Huge Pedia

Acer makes LCDs of many sizes up to 27” diagonal with many different characteristics. As surprising as it may be, the monitor’s response time is no longer significant factor (except for stereoscopic, 3D vision), that’s not what separates monitors into different categories. More relevant are specs such as power consumption, contrast ratio, resolution and input signal type.

22 Inch Acer LCD monitors come from three different categories: X, B and V series.

The Acer X223W Dbd is wide (as indicated in the model name, the ”W” at the end) with 16:10 aspect ratio and 1680 x 1050 resolution. Contrast ratio is 50,000:1 and response time is 5ms. It has both analog VGA (D-sub) and DVI (with HDCP) inputs, but lacks integrated speakers. Power consumption is 20.7Watts (below 0.5Watts is sleep and off modes), Energy Star TCO’03 compliant.

Acer B223W GJbmdr is also a 16:10 aspect ratio monitor with the 1680 x 1050 resolution. Its contrast ratio and response time are identical to the previous model (50,000:1 and 5ms). It has VGA, DVI and stereo audio inputs (for the integrated 2 x 1Watt speakers). Interestingly enough power consumption is also the same (20.7Watts), even with the two additional 1Watt speakers.

The Acer B223W B bmzdr LCD monitor comes with unexpected surprises. Although specs are similar: 16:10 aspect ratio, 1680 x 1050 resolution, 5ms response time, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, VGA and DVI inputs (also stereo audio), and it respects the same Energy Star TCO’03 standards, power consumption skyrocketed to 65Watts. It has an integrated USB hub, but this is no excuse for the additional 45Watt power consumption.

Acer V223W EJbd has exactly the same specs as the B223W Gjbmdr with the exception of integrated speakers which can be missing according to Acer‘s confusing description: “No speakers or Two 1.0W speakers”.

Acer V223W Bbd is almost identical to B223W B bmzdr, but power consumption is 45Watts due to the two-lamp design.

These are the specs given on the official Acer website (US), so what can we conclude about 22 Inch Acer LCD Monitors?

The first thing that seems very important is the power consumption, that should be around 20Watts for 22” Acer LCD monitors. The models that consume 45Watts and 65Watts are clearly much worse than the others, because they don’t really offer anything extra for the additional watts, so the only logical conclusion is that they must be cheaper or at least much older than the ones that consume only 20Watts (with the same features).

Another thing worth mentioning is the strange behavior of the backlighting system. I can’t explain why two LCD panels have different contrast ratios (50k:1 and 10k:1), while the rest of their specifications  are identical.

About the integrated speakers and USB hub … there isn’t much to say. Usually an active USB 2.0 HUB  requires 2.5Watts for each port, so the two-port HUB should add 5Watts to the maximum power consumption of the monitor, while the speakers should add only 2Watts.

Which flat screen to choose LCD or Plasma ?
Flat screens  are becoming more democratized . But now the same question occurs : How and what model to choose for my next flat screen, LCD or plasma.

Indeed, flat screens are becoming more innovated  : large, high definition, Integrated Digital … The news scramble the TV ray and make it a difficult choice for the consumer . Here are some tips for buying a flat screen.The two technologies: Plasma and LCD

There are two main technologies for flat screens: liquid crystals designed by the LCD and plasma. So how to choose a model? As a fist step : you can have choices about the size. LCD TVs have typically a small screen size, however it can reach one meter diagonal. In over a meter diagonal, we find that only in plasma.In terms of brightness, you can find anything. The LCD may be low, suitable or bright, depending on lamps chosen by the manufacturer to illuminate the slab. Plasma screens are more consistent , with a good brightness too .

High definition (HD):
There are two main families of HDTVs on the market: HD Ready and Full HD models. If the first one  has been a fad in the early flat screens, manufacturers rely today on the Full HD. The difference between the two definition is on the diagonal and vertical lines of the TV. A good Full HD must have a diagonal of 36 inches with a minimum number of vertical lines of 1080. On the market, the Full HD is usually expensive . Keep in mind that a good reputation is based primarily on the quality of the source and then the quality of the screen. If you do not plan to acquire a Blu-ray, Full HD model will lose its significance .. While watching a movie or playing a game  for example in a standard definition image will be worse on a full HD than on an HD ready monitor , as it will create extra pixels.

With or without DTT:
Most screens have integrated DTT. So if you buy a screen , choose those that have integrated with TNT HD. Even if TNT is not present everywhere . The end of analog broadcasting  does not have much before it disappears , DTT will be mandatory. Now you have the key for flat screens. It remains to choose the maker and model of your flat screen. It also needs to be taken into consideration. Indeed, there are manufacturers who are better than others but we are not here to advertise.

In summary the choice of the flat screen:
The advice  to keep in mind when choosing your monitor : With plasma, the picture is more fluid, more mixed, even in darkness conditions and the colors are natural. Between one and another, the choice will depend upon the intended use. For everyday use, an LCD will do, if you are an amateur of big shows, the plasma has the advantage even if it consumes more  energy.

The monitor is the computer screen.

It is an output device that allows the display of information by the user and it is characterized by the following:
- The size usually expressed in inches (symbol: “).
The inch is a unit of measurement equal to 2.54 cm. The measure is the diagonal of the screen.
Currently screen sizes is in the range of 17-30 inches.

Correlation table Inch / centimeter (/ cm)

14 “= 36cm I 21″ = 53cm

15 “= 38cm I 22″ = 56cm

17 “= 43cm I 24″ = 61cm

19 “= 48cm I 27″ = 68cm

20 “= 51cm I 30″ = 76cm

- The format of the screen

The different sizes are 4 / 3, 5 / 4 and 16/10. The format 4 / 3 is the original format televisions. This is the technology of the CRT that did not allow other formats. Now with the flat screens that limit does no longer exist . This is why existing displays are becoming more and more of  16/10 format because it corresponds more to the cinema format.

Resolution
This is the number of different pixels (dots) that the screen is able to display. The first number coorespond the total number of pixels in a horizontal line and the second the total number of pixels in a vertical line. It is strongly advisable to use the monitor in its original resolution. Otherwise the display image or text will be blurred.The resolutions are optimal for sizes 4 / 3 of 1280×1024 and 1680×1050 for the 16/10.

Transforming the connection into DVI or VGA
The VGA is analog while DVI is digital. Monitors and the upscale facilities has the DVI format. However, some monitors have this function but are not supplied with the  coorespondant cable and its cost is not at all negligible.

SMALL-SCALE
The display time in milliseconds (ms).

All existing displays offer an interesting view comfort. This parameter may have other significance for some diligent players. The sets of video games can move very quickly, the speed of display of information can then be important. This may be interesting if you buy a used monitor , but for the new monitors, they all now have a correct display time.

The contrast in the report (1:1000).
The contrast is the ratio between the maximum brightness and darkness. For visual comfort and to avoid eye fatigue , the user should set this parameter way below the capabilities of the monitor. The brightness is expressed in candela per square meter (500cd / m²). it should be set the same as for the contrast.

PARTICULARITY
- There are also screens called tactile that allow the user to press the surface of the monitor to transmit commands to the computer. These touch screens are reserved for some very specific uses such as information kiosks in public places or entry screens in shops or restaurants .

As the evolution of computer monitors dictates an increase of the most commonly used LCD monitor diagonal, we still can’t tell when and how much it will grow. For a long time 15” CRTs were the most widespread, followed by 17” CRTs, 15” LCDs, 17” LCDs, 19” LCDs, and now 21.5” LCDs seem to be the norm because these are the smallest and cheapest monitors with FullHD resolution (1920 x 1080, aka. 1080p).

That being said, 24 inch LCD monitors may still not spread for many years to come, because of manufacturing costs and to be honest the big majority of users don’t need such big screens yet. There’s also a darker, marketing side to this. When 24” widescreen LCDs first appeared they had 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1200 resolution, which was very impressive and definitely appropriate for 24” diagonal screens. Today however the industry is moving towards the smaller, 16:9 aspect ratio that results in 1366 x 768, 1600 x 900 and 1920 x 1080 resolutions instead of 1440 x 900, 1680 x 1050 and 1920 x 1200.

This is roughly a 20% resolution decrease from 16:10 standards to 16:9, without any significant price reduction. Personally I still use an 5:4 aspect ratio 17” LCD (1280 x 1024) which is very good for most applications, but catastrophic when watching HD movies. If we eliminate the two black bands from the top and bottom of the screen, we’re left with a 15” diagonal image, which is worse than the cheapest 15.6” 1366 x 768 laptop screens.

Let’s look at newegg.com, the on-line store that sells 24” LCD monitors for prices as low as $200. The LG W2453V-PF has one of the best designs I have ever seen.

While newegg.com usually has the facts straight, it’s unclear whether this LG monitor has a DVI or HDMI port. The official LG website says that it has S-Video, HDMI, D-sub and 3.5mm audio inputs, while according to newegg.com it has D-sub + DVI + HDMI. Newegg.com says nothing about S-video and it ships the monitor in retail packaging with only a D-sub (VGA analog) cable for input.

Anyway, the other specifications seem correct. The 1920 x 1080 resolution is the most important aspect alongside the 50.000:1 contrast ratio which is almost the maximum a fluorescent tube backlighting can ensure. 2Ms response time (gray to gray) is impressive, but let’s not forget that a full pixel cycle (turning the pixel completely off and on again) lasts around 4-6ms on a monitor like this, probably because of its size.

All in all it’s a good monitor with many features for such a low price, but be sure to clarify the exact type of inputs before purchase. There’s one more thing that comes with this modern design: transparent touch sensitive LED buttons that don’t ever ware out (theoretically). Please note that these may cause some discomfort with their slow reaction time.

There are many 24 inch LCD monitors available between $200 and $250, but I will point out only the cheapest one with additional features, more specifically LED backlighting.

Its design is a little strange, because the foot stand isn’t in the middle, but otherwise it’s much thinner than the LG and image quality is also superior.

1. The choice of digital LCD is a must!
The flat digital LCD have one or two DVI ports (white port). If we make a choice, it is to these models we need to turn now . The advantages are many: image quality, signal in full digital, easy settings.

2. The choice of sizes to avoid eyestrain
For an entry level for casual users , they will appreciate screens 19-22 inches .The average size of the screen to a regular user hovers between 22 and 24 inches, it seems best to avoid eye strain. Movies fans users can go up to 36 inches

3. The 16 / 9 and nothing else
The format 4 / 3 is totally obsolete. Emphasize 16 / 9, very generalized format on the market today. These screens are widescreen quite adapted for movies or for games.

4. The inclination of the screen for a good sitting position
The leveling of the screen (5 degrees downward and 20 ° at the top) does not move and it is better if you can, to a model with, in addition to setting the angle of rotation (350 °) and the adjustment of the foot in height , these models will guarantee an ideal sitting position (position of eyes and neck)to visual comfort

5. Prefer buttons settings frontal
For convenience, choose the Settings button front rather than side. Indeed, it is still very cumbersome to make adjustments in groping for the appropriate buttons on the side of the screen.

6. Avoid the tip with an external power supply
The integrated power monitors in the basement or in the monitor are increasingly common. It is wiser to choose a model with external power, because in case of failure or end of warranty, the transformer will be easy to change.

7. Switching from one source to another via the remote
The remote is not a gadget, allowing not only to switch from a source (TV / monitor …) to another but also to make adjustments in brightness at a distance, very practical, when we look at a video from distance .

8. Defective pixels, you need to know
Read the warranty conditions, particularly those related to the change of the screen where the pixels are defective (white dot on the screen). According to ISO 13406-2, most manufacturers must change the screen when a pixel (3 sub-pixels) or 5 sub-pixels do not work. In fact, this is very variable.

9. Each family of slab has its own use!
The TN is  not well suited to uses requiring an excellent colorimetry and the viewing of movies because it is thriving as the XVA. The SPI is less suitable for games (unlike the TN + film) because its reactivity is generally less good, although there are some exceptions.

Because graphics card are not sufficiently powerful yet, very big resolutions are not a necessity. HD Ready and FullHD are the most commonly used resolutions (1366 x 768 and 1920 x 1080). These smaller resolution screens are already available for prices under $100, so does it make sense to purchase a 10 times more expensive LCD monitor for a couple of extra pixels ?

WQHD: 2560 x 1440 = 3,686,400 FullHD: 1920 x 1080 = 2,073,600 HD Ready: 1366 x 768 = 1,049,088. A WQHD monitor costs around $1000, a FullHD one $100 and a HD Ready around $80, but there are other things to factor in when you decide which will best suit your needs.

The smallest resolution HD screen isn’t appropriate for office, home or professional work. Its resolution is slightly bigger than 1Megapixel, less than the most common resolution before the introduction of wide screens, the 1280 x 1024 (= 1,310,720) offers more desktop space than this new HD resolution. In my opinion these extremely low resolution 16:9 HD screens are only good for gaming and watching movies, but in less detail of course compared to a FullHD LCD monitor. The HD specification comes mostly from the image quality of these screens, which in most cases is far better than any pre-HD LCD monitor.

FullHD monitors seem to be the most appropriate for any application, because they offer a lot of desktop space, twice as much as the HD Ready screens, while image quality is just as good or better. On FullHD screens you can adjust about any program or game to run well, because the number of horizontal lines is 1080, so 1024 x 768, 1366 x 768, 1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1600 x 900, 1680 x 1050 and others fit in without having to resize the image to loose some lines. To avoid complications you have to disable image stretching, this way all smaller resolutions will be displayed in their original aspect ratio and one pixel will equal only one pixel (without stretching).

These FullHD LCD monitors are the most practical, and are available in many different sizes between 21.5” and 50” (or even bigger).

Now let’s look at a Dell 27” WQHD LCD monitor, which comes with very interesting specifications for just $1000.

This is a relatively new model, Dell UltraSharp U2711 27”W. Naturally it has a 2560 x 1440 resolution (aka 1440p) and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Exceptional colors and a lot of input interfaces: 1 x HDMI, 2 x DVI (with HDCP), 1x DisplyPort, 1 x D-Sub 15 (analog VGA), component video, composite video, an integrated USB 2.0 hub and a 8 in 1 multimedia card reader.

Because it’s a standard LCD with fluorescent tube backlighting its maximum dynamic contrast ratio is 80,000 to 1 (1000:1 typical). Viewing angle is 178/178 (H/V, degrees), typical for any LCD monitor above 16” size. The disturbing part is when you look at power consumption, 113Watts in ON mode and 2Watts in standby. Absolutely embarrassing compared to a 24” FullHD LED-backlit LCD monitor, which requires only 17Watts and lacks only a few feature like the card reader and USB hub.

NEC offers a similar monitor for $1400, but it has twice the reaction time (12ms instead of Dell’s 6ms) and power consumption isn’t even published. All other specs are the same or very similar to the previous Dell monitor.

Apple seems to have improved even its very huge screens with 2560 x 1440 resolution, although it comes with an integrated computer system at $1700.

At least the screen has LED backlighting.

First of all it needs to be said that LCD monitors aren’t made for gaming. Good old CRT monitors have much better reaction times than most of the LCD monitors available today. This may be because of the huge difference between the digital and analog technologies. While analog devices don’t process anything, they forward and modify signals very fast, digital devices have to encode and decode signals, they both take time.

In our case, the LCDs slowest part is not the chip itself, but the liquid crystals that have to move into place to obtain the right color and shade for each subpixel.

This will soon change in all flat panel monitors and TV’s, because the LCD parts of the structure will be replaced by highly efficient LEDs (light emitting diode) that don’t need backlighting or liquid crystals to cover the light source. OLED (organic light emitting diodes) simply have to be placed between two protective sheets and the right amount of electricity has to be supplied in the right time. These new panels are able to function partially, meaning that the inactive part (black) of the screen is completely unpowered, so no light is emitted. For extreme energy saving you may switch your programs to run on a black background. This way very few pixels have to be powered, compared to the traditional LCD where all pixels are lit all the time and the liquid crystal filter has to be powered for an color other than perfect white.

OLED display panels have a sub-1ms reaction time, very close to plasmas, so they are ideal for gaming, but because their colors are of very good quality they can be used almost anywhere instead of CRTs, LCDs, plasmas or projectors.

Alienware (owned by Dell) makes some of the best gaming LCDs based on mature liquid crystal and TFT technologies. One of the most impressive accomplishment of this firm is a very wide screen, bent to further improve gaming experience.

This one has LED backlighting and a 2880 x 900 resolution. It’s a much better idea than ATI’s Eyefinity, because this way there’s no annoying frame between the monitors that form the huge desktop area.

Don’t get me wrong, Eyefinity has its uses, but until monitors will be available with frameless design (the image will stretch from one side to another with the last columns of pixels almost in the air).

Alienware has two simple monitors too, although their response time is 2ms instead of 1ms, twice the reaction time of an OLED monitor or plasma. Still these are the best LCD monitors the computer industry has to offer for gaming. They also support 3D because of their high framerate. Unfortunately this 3D still requires glasses, sold separately by nVidia for a couple of hundred bucks.

Both models come in FullHD resolution and all kinds of input ports to connect to practically any kind of computer or console.

Prices aren’t scary at all, the 23” model (in reality only 22”) costs $400, while the 21.5” model can be yours for only $300. Although I don’t recommend using these monitors with 3D until these technologies are more extensively tested, 120hz refresh rate also means that non-3D images appear more solid. More frames always mean less strain on the human eye.

LCD monitors have their days numbered as new technologies (such as OLED panels) begin to surface. Although LCDs will be around for another 10-20 years, the LC (liquid crystal)  part will soon be replaced completely.

This is the part of the panel that gives each pixel (and subpixel) a different brightness level in order to mix the right color using red, green and blue (RGB). The TFT (thin film transistor) technology will be used for many years to come in most flat panels, because it’s the best way to activate and deactivate pixels in both LCD and OLED technologies.

The future is OLED, because this type of panels don’t require liquid crystals to cover backlighting to generate the appropriate amount of light. OLEDs generate the right amount of light in the right shade of color right from the start, so no additional filter or backlighting is needed.

During manufacturing process they just insert organic material between the anode and cathode which will react by emitting light (radiation) when electric current passes through. AMOLED (active matrix organic light emitting diode) technology pushes the OLED technology to its limits by storing electric current in capacitors, so when a large group of pixels need to change color it doesn’t strain the power supply, less electricity is needed at a time.

Users won’t notice any significant change in the way new monitors will look. They will be thinner, and will have a sharper image, and of course they will probably come with different resolutions. Right now the two most popular resolutions are 1366 x 768 (aka. HD Ready) and 1920 x 1080 (aka. FullHD), but in the future monitors will most likely become wider, closer to (and beyond) the 2:1 aspect ratio.

1600 x 1200 LCD monitors will disappear because this resolution will be used only with a few industrial machines, where the displayed content will always remain closer to the 1:1 aspect ratio. As a matter of fact the 1280 x 1024 resolution will disappear too, although it was very popular for many years. At the moment I use such a 17” monitor, bought it used for only $50, but I will replace it with a 21.5” – 23” FullHD LED-backlit LCD as soon as possible.

Newegg.com has two LCD monitors for sale with 1600 x 1200 resolution from NEC. One for $859 and the other for $999. These are both based on fluorescent tube backlighting, so it’s clear that they will soon disappear if NEC won’t implement at least LED backlighting. 16ms response time is a little weird and it also lacks DHCP support (?!), although it has analog and digital inputs. Such monitors clearly don’t address average computer users that want to play a HD movie from time to time.

It has the “Certified for Windows VISTA” logo, but specs are very poor. It needs 60Watts, which is too much for roughly the same number of pixels as a FullHD monitor has: 1600 x 1200 = 1,920,000 pixels and 1920 x 1080 = 2,073,600 pixels.

First of all, let us cut short the question that every buyer uninformed will inevitably arise in his favorite store: LCD or Plasma? Before answering this question that is probably one of those most occurring  when purchasing a flat screen, it is necessary to detail a few lines in the principle of these two technologies that are quite different.

Principle of the LCD
The panel of an LCD screen is composed of several layers that are traversed by a light background (created by neon). The light rays will be projected onto a polarizing filter and through a first layer of glass, then a filter for guidance. The light then reaches a slab containing liquid crystals, which are more or less direct and pass on the basis of an electrical current. A second filter orientation, 90 degrees to the first, will then pass a portion of the rays and filter it. The light will eventually pass through a color filter, red, green or blue, then a second layer of glass and a third polarizing filter. The pixel is created and it will make the image of the LCD.

Principle of plasma
The slab of plasma is composed of two glass plates, between which there are hundreds of thousands of capsules filled with a gas mixture (xenon) that glow when exposed to an electrical pulse. For a pixel, it takes three capsules component colors (red, green, blue). Electrodes will submit an electric pulse of varying intensity, which excite the gas mixture and illuminate the phosphors contained in these capsules.

Difference
The fundamental difference between the LCD technology and operation of the plasma is in the fact that in an LCD screen, there is a light-based wrought by the LCD. But it is not perfect, and when it comes to reproducing deep black, the role of liquid crystals (which must then retain all the light) is undermined. In contrast, plasma technology, the pixel emit no light when not solicited. This difference explains why LCDs are not getting as deep blacks that plasma screens, although their contrast tends to rise through a scoring machine and push the use of a powerful lamp (which provides Report white / black).

Differences
If the distinction between a plasma and LCD panel is the depth of black, this is not the only difference existing between these two types of screen. Here’s a quick overview of the significant dissimilarities between the two technologies.

Although these differences exist, however they tend to fade over the improvements of digital processing, and the question of opting for an LCD or plasma can not find its answer in the depths of black or latency. In reality, they are more manufacturing constraints that will guide your choice, as LCD panels over 40 inches are not many , while in contrast, plasma screens with a size less than 50 inches are virtually non-existent on the market.

So it is your budget that will make a huge difference over your choice of technology. Finally, you are faced with a situation where you have a little choice but where space constraints and budget will decide for you. The first question you ask a salesperson must also be: which one do you have ? get informations about visual comfort, the screen size  depend ing on the distance from your screen of your sofa…

Acer AL2016W is a relatively old LCD monitor. Manufactured in 2007 respecting TCO03 standards it’s not a very attractive monitor today, but if you manage to buy it used at a fair price (~$60) it may still satisfy your multimedia needs.

LED-backlit LCD displays are flooding the market, but not all of them are as advanced as manufacturers claim. While LEDs (light emitting diodes) are more practical, because they don’t require high voltages like fluorescent tubes, so their brightness adjustment doesn’t require high voltage parts. LED durability however is not yet at an impressive level, LED backlighting has about the same lifespan as the mature fluorescent tube technology. The only LED technology that is clearly superior to fluorescent tubes is the RGB backlighting, where each subpixel has it’s own color, there’s no need for colored glass in front of it to pass through, but these LCD panels are more expensive, most PC stores don’t sell them yet.

The enclosure of the Acer AL2016W LCD monitor looks a bit outdated and bulky, even more so from the side.

It has standard buttons in the front, one for auto adjustment (characteristic of digital monitors with analog input), increase and decrease buttons, menu and power button.

Although the analog VGA interface is almost as old as color monitors, the best LCD panels equipped with the right type of signal cable (ferrite filter on both ends) can display very sharp images, close to what HDMI and DVI offer.

The power cable is standard and the power supply supports power input between 100V and 240V.

Power supplies tolerate many unpleasant events on the input current, but the use of a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is recommended together with a voltage regulator and maybe an additional surge protector.

Now let’s look at some boring specifications. Viewable image diagonal size is 20”, which is divided into 1680 x 1050 pixels (16:10 widescreen resolution). This resolution is bigger that the absolute minimum (1280 x 1024), while the aspect ratio lets you use software, view movies and play games that require 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio. It also outranks newly released 16:9 resolutions: 1366 x 768 and 1600 x 900. Contrast ratio isn’t very impressive, but 800:1 should be considered acceptable for most uses. 5Ms reaction time is a bit slow for top action games, but it’s more than enough for any other less-professional application. Power consumption is right on the limit, meaning that 50Watts is 100% bigger than the average of today’s LCD monitors, but still considered acceptable for a 20” LCD monitor.

Sadly this monitor doesn’t have any extra features like a TV-Tuner or some integrated speakers that come in handy in when available desk space is very limited. Acer offered 3 years warranty, way back in 2007, so it’s less likely that you’ll still find one under warranty today, but second-hand stores may still sell them with 1-2 years warranty (offered by the store, not by Acer).