The Iolair MB24W is amongst the least expensive LCD 24 inch monitors on the market.  And this screen is also one of the most reactive with some of the largest viewing angles.  It is equipped with an MVA type panel instead of the usual TN or more expensive PVA from Daewoo or Dell.  The other nice surprise is the video inputs.  Normally on the entry level, there is only analog.  The MB24W additionally has a DVI with HDCP compatibility and moreover we were successful in relaying it to a PS3 using the included HDMI / DVI cable (another bonus!).   To this we can add the good reputation of MVA technology concerning video rendering.  You may now understand why we were very excited to test this screen.

Perfect for games!

Once again, do not trust the given response time. Despite the announced 6 ms, the real reactivity of this monitor is much better than most TNs even 2 ms screens.  This was based on our visual assessment on the PC, PlayStation 3, and through our capture of 10 consecutive images.


Reactivity freaks will also appreciate the total absence of input lag compared to CRTs.  And even better than that, connected in DVI (when the CRT of course is on the graphic card’s analog output) the MB24W is the first to have a slight advance on the CRT!

Nevertheless, we did find two defects:

The PS3 image whether it’s in 720p or 1080p is stretched vertically to fit the 1200 pixels of the Iolair monitor.  This results in a slight loss of sharpness.  It doesn’t handicap gaming but of course the picture is better on a 1080p native TV.

The washed out black is noticeable and appears more like dark gray.  Once again, when compared to a good TV this defect is particularly accentuated and you can see the image is less contrasted.

Colors : accurate and good – with a slight adjustment

Measurements confirmed that its deepest black is only at 0.33 cd/m² while the best screens go as low as a third of this value.  On the other hand, color fidelity is admirable.  Armed with our sensor, we are looking for the smallest differences with ideal colors.  Below 3 it’s very good.  Here, the MB24W starts at an already very satisfactory 3.8.  By lowering green to 40 with red and blue still at 50, it’s enough to lower the average difference to 2.8 and this is one of the best scores here.  Given the result, the Colors grade gains a star.  It’s just too bad that black remains faded and the MB24W misses a fourth star due to this.

Movies: nothing but pure viewing pleasure

In movies, contrary to games the image has black bands above and below when we connect a DVD/HD player.  There is no deformation ; however, blacks still are a bit washed out.  Nevertheless, the combination of very wide viewing angles (all are open) + good color fidelity + 1080p in digital HDCP without rescaling + well controlled shimmering for the price, there isn’t much else to say.  This screen is a great product and its quality/price ratio hard to beat.

We end with three last critiques:

•    The monitor is thicker than average, its look and ergonomics are basic.

•    It consumes almost double the average at 70 watts versus 40 watts for the more economical 24 inch screens.  However, it does not heat up excessively.

•    The screen initially included an ambient light sensor.  The manufacturer finally abandoned it which is too bad as it also regulated energy consumption.