Which monitor would you by?

[kpm547]

I need a new monitor. I'm going for a LCD and I have always liked Samsung. They seem to work great.

I have found the following two. Both are the same price at $259 CDN.

Here are the specs:

1. Samsung SyncMaster 940B-HAS 19in Digital LCD w/ Height Adjustable Stand, DVI, 8ms, Silver-Black

The Samsung SyncMaster 940b is a 19-inch analog and digital TFT-LCD delivering a 700:1 contrast ratio, 300cd/m2 brightness, 1280 x 1024 resolution, 160/160 degree viewing angle and scanning frequency of 30-81kHz horizontal and 56-75Hz vertical with a fast response time of 8 ms. It features MagicTune, MagicBright II, MagicColor, built-in power and Height Adjustable Stand.

2. Samsung SyncMaster 940BW 19in Widescreen LCD w/ DVI, 4ms, Black

The Samsung SyncMaster 940BW is a 19-inch Wide TFT-LCD delivering a 500:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 1440 x 900 resolution, 160 degree viewing angle and scanning frequency of 30-81kHz horizontal and 56-75Hz vertical. It is also HDTV Ready with DVI input with HDCP support.

I guess the main question is what is better higher contrast ratio or lower refresh rate? what happens with the widescreen in games or movies? Does it stretch it out or do they adjust for the widescreen?

Or is there a better monitor out there for a comparable price?

[AllGamer]

higher contrast ratio = better quality, no eyes irritation

lower contrast = hurts your eyes, after prolonged usage

19" Widescreen a really 17" Wide screen

to have a true 19" Widescreen you'll need to buy a 21" Widescreen

and i tried already the Samsung 500:1 - 4ms wide screen, it was not good enough for me.

currently using a better 700:1 - 5ms widescreen

search for

Hanns·G HW191D / 19" Wide / 5ms / 700:1 / WXGA 1440 x 900 / DVI / Widescreen LCD Monitor

or go with your choice 1. (normal 19" samsung) but is slow for gaming

[kpm547]

or go with your choice 1. (normal 19" samsung) but is slow for gaming

Slow because of the high response time? how noticable is it?

Also, I've never heard of Hanns. Are they a good company that produces a quality product?

[kpm547]

Just found this one for $329 CDN

Samsung 931BF is a premium 19" LCD monitor with 2ms response time, 2000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness and dual (VGA and DVI) interfaces including DVI cable. More Info

This one should be good. Or are the better specs not worth the price difference of $70?

[Midknyte]

It depends on HOW they measure the refresh; BWB or gray to gray. You'll also want to know if they are 6 or 8 bit LCDs.

Here's a link from best of video:
http://compreviews.about.com/od/mult...a/LCDColor.htm

Even 8ms LCDs should be sufficient for gaming. it's very subjective, though. Try to take a look at the different models if you can.

[JediOfDarkness]

If you're going to be playing fast paced games, like a FPS, the responce time will be of importance because slow responce times will cause ghosting (images overlaping each other). In slower games like RTS's and RPG's you wouldn't ever notice ghosting unless you just moved the camera really quickly. So don't pay more for a faster responce time if you don't need it, choose by the type of games you play. You will want a high contrast ratio, and you may want to check the viewing angle of the moniter. Some moniters are designed to be viewed from a certain angle, and any other angle the moniter is positioned in will give a faded, washed out looking image. So maybe make a stop to your local electronics retailer before you by an LCD online, just to make sure that everything is the way you want it

[Rabbitrunner51]

A Samsung which is one of the top three in LCD's right now..is a good choice either way..., i'd also look at the spendier new Dell 24" widescreen. Its gotton really good reviews and has very high specs. List price around $799.00

[kpm547]

Thanks everyone. I ended up buying the Samsung 931BF. I bought it locally because the price was the same. I already have it hooked up and man, does it look great. Didn't get any time to play any games on it yet, but that will be tonight.