At the moment, the point of purchasing a conventional monitor on a TN + Film matrix is zero. Today's affordable e-IPS models can handle games just as well, and even better when compared to some displays. Large viewing angles, less color shift, a variety of choices in almost any price range put them in the first place among other possible contenders for a purchase. Besides, I will not tire of repeating, the monitor is bought for many years and therefore it is necessary to take a more serious approach to its choice. Think about your eyes and nerves (this is basic).
Do not think that I am completely against Twisted Nematic panels, not at all. They are almost the only option when a diagonal of no more than 19-20 inches is needed and money is really just barely enough. In other cases, from my point of view, they have no place on your table. And it doesn't matter what kind of activity the user is doing at his computer. Internet, office, movies, music, games - it makes no difference, unless, of course, you are an ardent fan of modern (and not so) games. So, no doubt it is worth taking a closer look at TN + Film models with a vertical frequency of 120 Hz.
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As you know, almost all liquid crystal displays in the current Full HD 1080p high definition video standard can only operate at 60 Hz, very rarely 70-75 Hz. In other words, regardless of the power of the video card, the monitor displays a picture with a frequency not exceeding 60-75 frames per second. Old CRT displays with 100-120 Hz are different. Such specimens are still a sin to throw in the trash - they will still serve.There will be debates for a long time that the human eye cannot catch more than 24 frames, and there is no point in increasing the scan rate / number of fps. But, as our acquaintance with the BenQ XL2420T 120Hz gaming monitor provided by our partner Regard has shown, it's time to finish them. There is a difference and it is obvious. It is another matter that there are many fewer noticeable advantages than “a carriage and a small cart”. Details in this material.
Testing methodology
This article was written using a new method, dated January 27, 2012. It is based on the experience I have gained over the last couple of years of working with monitors (both as an author of articles / tests and as a person who is constantly faced with setting up and calibrating various display models). The equipment uses X-Rite devices (two different colorimeters and one reference spectrophotometer), and as software- only freeware programs and utilities.
Many argue about which is better: a 120 Hz or 60 monitor. This article will help answer this question. It contains information about what this same Hertz is, what and how strongly it affects and how these monitors differ. The issue of pricing for this type of equipment will also be touched upon. Reading this short article will not take much time, but after that anyone will be able to accurately answer the question posed.
What is Hertz?
For those who, in principle, have not come across such a concept, it will be useful to know that in this way a physical quantity is denoted, reflecting the frequency of some processes with periodicity. The unit of measurement was named in honor of its discoverer, scientist. It was introduced into use in the distant 30th year of the last century. And thirty years later, it was recognized as the most widely used indicator in the world and entered into the international system of units of measurement, also known as the SI system.
Hertz or, more correctly, Hz is the number of repetitions per unit of time - a second.
Hertz, for example, measure the frequency of sound vibrations, the so-called pitch or EMP frequency in the well-known microwave oven.
But how does the frequency unit apply to monitors? Let's take a closer look.
What does the monitor frequency affect?
To understand why the monitor needs Hertz in general, we need to remember why our eyes can see moving pictures on the screen. To create the illusion of movement, a series of static frames, in which a certain action is captured, are sequentially swept before our eyes at a certain speed. It is very important that the spacing between them is the same. In this case, our eyes do not have time to distinguish between pauses between frames, and they merge into one continuous action.
This was used in ancient times to create animation, which later became reference point to create the first movie camera. This led to the then still silent black and white, and then to color, "talking" cinema.
Modern monitors work approximately the same way. They flicker with a certain frequency, measured exactly in Hertz, each time changing the picture and thereby creating the illusion of movement of, say, your mouse cursor.
Everyone has probably heard that a long time ago a movie was shot and, accordingly, shown at a frequency of 24 frames per second, that is, 24 Hertz. Today everything is different. For an ordinary monitor, the minimum operating limit of this indicator is a frequency two and a half times higher than then, that is, 60 Hertz.
This allows you to achieve better picture quality - it looks smoother, clearer, more detailed and deeper. This is the key value of hertzovka in modern monitors. The larger it is, the better the picture.
60 Hertz vs 120
However, do not think that the picture on a 120 Hz monitor will be strikingly different from an image at 60 Hertz. In general, it will be noticeable: the smoothness of the movement of objects on the screen will improve, the clarity of the graphics will become somewhat better, the lighting effects in movies and games will become more voluminous and realistic. However, this will only be felt when detailed comparison... 120Hz monitors certainly allow you to see things with new eyes. But you will only notice the difference if you put two screens next to each other, differing in hertz pattern, and carefully look at the details.
In general, after using a 120Hz monitor for a long time, you probably won't want to go back to 60Hz. Obviously, you will not get the pleasure of seeing a more "clumsy" picture, since the slightest difference in the smoothness of the cursor movement will already be noticeable. After all, the eyes are already accustomed to seeing a better image.
120 Hertz or more?
If it was not enough for you, then do not despair. Today, there are models with a truly cosmic value of hertzovka, exceeding two hundred updates per second. Such monitors are not yet so widespread, but it becomes clear that a simple 60 Hertz is not enough for an ordinary user. What can we say about avid gamers, because for a gaming monitor 120 Hz is no longer quite an acceptable value. It does not always allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of a location or cut-scene. Also in the game, a detailed portrayal of characters, attributes and other plot elements is important.
Price
Alas, as always, the issue of comfort is inextricably linked with money costs. After all, the higher the frequency characteristic of the monitor, the more technically perfect it is and, as a result, more expensive than its less fast counterparts. On average, the price of a 120 Hz monitor ranges from 13 to 20 thousand rubles. The cost for some segments of consumers is really significant, so you should think three times about the advisability of such a purchase. Someone will prefer to buy a less “smart” monitor, but for someone the personal comfort of spending time at the computer is more important than the prices for 120 Hz monitors.
Today we will look at another product from iiyama - the G2773HS monitor. I have already reviewed one representative of this line - iiyama E2773HDS-1. They differ in their focus on different segments of buyers. iiyama G2773HS geared towards gamers.
One of the main differences from the younger models of the 2773 line is the frequency of 120 Hz. Whether this will yield an improvement that justifies the overpayment of 4000 rubles (30%), we will see on the example of this test.
Support for 120 Hz frequency makes it stand out not only among its fellows, but also in the market for 27-inch models. There are four more models available, but they all come with 3D support. But is it necessary on a monitor without a three-dimensional picture? For me, such a dubious advantage. I will try to substantiate my opinion: the frequency affects the number of image updates per second. The history of this measure dates back to the time of CRT TVs, they were characterized by a value of 50Hz. Monitors increased the frequency to 85Hz, and at the time when I began to get more familiar with the world of the PC, 100Hz was considered a luxury and the ultimate dream. As time went on, technologies changed, LCD monitors appeared on the market, which began to systematically displace their "chubby" counterparts, for them the frequency of 75Hz became the norm. For end user lowering the frequency from the recommended value led to a noticeable flickering of the picture. On the same old monitors, the 100Hz mark felt like static image... But with the advent of LCDs, not only a new matrix and a decrease in thickness came, the principle of image output also changed. 60-75 Hz for new monitors already gives a static picture. The advent of 3D technologies has led to the need to increase the frequency to 120 Hz, this applies to both TVs and monitors.
It is difficult to say what the 120 Hz frequency gives the user, if 3D is not displayed, it is probably unlikely that "superheroes" read this material, and if they do, they will rather be worried about the response speed. And everyone else will get an additional headache when setting up the monitor associated with obtaining this frequency at the output. Firstly, it is supported only with DVI-D, and secondly, if at least NVIDIA drivers support it, then AMD is very sad, and the setting ends with a banal roulette and just luck.
Iiyama G2773HS availability
At the time of testing, the average cost of iiyama G2773HS, according to the Yandex.Market service, is 15 850 rubles.
Younger models of this line will cost customers 11,830 rubles. for iiyama E2773HDS-1 and 11 938 rubles. for iiyama E2773HS-1. In the meantime, of the 27-inch models with 120 Hz, only three are available: BenQ XL2720T (17 690 rubles), Samsung SyncMaster S27A750D (24 335 rubles), Acer HN274Hbmiiid (25 190 rubles). They are mainly distinguished by their 3D support. If in the case of the latter two the expediency of spending additional funds may be questionable, then with BenQ it is already more difficult not to decide to spend another 2000 rubles and get a monitor with more “tasty” functionality. You can, of course, talk about the weight of brands, after all, iiyama is a Japanese company, and in the eyes of my compatriots it is associated with high quality, but let's not hide the fact that, according to polls of acquaintances far from the PC world, the BenQ and iiyama brands are equally unfamiliar to them.
Iiyama G2773HS complete set
The first thing that stands out when you get to know the iiyama G2773HS is the packaging. Simple faceless cardboard with typing and company logo is a thing of the past.
The monitor comes in a narrow cardboard box in black with a bright yellow print.
The focus on the gaming segment is given by the large letter G. And, of course, marketers did not forget to mention the support for 120 Hz.
Also on the package there is information on the characteristics, model name and device code.
Inside were found: power cable, HDMI and DVI-D cables, instructions and flexible fasteners for the management cable.
Unlike the iiyama E2773HDS-1, the manufacturer has become generous and replaced the VGA cable with HDMI.
Iiyama G2773HS appearance
General appearance The iiyama G2773HS is a classic glossy monitor. Yes, yes, it is gloss, this is both a plus and a significant minus. Effective appearance with frequent touching loses its attractiveness due to the presence of fingerprints .. I can't say that you often have to wipe it with a cloth (which, by the way, is not included in the kit, although microfiber would not hurt), soiling is at a satisfactory level. I think iiyama G2773HS won't have such problems either.
The dimensions of the monitor are 647x455x239 mm and weighs 5.60 kg.
The display matrix is framed around the perimeter of glossy plastic with a minimum set of elements.
Before starting to use, it will be necessary to screw the stand to the center hub. This is not difficult to do. I recommend doing this carefully: the locking mechanism uses plastic, which is relatively hard, with frequent parsing, you can break the hooks.
It is possible to use a bracket, the holes in the monitor are made according to the VESA standard.
Returning to the monitor stand, its contact surface allows the monitor to sit firmly on the desktop. The leg makes it possible to change position only forward and backward within 20 degrees. As an excuse, I will say that such a mechanism simplifies the centering of the panel.
There are ventilation holes on the top of the iiyama G2773HS. On the opposite side from the bottom is the built-in acoustics, the quality of which is no different from other monitors and is at a very mediocre level. High and low frequencies are absent, any, even ultra-budget speakers or headphones will give a richer sound. The question of why manufacturers continue to blindly equip LCD monitors with acoustics remains open.
In the upper left corner is the name of the model, he is accompanied by two logos - one on the back and one on the front.
All connection interfaces are brought out on the back of the case, these are: HDMI, D-Sub, DVI-D, 3.5 mm audio input and output and a power jack. The details fit tightly to each other, there are no protrusions, squeak and backlash. The only thing I would like to see is a higher quality matte plastic or at least a coating, as, for example, in the previously tested AOC d2757Ph.
Iiyama G2773HS control
The iiyama G2773HS monitor settings are made using five touch keys on the bottom of the monitor. Only the power button has a light indication.
There are quick settings: Sound control, source selection and color modes. Pleases the responsiveness of the monitor to pressing.
Navigation through the menu items takes place without delay. The only thing missing is the backlighting of the control buttons, which complicates the tuning process in the dark. If you really need the presence of the backlight, you can make it connectable for a short time at the first click.
I will not dwell on each point, it will not cause difficulties at the first meeting. The entire setup process is intuitive.
Testing iiyama G2773HS
The test bench was used:| Model | Data |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aerocool Strike-X Air |
| Motherboard | MSI Z77 MPower |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge |
| CPU cooler | DeepCool Ice Blade Pro v2.0 |
| RAM | GeIL EVO Veloce DDR3-2400 Frost White 16GB Kit CL11 |
| Video card | MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Power Edition |
| HDD | ADATA XPG SX900 256GB |
| Hard Drive 2 | WD Red WD20EFRX |
| Power Supply | Aerocool Templarius 750W |
| Wi-Fi adapter | TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 |
| Audio | Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage |
| Monitor | iiyama ProLite E2773HDS |
| Mouse | Defender Warhead GMX-1800 |
| Keyboard | Defender Oscar SM-660L |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows Ultimate 7 64-bit |
Maximum brightness
iiyama G2773HS - 251 cd / m²
I could not get the declared bar 300 from this monitor. Although the brother E2773HDS had this value closer, what is the reason - whether the filling changed or problems during measurements, but I took the data again, and these are average parameters. In general, 250 cd / m² is considered a comfortable level.
Brightness minimum
iiyama G2773HS - 0.29 cd / m²
There is also a discrepancy here - the younger model is closer to 0. Apparently, the 120 Hz frequency has led to its own compromises.
Brightness discrepancy
Center to Edge iiyama G2773HS-GB1 - 76%
Brightness change at an angle of 45 degrees iiyama G2773HS - 48%
But at angles and brightness uniformity, the iiyama G2773HS looks stronger. In general, the change is at the same level, this is due to the fact that an IPS matrix is used.
Contrast
iiyama G2773HS - 441
Color temperature
iiyama G2773HS - 6519K
Deviation of color from the standard
iiyama G2773HS - 21K
In terms of color reproduction, the iiyama G2773HS also performs better.
Iiyama G2773HS latency
The data obtained is satisfactory, iiyama G2773HS can be considered as a gaming monitor. For comparison, the data obtained for other solutions on the same diagonal and matrix.
Delay, Highlights iiyama G2773HS - 3.9ms
Latency, dark tones iiyama G2773HS - 12.1ms
Delay, mixed tones iiyama G2773HS - 9.9ms
The focus on the gaming segment is reflected in the reduced response time. At the moment, it is the leader in our rating in terms of delay.
Energy consumption
Graph (sleep - 0.4W, black - 37.2W, white - 33.9W)
Price
iiyama G2773HS - 14,780 rubles.
Video review iiyama G2773HS
Results for iiyama G2773HS
Summing up, I have a double feeling after testing. And it is rather negatively colored. If in the case of the iiyama E2773HDS I was completely satisfied and the monitor received a well-deserved award from the editors, then already with the iiyama G2773HS test I was looking for an excuse for the cost increased by a third. And personally for myself, I did not find them, the amount of 3000 rubles would be more expedient to spend on an SSD-drive or a more powerful video card, saving money and taking the E2773HDS. 120 Hz in the case of the iiyama G2773HS is rather simple marketing ploy, there is currently no support in the drivers of video cards of this model for displaying this frequency in 3D mode. And whether gamers need this is a big question, a tangible difference can appear in games only at a frame rate of more than 120 per second. If the system allows you to pull out 60 fps from the game, the need for a high scan rate of the monitor disappears. This is indirectly confirmed by the developers of games and hardware. I tried to find games that support 120Hz separately and just couldn't find it.Pros: build quality, good equipment, a set of interfaces for entering graphics, a wide range of brightness changes, color rendering, quick response, affordable cost.
Cons: no 3D in the presence of 120 Hz, the need for calibration, unstable color temperature, small viewing angles, glossy body, no backlight for the menu buttons.
Every time we open our laptop, the first thing we look at is the LCD. Medium or high class, physical Full resolution HD and anti-reflective coating are considered minimum display requirements gaming laptop... Some gamers also pay attention to the type of screen coverage. What else do you need to know about a laptop display before buying? In this article, we will detail the key points of such a question.
Dynamic blur and response time of the matrix
Before we talk about color formation on a laptop display, let's take a look at how LCD panels work. The problem of blurring images on LCDs is well known to fans of sports TV programs, racing simulators and first-person shooters. Blurring of the picture occurs when liquid crystals do not have time to change their position when changing one frame to another. At 60 frames per second, each subpixel must change its light transmission in 16.7 ms (1 s = 1000 ms). If this process goes a little slower, a noticeable trail or shadow will appear behind the moving objects on the screen. In especially severe cases, it is even possible to slow down the image.Matrix response time is used today as a formal measure of dynamic blur. But in fact, this is not an entirely accurate indicator, since it characterizes the transition time of a pixel from deep black to maximum white. Thus, the real color image will be formed in a different time. In most cases, moving objects across the screen is associated with a subtler gray scale change, which can take much longer (due to how LCD panels work and how they are made).
MSI Extreme 120Hz / 5ms & 3ms Gaming Displays
Over the past year, MSI has introduced a range of gaming notebooks with 120Hz / 5ms (refresh rate / response time) panels, becoming the first brand to adopt such extreme displays. Increased frequency Refreshing the screen, combined with the reduced response time of the sensor, resulted in much sharper video with higher detail in fast moving objects. Whether you're playing racing simulators or enjoying the latest blockbuster movie, you'll experience a whole new visual experience with livelier, more natural images and sharper outlines of dynamic objects on your laptop display.In addition, it is always interesting to try out favorite and new games on a higher-end system. In addition to 120Hz / 3ms performance, MSI displays boast 94% NTSC color space. This parameter is especially important for specialists in the field computer graphics and photographs, as it describes the total number of colors that the display can reproduce. In simple language, the wider the color space and the higher its coverage, the more natural the image looks on the laptop screen. For example, if you place an MSI display next to a monitor whose color rendition is only 50% NTSC, and open a photo of a green forest on them, then the difference in hue between treetops, leaves and dark pine forest will be much smaller. High color detail makes a huge difference in the visual perception of the picture. A display with 94% NTSC gamut of reproducible colors takes a whole new level of picture quality. Users who are fortunate enough to play or work on a rich color LCD will never want to go back to a less advanced monitor, as they will always notice that colossal difference in color reproduction.
Today's filmmaking employs an unimaginable array of technologies, including natural color enhancement technologies. Some of them are technologies for color calibration of shooting equipment, as well as image processing technologies with high dynamic range(HDR). Neither crazy special effects, nor professional editing, nor successful directorial moves can convey all the splendor of a picture without good work with color. As HDR video becomes more popular, here's a look at the difference between MSI 120Hz / 94% NTSC panel and other brands' IPS panels using a famous Hollywood movie as an example.
Having checked the quality of displaying the light areas of the image, let's move on to the "shadows". For example, we took another scene from the same movie. When some colors do not fall within a particular color model, they are said to be outside the color range. The 94% NTSC display is more detailed and informative, so that the viewer can see everything that the director wanted to show him.
Among MSI gaming notebooks, 120Hz / 5ms panel is installed on GT75 / GT73 / GT72, GS73, GE73 / GE72 and GP72 / GL72 models. This is an optional feature, so be sure to check your laptop's specs before purchasing. What's more, the GS63 and GE63 models support the optional 120Hz / 3ms game pad. The picture quality on the displays of these laptops is too overwhelming for some users, so be careful with your purchase as you will never want anything less amazing again.
