ViewSonic VX2240w

ViewSonic adds to its 22 inch line with this new VX2240w, a 2 ms TN with classic characteristics of 1000:1 contrast and brightness at 300 cd/m².  Our hope is that it will dethrone other current 5 star screens.  To do this, it should have reactivity that is at least equivalent to the Samsung SyncMaster 2232BW’s and good color fidelity like that of the ViewSonic VX2255wmb.

Reactivity:  A slight disappointment but still worth mentioning.  In this domain, the VX2240w is equal to the Samsung 2232BW (which you may remember is one of the fastest) but not any better.  This was verified compared two different models where the 2 ms VX2240w produced afterglow that was actually halfway between the best 2 ms and a 5 ms. Actually, very few will be bothered by this.  Amongst them will be those that have previously owned a CRT monitor and not an older LCD (and cannot appreciate the amazing progress this screen represents).  Already the transition to one of the most reactive 2 ms LCDs (like the Iiyama E2201W) is surprising while those who are used to zero afterglow will need some time to adapt to this screen.  Either way in the end, the VX2240w is still very good.  It’s just that we very demanding and looking for excellence.  And here, there is still some room for improvement.  One last important observation in this area: the OSD gives you the option of changing response time from 50 to 100.  We don’t recommend doing this as it can add blue ghosting effects in some scenes.

Color rendering:  The average color difference measured by our sensor on 18 standard colors was only 2.8 with one of our test computers (the test image in the Product Face-offs) and 2.5 with another. Note that this is a screen that needs to ''heat up'' especially in the beginning.  Color fidelity then progressively improves an hour after having been turned on. After this, it goes just under the desired dE of 3 which is synonymous with a good screen for graphic artists.  It is therefore a monitor that has much better presettings than average.  There is a slight blue dominance but the good news is that the blue is homogenous throughout all colors.  It isn’t the typical case of bluish darker colors and reddish lighter shades which we can find on other displays.

Ergonomics:  The weak point of this monitor.  There is a DVI HDCP compatible connection (HD movies can therefore be displayed) but besides this nothing else.  The foot is fixed, not overly attractive, finishing touches are average, and the base cannot be rotated.  There is neither USB hub nor a card reader.  Besides the DVI input, we have more or less entry level ergonomics on a mid-range product.

Verdict: a good balance, the current best

The VX2240w finally succeeds where others have failed, meaning it’s good in all domains.  In reactivity and despite our reservations, it is one of the best.  The same goes for color rendering, which we hope the profile we provide (carried out with our sensor) will improve even more (see box). Another point in ViewSonic’s advantage is that this manufacturer has a zero black or hot pixel warranty.  For dead sub pixels, they follow the usual guidelines.

As for viewing angles and brightness homogeneity, results are well in the average.  There is good viewing from the side, from above it’s a smaller angle, and from below, the image darkens.  This is normal for TNs, or in other words, all 22 inch monitors.  In addition, 22 inch TNs and the VX2240w are all subject to noticeable shimmering in movies.  As long as manufacturers do not integrate image processing circuitry as they do with their televisions, these monitors will always be subject to this phenomenon.

5 stars = the perfect screen?

The question came up on the forum and we hoped that our grading page would have cleared this up.  In short, a screen’s star rating should be compared to others in the same article (a 5 star 22 inch isn’t necessarily worth a 5 star 24 inch).  Moreover, it first and foremost represents a screen’s particular qualities rather than some desired standard of perfection.  A 5 star is therefore the best in its category on certain criteria; however, it may not be devoid of defects and you will notice some entries in the Minuses column.

The VX2240w deserves its 5 stars because it offers good color fidelity and reactivity as well as a zero dead pixel policy – which is unique to ViewSonic.  On the other hand, it’s unfortunate that this isn’t the Ultimate screen.  We could think it’s very difficult for 22 inch manufacturers to combine perfect reactivity / colors / ergonomics.  We really liked the VX2240w but it cheats a little in ergonomics, for example, lacking a vertically adjustable base.  As for the VX2255wmb, another current 5 star product, it has the desired ergonomics (and a webcam!) but it is a 5 ms and reactivity is noticeably slower.  So when will we have the equivalent of the Iiyama B2403WS and Belinea o.display 24 4.1 in a 22 inch model?