IPS Monitor -Help for purchase

[momoffduty]

I am looking for an IPS monitor. How does this look?

http://www.amazon.com/PA248Q-24-Inch-LE ... B008DWH00K

[Chris B]

Looks to be one of the lower end IPS monitors (it's e-IPS rather than a "proper" IPS monitor). These have 6 bit panels with some sort of dithering (this one uses temporal dither - rapidly flashing between two colours to create another). It also uses PWM to control back-light brightness - which some people see as flickering or extra eye strain. This BENQ (for example) has a different technology that claims to reduce eye strain www.amazon.com/61-0cm-BL2411PT-16-schwarz/dp/B00BPL08U0

Here's a review of the one you are looking at http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/asus_pa248q.htm

[momoffduty]

Thanks Chris for the review link. A lot of that is over my head. I did see a review on Amazon about flickering. I thought the $264 sale price was low for an IPS monitor. The BENQ is $379. Is the BENQ a quality monitor or should I be looking in a slightly higher price range? I've been getting more into photos so would like a good color space to edit.

[Chris B]

The BenQ is another low end IPS - I think the price is higher because it's an import to the US - it's also slightly older. I used it as an example because it has a better backlight. Both monitors offer sRGB colour space but are 6-bit panels. The new Del IPS U2415 also has a smoother backlight (again going to be a 6 bit panel) and replaces a well regarded model.

Unfortunately the gap to "professional" monitors is quite large and the price increases considerably. Something like this viewsonic http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VP2770- ... B00906HNZU is in that space. (These panels often quote a billion or more colours)

[momoffduty]

Thanks for the link and explanation Chris. At $629 (originally $1200) looks like a good deal. I found this model recommended in a blog, but more expensive $849 and less reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VP2772- ... B00EZSUVHU

What would constitute a $200 price diff. I looked at the specs and didn't see any differences jump out.

[TreeTopsRanch]

There is some indication that some IPS monitors do not handle blacks well. I am seeing more and more complaints about that. You can do a google search on 'IPS monitors and black levels'.

Maybe the more expensive monitors fix that but I have not done enough research to prove that yet.

[Chris B]

The 2722 is this year's model. I think it has a wider colour gamut and USB 3 throughout.

[Bob]

The older technology IPS panels crushed blacks. Prints would show detail in the blacks that you couldn't see on screen. Although, if you looked at it off axis, it would lighten up somewhat and you could see some detail in it. e-IPS and AH-IPS have much improved black handling. But, IPS panels still have a lower static contrast ratio than some of the other panel technologies. If the monitor specs list static contrast, try to get the highest number you can. Ignore dynamic contrast figures, those are pure advertising hype. The main reason you want IPS for photo/video editing is color reproduction quality and wide viewing angle. Some other technologies can shift color significantly as you move your head.

I wouldn't worry about the 6 vs 8 bit issue. 6 bit with advanced frame rate control will give you the same color range as 8 bit and it's implemented very well -- you won't see any artifacts.

About flicker: Flicker, will almost entirely be due to the backlight. Most low end IPS monitors use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to change the brightness. PWM works by turning the led pixel on and off repeatedly but varying the time on compared to the time off. In darker areas, the time off is great enough that some people will perceive the on pulses as flickering. People do vary in how sensitive to flickering they are. The average person will probably not notice PWM flicker, but some very sensitive people will be driven nuts by it. If you are sensitive, look for a monitor that uses a non-PWM technology for reduced flicker.

[momoffduty]

Thanks for all of the responses. I did see the black point mentioned in one of the Amazon reviews. I am leaning towards the 27" 2770. This has a 3 year warranty. Does this model have the PWM flicker? Will the USB 3 port be as fast as the port on the back of the computer? Currently, I have an extender plugged into the back that I can reach from the front to download video/photos.

Any other models recommended before I pull the trigger? Thanks!

[Bob]

That model isn't one of Viewsonic's flicker free models. So, it most likely uses PWM. Unless you are sensitive, it shouldn't be a problem. Most led monitors use PWM, have you looked at monitors in a store and seen flickering?

[momoffduty]

No, I haven't looked in stores. Guess if going for a flicker free model then the price point will double or triple? It may not be a problem. One of the Amazon reviews read to lower the brightness to reduce the flicker and the edge bleeding.

[Chris B]

If (and as Bob says most people aren't) you are susceptible to flickering then I would have thought lowering the brightness is likely to make it worse... What's you current Monitor? - perhaps we can work out what the back-light technology is and whether it's controlled with PWM. We might then know if you are going to notice this.

[momoffduty]

I currently have a 6 year old 22" monitor:
http://www.engadget.com/products/hanns-g/hw223d/specs/

[Bob]

That monitor uses a standard TN type thin film transistor lcd panel. Since the specs didn't mention the backlight, it's a pretty safe assumption that it is a standard fluorescent backlight. That would use PWM, but the flicker with fluorescent backlights is not as evident as with LED backlights because of the smoothing effects of the phosphor decay time -- LEDs turn off virtually instantly. Still, some people are sensitive enough that the flicker from that could cause eyestrain or headaches. If you are not experiencing any of that with your present monitor, that's a good sign. But, not definitive.

I agree with Chris, turning down the brightness will make the flicker worse.

[momoffduty]

Thanks for all the help. I ordered the 2770 and it will arrive Friday. I'll post an update after testing it out. Thanks again.