LaCie 324 Specifications and Appearance
| LaCie 324 Specifications | |
| Video Inputs | DVI with HDCP support 2 x HDMI Analog (VGA) |
| Panel Type | S-PVA (LCA 24B2) |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.270mm |
| Colors | 16.7 million (8-bit) 92% color gamut |
| Brightness | 400 cd/m2 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 Static |
| Response Time | 6ms GTG |
| Viewable Size | 24" diagonal |
| Resolution | 1920x1200 |
| Viewing Angle | 178 vertical/horizontal |
| Power Consumption | <140W max stated 88W max, 43W min measured |
| Power Savings | <2W |
| Screen Treatment | Matte (non-glossy) |
| Height-Adjustable | Yes - 2.75 inches |
| Tilt | Yes - 25 degrees back/3 degrees forward |
| Pivot | No |
| Swivel | Yes - 170 degrees left/right |
| VESA Wall Mounting | 100mm x 100mm |
| Dimensions w/ Base (WxHxD) | 22.28" x 16.45" x 8.97" lowered
(WxHxD) 22.28" x 19.21" x 8.97" raised (WxHxD) |
| Weight w/ Stand | 23.81 lbs. |
| Additional Features | (3) USB 2.0 - left (USB connection to PC required) 10-bit gamma correction DCDi Faroudja video processing |
| Audio | Audio in, Line out |
| Limited Warranty | 3 year parts and labor with advance replacement |
| Price | MSRP $1060 Online starting at ~$900 |
LaCie is a company known for catering to the professional imaging market. They also happen to offer a product called LaCie blue eye pro, which consists of both a colorimeter and calibration software. We were quite interested to see how the LaCie 324 stacks up to the competition, as we thought maybe we would finally see an LCD that provided good color accuracy prior calibration. Then we tested the Dell 2408WFP and discovered that there was already a reasonable solution in that area. So what exactly does LaCie bring to the table?
If we ignore the colorimeter and software for a moment -- those can be purchased separately from a LaCie display anyway -- the major difference between consumer LCDs and this professional LCD is the inclusion of 10-bit gamma correction and color lookup tables. If that actually sounds like something you might find useful, there's a good chance you're an imaging professional, in which case LaCie is certainly worth considering. For many users, the added cost is not likely to result in a noticeable improvement in image quality.
LaCie also uses Faroudja DCDi video processing, which can improve video playback. If you connect a Blu-ray player to the 324 using an HDMI cable, the Faroudja chip is supposed to help with noise reduction, de-interlacing, and the elimination of jaggies (depending on the video content). Unfortunately, we didn't have access to the appropriate hardware to test this aspect of the LCD.
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As this is an LCD designed for the professional market, it's no surprise that LaCie uses an S-PVA panel rather than a TN panel. Overall performance is similar to the Dell 2408WFP in terms of viewing angles, but unfortunately input lag is also just as bad (around 40ms).
The LaCie 324 includes two HDMI, one DVI, and one VGA input. It does have height adjustment and it will swivel about 170° to the left or right, but there is no pivot function. The height adjustment is also shorter than most other models, offering only 2.75" of vertical travel. The LaCie panel feels heavier and looks a bit bulkier than the competing offerings. That's not necessarily a bad thing if your primary concern is image quality, as it could be the added space is for something useful. All other things being equal, we would prefer a better stand that offers more vertical travel and a pivot function. At present, imaging professionals may have to choose function over form.
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Dainas - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
Well, it would not be as much fun as if they had done it 3 months ago. All the sub-$500 'jewels' have been dissapearing from the market. Just as well though, might as well review something that will still be easy to buy +6 months down the road.JarredWalton - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that the cheapest LCDs often have much lower quality. That being the case, most of the manufacturers of cheap LCDs are unwilling to send us review units. Hence, we end up with 24" roundups (and some upcoming 27 and 30" units as well).That said, I think more people should bite the bullet and splurge on a really nice display. I couldn't imagine running an SLI or CrossFire system without at least a 24" monitor, and having upgraded to a 30" LCD 18 months back I've never regretted the decision. I hope to continue to use my 30" LCD for at least another 5 years; try saying that about the rest of a PC. $500 sounds like a lot, but a good display can last through several PC upgrades.
Basilisk - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
I have to agree with the original poster on this sub-thread. There's nothing about these four units that command my interest yet. If you're not shipped the units, I still find it surprising that you don't know folks who've bought the cheaper units -- I do -- or a store manager who might loan them. Whatever, you have your criteria, even if they edge your review towards irrelevance for me."That said, I think more people should bite the bullet and splurge on a really nice display." Well... that's been my strategy in life, but I've now retired and the economic picture has changed; others haven't the coins to spare or a need that justifies the extra bucks. I game, but nothing requiring high speed LCDs; I work with pictures, but nothing that justifies full color gamut monitors. So... what is there beyond elitism to recommend spending an extra $200-$400 for something I won't use? Some might call that an immature purchase decision, not splurging. I'd have loved to see the OfficeMax Soyo 24" monitor -- recurringly sold at $275 -- included so I'd know why NOT to buy it, or to.
Well, I'll probably skip the 24" size and make a 28" my next purchase anyway: at my age, size matters. :) The old orbs are becoming challenged using my 21" CRT and 22" WS LCD on detailed web pages.
strikeback03 - Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - link
For our lab we have bought a few of the Westinghouse 24" monitors Newegg sells for ~350 (After rebate) and for the price I'd assume they use a TN panel, but it has very good viewing angles.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/strikeback0...">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/strikeback0...
Have not had a chance to try color calibration. Seems it's biggest problems are 1) no DVI, and over HDMI it goes to blue screen instead of sleep when the signal is cut; and 2) the controls for the OSD are awful, they are on the side of the monitor so you have to try and look at their tiny labels and look around at the screen to do anything.
Dainas - Thursday, May 1, 2008 - link
Well its partly bullshit, there is a lolair MVA (different take on PVA) that has zero input lag and is lighting fast even among TNs.I can assure you of one thing, the lag in the PVA 2408WFP and LaCie is however definitely not due to the panel. Just as the 3008WFP IPS is as slow as mud next to the 3007WFP IPS due to its built in scalar. But Dell panels were never fast and I'm sure a PVA could be made as fast as the fastest MVAs, which are as fast as TNs as any sane gamer could be concerned.
Dainas - Thursday, May 1, 2008 - link
No edit function, ugh.JarredWalton - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
I'm not at all sure that PVA can be made as fast as TN. If it can, then why do the Gateway LCDs behave so differently? The interface is practically the same and they both use Faroudja video processors. Why would Gateway use one scaler on their S-PVA and a different one on the TN - particularly if the TN scaler appears better?I don't doubt that they can reduce the lag, but you'll notice out of nine LCDs five have lag of 18ms or more and four have virtually no lag; the four without lag are TN and the five with lag are S-PVA. The circumstantial evidence is pretty significant.
Pirks - Thursday, May 1, 2008 - link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...Dying to see this reviewed!
Puhleeeasseee with sugar on top
Okay? :D
timmiser - Monday, May 5, 2008 - link
This is my monitor I've been using for the past 6 months and I absolutely love it. I bought mine at Costco.com for the same price that most of those 24" were selling for at the time. One thing about is the fact that is has the same resolution as the 24" screens so everything is a bit larger but to me, that is a good thing. I had one 19" Hanns-G monitor prior to this and can agree on the cheapness but this one I feel is of very high quality and no complaints yet.Googer - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
I have read multiple HANS-G monitor reviews from other hardware sites in the past and the consensus is that HANS-G monitors are cheaply made to match the cheap price tag, typically resulting in a poor review.