Sceptre X270W-1080P Review: A Value 27" That Delivers
by Brian Klug on May 17, 2010 10:22 PM ESTSceptre’s 27” X270W-1080P LCD is targeted primarily at PC gamers and desktop productivity segments of the market. To that extent, it packs a TN panel for higher refresh rate and lower processing lag (we’ve shown in previous tests that, for whatever reason, S-PVA panels show a significant amount of input lag), and for meeting that relatively low price point. There are caveats we’ve repeated time and time over about the TN choice, but it actually makes sense here; Sceptre wants a fast panel for gamers that likely don’t care about super accurate color tracking, and they want it to meet gamers’ budgets.
The X270W-1080P, as you’ve probably guessed already, is 1080P. At this size, we’ve got a slightly bigger pixel pitch than we’re used to seeing at 0.311 mm, but in practice it isn’t all that disturbing. In fact, a quick survey of the 27” class of monitors available as of this writing reveals that nearly all are 1920x1080. The 27” class of monitors are an odd bunch size and price wise - sitting in-between 24” and 30” displays. Jumping up to 30” brings you into a market populated with $1200 offerings with all the trimmings. In fact, the X270W’s primary competition is the Hanns•G HH-281HPB 28” LCD which sits at a similar $300 price point.
Anyhow, let’s dive into the specifications:
| Sceptre X270W-1080P - Specifications | |||
| Property | Quoted Specification | ||
| Video Inputs | DVI-D with HDCP, VGA, HDMI, Audio In (3.5 mm) | ||
| Panel Type | TN (Unknown Panel) | ||
| Pixel Pitch | 0.311mm | ||
| Colors | 16.7 million colors | ||
| Brightness | 400 nits typical | ||
| Contrast Ratio |
1000:1 advertised 60000:1 Dynamic advertised |
||
| Response Time | 2ms typical | ||
| Viewable Size | 27" diagonal | ||
| Resolution | 1920x1080 (1080P) 16:9 aspect ratio | ||
| Viewing Angle | 170 degrees horizontal, 160 degrees vertical | ||
| Power Consumption (operation) | <55 watts | ||
| Power Consumption (standby) | <1 watt | ||
| Screen Treatment | Matte (anti-glare) | ||
| Height-Adjustable | No | ||
| Tilt | Yes | ||
| Pivot | No | ||
| Swivel | No | ||
| VESA Wall Mounting | Yes - 100x100mm | ||
| Dimensions w/ Base (WxHxD) | 25.5" x 17.9" x 9.43" (WxHxD) | ||
| Weight w/o Stand | 18.7 lbs | ||
| Additional Features | Built in speakers - 3 watts per channel, kensington security port, Energy Star V.5 | ||
| Limited Warranty | 1-year limited warranty (parts and labor) | ||
| Accessories | DVI, VGA, and power cables | ||
| Price | $399.99 MSR | ||
The X270W packs an above average selection of ports: DVI-D with HDCP, VGA, and HDMI, the latter of which is hugely important for a gaming display so users can switch between PC and a console.
Audio In, HDMI, DVI with HDCP, and VGA (D-SUB)
Interestingly, the X270W also packs two internal speakers rated at 3 watts per channel, but doesn’t provide any audio out options for HDMI inputs. That’s a marginal omission - arguably Xbox 360 and PS3 users alike can send audio out over optical TOSLINK to a reciever, or over analog 2 channel by using an adapter, but it’d be nice to see the option for versatility sake. Especially since there’s obviously that hardware onboard for stereo audio to work in the first place.
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seamonkey79 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I am so very tired of 1920x1080 and the like resolutions... I'm using a computer, not watching TV. My spreadsheets fit very well on a 1920x1200 screen, two sheets next to each other, full height... 1080 doesn't give enough.Although a 27" does give the potential of being a bedroom TV... if I didn't already have a 32" in there, anyway.
juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
Agreed. All these 1080p panels are great if you're just a gamer or watching movies, but stiff to those of us who need more space! Dell's U2711 is just about perfect I reckon, packing the majority of a 30-inch's res into a 27-inch space. Pity about the price, but then IPS have never been cheap (excluding H-IPS, AOC do a good-looking 23-inch H-IPS for AU$289).StevoLincolnite - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I've been tempted to pick up an AOC in the past but generally always settled on a BenQ just because of the name.Article couldn't have come at a better time, been looking at a 26-27" LCD monitor. :)
juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
My work BenQ was pretty good. AOC seem to get pretty good reviews, some of their 24-inch models are quite snazzy (2434PW) and they're well-priced. I'm thinking of giving the IPS model a go (http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=prod... as that's a pretty good price for some excellent colour representation and viewing angles for the bedroom. Pity the stand sucks.Amoro - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitorhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
This monitor is on sale right now for a reasonable price. It's probably TN though if you're against that. I've been looking for the past couple of months for a 24"+ monitor with 1920x1200 and this is the cheapest in a while. Haven't seen one this cheap since that Gateway FD2400/2401 was on sale.
The0ne - Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - link
Yea, sick of the TV size myself, but it's what the consumer wants I guess. Can't blame people for being sheeps.Basilisk - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
The Hanns-G 28" ('27.5" viewable') gives you those 1200 lines for $300, FS. I love it.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
Mr Perfect - Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - link
Agreed, 16:9 monitors are automatically off of my list.Someone said the display companies are doing 16:9 because the panels are smaller, and so cheaper, then 16:10s of the same size.
numberoneoppa - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
This resolution is a crime for a monitor this size.Brian Klug - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
Hey readers - in the last display review I did (the G2410H) there was a lot of discussion about the CRT not being good enough or fast enough refresh rate to really show a comparison. I'd really like to try something with DVI inputs (but not DVI-A, as we're defeating the point at that rate). I've done some searching and found it considerably difficult to find any new CRTs out there (aka there basically aren't any).If any of you out there have ideas, I'm open to suggestions/sending us something/anything quite honestly. I know the 24" Sony GDM-FW900 is considered the most legendary CRT ever made, but availability is challenging. Just putting out feelers if any of you have some solution in mind or something better.
Thanks Again,
Brian