for $1100 total. still a deal for what you get

[O2C]

Originally posted by neomoz
so it does appear to be the macrovision that's causing issues with the syncing
Yeah, I'm thinking that my copy of "The Way of the Gun" that has the Macrovision logo on back, that IMDB thinks has Macrovision, actually doesn't have Macrovision.

I hunted down two New Line Cinema titles with the CP (Copy Protected) symbol on back ("Corina, Corina" and "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me") and both of them display the sync issues.

[Koodari]

Well, I've been trying to call Dell to ask what they know about the situation with 16:9 and DVD's.

Spent 1.15 (that's 1 hour 15 minutes) on the line, waiting, listening to the idiotic chime, and then the line went dead.
Same thing again.
Same thing third time.

Not to mention the ripoff price of 1270EUR, that's 1800USD, for the 2405FPW.
Must... stop... rant...

[zstryder]

I don't suppose there are players that bypass macrovision?

[bluesaba]

Also requesting a PM for the special deal. Thanks!

[ksjcorpus]

ya that's definitely a rip off price in euros .......... buy it off ebay like i did and you don't have to wait for 3weeks before they ship

[martyj19]

Originally posted by zstryder
I don't suppose there are players that bypass macrovision?

We do not discuss hacking on this site.

[zstryder]

Originally posted by martyj19
We do not discuss hacking on this site.

Sorry, I didn't know that that would be considered hacking.

I mean, we OWN the DVD's, and we're just trying to get it to play correctly on our equipment...

Sorry!

[locomo]

The DVD Player section in AVS has some discussion on the above, although I don't think they consider it "hacking". The Momitsu is probably the most famous.
I'm using this mainly with a computer, so can't you guys just play a DVD on your CPU and get around the component input that way? Should be a much better pic to boot.
On a side note, my TimeWarn SA 8300HD box is showing a lot of macro-blocking on panning HD video shots. Anyone else see this?
lo

[Peter740]

Originally posted by Koodari
Well, I've been trying to call Dell to ask what they know about the situation with 16:9 and DVD's.

Spent 1.15 (that's 1 hour 15 minutes) on the line, waiting, listening to the idiotic chime, and then the line went dead.
Same thing again.
Same thing third time.

Not to mention the ripoff price of 1270EUR, that's 1800USD, for the 2405FPW.
Must... stop... rant...

maybe it's about time you return the monitor and rebuy it at a much better price..

[Koodari]

Originally posted by Peter740
maybe it's about time you return the monitor and rebuy it at a much better price.. Actually I didn't buy one yet.

If they serve customers this badly before they have the money in their hands, one has to wonder how support, service and warranty work after the purchase when they logically have less incentives to do their job well.

They did respond to my e-mail where I explained my call attempts though. I guess next time I want to ask something from them I'll e-mail them and in the e-mail ask them to call me. :confused:

[Koodari]

Originally posted by O2C
With a 480i/p input:
"1:1" displays a tiny box in the center of the screen.
"Aspect" displays a pillarboxed image using the entire height of the screen.
"Fill" displays a slightly stretched out image using the entire screen. So this is the standard 480i that comes out of, say, a Playstation2?

And the only fault is that when the 480i is widescreen, where the purist wants 16:9, the picture will be stretched to 16:10 = fullscreen?

And once you go high definition, even this problem will not exist?

OMG. Earlier I read through the thread once and was left with the impression the screen only supports 4:3 in 480i... as in, no widescreen of any kind while in 480i. I must have skipped over O2C's post. I was really struggling with the idea of only getting 4:3 (stupid me), but even that did not completely freeze my interest! Now I am really set on this screen.

Since I don't care about the 1/10 aspect ratio error, only the DVD running problem remains in an otherwise stellar display. But I run all DVD from computer anyway... :D

[mad6c]

Anyone else notice that the Time Used in the service menu us the total amount of time the display is plugged in? The counter increments when the display is on, in sleep or powered off.

Mike

[TYBZ]

Hi gang, I'm fired up about that display as most of us are, hehe :)

I would like to request a PM for the special deal! Thanks!

[Banal]

can i get the pm also?

Originally posted by kilmar
Counter-Strike: Source (1920x1200 all details max) while online with 40 player server:
4xAA 16xAF - plays abit sluggish
0XAA 8xAF - plays GREAT!

Since there's no timedemo for CS:S, I could not make an accurate FPS count.


Sorry if this response is so late but there is a way. Go to console and type net_graph 1 and it will give you your fps. There are a few other viewing options with 2 and 3. 0 turns it back off.

Originally posted by kilmar
Yes, just don't try to PiP or PbP with the Desktop and Notebook.

why do you say don't?

[O2C]

Probably be cause you can't. You can only do PiP or PbP with VGA/DVI and S-Video/Composite/Component. You could use the TV-out from your desktop/notebook to the S-Video or Composite input, but you lose tons of resolution. . .

[kilmar]

Originally posted by Banal
can i get the pm also?



Sorry if this response is so late but there is a way. Go to console and type net_graph 1 and it will give you your fps. There are a few other viewing options with 2 and 3. 0 turns it back off.



why do you say don't?

The fps jumps too erratically to accurately gauge even with net_graph on. Also, it depends which map you're playing. I'd say I avg somewhere between 55 and 120 with my current setup 0xAA 8xAF. Of course, some maps like the Market in Italy takes its toll.

You can't PiP and PbP between VGA (D-Sub) and DVI.

[mpetrozelli]

Can someone please PM me the code so I can get in also? Thanks!!!!:D

[rally9x]

I'm looking to buy 2 of these. If anyone could PM me a way to get a good price please do that.

[trancedigital]

sorry

no coupon talk/links on this forum

moderator
----------------------------------------

edit: Sorry about that....my apologies. Didnt read rules :D

trancedigital

[deeseeel]

I'd appreciate a PM with the code too. Thank you.

[AVGeek]

Requesting a PM for the deal too.

Thanks

[Randall Morton]

I would like a PM for the deal also. My Dell 2000FP just died and I need a replacement.

[dvdmonster]

AVSFORUM has just gone south with all the "We do not discuss hacking on this site." and "no coupon talk/links on this forum" BS.

Is bypassing macrovision hacking?? What is macrovision for anyways? How many people copy DVD's to videotapes nowadays???? Get real.
No coupon talk.. why not give people what they want?? 80% of the posts in this thead is asking for someone to PM the code anyways.

[teamw]

I'd sure appreciate the code too.

John W

[thedeskE]

FYI - Dell just dropped the price at small business - search for T6133 and click it.

[MSRP only please]

E

My Bad _ I'll try to remember the rules on $$

[Randall Morton]

I called a day late and the $*** special was dead. I'm not paying the $***. I'd really rather have the 37" BenQ. I plan on using it for TV & computer so the 37" would really work better. I'm older and more patient than some. I'll even wait until the BenQ is actually out and discussed before I take the plunge. I mostly use my Dwin for a computer monitor anyway.

[desertdome]

Has anyone sucessfully viewed 1080i over DVI? I have read in some other forums that the monitor does not seem to accept a 1080i signal over DVI.

Yesterday I received the MyHD MDP-130 with the daughtercard for HDTV viewing using DVI. I will not be able to install and test it for several more days so I was wondering if anyone else had tried 1080i over DVI.

I purchased my 2405fpw about a month ago and received the special pricing. :D I recently tried to order another one for my company from the same sales rep and they are no longer selling them for the ultra low price. I recommend that people no longer post and request a pm regarding special pricing.

Michael

[jbradway]

I tried 1080i from my TS360 and interlaced output just doesn't look good or stable. I switched it to output 720p and it looks awesome.

I also would like to echo desertdome's comment about the PM'ing the deal info. It's been many weeks since I received the monitor and it looks like the deals have changed many times since then. The only advice I can offer is that when I want to know what current deals there are in the electronics world, I usually check the fatwallet.com forums. ;)

[GrantR]

I got my 2405FPW last week. I run my computer on the DVI input, and initially tried my hi-def cards via the RGB input, except the monitor clearly doesn't expect to see 1080i-rgb, gets confused, and thinks it's 640x480 and mushes it into the middle of the screen, and also leaves off the right 1/4 of the image. However, getting a HD15 to Y-Pr-Pb cable so that I can connect the hi-def cards to the component in, and then telling my AccessDTV and HiDTV cards to output in Y-Pr-Pb instead of RGB produces extremely good results for HDTV viewing. 1080i looks great, I see no visual issues with it at all (as a counter to jbradway's report).

The black levels of course can't touch my old 19" CRT, but they're pretty good for an LCD. One thing the LCD does better than the CRT is that is has absolutely NO ghosting-aura effects. On a CRT if you're in a completely dark room looking at an image that has dark areas with something bright, you can see a subtle but fairly large ghostly aura around the white part where electrons are leaking or something. LCDs of course can't possibly do this. So even though the blacks aren't so good, this clarity of contrasting edges pretty much makes up for it, and I am quickly finding myself not being bothered by the not-quite-black blacks any more.

The response speed is very good for an LCD, however it is still not able to do fast scrolling tests as well as a CRT can: try (if your Windows is configured to drag an entire window's contents) dragging a window around and seeing if you can read the text while it's dragging. My CRTs can definitely do better at this. But having said that, the LCD is responding fast enough that any television watching I do produces no noticable response lag or ghosting, and my gaming doesn't suffer at all either.

Viewing angles are pretty good too - my other two LCDs (one's a laptop) have appalling view angles, vertically in particular. The colors and dark tones do all kinds of funky things if you're not straight on. This monitor however maintains color with view angle very well. Very dark areas do some subtle contrast weirdness (they get a little brighter) with angle, but it's small enough of an effect that it isn't bothering me any more.

It's very bright, I have to turn the brightness all the way down. The colors are very strong and vivid without any saturation - I think this monitor has a wider color gamut than my CRTs!

When putting a picture up full-screen, when I stand accross the room I feel like I am looking through a window frame into a real scene.

At work my puny little 21" CRT is starting to feel extremely confining. I keep wondering where the extra width of view is :)

[jbradway]

I use the HD15 for PC display because I still have the old KVM switch for my laptop and tower. The DVI is connected to the TS360. The only bummer with this arrangment is that I don't seem to be able to get these two inputs to do PIP.

[GrantR]

Yep, the PIP only works between (HD15 or DVI) and (composite or s-video or component). In PIP mode, hitting the input select alternates between the inputs in the currently showing group, eg: HD15 <-> DVI

jbradway, how is your visual quality through the switchbox compared to running the cable straight through? I find this monitor's size and clarity makes any interference noise in the signal really stand out. I've already bought/tried/returned several different component cables and switchboxes due to the interference type noise they introduce into my HDTV image.

You may want to try out HDTV through the component input, and see if you notice any better or worse image quality compared to the DVI. Perhaps that's why your 1080i doesn't look so good, when it comes over the DVI?

[jbradway]

I do play DVDs and downloaded HD and SD widescreen shows and they look pretty good passing through the KVM switch. I originally had my TS360 hooked up with the component cable directly to the 2405 and the picture was flat awful. Real grainy and the colors never looked quite right. I never could get it adjusted to look even half decent. When I switched to the DVI, it was like night and day. Even at default factory settings on the monitor it was nearly perfect. I never did go pick up another set of cables to try component again because the DVI looks fantastic.
This best way I can describe what I see with 1080i through DVI - it looks like I can actually see the interlacing taking place because the top and botom lines twitter a bit. Since I sit so close the the monitor, it's real noticible. I don't get that on 720p.

[fredzy]

Originally posted by jbradway
I tried 1080i from my TS360 and interlaced output just doesn't look good or stable. I switched it to output 720p and it looks awesome.

I also would like to echo desertdome's comment about the PM'ing the deal info. It's been many weeks since I received the monitor and it looks like the deals have changed many times since then. The only advice I can offer is that when I want to know what current deals there are in the electronics world, I usually check the fatwallet.com forums. ;)

I have a T-165 and am curious if anyone else can concur that 1080i through DVI is lousy ?

CG

[chopkins]

I have a T-165 and am curious if anyone else can concur that 1080i through DVI is lousy ?


I have a T165 and 1080i DVI looks great into a Sony HS10 LCD projector.

[Phod]

Can someone detail their experience with this montior for Xbox HD gaming.. is it just a matter of hooking up via HD pack and component or do you need a VGA input converter?

Please post your experiences :)

[TYBZ]

I would like to know if anyone has tried that monitor plugged in a PC on a GeForce 4 TI 4200 128MB via DVI @ 1920x1200? How does it looks like? Does that card can display 1920x1200 via DVI with clarity?

Share your experiences :)

[AOC]

One thing I will worry about this is that it seems the design is primariy for montior and it also serve as a TV.

This means it is using a monitor scaler and monitor panel to keep the cost down, and most likely it will not have de-interlacer and other picture enhancement fucntion built in.

I think if you have a HTPC and output to the monitor through DVI, you will get good picture.

But if you rely on the TV to do all the video processing, the picture quality maybe compromised.

[fredzy]

Originally posted by chopkins
I have a T165 and 1080i DVI looks great into a Sony HS10 LCD projector.

I meant how does 1080i look on the Dell Monitor we are discussing. Hey Chopkins, Is your Sony HS10 5C compliant? Will the T165 output broadcast flagged (copy protected) material to plain ole DVI ?

[O2C]

1080i looks extremely good -- but I don't really have any other point of reference. I've seen 1080i on my monitor via GT4 over PS2 component and my PC's DVI connection (ATI HDTV Wonder).

The scaler used in the monitor looks very good (again, with admittedly few points of reference). Using the aspect option to display standard TV shows a surprisingly good image. It of course looks cruddy compared to HDTV, but that's to be expected. This is both for NTSC and through my VCR. Turning the sharpness way down helps of course. I believe it uses this scaler (http://www.gnss.com/products/gm1601.phtml) but I have no idea how good the Genesis Microchip gm1601 is as a scaler.

The Macrovision-component issue is the only issue that remains for me.

[chopkins]

Hey Chopkins, Is your Sony HS10 5C compliant? Will the T165 output broadcast flagged (copy protected) material to plain ole DVI

The HS10 is HDCP complaint. D-Theater DVHS tapes play perfectly when connected by firewire to the T165 then DVI to the HS10.

I have tried playing D-Theater tapes via DVI to a Dell 2001W monitor and they will not work. Non D-Theater tapes play fine via DVI.

[fredzy]

Originally posted by chopkins
The HS10 is HDCP complaint. D-Theater DVHS tapes play perfectly when connected by firewire to the T165 then DVI to the HS10.

I have tried playing D-Theater tapes via DVI to a Dell 2001W monitor and they will not work. Non D-Theater tapes play fine via DVI.

Kind of an involved question, but I have a HiPix card which, made a while ago, should ignore the Broadcast Flag nonsense. I don't know if the flag gets recorded anyway. Whereas my T-165 is HDCP compliant and I want to play back recorded shows, like Chompkins does, through the T-165 firewire ports to the Dell 2405.

Does anyone know if broadcast flagged programs have the same copy protection measures in place as D-Theater tapes?

As an aside, I thought the courts ruled that the FCC overstepped their bounds and the broadcast flag was in jeopardy ?!?

CG

[locomo]

HDCP and the broadcast flag are 2 different things.

[JollyTrolleys]

Well I've spent quite a bit of time looking around for a solution but can't find what I'm after so am creating this new question.

I just bought the new Dell 24" widescreen lcd monitor (2405FPW) and have hooked it up to my PC via DVI-D with the res set to the monitor's native of 1920x1200. The picture I get from DTV broadcast looks good from a distance but when I get closer to the screen I can see that it's a bit flakey. It's very grainy and quite noticably artifacty, like jpeg compression. SDTV looks worse than HDTV (obviously) but HDTV still doesn't look as good as I expected. I haven't seen anything to compare it to at the moment (a friend has a HD CRT TV with a STB connected and swears it's awesome so I'll see if I can check that out as a reference) but I'd like to know if anyone thinks I have a reasonable problem or am just been silly and maybe expecting too much. Like I said it's a pretty nice image from the couch, which is where I do my watching from.

Could it be my video card (Radeon 9550XT), it's settings (?), the broadcast quality, my monitors settings?

Is there anything I can do to enhance the picture quality with software/hardware?

Anyone else have any issues with running a resolution this high?

Basically any help or ideas would be welcome.

Thanks


Scott

[fredzy]

Originally posted by JollyTrolleys
Well I've spent quite a bit of time looking around for a solution but can't find what I'm after so am creating this new question.

I just bought the new Dell 24" widescreen lcd monitor (2405FPW) and have hooked it up to my PC via DVI-D with the res set to the monitor's native of 1920x1200. The picture I get from DTV broadcast looks good from a distance but when I get closer to the screen I can see that it's a bit flakey. It's very grainy and quite noticably artifacty, like jpeg compression. SDTV looks worse than HDTV (obviously) but HDTV still doesn't look as good as I expected. I haven't seen anything to compare it to at the moment (a friend has a HD CRT TV with a STB connected and swears it's awesome so I'll see if I can check that out as a reference) but I'd like to know if anyone thinks I have a reasonable problem or am just been silly and maybe expecting too much. Like I said it's a pretty nice image from the couch, which is where I do my watching from.

Could it be my video card (Radeon 9550XT), it's settings (?), the broadcast quality, my monitors settings?

Is there anything I can do to enhance the picture quality with software/hardware?

Anyone else have any issues with running a resolution this high?

Basically any help or ideas would be welcome.

Thanks


Scott


Jolly -

Things I might check:

1. Make sure you are using millions of colors
2. I don't know your source, but live HDTV is ofen sent as 480p through the PCI bus, so try and hook up the Dell Monitor directly to the HDTV card and/or look at some pre-recorded content, the latter will provide your Radeon access to the raw stream.
3. If you have a fast CPU, download some 1080p WMV9 demos and let us know how they look.


CG

[O2C]

Originally posted by JollyTrolleys
Could it be my video card (Radeon 9550XT), it's settings (?), the broadcast quality, my monitors settings?

Is there anything I can do to enhance the picture quality with software/hardware?

Anyone else have any issues with running a resolution this high?

Make sure you're using the latests Cats and that the reduced DVI blanking check box is selected. If it's a primetime HDTV show, it's probably not the broadcast quality. If it's a non-upconverted SD feed, you'll see those artifacts.

You might also want to try viewing a 720p broadcast in a native sized window. Or set the monitor into 1920x1080 resolution and putting that into full screen.

[sbaillar]

Just got this monitor and everything looks great. I am using a Nvidia 6800GT running 1920x1200. The weird thing I noticed is that I am not properly scaling my background images. It looks like it goes 90% of the way and repeats the last 10% over again, never streching the image all the way. I kinda solved it by getting a 1920x1200 background image and tiling it.

Is this something to do with the monitor or the video card?

Thanks,
Sonny

[GrantR]

JollyTrolleys, all that jpeg 8x8 pixel block motion artifacting you are seeing is exactly that - jpeg artifacting. HDTV uses MPEG2 video, which is based on the same technology as jpeg. So, when there is insufficient bandwidth, you see the same 8x8 pixel blockiness as in a jpeg at low compression settings. HDTV is usually around 15-19 mbits/sec, which is OK for stuff that isn't moving very rapidly, but when you have scenes with a lot of motion, that is simply not enough bandwidth to keep up.

On higher resolution monitors/hdtvs (like this FPW2405) or if you get up close, the more easily these artifacts can be seen.

We could complain about it and ask for 30mbit/sec bandwidth, but that won't happen. We could complain and ask for a better compression codec too, but that also won't happen. So, we just have to put up with it.

I find that ABC usually has less motion artifacting than the other channels, but that would be because ABC broadcasts in 720p, so has less pixels to keep up with using the available bandwidth than the other channels which use 1080i. PBS is usually the worst of the typical OTA channels, because they spread their 20mbit/sec bandwidth over about 5-6 subchannels, so each individual channel is pretty badly compromised.

[proudwanderer]

Hi all,

Can I just ask whether of not Dell will have a larger sized model of the 24"

Currently all other manufacturers largest computer monitor that is capable of 1920x1200 is 23" ... and the 24" from Dell.

I've done some googling, and it seems that Apple are the only manufacturer that has a larger size - ie the 30" HD Cinema display that is capable of high resolution.

There are plenty of 26-30" displays - and a lot with TV tuners ... but they are only capable of 1280x768 - or 1366x768

[martyj19]

Just as a point of information the Apple 30 requires a video card with DVI dual link. Not available on PCs unless you go up to a pricey workstation video card like the Quadros.

[proudwanderer]

Originally posted by martyj19
Just as a point of information the Apple 30 requires a video card with DVI dual link. Not available on PCs unless you go up to a pricey workstation video card like the Quadros.

Exactly. I know that.

That's why I would never buy the Apple - it's too overpriced anyway.

So the question is .... is there any monitor that is 28-30" capable of 1920x1200?

And is Dell going to be putting out a larger model any time soon?

[thedeskE]

One thing is certain, when Apple ups the game with a 40(rumor) (or whatever their new 16/9 range is) Dell will follow with a match for less money. Same game as last year.

When Mac World reviewed LCDs and gave the HP2335 top honors over the Apple 23, a lot of heads turned away from the sexy Apple bezel and not so sexy price. The Dell 24 was just being released, so it was not available for the review.

Just an opinion, but we'll see the new stuff go to a TV matching 16/9 and away from 16/10.

E

[proudwanderer]

Originally posted by thedeskE
One thing is certain, when Apple ups the game with a 40(rumor) (or whatever their new 16/9 range is) Dell will follow with a match for less money. Same game as last year.

When Mac World reviewed LCDs and gave the HP2335 top honors over the Apple 23, a lot of heads turned away from the sexy Apple bezel and not so sexy price. The Dell 24 was just being released, so it was not available for the review.

Just an opinion, but we'll see the new stuff go to a TV matching 16/9 and away from 16/10.

E

So does that mean that the larger sizes will actually be "TV focussed" meaning that they will only resolve 1366x768 (or 1280x720) like all other LCD TVs ..... and not 1920x1200 (or above) that is more ideal for computing?

[teamw]

Just hooked my new 2405 to my computer- GREAT monitor. I thought I was going to have to take off the stand because I only have a 19.5" height in my cabinet and spec say monitor is 22" high. Wrong. If you don't need to rotate monitor, its height with the stand "bottomed" is only 18" tall.

Highly recommended.

JohnW

[thedeskE]

proudwanderer

Apple would be insane not to allow both. You can bet they hate watching 20-30% of their potential buyers go with Dell (2005,2405) the Arch enemy of Mr. Jobs over the years.

I have many people that ask the same question when they see my HP2335 and the component cables plugged in the side. `Are you watching HiDef Sat on that thing'

Yes I am

E

[proudwanderer]

Hi,

Can someone tell me what the black/shadow detail is like on this monitor?

Particularly compared to the higher end LCD TVs - like the Sharp Aquos range.

And also, I know it is not as good as CRT - but how does it compare with a CRT monitor - I am currently using a Philips 19" CRT monitor, so if I get this Dell, would I be dissatisfied with the blacks when watching movies like The Matrix?

[cjv123]

well, ii have the viewsonic vp201b and it is awesome. i think the bar is raised pretty high here for dell- this will be interesting.

[Daniel THB]

Has anyone here looked at the Viewsonic 23vp231wb ? it's a very handsome 23" widescreen lcd that features HDCP but one very lonely dvi input (there's also an RGB). it's about $1650 online, which ain't cheap, but it appears to be a superior product to the dell -- or maybe i'm just falling for their promotional material. anyway, here's a link --

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktopdisplays/lcddisplays/proseries/vp231wb/

anybody see this baby? i've tried, but no one in jersey carries it on their showroom.

[greggplummer]

Daniel THB-

Why do you say the Viewsonic 23vp231wb appears to be a superior product to the Dell?

The specs show:

Dell Viewsonic
24" 23" display size
500 250 brightness
1000:1 500:1 contrast ratio
12ms 12ms response time

(btw, does anyone know how to use tables within a post, or at least force additional spaces or tabs?)

The Dell also includes additional USB ports, etc. Based on the specs, it appears that the Dell 2405FPW is the superior product. Am I missing some crucial spec that changes this analysis?

[Daniel THB]

gregg, I stand completely corrected. I simply misread and sped through some of the info on the viewsonic, partly because I was so excited about the HDCP.

It is kinda stupid that a monitor with hardly any inputs is HDCP compliant while the Dell with every input imaginable isn't.

[r961161]

Also requesting a PM for the special deal. Thanks!

[Jones_Rush]

Real life contrast ratio is ~ 612:1.

References:
1) http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1774272,00.asp
"In the lab, the 2405FPW hit its marks, with a measured contrast ratio of 612:1".

2) http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1764612,00.asp
"The measured average contrast ratio of the UltraSharp 2405FPW was 612:1".

Weird, two independant tests found it to be exactly 612:1, yet it is advertized as 1000:1, almost double.

This makes me wonder if they lied about screen size too. Is the horizontal width of the viewable screen 20.35" ?.

[proudwanderer]

[i]

This makes me wonder if they lied about screen size too. Is the horizontal width of the viewable screen 20.35" ?. [/B]

No, I think the sizes are correct (that is 24" from corner to corner). I think someone measured it - not sure

Maybe the 1000:1 is a maximum .... like measuring it with a pure white picture with a black square in the middle.

[Jones_Rush]

like measuring it with a pure white picture with a black square in the middle.
This kind of contrast measurement is called "ansi contrast". What they used is On/Off contrast, ie. you measure the lumen output of a full white image, and compare it with a full black image.

Manufacturers have learned to cheat this measurement. They make the screen's maximum lumens extremely high (like looking at the sun), then when you compare it to the lousy "black" level (grey), you get good contrast.

[proudwanderer]

Originally posted by Jones_Rush
This kind of contrast measurement is called "ansi contrast". What they used is On/Off contrast, ie. you measure the lumen output of a full white image, and compare it with a full black image.

Manufacturers have learned to cheat this measurement. They make the screen's maximum lumens extremely high (like looking at the sun), then when you compare it to the lousy "black" level (grey), you get good contrast.

Hmm interesting....

What is this Dell monitor's black levels really like from an observer's point of view?

[Jones_Rush]

I think everyone needs to take a close look at the following article (from tomshardware.com):

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/display/20040226/contrast_ratio-01.html

A snip from the article:

"This little calculation demonstrates that in order to obtain an impressive contrast ratio, the manufacturers have every incentive to emphasize the brightness of their screens. If, instead of 200.5 cd/sq. m, max brightness is increased to 400.5, the contrast will automatically increase to 800: 1 (from 400:1).

However, the white will be more blinding and the black will not improve. Furthermore, there's a good chance that your eyes will not be able to tolerate such intense brightness. The screen may well produce an 800: 1 contrast ratio but it will be unusable. As a reminder, CRT screens make do with a white of 80 to 100 cd/sq. m, and the few graphic artists who have switched over to LCD screens will calibrate them to a maximum of 110 cd/sq. m."

I think the guys at tomshardware are of the very few who really know how to review LCD monitors objectively without succumbing to the manufacturer's hype. This is the reason I base my LCD purchases mainly by their reviews. Read one of their latest LCD reviews and you'll see for yourself.

[markrubin]

Jones_Rush

Thanks for that link: I wish all plasma / LCD manufacturers would step up and use one meaningful CR spec: e.g. ANSI CR and get away from these meaningless specs they publish

[greggplummer]

But....

It still looks like this Dell 24" is the best option in it's class. Or, has anyone come across something better?

BTW, how can I get a better deal...? Could someone please PM me with the scoop?

Thanks!!

[Jones_Rush]

markrubin, you are 100% correct, and these are exactly the conclusion words of the article I gave above:

"Contrast ratio values are based on maximum monitor brightness, which differs from one screen to the next, and is unusable for most of the time when it is at its maximum. There is thus no point in comparing monitors' contrast ratios. A screen that registers 800: 1 will not necessarily be any better than one that is "half as strongly contrasted" at only 400: 1. The first screen will probably be brighter, which is only an advantage if the screen is to be installed in a public place where it needs to be extremely bright so as to be visible to everyone, and from a distance.

To get a realistic idea of the actual quality of a monitor, the contrast ratios need to be tested using the same value for white for all of them (such as 110 cd/sq.m, for example). This would mean that the contrast levels will be much more representative of the range of graphic options of which the screens are capable, and especially their ability to render really dark blacks.

Of course, there is little chance that most manufacturers will introduce such a measurement themselves, although top-tier manufacturers might. They could introduce this new data while retaining another measurement at maximum brightness, if required.

In other words, ISO must take the initiative. The ISO 13406-2 norm is used to define a large number of standards applied to LCD screens, including those to be found at involving dead pixels (see the previous article), response time and contrast ratios. We are aware that the standard is currently being revised and updated. We look forward to seeing the result."

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but the more people aware of these facts, the better.

[billd]

Can someone please send me a PM with the details on the special coupon code?

I'm also in the market for a new gaming PC and am considering Dell due to 1) my employee discount and 2) maybe they will make a deal with me on the price of this monitor.

THANK YOU.
Bill D

[bmott]

THERE IS NO MORE SPECIAL DEAL ON THIS MONITOR. STOP ASKING . IT WAS A SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE FROM DELL

[RandyM9]

Can someone help me out with a suggestion for a video card for this monitor? I'm looking to build a new home office PC and need to identify a video card appropriate for this display. I'm looking at a Geforce based card that will do up to 2048 x 1536 @ 85Hz "max analog" but only 1600 x 1200 "max digital." I would also like to occasionally watch some TV and/or play a DVD on this thing while working. Is the lack of HDCP a deal breaker for this use? Any help is appreciated.

Randy

[greggplummer]

Originally posted by bmott
THERE IS NO MORE SPECIAL DEAL ON THIS MONITOR. STOP ASKING . IT WAS A SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE FROM DELL

Relax, I don't think anyone ever posted that this was a one time introductory offer. Now we know.

Thanks

[martyj19]

Video cards do not require or generate HDCP, so you are good to go.

[nascar24]

Originally posted by bmott
THERE IS NO MORE SPECIAL DEAL ON THIS MONITOR. STOP ASKING . IT WAS A SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE FROM DELL

This is never a true statement with Dell. Dell is allways running deals and also calling to get the best price helps.

billd,
I suggest you call them up to get the best price on this monitor, It depends totally on the rep you get a hold of I have read. If anything you should be able to get it for a better price by calling, Not quite as good as the intial offering but still alot better then just ordering over the web.

[Delvo]

I'm just about certain I want to buy this monitor now, but that leads me to ponder the price. The MSRP at Dell has gone UP a couple hundred dollars since the one that was quoted earlier in this thread. (I'd never heard of an MSRP going up before! :( ) It's still not a bad price, but I must wonder about other options...

1. There were many mentions earlier of some kind of deal, coupon, or code that could be used when ordering by phone. As I expected all along based on what happened with Sony's 34XBR when it was new a year and a half ago or so (when a major retail chain's within-the-company price-matching guarantee got abused and one store got flooded with calls from others all over the country to verify the one original superlow price that one salesman had allowed once to an AVS member who posted it here), that seems to not be possible anymore. If my PMs are turned off, I'll turn them on after this message in case I'm wrong, but for now I'm moving along...

2. Is there any way to tell if or when Dell might reduce the MSRP again, or come out with other specials like there was before?

3. A Google search on the model's full name shows me several sites that are selling them for hundreds under MSRP, like Forever Geek, Cheap Stingy Bastard, and Chubby Wallet. I don't recognize their names and don't know anything about them. What's the catch? Does anybody know of any that are good an reliable? Does it void the Dell warranty? Are no-name websites a no-no for buyers that I should stay away from? Are these really no-name places, or just places I hadn't heard of before?

[RandyM9]

Can anyone help me out re: the resolution question from my post #413?
Thanks.....

[KANE4]

Randy,

The Dell I purchased with the monitor came with a Geforce 6800. It has no problem at 1920x1200 @ 60Htz. Games and other apps look fantastic and DVD's look good but I'm still trying to dial in the settings. DVI disables many of the monitors internal settings and I feel like a moron trying to find where to change them on the video card's control panel. Any current ATI card should be fine too.

Kane

[nascar24]

Originally posted by RandyM9
Can anyone help me out re: the resolution question from my post #413?
Thanks.....

Yea,
Call for best price at the moment, There is nothing else running on this monitor at the moment.

[ermc]

Originally posted by bmott
I
Then i switch to my copied selection with macrovision removed and hooked it up 480P. 480P is perfect scaling for this 1080P display and it looked phenonimal. Suddenly i saw again why i bought this monitor. First movie i tried was Monsters Inc and it looked sooo good, that i ended up stopping testing and watching the whole film. Compliments to samsung benq and dell for bringing us such a great monitor.


I wanted to mention a few things about the way this monitor is scaling for me. Whenever I connect a 480p source like Xbox via component or standard NTSC TV by using VCR on the composite input the 480p image doesn't look correct to me. It seems as though it makes the image wider than it really should be, I select aspect and it fills the entire screen with the exception of about 1/2 inch on both sides (inch of empty horizontal space total). I thought 4:3 content was supposed to be more pillerboxed? Like if you were to select the same 640x480 resolution in windows and select aspect there is about 2 inches of space on either side (4 inches of empty space).

[greggplummer]

Originally posted by ermc
I wanted to mention a few things about the way this monitor is scaling for me. Whenever I connect a 480p source like Xbox via component or standard NTSC TV by using VCR on the composite input the 480p image doesn't look correct to me. It seems as though it makes the image wider than it really should be, I select aspect and it fills the entire screen with the exception of about 1/2 inch on both sides (inch of empty horizontal space total). I thought 4:3 content was supposed to be more pillerboxed? Like if you were to select the same 640x480 resolution in windows and select aspect there is about 2 inches of space on either side (4 inches of empty space).


What graphics card are you using?

[ermc]

Nvidia 6800GT but my graphics card doesn't have anything to do with other inputs on the monitor.

[Delvo]

Originally posted by Delvo
I'm just about certain I want to buy this monitor now, but that leads me to ponder the price. The MSRP at Dell has gone UP a couple hundred dollars since the one that was quoted earlier in this thread. (I'd never heard of an MSRP going up before! :( ) It's still not a bad price, but I must wonder about other options...

1. There were many mentions earlier of some kind of deal, coupon, or code that could be used when ordering by phone. As I expected all along based on what happened with Sony's 34XBR when it was new a year and a half ago or so (when a major retail chain's within-the-company price-matching guarantee got abused and one store got flooded with calls from others all over the country to verify the one original superlow price that one salesman had allowed once to an AVS member who posted it here), that seems to not be possible anymore. If my PMs are turned off, I'll turn them on after this message in case I'm wrong, but for now I'm moving along...

2. Is there any way to tell if or when Dell might reduce the MSRP again, or come out with other specials like there was before?

3. A Google search on the model's full name shows me several sites that are selling them for hundreds under MSRP, like Forever Geek, Cheap Stingy Bastard, and Chubby Wallet. I don't recognize their names and don't know anything about them. What's the catch? Does anybody know of any that are good an reliable? Does it void the Dell warranty? Are no-name websites a no-no for buyers that I should stay away from? Are these really no-name places, or just places I hadn't heard of before?In addition to the lowest prices I found, which were at Forever Geek and Cheap Stingy Bastard, I've also found two others that sell it for just under a thousand now: Micro Exports and CompuDirect. What makes these two stand out from FG and CSB is that they are linked to from services like Shopping.Yahoo, Nextag, Dealtime, and Pricegrabber, and CompuDirect in particular seems to have high ratings. Would you guys go with that even if you had no personal familiarity with the retailer, or would you stick to places you knew personally or had had recommended to you by someone you actually know? And if it's possible that Dell's warranty is honored when you buy from some of these online retailers and not others, how can I find out which? Or would it be possible to call Dell and ask them, and maybe use these online prices to get a lower price directly from Dell?

[locomo]

As stated earlier in this thread.
ATI vs NV DVI at this resolution:
http://www20.graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041129/index.html
found this also:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1368026,00.asp


I'm upgrading my PC and want PCIexpress video with SLI so that means Nvidia.
Anyone here, using a Nvidia card via DVI at 1920x1200 with no problems? Please specify the brand and actual card.
Thanks
lo

Timothy_Ness@dell.com

[Wenty]

I have a BFG 6800GT OC and run it at 1920x1200. I love gaming on it too at that res.

Link to pictures of it.

Picture 1 (http://home.comcast.net/~wenty/3.jpg)

Picture 2 (http://home.comcast.net/~wenty/1.jpg)

Picture of game in window mode. CS:S fun game! (http://home.comcast.net/~wenty/Picture_001.jpg)

I don't watch TV from it though. :p

[TYBZ]

[QUOTE=Wenty]I have a BFG 6800GT OC and run it at 1920x1200. I love gaming on it too at that res.

Link to pictures of it.

Picture 1 (http://home.comcast.net/~wenty/3.jpg)

Picture 2 (http://home.comcast.net/~wenty/1.jpg)

Picture of game in window mode. CS:S fun game! (http://home.comcast.net/~wenty/Picture_001.jpg)

I don't watch TV from it though. :p[/QUOTE]
It's a little off topic, but I see you got a 800dpi logitech mouse along with your 1920x1200 monitor. I have the same mouse, and when I'm browsing my desltop at 1600x1200, I find it's not sensible enough (I don't use any acceleration, and I am at 1280x960). I was wondering, how do things go at 1920x1200?

I was thinking about buying the new 1600dpi logitech mouse along with the Dell monitor, otherwise it would be a pain to browse arround. Any feedback will be appreciated.

[Wenty]

It seems to work fine to me at 1920x1200. What do you mean by not sensible enough? Need more info. :confused:

[bmott]

[QUOTE=Wenty]It seems to work fine to me at 1920x1200. What do you mean by not sensible enough? Need more info. :confused:[/QUOTE]

I think he might mean " is it hard to game with cause the monitir is so wide and the moust scrolls slowly"


As for special deals mabye check this

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=40&threadid=1574383&enterthread=y

And for a nice review and link to info about this monitor you can look here

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=1557369&enterthread=y

and i have a 6800GTO and running full screen 1080P HD content and playing video games and 1080P is a dream. Home you all buy one!!!

[TYBZ]

[QUOTE=Wenty]It seems to work fine to me at 1920x1200. What do you mean by not sensible enough? Need more info. :confused:[/QUOTE]
Well, I meant that I have to move my mouse more then one inch to cover all the screen witch is a lot, and also in games, it's worst. So I would imagine that at 1920x1200, it would be a disaster, that's why I want feedback :)

[ricard2798]

By the way, I ordered one today, and was able to get a price of [MSRP only please] with free shipping, and they threw in a free mx 1000 logitech laser cordless mouse. just a heads up for those who want one.

[thedeskE]

Hint Hint - Wink Wink - won't last long

[mod: no retail links/coupons]

Ooops - sorry bout that

lets just say it's a nice price for a couple O days - OK

E

[rogo]

I finally ordered one of these for the home office.

It will get me back to the desk more often rather than computing on the couch. :)

[ycery]

I just received mine in approximatly 3 days.

This monitor is everything I was hoping for.

For now I am using the VGA connection (I have a GeForce 2 ultra). I just connected the monitor, switched to 1920x1200 60Hz with no additional software (Windows XP pro Sp2, NVIDIA driver version 6.1.7.7 dated 7/15/2004).

Tried to rotate using advanced tab in display properties, there is a specific tab for GeForce2 Ultra that allows to change the rotation factor to portrait (90 degree rotation). Works fine too.

I did not install any driver from Dell.

Y.

[RickE]

Stupid question probably, but, does this LCD monitor have a replaceable lamp? My crt monitor has been on just about 24/7 for the last 8 years, and I'm worried about the longevity of the LCD.
Thanks, Rick

[Egan]

[QUOTE=RickE]Stupid question probably, but, does this LCD monitor have a replaceable lamp? My crt monitor has been on just about 24/7 for the last 8 years, and I'm worried about the longevity of the LCD.
Thanks, Rick[/QUOTE]

I don't know the answer to your question, but when I'm not using the computer I just turn the monitor off. This doesn't cause a display problem like my old CRT did when I turn it back on later.

[rrhomes]

[QUOTE=rogo]I finally ordered one of these for the home office.

It will get me back to the desk more often rather than computing on the couch. :)[/QUOTE]

I'd be very interested to hear your take on the response time of this monitor and if it feels as fast as the 8ms claim. 8ms grey to grey, should be Very Fast. I think that would be around 12ms black to black. I have a 12ms Samsung 712N that is fast but I can see room for just a tad bit of improvement when I scroll sharp text. I was curious if it was faster than my monitor or about the same. Some have said it doesn't seem as fast as the stated 8ms but that it is very fast, I guess I'm wanting to know is it just about as fast as anything out there or is it more like a 12ms-16ms monitor. david

[discodol]

I just ordered and am wondering if I will need to get a new video card? My current card PCIExpress Radeon x300/x550 with updated drivers will go to 1600x1200, 1360x1024, or 1360x768. Will I be satisfied with the lower resolutions? If not any recommendations for a PCIE card that will go 1920x1200? I am not a gamer but appreciate crisp clear images. I tried a samsung 23in lcd and at 1360x768 and was not impressed.

[rogo]

I have mine. Now evaluating whether I have an appropriate graphics card.

David, I'm surprised those Radeon's aren't doing it. They should, per Dell.

[ycery]

You shound't have to change your video card. Try powerstrip to get custom resolution.

Y.

[mad6c]

I have mine running on a ATI 9800 Pro. I would think the newer cards would support 1920X1200 as well. Have you tried the newest drivers? Also from your post discodol is seems like you just ordered the monitor. You might not see the higher resolutions as an option until you hookup the new LCD.

Mike

[Matt_Stevens]

I've been reading a lot about this puppy and just had to have it now, even before I've upgraded to a new system.

My question is this: As of right now I have a long in the tooth ATI All In Wonder Radeon running on an AMD 1.3ghz system and 512mb of ram. What resolution should I run the monitor in until I upgrade? I don't think my system can handle 1920x1200.

[BritOverseas]

Anybody any ideas where I can get an all in one Media Center PC, that will enable me to use this as an HDTV for the Kitchen?

As SMALL as possible as I will have to hide it in a drawer or something, something with a remote would be nice. I have a Dimension 8400 with PCI Express and a TV Tuner card in the office but that thing is HUGE and there is no way I want it taking up space in the Kitchen..

Any Ideas?

[discodol]

I just hooked up my new 2405 and Mad6c was correct, my current video card was capable of outputing higher resolutions but until I connected in a monitor that works at higher resolutions I was not able to access the higher resolutions in settings. This monitor is totally awesome, worth every penny, now getting used to 1920x1200 with older software will be interesting. I will probably try lower resolutions on some material just to make it look bigger! Out of the box this monitor is incredible, blows away my old dell 19 crt away to the garage! Once again the AVS Forum has enabled another well informed purchase decision!

[Wiz33]

[QUOTE=BritOverseas]Anybody any ideas where I can get an all in one Media Center PC, that will enable me to use this as an HDTV for the Kitchen?

As SMALL as possible as I will have to hide it in a drawer or something, something with a remote would be nice. I have a Dimension 8400 with PCI Express and a TV Tuner card in the office but that thing is HUGE and there is no way I want it taking up space in the Kitchen..

Any Ideas?[/QUOTE]

you can build a Shuttle type Box (1xAGP or PCI-E and 1x PCI) and use the built-in sound. Graphic card on the agp/PCI-e and a HDTV tuner on the PCI.

[zstryder]

For those wondering... do NOT run LCDs in anything but their native resolution. Because if you don't, the image will look awful, and I can guarantee it. Fixed pixel resolutions are meant to display in their native res - if you don't, interpolation will occur, and make the picture/image quality look terrible. It is much worse on a PC monitor LCD than a TV monitor LCD.

That means, if you want the monitor bad enough, then get it. If you have a video card made within the last 2-3 years, you should be a-ok to support 1920x1200. In the rare case that you can't, you can always pick up a cheapo mainstream card (like a nvidia geforce 6600) which will do the res for sure.

Please don't buy the monitor and run it in anything less than 1920x1200... you'll thank me later. :p

[Matt_Stevens]

Unfortunately, my order is delayed until July 11 because Dell is running behind. :(

[rogo]

"For those wondering... do NOT run LCDs in anything but their native resolution. Because if you don't, the image will look awful, and I can guarantee it."

I don't think you and modern scaling have been acquainted.

I run 1080i into my LCD all the time it looks very far from awful despite being 768 lines.

Many do all sorts of different permutations and get similarly excellent results.

Your statements were true several years ago, but they are a bit obsolete now.

Even many LCD monitors have decent scalers in them. I believe Dell uses a lot of Pixelworks (or at least they did on an older monitor of mine).

I agree, however, that you shouldn't buy this monitor to use as a monitor and not run it at full res. It seems somewhat pointless.

[Diode1]

Tom's Hardware did some tests on the Dell 2405fpw
http://graphics.tomshardware.com/display/20050706/professional_lcd-10.html

[Philharmonic]

Just got my 2405. have Nvidia GeoForce4 MX 440...which works fine with newest nvidia driver (1900x1200 etc)....but...only can get image with analog. Connected via HDI I get a blank screen. Connections and input selection is correct . Is there a way to turn DVI "on"? Shouldn't it be automatic? Thanks

[Diode1]

[QUOTE=Philharmonic]Just got my 2405. have Nvidia GeoForce4 MX 440...which works fine with newest nvidia driver (1900x1200 etc)....but...only can get image with analog. Connected via HDI I get a blank screen. Connections and input selection is correct . Is there a way to turn DVI "on"? Shouldn't it be automatic? Thanks[/QUOTE]
You will not get 1920x1200 via dvi with that card, or the fx5500 & fx5600
All of them have a max of 1600x1200 via dvi.

[marcant7]

[QUOTE=Matt_Stevens]Unfortunately, my order is delayed until July 11 because Dell is running behind. :([/QUOTE]

I was in the same boat with you, but surprisingly I came in this morning to work to find that my order had shipped yesterday and will be here tomorrow. =D Hopefully, you had the same luck I did. :)

[Philharmonic]

1) How do I get the 1600x12000 via DVI on my card? Changed res to all configurations via analog hook-up but couldn't get an image when switched to DVI? Just want to check what DVI will look like compared with analog..........
2) Could you suggest a card that supports 1900x1200 DVI?
Thanks

[Diode1]

[QUOTE=Philharmonic]1) How do I get the 1600x12000 via DVI on my card? Changed res to all configurations via analog hook-up but couldn't get an image when switched to DVI? Just want to check what DVI will look like compared with analog..........
2) Could you suggest a card that supports 1900x1200 DVI?
Thanks[/QUOTE]
Sounds like you have a bad dvi out on that card. Are you sure you set the monitor to DVI input? A word of caution: DVI cables & output/input are NOT hot swap.
Only make one connection to that video card, VGA or DVI not both. You can mix one of these with s-video out.
Do not connect or remove these cables from either device if powered on. This can render one or the other dead.
What do you plan to do with the computer? this will play a huge role in suggestions on video cards. The FX6600Gt works very nice, there are many choices, and you need to provide more info of your planned uses. It may also be better to bring this into the HTPC topic area, I am sure the people there will have many suggestions.

[Philharmonic]

I'll be using comp for general computng..not heavy photo/video editing...will pick up some games and see if I have renewed interest...but definitely want to use this monitor for HDTV and DVD's ..while computing and as a stand alone @ times. Will DVI improve HDTV quality? Card god for HD? Thanks

[HDHTPC]

I have one of these now, and I find that 1920x1200 is working 1:1 pixel perfect from DVI from ATI FireGL X1.

1080i or 720p via RGB from Dish 6000 doesn't scale right.

1080i from Dish 6000 via component inputs scales fairly well. I don't think it is "pixel perfect" as I am seeing about 3% overscan off the right edge, but otherwise it handles the 16x9 to 16x10 conversion well with a choice to do minor letterboxing or intentional zooming if you want.

Compared to my Samsung 243T, this thing has a lot more options on inputs and how to configure them.

[Wiz33]

I drive mine at 1920 x1200 with a ATI 9800 pro 256MB (pretty old card), so any of the newer ATI card will do (X700, X800). I also use a ATI HDTV Wonder and HDTV looks great.

[Rhys]

[QUOTE=Wiz33]I drive mine at 1920 x1200 with a ATI 9800 pro 256MB (pretty old card), so any of the newer ATI card will do (X700, X800). I also use a ATI HDTV Wonder and HDTV looks great.[/QUOTE]


Hey Wiz33,

when you watch 1080i HDTV with your card does it fill the screen width wise? I tried that HDTV wonder and it would always open in windowed mode (not full screen) and it didn't fill the entire 1920 width. No matter what I tried I could not get it to display 1920 wide unless I went into full screen mode. If it was a true 1080 signal the width should be 1920 even if it is in windowed mode.


Also, I could never get the aspect ratio correct with hdtv. It was always a little skwished vertically.

[Sgt_Strider]

I'm just wondering, what is the optimal sitting distance from the screen?

Are there any wall mounts for this? If so, does anyone here know where I can get one, preferably in Canada? Thanks.

[stromm]

As a PC Monitor, my viewing distance is about 40". Most think that's pretty close for TV standards, but it's just right for me. The age-old PC monitor distance rule was "arms length", which for me is 29", but with the wide-screen I've found 40" is just right.

Also, if you have an ATI card and aren't getting 1920x1200 or other widescreen modes (1280x720, etc.), update to the latest drivers. I don't know if the Win9x/Me versions have ws modes, but the XP version does. This is true for EVERY Radeon card and many of the others (rage fury 32mb).

[stromm]

Oh I forgot. I think it has a 100mm mounting point and it weighs about 20lbs without the OEM base. The landscape/portrait pivot is part of the base though, not the panel's case.

[Sgt_Strider]

[QUOTE=stromm]As a PC Monitor, my viewing distance is about 40". Most think that's pretty close for TV standards, but it's just right for me. The age-old PC monitor distance rule was "arms length", which for me is 29", but with the wide-screen I've found 40" is just right.

Also, if you have an ATI card and aren't getting 1920x1200 or other widescreen modes (1280x720, etc.), update to the latest drivers. I don't know if the Win9x/Me versions have ws modes, but the XP version does. This is true for EVERY Radeon card and many of the others (rage fury 32mb).[/QUOTE]

Maybe I'm not understanding you properly since I do live in Canada and we use metric, but you did said you sit 40 inches away from the monitor?

[stromm]

[QUOTE=zstryder]For those wondering... do NOT run LCDs in anything but their native resolution. Because if you don't, the image will look awful, and I can guarantee it. ..[/QUOTE]

Does that guarantee come with some cash :) I've run my 2405 at 1024x768, 1600x1200, 1280x720, etc. quite a few time and the PQ is great. It's not as crisp as 1920x1200, but it's a heck of a lot better than what I've seen older LCD panels run at their non-native resolution. In fact, it's good enough to work on Office, Web, etc.

Now that said, I think if you have a problem seeing the native type, you should use Window's built in settings to make the text/icons larger.

[stromm]

[QUOTE=Sgt_Strider]Maybe I'm not understanding you properly since I do live in Canada and we use metric, but you did said you sit 40 inches away from the monitor?[/QUOTE]

Hehe, yep. My desk is about 28" deep. I have the panel's stand sitting right on the back edge of it. Then I have a pull-out tray on the desk for my keyboard/mouse. Add in my slouching posture in my comfy chair and that totals about 40 inches.

With my now dead ViewSonic P-815 21" CRT, I could never have it that far away. Especially at 1600x1200. I was very hesitant about getting a LCD with a native res higher than 1280x1024 (what I ran my CRT at) as every one I saw in person was too hard to look at long-term. It's odd though, the Dell's screen doesn't give me any problems even at that distance.

One of the big reasons I have it that far is for games. Anything less than 35" and it's just too wide for them. You end up not being able to see what's happening on the sides or when looking at the side, you can't see what's in the middle.

[Ninjahedge]

Depends on the game...

You can set some of the FPS to deliberately have a wider FOV so that the peripheral areas are better seen as, well, peripheral.

For other games, such as RTS games or RPG's, sitting back to see the entire screen is definitely an advantage....


I am playing Guild War right now (at home, not RIGHT now) in a 1280x1024 window an a set of 2001 and 1705 monitors. It is great to be able to play the game, but still read mail coming in, or even see the time on screen on the second monitor.

The 2005 (widescreen) was a bit lame, trying to simply make the screen wider w/o increasing the resolution and you see the prices on those being really low, but the 2401 (or is it 2405?) looks really nice.

The only thing stopping me is the fact that, in teh past year, I have bought 2 20" screens and a 17"....

I think I will just sit back and wait before I dump anothe $500 on a screen... ;)

[Sgt_Strider]

Well I just ordered the monitor. I'm just wondering, does this monitor comes with a DVI cable?

[stromm]

Yep, DVI cable included.

[Sgt_Strider]

[QUOTE=stromm]Yep, DVI cable included.[/QUOTE]

Thanks.

[Matt_Stevens]

Well, despite my credit card being charged on the 4th and a Fed Ex shipping notice on the 8th and a delivery date of the 12th, nobody knows where my monitor is. It's in limbo.

Than you, Compudirectpc. So much for your high service rating. :(

[Sgt_Strider]

[QUOTE=Matt_Stevens]Well, despite my credit card being charged on the 4th and a Fed Ex shipping notice on the 8th and a delivery date of the 12th, nobody knows where my monitor is. It's in limbo.

Than you, Compudirectpc. So much for your high service rating. :([/QUOTE]

I thought only Dell sells Dell products?

[Matt_Stevens]

No, the LCD monitors are being sold almost anywhere. Dell is trying to become a huge player in that market.

[stromm]

Yes, only Dell sells Dell products. However, other companies RESELL Dell products.

The difference tends to be in the warranty (shorter if not directly from Dell), costs, shipping costs, ETAs, service, etc.

[Matt_Stevens]

EDIT: I am forced to cancel my order and go direct through Dell, since Dell is simply not supplying the monitors to their resellers. I'll pay a bit more, but at least I'll get one.

But not until the 25th or later. :mad:

[Matt_Stevens]

OK, Dell lied. They just sent me a shipping notice. My monitor is on the way to the distributor, which takes about 3 days. From there it will ship via Fed Ex 2 day. I can live with that. :)

Guess I should have bought from them the first time.

[stromm]

You might be suprised. I got my monitor 2 days after it "left" Dell. Their tracking hadn't even updated that it was at the UPS's hub. Neither had UPS's tracking info I took off the box.

[Matt_Stevens]

I hope I can be that lucky. :)

[dbuff]

was it me or did toms hardware not think very much of this monitor?

thoughts?

[Matt_Stevens]

No, I thought it was a positive review.

[JuiceRocket]

FYI, monitor is on sale again for a great deal.

-JR

[agogley]

toms hardware review http://graphics.tomshardware.com/display/20050706/professional_lcd-10.html

[dbuff]

is the 2005fpw exact same unit except smaller? maybe dumb ques - but want to be sure.

juice -
you are avid gamer right? With the wide screen - how is that for gaming - which would be 80% of usage. you get full fill of screen w/o losing anything?

[ralphjb]

[QUOTE=dbuff]is the 2005fpw exact same unit except smaller? maybe dumb ques - but want to be sure.

juice -
you are avid gamer right? With the wide screen - how is that for gaming - which would be 80% of usage. you get full fill of screen w/o losing anything?[/QUOTE]

It is not the same.

[JuiceRocket]

[QUOTE=dbuff]is the 2005fpw exact same unit except smaller? maybe dumb ques - but want to be sure.

juice -
you are avid gamer right? With the wide screen - how is that for gaming - which would be 80% of usage. you get full fill of screen w/o losing anything?[/QUOTE]

I do a lot of gaming, but don't own this monitor. I keep coming close, but then shy away. Even though there are a lot of positive reviews here for gaming, LCD response time still makes me nervous (old school FPS CRT thinking here...sorry).

There are a solid amount of games and tweaks that allow you to play in 16:9 mode, you can find that info in the home theater gaming section of this forum. I'm just on the fence with the response time and whether or not I "need" this monitor. I currenly use a 21" and 19" for gaming, but both monitors are getting old and it'd be nice to have a 20lb LCD on my desk instead of over 115lbs of massive CRT sitting there. :)

-JR

[gutowskia]

I am interested in purchasing the 2405FPW. Before I do, is there a resolution to the problem of DVD playback that some posters noted earlier in the thread and is DELL doing anything about it? Is it fair to say that this monitor is:

- GREAT as a PC/Mac monitor running at native 1920x1200 res connected via VGA or DVI.
- GOOD as a HDTV monitor with HDTV cable box (1080i) connected via component or DVI (black bars on top and bottom to fit 16x9 content on 16x10 monitor)
- POOR as a TV monitor with DVD player connected via component (unable to play some DVD titles)

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[stromm]

First and foremost, this is a PC MONITOR, NOT a TV (or TV monitor).

So, I don't know that Dell even considers there to be a problem. Kinda like Syntax doesn't think there's a problem with their Olevia LT27H and that it's not PC EnergyStar compliant or that it has problems sync'ing.

Now all that said, I don't have an answer for you. I use mine %99.99 of the time as a PC monitor.

[KANE4]

JuiceRocket,
I have been using the dell primarily for PC use as well via DVI. I will run DVD's through Media Center occasionally. I have been playing Farcry and have not been disappointed at all. Once you play on a large widescreen monitor you will not want to go back to something smaller. A friend of mine has a 17" LCD and it is tiny compared to the 2405. I have not noticed any motion blur on this game as of yet. I haven't installed any of my other FPS yet (Quake Team Arena, Unreal Tourney, etc.) but Farcry looks awesome. For the price I paid bundled with a new Dimension 8500, I couldn't be happier.

Gutowskia,
As I stated above, I am very pleased with this as a PC monitor. I have not yet been able to connect this to my Time Warner STB yet so I do not know how it looks on HDTV or digital cable. I did try connecting a DVD player via component and had problems running a few disks. Mind you my DVD player is an old Toshiba that sucks compared to todays players. I have had no problems running DVD's through Media Center via DVI. Hope this helps.

Kane

[Matt_Stevens]

I've had mine installed for 24 hours now and I LOVE it. Absolutely outstanding in almost every way. Even at 1920X1200 the text on word files and email is easy to read. I was worried my eyes would be strained, but they are not. DVD playback using my PC is perfect. No complaints at all. I have not tried any games yet.

IS the USB Hub in this thing 2.0? It doesn't say in the documentation.

By the way, using Dead Pixel Buddy I found one pixel that on the black screen looks grayish white. It is impossible to see otherwise, so I cannot complain at all.

[Sgt_Strider]

[QUOTE=Matt_Stevens]I've had mine installed for 24 hours now and I LOVE it. Absolutely outstanding in almost every way. Even at 1920X1200 the text on word files and email is easy to read. I was worried my eyes would be strained, but they are not. DVD playback using my PC is perfect. No complaints at all. I have not tried any games yet.

IS the USB Hub in this thing 2.0? It doesn't say in the documentation.

By the way, using Dead Pixel Buddy I found one pixel that on the black screen looks grayish white. It is impossible to see otherwise, so I cannot complain at all.[/QUOTE]

Mine has no dead pixels :p.


Just wondering, what are you settings for the screen? Have you configured it for day to day use? Just wondering, how far are you sitting from the screen and are you using 96 or 120 DPI? I'm suppose to have 20/20 vision and I can't read texts if I sit a metre away, but I solve that by bumping up the DPI.

[DanP]

I haven't tried the 24 incher but I did try two 2001fps. The thing is too dam* bright for me. I see with Tom's review of the 2405 he feels the same with that monitor. I also didn't like the blacks at all with the 2001fp. Really closer to gray than black....turning out the lights and setting the screen to show nothing but black revealed lots of backlighting. On the other hand, I see the 2405 measures out with a better contrast ratio. In any case, I decided to go with a NEC 2111fe CRT a few months ago....yup, the tried and true dinosaur and it's been a good marriage so far.

[stromm]

I don't have 20/20 either. See my posts on page 8. Answers your questions.

Also, I don't have any brightness/contrast problems. You need to take Tom's reviews with a grain of salt just like cNet's. Tom used to be unbiased, but not for a few years. It's easy to see which brands he doesn't like, he simply doesn't review it.

The 2405 has better blacks than the 2001. Totally different panel.

[DanP]

Stromm, you don't find these panels *unnaturally* bright. By that I mean the brightness of these panels to be substantially brighter than ambient light. When I compare the 2001fp to my NEC CRT there is a really big difference in brightness with my preference leaning much toward the NEC. BTW, I turned the 2001fp brightness to minimum and then adjusted the gamma in XP.....after finding the brightness I could live with I found the color balance way off.

[Wiz33]

[QUOTE=Sgt_Strider]Mine has no dead pixels :p.


Just wondering, what are you settings for the screen? Have you configured it for day to day use? Just wondering, how far are you sitting from the screen and are you using 96 or 120 DPI? I'm suppose to have 20/20 vision and I can't read texts if I sit a metre away, but I solve that by bumping up the DPI.[/QUOTE]

Brightness is way too high by default, try setting it in the low 20s

Red around 30, Green around 45 and Blue around 40.

[Matt_Stevens]

[QUOTE=Sgt_Strider]Mine has no dead pixels :p. Just wondering, what are you settings for the screen? Have you configured it for day to day use? Just wondering, how far are you sitting from the screen and are you using 96 or 120 DPI? I'm suppose to have 20/20 vision and I can't read texts if I sit a metre away, but I solve that by bumping up the DPI.[/QUOTE] I am at 120dpi. 96dpi is no problem for me, but since I am a writer, eye strain has to be taken into account.

I'm around 25 to 30 inches from the screen. Brightness was too high, so I lowered it to 22 and I used my ATI drivers to drop the gamma a bit as well.

[reincarnate]

Here is the best review/comparison I've found on these 23-24" displays:
http://www.anandtech.com/displays/showdoc.aspx?i=2467&p=9

[stromm]

I have the brightness and contrast down, but I can't remember how far (I'm on my laptop in the livingroom watching SG1 on my 55' Mitsu RPTV). I keep forgetting to login when I'm at my workstation.

Out of the box I was amazed how "true" the picture was. I have really good color perception (at least I've always though I do:) and am pretty picky about them. I tried a bunch of settings people have posted here on AVS and other places and found them too bland, too dark, too bright, etc. But then again, my office is a basement office with quite indirect natural light coming in from one "escape" window on the other side of a temporary wall. I have halogen lighting cause florescent lights kill my eyes. I'm sure all that affects my perception.

[Matt_Stevens]

Watching HD trailers on this thing is kicken.' :cool:

[desertdome]

2405FPW via DVI

A few weeks ago I was having problems with both DVI and VGA outputs from the MyHD MDP-130. Since I usally don't watch any TV except football, I didn't make finding a solution a priority.

Last night I tried with both again. I found that I had previously been testing with both cables connected to the monitor. I would disconnect either the VGA or DVI cable from the computer, but not from the monitor, too. Once I only had one cable connected to the monitor, all resolutions except 480i worked great via both DVI and VGA.

1080i has some slight flicker via DVI. The best resolution to use is 1360x768p. This provided a smooth, vibrant image using a 1080i HD recording. However, it is not quite as good as 1920x1200p via Theatertek using 3x Lancoz 2 resize in ffdshow. I am very pleased with 1360x768p for watching live 1080i and 720p programming.

I was able to use the input with 1:1, Zoom, and Aspect settings on the monitor. I prefer to use Zoom. I also had to tweak the positioning settings on the monitor. Now I can have both 16:9 and 4:3 material fill the screen without being stretched. I do lose a little of the image on the sides of 16:9, but I prefer the larger image.

I also play Far Cry on this monitor. I have experienced to ghosting. The scaling is so good that you can play at 1360x768p instead of 1920x1200p and still have a exceptional detail. This allows you to get higher framerates if your system cannot handle 1920x1200p. I hadn't played a video game for about 7 years. The game came free with a motherboard and processor from NewEgg so I decided to try it. It is an incredible experience to play a game like this on a 24" LCD!

Michael

[mallu2u]

HDMI would have been nice for 26'' or 30''. Resolution also not great. What is the reponse time on these displays? Anyone bought these and liked them? How about sound quality?