upgrading computer monitor.......

[out of control]

Recently I did a upgrade on my computer's video card. I have a DVI connector that I have not got around to using yet. My original plan was to connect my computer to my TV at times to view the hockey games I watch online. I have a tube TV, and can't access the RCA connectors anymore because of a broken IR sensor. Don't want to bother replacing it. I bought a smaller size HDTV, but ended up returning it because I did not like the variable picture quality with my non digital cable. So I am keeping my tube TV till it breaks completely.

Back to the topic upgrading computer monitor. Most of what I watch is on the internet which is why I only have very basic cable. Online I watch a lot of NHL, and various movies like on Hulu, or episodes from the networks. I currently have a 17 inch monitor with VGA connection. I want to upgrade to DVI, and a 20 inch monitor I think. I've decided 22 inch is too big for my space. I'm looking at the view sonic line. I have narrowed it down graphic series, and value series. I don't want to pay the price on the X, and pro series. I'm looking at the two models shown below. The graphic series is 30 bucks more, but not sure why exactly.

Some of the hockey games I watch have very nice TV quality picture on the internet with HD with 16:9 resolution. Most everything else I watch is more standard 16:10

ViewSonic: LCD Monitor, LCD Monitors, LCD Display, LCD Displays from Viewsonic

ViewSonic: LCD Monitor, LCD Monitors, LCD Display, LCD Displays from Viewsonic

As I understand it the DVI connection will give me a nicer picture then my VGA connection. Anyone have any comments on these monitors, or other suggestions on other monitors to look at in this price range. Do you have a monitor similar to these that you really like a lot ?

 

[MM]

On Monday, I just bought this one to connect to my MacBook:

Westinghouse - 19" Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD Monitor - L1916HW

It has been great so far. It has speakers and a DVI port. I stuck with VGA for now.

For the price it's a great monitor. I have it set up to 1650x1050 and it is very clear and nice to look at.

 

[MAJ Badmotherfarker]

I've had several View Sonics and have always had good luck with them. I generally just go to the computer store (a big one like Fry's) and see what's on sale and what I like. I'm not a fan of buying monitors online because if there's issues (dead pixels) it can take a month to get a replacement.

I start be reading reviews on newegg.com and then use that list to see what's available in my area.

 

[memebag]

I've had several ViewSonic monitors, too. All of them have been great.

 

[jwt873]

I've never tried Viewsonic. I'm a long time Samsung fan. I've had lots of good results with their various products. I just had an Acer monitor die on me after 2 years (out of warranty).

I picked up a Samsung 24 inch widescreen monitor on sale last month. It's great. Really sharp with lots of contrast.. Even the finest text is easy to read.

 

[MAJ Badmotherfarker]

I've had my HANNS - G 24 inch for a few years now with no problems. I've also owned several Acers. My last one just went out a few months ago after 4 years or so.

 

[MM]

I've never tried Viewsonic. I'm a long time Samsung fan. I've had lots of good results with their various products. I just had an Acer monitor die on me after 2 years (out of warranty).

I picked up a Samsung 24 inch widescreen monitor on sale last month. It's great. Really sharp with lots of contrast.. Even the finest text is easy to read.

That a sweet monitor. I just didn't want to go very big and 19" has worked out great so far. I also wanted to stay under $200.

 

[out of control]

I'm kind of in a awkward situation. I live in a area that has few box stores. My computer was hand built down the street. They happen to be a view sonic dealer as well. This computer shop is hands down just awesome. My computer is more expensive then box brands. Although I get two year warranty which includes free virus removal. When I take it in for something they work on it very quickly. The hardware inside is top quality as well. What I am getting at is I really like some other brands that have been mentioned, but I kind of want to support these guys at the shop. Besides if I have any issues with the new monitor they will be very easy to deal with. Plus View sonic offers a 3 year warranty as well. I hear view sonic also has awesome support on top of my local support. I do like to hear what others are using for a monitor though. I think I may go with this 19 inch......

ViewSonic: LCD Monitor, LCD Monitors, LCD Display, LCD Displays from Viewsonic

just like the local shop here. Cost more, but you earn it back in support. Same I think with view just a really good quality product. Not that the others are not. Sometimes I hate not having those box stores around price wise, but my local support is the best on the planet. So in the end the local support will cause me to pay more, but that is cool. I'm a hands on fella.

Keep posting your monitors

 

[MadisonRadio1]

I use the labtop more but I have a ViewSonic for the home pc. I am a Hulu fan too. And online Netflix.

 

[out of control]

I picked up the View sonic VA1926w. A 19 inch wide screen. Love it works great. Excellent for viewing my hockey games on NHL gamecenter live online. I have a DVI connection. Very nice images.

 

[MAJ Badmotherfarker]

I picked up the View sonic VA1926w. A 19 inch wide screen. Love it works great. Excellent for viewing my hockey games on NHL gamecenter live online. I have a DVI connection. Very nice images.

That's the one I got for my brother. Nice monitor.

 

[Casual Fan]

I have an Optiquest 19" LCD, which is Viewsonic's value line. Got it from newegg, I think, on sale. No problems.

 

[out of control]

I've had this view sonic for a few weeks I bought down the street at the computer shop. Whenever I have black background on the screen. I see this little tiny red dot on the screen. This is a new 19 inch wide screen. Is this red dot what is known as a dead pixel ? I just want to figure out what it is before I bug the store. Clearly is something inside the screen. Not anything external.

 

[memebag]

Sounds like a dead pixel. That sucks.

 

[DAB]

How to Fix a Stuck Pixel on an LCD Monitor

If your LCD screen has a stuck or dead pixel (a point on the screen that is always lit or always dark), it is usually due to a transistor malfunction or uneven distribution of liquid in the liquid crystal display (TFT LCD). This can often be fixed.

Software Method

Try running pixel fixing software. Stuck pixels can often be re-energized by rapidly turning them on and off. If this fails, complete the following steps.


The following methods use at your own risk, there are those that claim using these methods may actually cuase more stuck on pixels, though I don't think that has ever been proven.
Pressure Method

Turn off your computer's monitor.

Get yourself a damp washcloth, so that you don't scratch your screen.

Take a household pen, pencil, screwdriver, or some other sort of instrument with a focused, but relatively dull, point. A very good tool would be a PDA stylus.
Fold the washcloth to make sure you don't accidentally puncture it and scratch the screen.

Apply pressure through the folded washcloth with the instrument to exactly where the stuck pixel is. Try not to put pressure anywhere else, as this may make more stuck pixels.

While applying pressure, turn on your computer and screen.

Remove pressure and the stuck pixel should be gone. This works as the liquid in the liquid crystal has not spread into each little pixel. This liquid is used with the backlight on your monitor, allowing different amounts of light through, which creates the different colors.


Tapping Method

Turn on the computer and LCD screen.

Display a black image, which will show the stuck pixel very clearly against the background. (It is very important that you are showing a black image and not just a blank signal, as you need the backlighting of the LCD to be illuminating the back of the panel).

Find a pen with a rounded end. A Sharpie marker with the cap on should be fine for this.

Use the rounded end of the pen to gently tap where the stuck pixel is - not too hard to start with, just enough to see a quick white glow under the point of contact. If you didn't see a white glow, then you didn't tap hard enough, so use just slightly more pressure this time.

Start tapping gently. Increase the pressure on the taps gradually for 5-10 taps until the pixel rights itself.

Display a white image (an empty text document is good for this) to verify that you haven't accidentally caused more damage than you fixed.

If the pressure and tapping don't work directly on the stuck pixel, start moving outward around the stuck pixel. If you see the pixel flicker while doing this then you know where you can focus the pressure and tapping techniques rather than directly on the pixel.

Many people report success with this technique but these instructions won't work in every case. It may take a few attempts to make sure you are pressing exactly on the stuck pixel.

These instructions will fix "stuck" pixels, not "dead" ones. Dead pixels appear black while stuck pixels can be one constant color like red, blue or green.

An alternative, but similar technique involves gently massaging the stuck pixel with a warm damp (not wet) soft cloth.

Alternative technique to tapping: Using a rounded pencil eraser, push with moderate pressure into screen at stuck pixel.

If these instructions don't work, you can hopefully get the monitor replaced through your manufacturer. If your monitor falls under the specifications of replacement, get in contact with the manufacturer to set up replacement plans.

 

[out of control]

Thanks. I'll just wait till Monday, and call the computer shop down the street. Chances are they will do a exchange if need be. Not sure if it is worth doing anything, but I paid good money so rather have zero red dots.

Site much faster now.

 

[Evil_Ernie]

Find a pen with a rounded end. A Sharpie marker with the cap on should be fine for this.

I'm betting whoever wrote those instructions added the "with the cap on" part later on after someone complained that now they now have a permanent black dot on the screen. :hah:

Thanks. I'll just wait till Monday, and call the computer shop down the street. Chances are they will do a exchange if need be. Not sure if it is worth doing anything, but I paid good money so rather have zero red dots.

Good luck with that. Most of the time they will say that there needs to be five or more dead pixels in order for an exchange and that one is normal. However, if the pixel is in a place that will be annoying (i.e. the center of the screen) then they will exchange it if you ask nicely.

 

[hexagram]

Just run a video that flashes Red, Green, and Blue rapidly. Run the video in a loop and let it run for an hour. After an hour and while it's running, take the eraser end of a pencil and a soft cloth and take the eraser and cover it with the cloth while pressing down on the affected area (Don't put the eraser directly on the screen).

Otherwise, let it run all night and repeat the pencil process.

That's all I can think of...