Dell 2407WFP-HC

For the most part, Dell’s 2407WFP-HC sports all the same features as the regular-ol’ 2407WFP—a damn fine monitor in its own right (it received a 9/Kick Ass verdict in September 2006). Same stand, same bezel, same ergo options, same array of inputs, same menu options. What’s changed is primarily the backlight. Using a wide cold-cathode fluorescent light (W-CCFL), the HC model is reportedly capable of displaying 92 percent of the NTSC color gamut (thus the “High Color” designation)—100 percent being the full range of colors that can theoretically be displayed, according to the National Television Standards Committee. LCDs typically display 72 percent color gamut.

By adding the new backlight to the 24-inch model, Dell is keeping it consistent with its other large, high-performance widescreens the 3007WFP-HC and 2707WFP, which also sport 92 percent color gamut. Interestingly, while I’m a big fan of the 2707WFP (it was the monitor for this year's Dream Machine), I found the primary colors in the 3007WFP-HC to be a little too saturated and artificial.

Naturally, I was anxious to see the 2407WFP-HC in action. I set it up in our Lab alongside its non-HC counterpart and ran all the content that I normally do for LCD reviews: DisplayMate, a series of high-res digital photos and illustrations, DVDs—both standard and high-def—and of course games.
What I discovered is that the HC model is every bit as good, if not better, than its non-HC counterpart in DisplayMate, which primarily evaluates grayscale performance, text reproduction, gamma correction, and backlight issues.

For evaluating color matters, the high-res digital images proved useful. Here the HC screen appeared noticeably more vivid; red, green, and blue shades were particularly intense, but not overkill—although skin tones did appear a little flushed. Overall, the effect was quite pleasing. Perhaps even more so with movies and games, which were enhanced by the more vibrant color palette.

Indeed, I’m happy to report that our strong buy recommendation for Dell’s 24-inch LCD remains intact. At $680, the new HC model is just $10 more than the model it replaces.

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