Samsung SyncMaster 915N: 8ms Response Times
by Kristopher Kubicki on May 25, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
Conclusions
Even before we get into specifics about the SyncMaster 915N, we should give some credit to the panel, the LTM190EX. Compared to other 19" panels that we have recently reviewed, Samsung's TN display outperforms similar solutions from AUO, CMO and LG.Philips hands down. Response time between each of these panels is quite negligible, but when compared to the 25ms LTM190E4 used in our highly recommended Dell UltraSync 1905FP, the difference is night and day. However, the factor that sets the LTM190EX apart from the rest is the better viewing angle and color reproduction. We are very critical when it comes to color reproduction - particularly on 6-bit displays - but the LTM190EX at least leads the pack compared to the alternatives. Other low response time LCDs on the market right now use this same panel, such as Hyundai's ImageQuest L90D+. However, ImageQuest displays use different panels per region and per availability sometimes, so your mileage may vary.The SyncMaster 915N is a competitive display, but not the best on the block. For those who have never purchased an LCD before, the SyncMaster 915N might be a better transitional display than our highly recommended Dell 1905FP, but only due to the response time. Gaming on this display was great in comparison to all of the displays that we have reviewed in the past and color depth is accurate enough that it isn't distracting. If the SyncMaster 915N is the first LCD display that you've ever used, the experience will be quite good. Coupled with the relatively low price and low power consumption, this monitor is a great buy. For those who are buying their 2 nd or 3 rd LCD, we still recommend the Dell UltraSharp 1905FP because it is slightly cheaper, provides a DVI interface and has a much cleaner color replication. Samsung's strongest asset, user interface, went a long way with this display. If only this display had a DVI interface, and perhaps a software package like LG's forteManager, we could have easily seen this display earning more recognition than it did.
As Samsung LCD continues to steal some of the fire from LG.Philips LCD (particularly in the high end displays), 2005 and 2006 will undoubtedly see more features and lower prices across the board. Now that Sony and Samsung are working together on 7-G substrate production, the last big production foundries (AUO, CMO, LG.Philips) are going to have to work on some innovative solutions if they don't want the LCD market to turn into a two-man race.
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LX - Thursday, May 26, 2005 - link
Spacecomber (#20), the LTM190E4 is specd to be half as bright as the LTM240M1 (250 vs. 500 cd/m^2).I am not sure how it translate to real-life scenarions though.
JNo - Thursday, May 26, 2005 - link
I did comment this on the preceding LG display review but just to reiterate..."I know anandtech focuses a lot on the Dells and Samsungs in the LCD world, which is in many ways fair enough given their marketshares, but there are other LCDs coming out which I'd like to see reviews of. I know response time isn't everything and is often a controversial subject but I'd love to see priority reviews on the reported 6ms Gray To Gray (GTG) BenQ FP91V+ and the reported 4ms GTG Viewsonic VX924. Inquiring minds would love to know.."
at80eighty - Thursday, May 26, 2005 - link
Jarred, Kristopher ..ANYONE!!this has probably been asked before (my apologies in that case)
Could we have a round up of the best 19"+ monitors for gaming?
and here's the noob question of the day - how is a 6bit monitor better for gaming than a 8bit?
Thnx in advance
DoctorH - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - link
I was debating getting the 915N or the NEC 1970GX, also an 8ms LCD, but with the glossy black screen that makes movies look better.I decided to go for the glossy black screen. Plus I get a 700:1 contrast ratio, and DVI inputs, and USB hub.
All this for $535 canadian.
No dead pixels either.
A friend of mine also picked one up.
Best monitor I've laid eyes on. I did a direct comparison with the 915n, which was also, good, however, no DVI, and had that matte black finish.
archcommus - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - link
#26, thanks. The 930B is definitely still my choice, then. I'm going to pick it up at Best Buy.I want to buy it now, but my upgraded computer won't be ready for a couple weeks still, and I don't want to buy the monitor and then just have it sit there - I want to use it actively from the moment I buy it in case any pixels or something dies. Hmm, what to do...
shiznit - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - link
i apologize, didnt see the buyer's guide. but a review last year would have been nice.ocyl - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - link
Kristopher,Thank you for your sustained poundering on 6-bit panels. It really is much appreciated.
Best regards.
MajorPayne - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - link
#24, the main differences between the 2 are 1) DVI connection (Essential for most folks), and 2) Software DPS control (useful to some, but I have never minded setting it manually, so not that useful to me). The other specs are the same.... 8ms response time, still no swivel (at least it does tilt), and a beautiful screen. I was playing farcy64 last night on mine (I just got it 2 days ago), and could not believe how beautiful everything looked. I kept getting killed because I stopped to stare at stuff ;)!Rocket321 - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - link
So what is the actual response time for the Dell 1905? This review indicates that it is a 25ms panel - several times. Yet in the full review from January it is listed as a 20ms panel. Which review has it right?archcommus - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - link
I wanted to get a 930B pretty soon, is it different in any ways besides having DVI? Should I still get that one?