AVS Forum Archive 2 - Wow! New Dell 24" FP

LKM466

07-30-05, 04:13 AM

Just got mine this past Monday. Damn! What a difference 4" can make, coming from a 3 years old Dell 20" 4:3 aspect ratio!

Sitting 24-30" the LCD is way too bright out of the box. Yes, 22 to 25 on the bright scale is probably best, depending on your environment, lighting, etc... Other than the limited setting or adjustment on the DVI input, everything else on this giant is excellent, definitely an excellent value at the discounted price. Then again the setting on the DVI can be adjusted through the video card.

The good news for those of us having a older video card like the GF4Ti460 or the ATI AIW 8500, the card will work with just a simple downlaod and installation of newer driver. I know these are 4 year old card and the in the hi-tech world they are more like 4 decades old, but they work just find--yes, even for games (at a lower frame rate and resolution, though).

Net serving on this 24" is awesome, so is work on Excel and Word, especially on 2 facing pages at a time...

Very impressive unit for the price...I don't think there is any competition out there on this one considering the price/performance ratio of this unit.

For those of us still in doubt...just try it the next time Dell has it on discount...you will love it and if you don't, you got nothing to use with a 21 days return policy with no questions ask...

Enjoy...

mallu2u

08-01-05, 12:58 PM

[QUOTE=KANE4]I think you are confusing the 24" monitor with Dell's LCD TV's. This thread is for 2405FPW that is a monitor only. No tuner, no speakers. If you are looking for info on the 26" or 30" TV's, do a search on this forum. They have been discussed before.

Kane[/QUOTE]

think u are right. thanks for the clarification!

CaptPJB

08-02-05, 04:40 PM

Can anyone who actually has a 2405 tel me what the minimum height is? The spec sheets say 22 inches but that seems a bit high especially after reviewing the photo's at the begining of this thread. I have a shelf issue I need to be sure about.

Thanks

peter

ken987

08-02-05, 04:51 PM

Hi
I have one on a stand. It is 18 inches tall when I push it all the way down.

Dick Kalagher

08-03-05, 01:43 PM

I just got this yesterday and am having a problem getting it work at 1920x1200 via DVI with my Radeon all-in-wonder 9000 PRO 64mb. It works fine with VGA. The best I can do with DVI is 1600x1200. According to Dell's site, this video card will work 1920x1200 with the monitor, but it does not say if it works both DVI and VGA.

I went out looking for cards and it never says on the box if the cards will support DVI at this resolution. I actually bought a e-Geforce FX5500 but I read an earlier post that said this won't work, so I'll probably return it unopened.

So, anyone suggest a card to buy? I don't care about games, just video and text and DVI 1920x1200. Looking for a low cost solution.

MalvoliO77

08-03-05, 03:26 PM

The ATI 9800 pro works for me. You can get one for $123 dollars at http://www.bestbargainpc.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2184

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=190675&*******pricewatch&NR=1

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814153018&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&ATT=Video+Cards

Jason

Ninjahedge

08-03-05, 04:05 PM

You would not be the Jason I know from somewhere else, would ya? ;)

And I would go with NewEgg if you are uncomfortable about reseller reliability.

Also www.resellerratings is a good place to check all the guys out if you are unsure. Look for the ratings/reviews that are medium to get realistic impressions of the company..... (High rating posts usually say "everything was great" and the low ones have a lot of annoying people that may have given the sales rep/CS guy hell)

MalvoliO77

08-03-05, 07:04 PM

Sorry, but I am afraid that I do not know anyone by the name of Ninjahedge. :- )

caser85

08-03-05, 07:46 PM

I have this monitor and I took some pictures that show off the HD capability of this baby. The movies are from the Windows Media HD (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/ContentShowcase.aspx) site.

Click here (http://caser85.phpwebhosting.com/2405.html) for the pics. The last pic really shows how big the monitor is compared next to my old 18" Dell.

If anybody wants me to take a picture of something on the monitor (inputs, etc.) or of an application on it just let me know!

JackMcKay

08-09-05, 09:37 AM

Does anybody know if my ATI Radeon 7200 64 MB graphics card will be able to support 1900x1200 resolution on this 24'' lcd? According to ATi's site (http://www.ati.com/products/radeon7200/), it says it can handle resolutions up 2048x1536, so it would be ok right?

Dick Kalagher

08-09-05, 09:43 AM

Jack,

It would probably work fine in analog mode. No real way to find out if they work in DVI mode--my Radeon 9000 did not work.

JackMcKay

08-09-05, 09:49 AM

Good to hear. I have no problem with using VGA 15 pin.

P.S. we live real close to each other - i'm in McLean

Dick Kalagher

08-09-05, 10:14 AM

I bought a Gforce 6600 at Microcenter in Faiarfax. It was $179 but it is on sale for $99 this month. That works great in DVI mode. You should really consider DVI with the monitor, but you can try it with your current video card (if it has DVI out).

dbuff

08-09-05, 10:19 AM

well your card jsut needs a DVI output - DVI capable card are realtively inexpensive compared to this monitor.

now this part - i am not completely sure about what i am baout to say:
to run at that resolution - you may have to turn down the details in your games in they are GPU intensive.

for example - i play at flight sim IL2 on my 21 inch CRT. i can play the game at 1600x1200 but it runs more smoothly (more FPS ) at lower resolutions.

so... you could run games at that high resoltion , but mabe not at the same "level of detail" that you are used to using.

just somthing you might want to consider.....

ear-doc2

08-09-05, 06:48 PM

I just got this unit last week and I really like it. I bought and installed a dvi video card but today I had to lower the resolution as a number of my applications wouldn't fit in the screen and the font was very small. Once I lowered the resolution all things were working better,
I had experimented with the dpi, and various settings but the lower resolution solved my problem, My computer is not a real powerhouse and that may also be part of my problem.
I wanted a large screen and this is it but frankly I wish the picture was sharper.

JackMcKay

08-09-05, 07:32 PM

[QUOTE=ear-doc2]I just got this unit last week and I really like it. I bought and installed a dvi video card but today I had to lower the resolution as a number of my applications wouldn't fit in the screen and the font was very small. Once I lowered the resolution all things were working better,
I had experimented with the dpi, and various settings but the lower resolution solved my problem, My computer is not a real powerhouse and that may also be part of my problem.
I wanted a large screen and this is it but frankly I wish the picture was sharper.[/QUOTE]

Has this happened to other people? With a good computer and video card, will fonts be large enough?

My other main question is: Is it important for the resolution to be at 1900x1200 for watching tv though a tv tuner? Which is the biggest jump in picture quality for tv through tv tuner: (a) upgrading lower resolution VGA to 1900x1200 VGA, or (b) upgrading 1900x1200 vga to 1900x1200 dvi.

morpho

08-09-05, 09:53 PM

My mini-review

The font size on the native wuxga (1920x1200) is the same as that of a 17" 1280x1024 at 96 dpi setting. If you find this too small, you can try changing your settings at 120dpi or try a custom setting under your advanced>general display settings with it's wuxga native resolution. At the same token, enabling clear type under appearance>effects will improve the legibility of the fonts.

Before calibration, my display was factory set with a native tone response curve somewhat higher (lower gamma) much closer to 1.8y (dsub and dvi). Therefore the midtones appear brighter. I had to lower the rgb gamma values by a couple of notches in the video display properties to achieve a 2.2y. I did not measure the gamma in component so I can't tell if it was factory set at 2.2y.

Calibrating the grey scale was more challenging. My display tends to push the reds at the mid IRE's and greens at the lower IRE's (both dvi and vga). The blue is more linear at the full IRE range. After so much tweaking, I did finally manage to achieve a uniform grey scale. With a calibration software, this process would be much simpler to accomplish. But for those without it, be prepared to take the time if you're particular about this. The settings for rgb and gamma is of course dependent on the given brightness settings. This is something to keep in mind while calibrating the unit.

Aliasing is a bit noticeable with vga as to be expected (@ 32bit wuxga resolution). However, sharpness and motion appear smoother if a higher refresh rate (around 85 hz) is selected. This is worth experimenting with your video card. With dvi at 60hz (native refresh rate), aliasing is much improved. There is some very slight banding in the lower IRE greyscale test pattern but this more typical of LCD's as digital devices.

The default brightness setting is too high for workstation use. Typically around 100-140 cd/m is recommended for LCD's. I had to lower the brightness about 50% (depending on one's ambient light) since I use my display primarily as a workstation display or my eye balls would burn out completely.

I find the viewing again a bit narrower than the rated spec both horizontally and vertically.

I tried WM-HD (V.10) at it's native resolution and the image is sharp with no visible signs of artifacts (vga and dvi). Even with dvd movies, the (using win-dvd), the image is very smooth with very good black level. My display is connected to an ATI Radeon X700 Pro AGP with the latest catalyst drivers.

regards,
morpho

Solfan

08-09-05, 10:43 PM

For what it's worth, I've been using the [similar] Samsung 240t for a couple of years. I use a Radeon 7500 card.

3 points;

1. Always, always try to use DVI with these monitors.

2. If you can't get true 1980 x 1200p output from your card, look for [and untick] "hide modes this monitor cannot support" or some similar wording in the [PC] display menus.

3. Two places to increase the font size: [right click the desktop] one under the "appearance tab", the other under the settings tab, 'advanced', then change the DPI setting.

I paid a ton more for the Samsung than what you guys are paying and I'm pissed. :)

drew138

08-10-05, 01:27 AM

Does anyone have this unit hooked up to a swivel arm on a wall? Any good recomendations?

Sgt_Strider

08-10-05, 03:20 AM

Sgt_Strider

08-10-05, 03:21 AM

[QUOTE=drew138]Does anyone have this unit hooked up to a swivel arm on a wall? Any good recomendations?[/QUOTE]

I would like some recommendations as well.

BobSalita

08-10-05, 04:51 AM

morpho, can you post your settings? It's not a secret is it?

ear-doc2

08-10-05, 06:54 AM

[QUOTE=Sgt_Strider]You're running an LCD as a non-native resolution. Of course, the picture won't be as sharp.[/QUOTE]

I realize that but as I pointed out, if I go to the native resolution the programs won't be effective as the image is larger than the screen and I can't access all the controls. The font is extremely small.

Another question : I have both DVI and VGA hooked up but don't know how to switch between the two. Help please

ear-doc2

08-10-05, 06:11 PM

I knew this would happen! I got all involved in the monitor and realized, or at least decided, I should get a new computer. Called em and said give me a fast processor, lots of ram and rom and a fancy graphics card. They said no problem.
Dude, you're gettin a DELL

caser85

08-10-05, 06:52 PM

[QUOTE=ear-doc2]I knew this would happen! I got all involved in the monitor and realized, or at least decided, I should get a new computer. Called em and said give me a fast processor, lots of ram and rom and a fancy graphics card. They said no problem.
Dude, you're gettin a DELL[/QUOTE]

Haha I did the exact same thing. Started out wanting to upgrade my 18" monitor, before I knew it I had a Dimension 9100 with the monitor.

bornyank1

08-10-05, 07:44 PM

I'm considering buying this monitor for a college dorm room. Here is the set up I'm envisioning...I have a powerful new Dell Inspiron XPS Gen 2 laptop running Windows Media Center 2005, with a TV Tuner (which I will connect the dorm room's coax cable to). So my idea is this...connect the laptop's DVI out port to the 2405's DVI in port. Then download a program like multi mon that will give me dual monitor support. I should be able to watch TV from the tuner on the big screen while doing other things on the laptop screen, correct? In addition, I have an Xbox, ps2, and gamecube in the room. They all have component out cables. I have a component switcher I can connect them to. So I will connect the switcher's component out cable (All Monster cables, btw) to the monitor's component in. I may also bring a Panasonic progressive scan DVD player which I can also hook up to the switcher. As for audio, I have a receiver with 5.1 speakers which I can use for sound from all of the devices (including the laptop, which has an Audigy 2 ZS sound card). I realize there are a few glitchers here and there with using the monitor part time as an HDTV, but by and large, would this setup work? Thank you.

bornyank1

08-10-05, 09:04 PM

Also, one more question...on Dell's website, I see two listings for the monitor, one $40 cheaper than the other. They both have the same manufacturer's part number, but different Dell part numbers. What gives?

bornyank1

08-10-05, 09:10 PM

Actually, sorry for the triple post, but the good thing about it is that I now have a grand total of 5 posts and can link to this double listing of the monitor...here they are, more expensive one first:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=eep&cs=RC1000206&sku=320-4221&category_id=4058&brandid=56
and
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/ProductDetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=RC1000206&sku=320-4237&category_id=4058&brandid=56

I cannot find a difference between these two...why are there 2 listings, and why the different prices?

JackMcKay

08-10-05, 10:29 PM

i am also getting this display for college... just won one on ebay for 720 + 65 shipping. im not the one to ask but it sounds like your setup should work, if you have room for everything.

morpho

08-10-05, 11:31 PM

[QUOTE=BobSalita]morpho, can you post your settings? It's not a secret is it?[/QUOTE]

No problem. However, I should reiterate that I use this primarily as a desktop monitor for digital image processing. To make this suitable for my needs, I have to reduce the black level since I'm only sitting 2 feet in front of it. As a video monitor, you'll want to maximize contrast ratio where you sit further back from the screen.

Display
Firmware: V1.8
Brightness = 25
Contrast = (fixed) dvi

Color Settings: User Preset
<edited> R=34 G=50 B=40

(Gain/Bias adj.)
Factory Settings (service menu) default settings
Offset1 R=38 G=24 B=31
Offset2 R=52 G=47 B=43
Gain R=239 G=252 B=252

Blue Preset R=31 G=80 B=79
Red Preset R=78 G=89 B=50
Normal Preset R=73 G=95 B=70

Desktop (ATI Catalyst)
Gamma Adjustment
R=0,85 B=0.90 G=0.90
Brightness
RGB=100 -no change
Contrast
R= -95 G=100 B=100

Additional Notes:
-These settings only apply to the above brightness settings. A small change in the brightness value alters the gamma and the grayscale tracking.
-ATI gamma only allows for 1/2 increment adjustments . A 0.5 difference in gamma value alters the grayscale tracking considerably.
-Gain/bias are all factory default settings. Be careful when making changes to any of the factory settings as you can lock your display device.
-If doing your own adjustments, start with black level, grayscale and gamma last.

If you don't have calibration tools or charts, here's a few links with sample charts that can help with the black level, grayscale and gamma adjustments

compare_gamma (http://www.photoscientia.co.uk/Gamma.htm) - all 9 squares should be even gray at your preset gamma
compare_gamma_settings (http://www.photoscientia.co.uk/Usingmira.htm)
gradient (http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/Calibration/monitor_gradient.htm )
another_gamma_test (http://www.aim-dtp.net/aim/evaluation/gamma_space/index.htm) -both left and right side should be even gray at preset gamma
brighness and contrast charts (http://www.aim-dtp.net/aim/evaluation/index.htm)

regards
morpho

GelatinousFury

08-11-05, 02:37 AM

Very helpful thread...just read the whole thing in one go. Morpho, thanks very much for posting your settings. I have a couple of quick questions regarding your posted settings:

1. I see you stated that Gain/Bias were kept at factory settings but under that you list values for Offset 1 & 2 along with Gain values. Were you simply listing the factory defaults there, or are there in fact values in the service menu that you changed from the default setting?

2. I'm kind of new to all of this calibration stuff. How would one "maximize the contrast ratio" for video use when the contrast setting is locked in DVI mode? I'm having trouble differentiating between "contrast" and "contrast ratio".

Thanks for any help

Sgt_Strider

08-11-05, 03:39 AM

I'm just curious..can you save different profiles for different uses? Like workstation use and movie use?

harrikuk

08-11-05, 06:25 AM

After a lot of searching I couldn't find an answer to this:

Will the monitor accept and run at different refresh rates smoothly and without tearing? My main concerns are 1920x1200@48Hz and 1920x1200@50Hz via DVI.

ralphjb

08-11-05, 08:47 AM

[QUOTE=ear-doc2]I knew this would happen! I got all involved in the monitor and realized, or at least decided, I should get a new computer. Called em and said give me a fast processor, lots of ram and rom and a fancy graphics card. They said no problem.
Dude, you're gettin a DELL[/QUOTE]

Similar event for me. Decided to buy the Dimension 9100 that could be had bundled with this monitor. Beautiful monitor!

morpho

08-11-05, 10:19 PM

[QUOTE=GelatinousFury]Very helpful thread...just read the whole thing in one go. Morpho, thanks very much for posting your settings. I have a couple of quick questions regarding your posted settings:

1. I see you stated that Gain/Bias were kept at factory settings but under that you list values for Offset 1 & 2 along with Gain values. Were you simply listing the factory defaults there, or are there in fact values in the service menu that you changed from the default setting?

2. I'm kind of new to all of this calibration stuff. How would one "maximize the contrast ratio" for video use when the contrast setting is locked in DVI mode? I'm having trouble differentiating between "contrast" and "contrast ratio".

Thanks for any help[/QUOTE]

I will try to answer several questions from above.

Thanks gelatinousfury. Nice name.

1. The bias/gain settings are the standard non-modified settings for comparison only and the settings apply in in dvi mode only.

2. In DVI mode, the brightness control alters the backlight luminance that similarly in analog would be adjusted by contrast. CR is simply the ratio of luminance between brightest white and darkest black.

For video, set your maximum contrast while maintaining your highlights and shadow details. In digital image work, brightness and contrast are adjusted to closely match a print.

<I'm just curious..can you save different profiles for different uses? Like workstation use and movie use? >

This depends on your video card driver. The new ATI catalyst driver supports separate desktop, video, and full-screen 3D adjustments.

<Will the monitor accept and run at different refresh rates smoothly and without tearing? My main concerns are 1920x1200@48Hz and 1920x1200@50Hz via DVI. >

The monitor does but the image quality will rely more on the video card's TMDS transmitter to run stable at reduced blanking. If you have an older video card, the only way to check is to hook it up and check your video driver settings to run at reduced frequency.

regards,
morpho

mariner888

08-12-05, 12:32 AM

Hi harrikyk and morpho,
Thank you for bringing up the issue of 48 and 50HZ refresh rate support for 1920x1200 lcd panel using DVI. Does the display driver provide native support for these non standard refresh rates, or is the use of powerstrip required? Would also apprecaite if you could suggest graphics card that would support these regresh rates.

morpho

08-12-05, 03:18 AM

[QUOTE=mariner888]Hi harrikyk and morpho,
Thank you for bringing up the issue of 48 and 50HZ refresh rate support for 1920x1200 lcd panel using DVI. Does the display driver provide native support for these non standard refresh rates, or is the use of powerstrip required? Would also apprecaite if you could suggest graphics card that would support these regresh rates.[/QUOTE]

Harrikuk/mariner888

Technically, there are 2 ways to drive a single link DVI at 1920x1200 resolution; either at reduced blanking at 60hz or by lowering the refresh rate. A DVI compliant card should be able to drive this panel at 60hz at reduced blanking since the DVI standard supports up to 166mhz. The problem is there’s no way to verify compliance since there is no requirement to certify.

The issue of lower refresh rate is even trickier since these are not even supported frequencies. When I tried it on my settings, nothing happened but my conclusion is that the display locked on the original frequency of 60hz which I verified in OSD. On the other hand, the panel needs 154 mhz of bandwidth and that leaves 5% headroom. I should clarify my previous statement that you’re likely to drive the panel at 5% reduced blanking than at 50hz refresh rate in wuxga. Sorry about that mixup.

I did a quick google and just found out that there are actually tmds adapters made to supply dvi output for intel based chipsets with built-in agp. Its called an ADD card for around $20. On paper, these cards should run at wuxga with 5% reduced blanking but may require powerstrip for wuxga resolution. Though not for gaming. Here’s a sample: add card (http://www.solardatasystems.com/aopenaddcard1.html)

Regards,
morpho

GelatinousFury

08-12-05, 11:00 AM

[QUOTE=morpho]I will try to answer several questions from above.

Thanks gelatinousfury. Nice name.

1. The bias/gain settings are the standard non-modified settings for comparison only and the settings apply in in dvi mode only.

2. In DVI mode, the brightness control alters the backlight luminance that similarly in analog would be adjusted by contrast. CR is simply the ratio of luminance between brightest white and darkest black.

For video, set your maximum contrast while maintaining your highlights and shadow details. In digital image work, brightness and contrast are adjusted to closely match a print.
[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the clarification Morpho. I'll try your suggested settings in a couple of days when I get back from being out of town.

sloppyjoee

08-31-05, 04:36 PM

Ok, its time for a new computer and I decided to check out the dell website sinces they usually have some killer deals. Well, in the small business section they have buy a 9100 and get a FREE 24" LCD Widescreen, OMG. Ok, so now what video card do I get? I plan on buying a ATI HDTV Wonder and watching some OTA Tv on it and movies, but also to use it as a computer monitor. I have read all the mixed reviews saying dont buy this for watching tv or its just fine for tv as long as you have the right hardware. Well, help me out, I think I will upgrade to the nvidia card and surround sound and click buy, does this sound like a steal? Base price 1200 and you get a 100 rebate!

My goodness, Dell is ripping people off, or at least not being honest about their PROMO's, Now, I just went to the website, and the same promo ending today has a different price, they jacked it up $129, so wrong, now I think I am going to wait and just buy an LCD TV.

Sgt_Strider

10-02-05, 04:41 AM

Hey guys, I was just wondering if you have this problem as well? When I watch a movie or any multimedia file in full screen, the right edge of the screen would flash non-stop. Does this happen to you guys? Thanks.

Sgt_Strider

10-02-05, 11:06 PM

bump

Wiz33

10-03-05, 04:04 PM

[QUOTE=Sgt_Strider]Hey guys, I was just wondering if you have this problem as well? When I watch a movie or any multimedia file in full screen, the right edge of the screen would flash non-stop. Does this happen to you guys? Thanks.[/QUOTE]

Do you have any kind of menu bar docked to the right edge under window desktop?

Sgt_Strider

10-05-05, 01:15 AM

[QUOTE=Wiz33]Do you have any kind of menu bar docked to the right edge under window desktop?[/QUOTE]

I think MSN may have caused that, but for some odd reason, the problem occurred only with my .ts files. All other files doesn't have that issue.

Xayd

10-05-05, 02:45 AM

[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]

yeah they're usb 2.0.

one annoying thing about my 2005, dunno if it exists on the 2405 too, but the USB ports in the back have to be filled before the ones on the side will work, for some reason, and the ones in the back are a pain to get to because they're right up against the DVI connector. otherwise no complaints at all, great monitor :).

Wiz33

10-05-05, 04:59 PM

The side USB works fine on their own on the 2405

yeomans

11-28-05, 09:15 AM

I've had this monitor for 6 weeks now and I think it's great. Everything about it just seems to be well designed.

I can say gaming on this device is like nothing I've ever experienced. The 1900x1200 resolution will blow you away if you've never seen it (make sure you have a graphics card that supports this resolution or you will be missing out).

I've also posted a review at my site CY Report. Just search for the Dell 24" LCD.

javadog

12-29-05, 07:00 PM

i have found this unit at COSTCO and it includes a 3 year REPLACEMENT warranty.

thinking about buying it, been reading this thread, and its a bit outdated, wondered how everyone felt who has stepped up to this unit

any feedback would be appreciated

im a 15 year netadmin now own my own computer company, and i have always told my clients, if there is one thing you dont skimp on its your INTERFACE to the computer. and i follow suit too....
this will be replacing my old 22" widescreen SUN (sony) CRT that has after 5 years, finally showed that its unwilling to run much further..
thanks for any input

-A

javadog

12-29-05, 07:08 PM

I have noticed that they also are offering a 20.1" unit that is of the same specs.

would be curious to know if anyone has acutally verified that it is a 12ms refresh on this unit.. itching to buy one, but i wanted some positve feedback from the 'professionals' first

thanks all for your input, always loved this forum and continue to do so.. you all rock.

thanks in advance for your responses

-A

Lore

12-29-05, 09:42 PM

[QUOTE=javadog]i have found this unit at COSTCO and it includes a 3 year REPLACEMENT warranty.

thinking about buying it, been reading this thread, and its a bit outdated, wondered how everyone felt who has stepped up to this unit

any feedback would be appreciated

im a 15 year netadmin now own my own computer company, and i have always told my clients, if there is one thing you dont skimp on its your INTERFACE to the computer. and i follow suit too....
this will be replacing my old 22" widescreen SUN (sony) CRT that has after 5 years, finally showed that its unwilling to run much further..
thanks for any input

-A[/QUOTE]

The 24" Dell that I bought back in April is still kicking butt. I love the monitor and would not ever go back down to a regular 4:3 screen again.

purdueboiler87

12-29-05, 10:04 PM

I have both the 2405fpw and 2005fpw hooked up to my Mac and love them both. I have been using them for about six months. Great monitors.

JuanBarbatos

12-29-05, 10:55 PM

I have both the 2005fpw and 2005fp and both are great as well. The fpw does seem to have more vibrant colors though. I'm not really sure how else to explain it.

ralphjb

12-30-05, 10:12 AM

[QUOTE=javadog]i have found this unit at COSTCO and it includes a 3 year REPLACEMENT warranty.

thinking about buying it, been reading this thread, and its a bit outdated, wondered how everyone felt who has stepped up to this unit

any feedback would be appreciated

im a 15 year netadmin now own my own computer company, and i have always told my clients, if there is one thing you dont skimp on its your INTERFACE to the computer. and i follow suit too....
this will be replacing my old 22" widescreen SUN (sony) CRT that has after 5 years, finally showed that its unwilling to run much further..
thanks for any input

-A[/QUOTE]

I have this monitor. I use it exclusively for video - mostly HD stuff. It's my mini HD monitor. It is a beutiful monitor, great picture etc. As far as the price, not sure you couldn't do better buying it directly from Dell, if you pay attention for deals.

eh?

04-18-06, 09:42 PM

Hey morpho - if you are still around checking on this thread - were you able to change the offset/gain settings in the service menu? It just seems to jump over those for me.

I just calibrated mine, using a Spyder2PRo colorimeter, and the settings that worked for me were pretty close to the monitors sRGB default settings

brightness/backlight = 50
contrast = fixed for DVI
R=34
G=40
B=20

This gave me a gamma of 2.23, a colour temp pretty darn close to 6500k across the board (6400-6600), and Delta E's of around 1... can't ask for too much better than that... except I notice that the green is a little outside the sRGB colour space (x=.268, y=.603) - but the blue and red are almost bang on. Firmware is version 2.0 on mine

It does look like they tweak these a bit coming out of the factory, as my factory settings are different than morpho's, so settings might not be transferable from person to person.

Cheers!

[QUOTE=morpho]No problem. However, I should reiterate that I use this primarily as a desktop monitor for digital image processing. To make this suitable for my needs, I have to reduce the black level since I'm only sitting 2 feet in front of it. As a video monitor, you'll want to maximize contrast ratio where you sit further back from the screen.

Display
Firmware: V1.8
Brightness = 25
Contrast = (fixed) dvi

Color Settings: User Preset
<edited> R=34 G=50 B=40

(Gain/Bias adj.)
Factory Settings (service menu) default settings
Offset1 R=38 G=24 B=31
Offset2 R=52 G=47 B=43
Gain R=239 G=252 B=252

Blue Preset R=31 G=80 B=79
Red Preset R=78 G=89 B=50
Normal Preset R=73 G=95 B=70

Desktop (ATI Catalyst)
Gamma Adjustment
R=0,85 B=0.90 G=0.90
Brightness
RGB=100 -no change
Contrast
R= -95 G=100 B=100

Additional Notes:
-These settings only apply to the above brightness settings. A small change in the brightness value alters the gamma and the grayscale tracking.
-ATI gamma only allows for 1/2 increment adjustments . A 0.5 difference in gamma value alters the grayscale tracking considerably.
-Gain/bias are all factory default settings. Be careful when making changes to any of the factory settings as you can lock your display device.
-If doing your own adjustments, start with black level, grayscale and gamma last.

If you don't have calibration tools or charts, here's a few links with sample charts that can help with the black level, grayscale and gamma adjustments

compare_gamma (http://www.photoscientia.co.uk/Gamma.htm) - all 9 squares should be even gray at your preset gamma
compare_gamma_settings (http://www.photoscientia.co.uk/Usingmira.htm)
gradient (http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/Calibration/monitor_gradient.htm )
another_gamma_test (http://www.aim-dtp.net/aim/evaluation/gamma_space/index.htm) -both left and right side should be even gray at preset gamma
brighness and contrast charts (http://www.aim-dtp.net/aim/evaluation/index.htm)

regards
morpho[/QUOTE]