PCR’s guide to monitors and displays

The best gaming graphics and videos still require a high quality monitor to display their full potential.

We take a look at some of the best screens to be seen…

ACER T272HUL27-INCH WQHD LED TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY
RRP: €799 (UK price TBA)
CONTACT: Acer
THEY SAY: Having launched at IFA, Acer’s T272HUL is a 27-inch, WQHD LED panel that delivers four times the resolution of HD and a 178-degree viewing angle. The 10-point multitouch display allows for a more ergonomic and collaborative touch experience. Thanks to an integrated webcam and microphone, seamless video calls or conferences are possible.
SPECS: 27-inch, 2560×1440, LED, 10-point multitouch, integrated two-megapixel webcam, microphone, 5ms response time, Dual-Link DVI, DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, three USB3.0 ports.

PHILIPS 298P4QJEB ULTRAWIDE 29-UNCH LCD MONITOR
RRP: £449
DISTRIBUTORS: Maverick, Midwich
THEY SAY: Set to impress with crystal clear quad-HD images and brilliant colours. A 21:9 AH-IPS screen with an ultra-narrow bezel gives a panoramic view of the world. MultiView makes dual display multitasking a breeze. The 298P4QJEB is a professional model with full ergonomic flexibility.
SPECS: 29-inch, 2560×1080, LCD, 21:9 AH-IPS panel with True 8-bit colour depth, 178-degree viewing angles, SmartConnect with Dual-link DVI, Display Port and HDMI, USB3.0, 0-watt hard switch, SmartErgoBase, MultiView, TCO Edge certified, built- in speakers.

HANNSG HT231HPB 23-INCH LED TOUCH SCREEN MONITOR
SRP: £199.99
DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro, Micro-P, Midwich
THEY SAY: Utilising its expertise in touch display technology, HannsG is brings to market its first, highly competitive touch screen monitor. HannsG boasts that having a parent company that is the third largest touch screen manufacturer in the world allows it to reap the benefits of HannsTouch’s OEM capabilities to meet its brand’s aspiration in terms of price, quality and service.
SPECS: 23-inch, LED, 16:9, 1920×1080, Full HD, 10-point touchscreen, 80,000,000:1 active contrast, HDMI, DVI, USB, VGA, built- in speakers, VESA 100mm, multiple video modes, Windows 8 OS support, tilt, Energy Star 6.0.

ASUS VS207D LED 19.5-INCH MONITOR
RRP: £95
DISTRIBUTOR: Spire Technology
THEY SAY: If you’re looking for some serious business, then get a monitor that’s made for it. VS series monitors are built from the ground up to be used in the office environment with power adapters embedded into the design while still remaining slim and stylish. For added convenience, these monitors are VESA compatible, so you can neatly place them on a wall. Three years warranty is also included.
SPECS: 19.5-inch, 1600×900, 16:9, 5ms response time, VGA, LED, TFT, 80,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 30- 80kHz horizontal refresh rate, 55- 75Hz vertical refresh rate, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 170/160 degree viewing angles.

HP ENVY 27-INCH IPS MONITOR
RRP: £349
CONTACT: HP
THEY SAY: The world’s first display with integrated Beats Audio. The 27- inch IPS panel offers edge-to-edge glass in a super slim design and a narrow offset aluminium die-cast base. In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology allows for great viewing angles (178 degree horizontal and vertical) with contrast and brightness that maintain their integrity better than with conventional Twisted Nematic panels.
SPECS: 27-inch, 1920×1080, LCD, 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, IPS, 178-degree viewing angles, Beats Audio, 7ms response time, zinc die- cast offset base, LED backlit, VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI, SPDIF, ambient light sensor.

BNC 19-INCH LCD CCTV MONITOR
RRP: £149
DISTRIBUTOR: KMS Components
THEY SAY: Designed to be used with CCTV camera systems, connect to PAL, NTSC or SECAM systems, and use the BNC composite video connection to output video. A remote control, power cable and manual are included with the CCTV monitor.
SPECS: 19-inch, LCD, TFT, 4:3, 1280×1024, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 170/160-degree viewing angles, 5ms response time, 60/75Hz video frequency, two BNC inputs, one HDMI input, one VGA input, one BNC output, PAL/NTSC/SECAM video system, 3W stand-by power loss, remote control included.

PHILIPS 272P4QPJKEB 27-INCH LCD MONITOR
RRP: £520
DISTRIBUTORS: Maverick, Midwich
THEY SAY: The 272P4QPJKEB uses the latest PLS quad-HD panel technology. The wide viewing angles and high colour fidelity suit applications such as CAD, CAM and graphics rendering. The PowerSensor automatically dims the unit whenever the user moves away, increasing lifespan and cutting energy bills.
SPECS: 27-inch, PLS LCD, W-LED backlighting, 2560×1440, 60Hz, 178/178-degree viewing angles, 20,000,000:1 SmartContrast ratio, 6ms response time, three USB3.0 ports, DVI Dual Link, DisplayPort, two HDMI inputs, Energy Star 6.0.

HANNSG HW246HBB 23.6-INCH HDMI DESIGNER LED MONITOR
RRP: £119
DISTRIBUTOR: Ingram Micro
THEY SAY: Offers the performance and the advantages of LED, whilst flaunting a two-tone, super glossy design. Full HD and a modern design make the monitor an attractive option for anyone hoping to double their monitor’s use as a multimedia hub. Just plug in some speakers and a computer becomes the perfect cost and space-saving entertainment and media solution.
SPECS: 23.6-inch, 1920×1080, 16:9, Full HD, 40,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, VGA, HDMI, tilt, glossy black and white design, multi-video modes, Energy Star 6.0.

ASUS VW248TLB 24-INCH LED MONITOR
RRP: £166.95
DISTRIBUTOR: Spire Technology
THEY SAY: With its 16:9 wide screen and 1920×1080 resolution optimized for Full HD (1080p) vision, the VW248TLB monitor is great for both video games and HD movies. Stunning image clarity with true-to- life pictures powered by LED, the VW248TLB perfects visual enjoyment. Three years warranty is also included.
SPECS: 24-inch, LED, 16:9, 1920×1080, 10,000,000:1 contrast, 5ms response time, VGA, DVI-D, built-in speakers, one upstream USB, two downstream USBs, 50-75Hz vertical refresh rate, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 170/160-degree viewing angles.

EDGE10 C18SK 18.5-INCH LED PROFESSIONAL CCTV MONITOR
RRP: £200
DISTRIBUTOR: Spire Technology
THEY SAY: The new C185K offers an 18.5-inch 1366×768 LED screen capable of crystal clear image reproduction. BNC In/Out, HDMI, CVBS and VGA enable output from a variety of sources. Mounting is easy with VESA 100mm compatibility. A metal rear cabinet ensures the C185K is built for the tough environment of top level security installations. Two years on-site warranty is included on the UK mainland.
SPECS: 18.5-inch, LED, TFT, 1366×768, VGA, HDMI, BNC, Composite CVBS In/Out, built-in speakers, remote included, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 16:9, 5ms response time.

PHILIPS C271P4QPJEW/00 27-INCH LCD CLINICAL REVIEW DISPLAY
SRP: £529.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Maverick, Midwich
THEY SAY: Ideal for an everyday clinical care environment. D-image pre-set provides consistent DICOM part 14 greyscale medical images. The monitor’s design for use in a clinical environment includes a medical-grade power supply and anti-microbial housing that ensure basic safety.
SPECS: 27-inch, LCD, clinical D-image pre-set for DICOM part 14 greyscale images, anti-microbial housing, medical-grade low emission power supply, AMVA LED backlighting, PowerSensor saves up to 80 per cent energy costs, DisplayPort, USB Hub with four USB2.0 ports, HDMI, built-in speakers, SmartErgoBase.

NEC E SERIES
RRP: Between £389 (excl. VAT) for the E324 32- inch and £2,589 (excl. VAT) for the 65-inch E654. 42-inch E424 (pictured) is £605 (excl. VAT) DISTRIBUTOR: Contact NEC for details
THEY SAY: E Series models can easily be integrated into signage or conferencing installations. Featuring RS232, these displays can be controlled remotely allowing for professional management.
SPECS: Three HDMI inputs, RS232, S-PVA with edge LED backlights, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 350cd/m2 brightness, 176-degree viewing angles, up to 1920×1080 resolution at 60Hz, one SPDIF output.

DGM IPS-2701WPH 27-INCH WIDE SCREEN IPS MONITOR
RRP: £379.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution
THEY SAY: The 27-inch IPS-2701WPH boasts a WQHD resolution of 2560×1440, in an aspect ratio of 16:9. The resolution is the same as the high resolution LED LG IPS panel found in Apple Cinema Displays. Meanwhile, IPS technology provides truer colour values and 178-degree viewing angles. A 6ms response time minimises blur and ghosting, to satisfy gaming and creative professionals.
SPECS: 27-inch, 2560×1440 (WGHD), 16:9, 16.7M display colours, 250cd/m2 brightness, 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 178/178-degree viewing angles, built-in speakers, VGA (D-sub 15pin), DVI-D, HDMI, DisplayPort, 6ms response time.

HKC 2211 22-INCH WIDESCREEN DVI LED MONITOR
SRP: £98
DISTRIBUTOR: Target Components
THEY SAY: This 22-inch Widescreen LED from HKC boasts built-in speakers and DVI connectivity in a stylish black frame. Whether for a business workstation, graphics work or general domestic use, this VESA wall-mountable display is unobtrusive and reliable, coming with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard.
SPECS: 22-inch, LED, 1680×1080, 60Hz, 16:10, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 2ms response time, RGB, DVI, 30-80kHz horizontal refresh rate, 60-75Hz vertical refresh rate, built-in speakers, 85/80-degree viewing angles (up and down/left and right), 16.7M display colours.

PHILIPS 231P4QRYES/00 23-INCH LCD MONITOR WITH ERGOSENSOR
RRP: £229.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Maverick, Midwich
THEY SAY: The ErgoSensor monitor is the world’s first intelligent display that can advise on how to sit in an ergonomically correct position. ErgoSensor gives optimal viewing distance measurement, a time-break reminder and neck posture detection and corrective advice. The monitor saves up to 80 per cent energy consumption by detecting when a user is not present and powering off accordingly.
SPECS: 23-inch, 1920×1080, 16:9, 60Hz, IPS LCD, W-LED backlit, ErgoSensor, 14ms response time, 7ms SmartResponse, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 20,000,000:1 SmartContrast, 178/178-degree viewing angle, DisplayPort, DVI-D, VGA.

DGM ETV-2293WH 22-INCH WIDE SCREEN DIGITAL LED TV
RRP: £149.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Gem Distribution
THEY SAY: 22-inch with 1920×1080 Full HD, the ETV-2293WH ensures sharp and crisp images and dazzling colours, but fits neatly with its slim-line design. Built-in PVR with USB input allows pausing, rewinding and recording of live TV. Meanwhile, 5ms response time reduces blur during fast-pace action.
SPECS: 22-inch, 1920×1080, Full HD, 16:9, 5ms response time, 170 (horizontal)/160 (vertical) degree viewing angles, remote control, built-in speakers, PAL, SECAM, NICAM/A2 support, 3D comb filter, 3D noise reduction, 3D de-interlace, DVB-C, DVB-T (MHEG-5/EPG/CI slot/PVR), ATV, DTV, SCART, HDMI, VGA, USB, CVBS, YPbPr.

ACER V246HLBMD LED 24-INCH 1080P FULL HD MONITOR
SRP: £129.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Target Components
THEY SAY: The Acer V246HLbmd 24-inch Professional Series monitor provides a full 1080p image through an LED-backlit LCD screen, has built- in speakers and 5ms response time, making it a great addition to your workstation. Includes three years bring-in warranty.
SPECS: 24-inch, 1080p (Full HD), 60Hz, LCD, LED backlit, built-in speakers, 5ms response time, 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 250cd/m2 brightness, DVI, VGA (D-sub 15pin), TCO 6.0.

NEC X463UN 46-INCH MULTISYNC DISPLAY
SRP: £4,870
DISTRIBUTOR: Midwich
THEY SAY: The ideal solution for command and control centre projects. The 46-inch NEC X463UN takes LCD videowalls to new levels of impact. This professional-grade large-screen display is designed for the rigors of 24/7 operation while introducing new levels of impact to the facility. When size matters, this display can be deployed in video walls up to 10×10 (100 displays).
SPECS: 46-inch, 16:9, LCD, 1080p, 60Hz, 500- 700cd/m2 brightness, LED backlit, 178/178-degree viewing angles, 3500:1 contrast ratio, 8ms response time, DVI-D, HDMI 1.3, DisplayPort, digital loop through, expansion slot for integration of components and OPS-based products.

CONTACTS
ACER: 0871 760 1005
HP: 0845 270 4215
INGRAM MICRO: 0871 973 3000
KMS COMPONENTS: 02920 713713
MAVERICK: 0871 88 03 733
MICRO-P: 01282 776776
MIDWICH: 01379 649200
NEC: 020 8836 2000
SPIRE TECHNOLOGY: 01202 828444
TARGET COMPONENTS: 01977 739300