Maximum PC monitor RSS Feed

Asus Announces Ultra-Slim LED Monitors

Paul Lilly — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:53:34 -0500

Asus today added four new models to its Designo Series, including the MS248, MS238, MS228, and MS208. All four boast an eco-friendly, ultra-slim design with 16.5mm profiles and range in size from 20 inches to 20.3 inches.

On the lower end, the MS208 sports a 1600 x 900 screen resolution with a 5ms response time. The other three up the ante to a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a faster 2ms response time. The MS228 adds an HDMI audio-out port, while the MS238 and MS248 also include an earphone jack (for HDMI only).

Asus says all four units are easy on the environment, thanks in large part eschewing bulbs in favor of mercury-free LED backlit panels. According to Asus, the LED monitors reduce energy consumption levels by 45 percent, enough to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 23.6kg per year, the equivalent of planting 1.9 trees that can contribute two years worth of oxygen for a family of four.

Image Credit: Asus

Dell Delivers 24-Inch G2410H LCD Display for $339

Paul Lilly — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:00:44 -0500

Dell over the weekend added to its growing LCD monitor line by introducing a new 24-inch display, the G2410H. Boasting support for 1080p, Dell's latest display also comes with a few environmentally friendly bullet points.

Chief among them are several power saving features, including an ambient light sensor, Dell's PowerNap technology, Dynamic Dimming, and three "Energy Modes." The G2410H also comes equipped with an ultra efficient power supply, and is free of arsenic (glass only), mercury, polyvinyl chloride (packaging only), BFR, and CFR.

Dell says it designed the G2410H with up to a 20 percent slimmer panel. Other tech specs include a Twisted Nematic (TN) panel, 1,000:1 standard contrast ratio and 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5ms response time, 0.277mm pixel pitch, and both VGA and DVI-D (with HDCP) connectors.

See more here.

Image Credit: Dell

10 Essential Tips for Optimizing Your Dual Display Setup

Mark Edward Soper — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:30:30 -0600

Since multiheaded graphics cards have become commonplace, it's no longer technically difficult to attach a second (or third, or fourth) display to your PC. However, whether you're looking for a way to fly through your work so you can have some fun or are wanting to immerse yourself in 3D surround gaming, we've lined up ten ways to make your multiple displays work harder and play even harder. Here's how:

1. Discover how to control your desktop layout

Setting up two or more displays requires more than connecting an additional monitor to your video card and turning it on. You must then make sure that Windows knows the additional display is present.

To enable an additional display, right-click on an empty part of the desktop and follow the appropriate steps:

Windows 7: Select Screen Resolution. Click Detect, and Windows will locate additional displays if they're connected and turned on.

Windows Vista and XP: Select Personalization, Display settings (Vista); select Properties, Settings (XP). Click the inactive monitor and select the correct mode (extended desktop, primary monitor, or both.

By default, Windows 7 chooses an extended desktop configuration, which enables you to run programs separately on each display. To clone the desktop, select Duplicate these displays. To enable only one display, select Show desktop only on 1, 2, and so on. If you choose the last option, other display icons are grayed out. Click Apply, Keep Changes to save your changes.

By default, Windows places the display icons side by side, with #1 to the left of #2. If your actual display layout varies, you can avoid frustration when dragging programs between windows or losing the mouse pointer by dragging the #2 display to the correct location relative to the #1 display.

If you have two identical displays, you might lose track of which is which. Click Identify to determine the numbering sequence.

If you want to have even more monitors, check out the available slots on your motherboard. If you have an open PCI Express x8 or x16 slot, you can use it for another graphics card. Thanks to unified driver builds from both nVidia and AMD (ATI's sugar daddy), it's easy to use the same drivers for two or more video cards: just make sure you buy a video card that's compatible with the original card's GPU and will work with your power supply. If you've filled up all of your PCI Express x8 or x16 slots, keep in mind that you can still get PCI-based video cards that use recent nVIDIA or ATI GPUs.

If you need additional control over your display, such as options to span your displays or adjust color settings, open the proprietary graphics setup program provided with most graphics cards. nVidia's Control Panel or ATI's Catalyst are usually available from the desktop right-click menu, or can be run from the Start menu or from Control Panel.

2. Optimizing display resolution

Windows 7 makes optimizing display resolutions with LCD displays simple: just adjust the resolution slider to the recommended resolution. With Windows Vista and XP, you can generally select the optimal (aka "native") LCD resolution by moving the resolution slider to the rightmost point. Assuming that Windows has correctly identified your display as either a PnP display or by name and model, that's all you need to do to avoid fuzzy text or graphics.

Note: Iif you're still clinging to a CRT monitor, keep in mind that the best image quality is usually a setting or two below the display's maximum resolution, and you'll need to work with vertical refresh rate settings on the Advanced or Advanced settings submenus and with the display's own on-screen controls to get the best picture at a given resolution.

However, if your display is identified as a "Default monitor," Windows won't let you adjust the resolution very high or adjust the vertical refresh rate (which is over on the Advanced Settings) tab. Why? An old-school CRT can be fried (quite literally) if you feed it out-of-range video signals. LCD displays won't fail, but in either case, you won't be able to see your desktop.

If Windows doesn't know what display you're using, check the following:

Make sure your display cable is plugged in tightly, and doesn't have any bent or broken pins
Update your graphics card drivers
Download and install vendor-supplied drivers for your display; even if your display is identified as PnP, this is still a good idea – and if Windows is baffled by your display, it's vital

Keep reading for more dual-monitor tips!

3. Selecting your main (primary) display

If you've paired up a high-performance 24-inch widescreen display for video playback and photo editing with a cast-off 17-inch 4:3 display you want to use primarily for email and web browsing, but Windows insists on making the old display the one where the desktop is located, here's how to solve the problem.

To change which display is your preferred display, select the display you want to make the main (primary) display from the Display pull-down menu, click the Make this my main display (Windows 7), main monitor (Vista) or primary monitor (XP) checkbox. Then, click Apply, then OK to close the dialog.

Note that it doesn't matter whether the main (primary) display is display number one, number two, or any other number.

Not sure which display to make your "'franchise player?" If your displays are similar in size, look at issues such as color quality and refresh rate to choose the main (primary) display you'll use for gaming, productivity, and social media.

By default, Windows uses a safe 60Hz vertical refresh rate for all types of displays, but many recent LCD displays and HDTVs support higher refresh rates. The faster the refresh rate, the better the display quality for 3D gaming and fast action on TV or in movies. To adjust the refresh rate, click the Advanced or Advanced settings button or link, select the Monitor tab, and choose the refresh rate desired. Click Apply, then OK, to use and save settings.

4. Getting the best picture to your SDTV or HDTV for media playback

If you have a big-screen TV or projector near your PC, why not use it for media playback and give your computer's relatively small screen the evening off? If you're connecting to an HDTV or projector, make sure you the best HD-compatible connection possible (HDMI, DVI, or component). If you're getting a little more mileage out of a behemoth CRT standard TV by using it as your media star and have S-video connections available on your PC and TV, use it instead of composite for (slightly) better image quality. You'll hate how the Windows desktop looks on a standard TV, but photos and standard TV or DVDs look good.

If you normally run your media player program on your primary display in full-screen, restore it to a window, drag it over to the other display, and maximize it.

Be sure to tweak the display for best image quality. You might need to adjust the resolution for better picture quality, and be sure to tweak video playback settings such as deinterlacing, pulldown, color dynamic range, and aspect ratio for best playback quality.

5. Creating multimonitor-friendly wallpaper

Once you've tweaked your additional monitors, you'll want to create multi-monitor friendly wallpaper. Be sure to see Will Smith's 2007 article for details. Keep in mind that if you stack your monitors, use them in portrait mode, or have them arranged at different heights that you might need to adjust the layout instructions accordingly. If you're feeling seriously graphic-designed challenged or want separate wallpaper on each display, there's an easier way: give DisplayFusion a try. Upgrade to the Pro version to unlock advanced features.

6. Tweaking color, gamma, and 3D settings

To adjust color, gamma, and 3D settings for your displays, use the utilities provided by your GPU vendor. Color and gamma settings can be set separately for each display, but 3D settings apply to all displays connected to a particular GPU.

Keep reading for more dual-monitor tips!

7. Using Ultramon and other programs for better desktop control

Programs such as UltraMon, DisplayFusion, Actual Multiple Monitors, and MurGeeMon enable you to control your multiple-display desktop far beyond what's possible with the standard display drivers provided by ATI and NVIDIA. We covered some of these a couple of years ago, but with Windows 7 and new players in the game, it's time for another look.

UltraMon

UltraMon can be tried free for 30 days (after that, you'll need to pony up $39.95 for a single license; quantity discounts start at two or more licenses). UltraMon isn't as smart as DisplayFusion when you need multiple-display wallpaper, but it provides strong window management features such as additional buttons for switching windows between displays, your choice of mirrored taskbars or smart taskbars that showonly the tasks running on each display, instant horizontal or vertical tiling of program windows, and custom settings for troublesome programs.

DisplayFusion

The free version of DisplayFusion makes correct sizing of multiple-display wallpaper very easy. You can span a single image across all displays, have separate wallpaper on each display, control how the wallpaper fits the display, and even apply grayscale or sepia-tone effects. If you want to move a maximized program between displays, it's no longer necessary to restore the window, drag the window to the other display, and maximize it. You can also move program windows by middle-clicking the top edge of the program window and use hotkeys to move and resize windows. For additional features, such as the ability to put your desktop toolbar on each display, you'll need to buy the Pro version.

Actual Multiple Monitors

Actual Multiple Monitors version 2.0 now supports Windows 7, and provides intelligent wallpaper creation, customized screen saver settings for each display, automatic window positioning, various ways to switch windows between displays, customizable rules for specific programs, window snapping options, command prompt window support, and customizable mouse actions. You can try it for 30 days, and a license costs $29.95.

MurGeeMon

MurGeeMon isn't quite free, and only supports up to two displays, but registration is only $5, and it provides a lot of power for the money. Although it's billed as supporting Windows 7, its right-click menu winds up partially hiding behind the popup notification area control. MurGeeMon might be a bit rough around the edges, but it offers some unique features, such as the ability to create desktop shortcuts to switch a display into any supported resolution and color depth, set up hotkeys for selected actions, and create custom login wallpaper (Windows 7 and Vista only).

8. Multimonitor gaming

PCI Express x16, SLI, and CrossFire provide plenty of graphics firepower for today's systems, but if you're looking to spread your virtual world across multiple displays, you might need extra hardware or software to do the trick.

If you want to add three-display gaming to your existing computer hardware, you can add more hardware or use software. Matrox's TripleHead2Go hardware supports three-display surround gaming on desktops or laptops with over 325 titles, and you can add support for many more by installing the free Matrox TripleHead2Go Surround Gaming Utility.

To add triple head support to existing games for free, try SoftTH. It enables many DirectX 9-compatible games to be played on three displays using two graphics cards. For tips on setting up some popular games with SoftTH, see the FuryTech SoftTH web page.

If you're in the market for brand new graphics cards, ATI's new HD 5000-series GPUs support Eyefinity technology, which supports gaming and productivity on up to three displays per card - we tried a six-display rig last fall.

image courtesy AMD

9. Multiple monitors, multiple systems, one keyboard and mouse

Maybe your "secondary display" is actually connected (or built into) a different computer. You can use a single keyboard and mouse to work with both of them by installing Synergy or Input Director. See our own David Murphy's impressions of both programs here.

10. When - and when not - to use USB adapters for additional displays

If you have a system that lacks support for multiple displays, the easiest way to add support is with a USB display adapter. Depending upon the device, it might include VGA out, DVI out, or DVI-I out along with a DVI-VGA converter.

image courtesy Diamond Multimedia

Because these devices piggyback on the existing GPU, they're not designed for 3D gaming. However, if you're looking mainly for a way to add a display to your system for web browsing, social media, or productivity, it's a low-cost, no-teardown way to do it. You can add multiple displays to your system by using multiple adapters; each adapter uses its own USB 2.0 port (USB 1.1 ports need not apply).

BenQ Offers Skinniest LCD Monitors with 10,000,000:1 Ratio

Paul Lilly — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:08:48 -0600

Go big or go home, right? Not at BenQ's headquarters, where thin is definitely in. The PC peripheral maker this week launched a line of high-contrast (of the dynamic variety) monitors that BenQ's marketing peeps claim are the thinnest in the industry, measuring only 15mm (that's 0.59 inches for the anti-metrics folks) thick.

These will be part of the company's new V series comprised of nine models in all. Sizes range from 18.5 to 24 inches, with the first model to land on shelves the 21.5-inch V2200. The V2200 will boast a 160-degree viewing angle, 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and 5ms response time.

Every model in the V series will come with both DVI and VGA connections, while several will ship with HDMI 1.3, a headphone jack, or an anti-glare panel.

No word yet on pricing, but you'll find out soon enough. BenQ says it will start shipping the new panels this month and next in Taiwan, with worldwide availability slated for June.

Image Credit: BenQ

BenQ Announces Two Desktop Displays with 5,000,000:1 Contrast Ratios

Paul Lilly — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:56:44 -0600

It's all about the contrast, baby, or at least that's true over at BenQ's headquarters. The value-oriented peripheral maker this week announced a pair of 15.6-inch LED-backlit monitors -- G610HDAL and G610HDPL -- both of which boast a dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1.

In fact, the two screens share quite a bit in common. Both sport a 1366x768 resolution and are rated with an 8ms response time. And according to BenQ, the two new models are capable of automatically adjusting their brightness to room lighting conditions.

This brings us to the primary difference between the two. The G610HDAL claims a slighter brighter output of 250 nits courtesy of its glossy screen, while the G610HDPL has an anti-glare screen and produces 220 nits.

No word yet on when these will ship or what they'll cost.

Image Credit: BenQ

Following the Green Trend, NEC Offers LCD Monitor with Carbon Footprint Meter

Paul Lilly — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:37:14 -0600

One of NEC's solutions to cutting back on energy consumption is to go small, as in 17 inches, which is the size of NEC's latest 'green' monitor, the AS171. According to NEC, the AS171 with a 4:3 aspect ratio consumes 21 percent less power than its predecessor and uses half the amount of mercury in its design.

"The 17-inch AS171 display brings variety and value to AccuSync Series users," said Lynn Gu, Product Manager for NEC Display Solutions. "We continuously see a strong demand for the 17-inch standard aspect ratio from enterprise and small-to-medium business sectors, and our goal with this display is to offer improved green technology, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly features."

One of those features is a new carbon footprint meter for tracking your carbon savings. But probably of more value to SMBs is the 2-step ECO Mode technology, which allows users to switch between two energy-savings modes.

Other specs include a 1280 x 1024 resolution, VGA and DVI connectivity, 900:1 contrast ratio, 5ms response time, and tilt adjustability.

NEC will begin shipping the AS171 this month for $160, noting that the backlight is included in the three-year parts and labor warranty.

Image Credit: NEC

Acer Announces a Brand New 23.6 Inch 3D Display Monitor with Nvidia Graphics

Paul Lilly — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:03:01 -0600

Ready or not, the 3D revolution has begun, and that means a deluge of related product announcements. Such is the case with Acer's 23.6-inch GD235HZ 3D-capable display.

Lame name aside, Acer's first foray into 3D-capable monitors serves up 1,920x1,080 pixels along with a 120Hz refresh rate. But it's the 3D that's of most interest, and to help give images an extra dimension, you'll need to don a pair of Nvidia's 3D Vision active-shutter glasses.

"As 3D content becomes more widely available in popular games and videos, users desire computing products that can take advantage of these new capabilities," said Acer America's senior product marketing manager Irene Chan. "We are excited to offer Acer's first monitor to support 3D technology."

Other specs include an 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio; 300cd/m² of brightness; a 2ms response time; over 72 percent of the NTSC color gamut; and HDMI, DVI, and VGA inputs.

Acer plans to start shipping the GD235HZ this month for $400. Tack on another $200 for Nvidia's 3D Vision Kit.

Image Credit: Acer

Dell UltraSharp U2410 24-inch Display

Michael Brown — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:00:00 -0600

Sometimes you have to pay to play

At a time when you can buy a 24-inch LCD monitor for less than $300, why would you ever consider spending twice that much for Dell’s 24-inch UltraSharp U2410? Because the U2410 is a precision instrument; those $300 monitors are really just HDTVs sans tuners.

To be fair, those cheap monitors are a good deal if all you need is a display for watching movies, surfing the web, playing games, and editing snapshots destined for Flickr or grandma’s digital picture frame. But if your livelihood depends on factors such as visual accuracy and color fidelity—or if you’re just passionate about excellence—the U2410 is the better value.

The U2410 is based on an IPS (in-plane switching) LCD panel, which is considerably more expensive to manufacture than the more common TN (twisted nematic) panels you’ll find in inexpensive monitors. IPS panels, on the other hand, typically boast superior color reproduction and much wider viewing angles compared to TN panels. The U2410 not only delivers on both those counts, it also boasts a gray-to-gray response time of just six milliseconds, which is very fast for an IPS panel.

A proximity sensor in the UltraSharp U2410's bezel lights up its capacitive-touch controls when your finger approaches.

The U2410 delivers native resolution of 1920x1200 pixels (16:10 aspect ratio) with true eight-bit color depth, which means it’s capable of displaying 16,777,216 colors without resorting to dithering. It supports 12-bit color internally, imbuing it with a total palette of 1.07 billion colors. The display delivers 102 percent of the NTSC color gamut. TN panels, by contrast, are typically limited to six-bit color depth (262,144 colors) in order to achieve fast response times (some as low as two milliseconds); they use frame-rate control (dithering) to simulate 16,194,277 colors; and most deliver only 72 to 80 percent of the NTSC color gamut.

The U2410 boasts two DVI ports as well as one each of HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, component, and composite (leaving out only S-Video). There are no integrated speakers (no great loss as far as we’re concerned), but the monitor will accommodate Dell’s AX510 Sound Bar if you really need it. There’s a media-card reader and a four-port USB 2.0 hub, too. The display is mounted on a height-adjustable stand, and it tilts, swivels, and pivots so you can work in portrait mode.

Dell calibrates the Adobe RGB and sRGB modes for each U2410 before it leaves the factory, and we didn’t find any need to change the settings for either. The first thing we noticed when we began testing the display with DisplayMate Multimedia with Test Photos Edition (www.displaymate.com) was the total absence of leakage from the screen’s CCFL backlight: Gazing at DisplayMate’s Dark Screen test looking for stuck or discolored pixels was like staring at the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Color uniformity was fantastic and grayscale performance was exceptional.

Although the U2410 has a relatively slow response time and is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, we didn’t encounter any problems with motion blur or ghosting while watching movies or playing games. If you’re extremely sensitive to these phenomena, you probably won’t like the U2410 for those applications. But for everyone else, this is the 24-inch monitor to buy—if you can swing the budget.