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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LouieIV - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
Why are monitors still coming out without displayport???pjladyfox - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
You will probably want to look for a Sony GDM-FW900 CRT display. These can do DVI output via a BNC-to-DVI cable which I've personally used myself back when I had one:http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl...
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1261195
Failing that you will want to look for any CRT that has BNC connectors on it since, as you already noted, finding a CRT with a DVI-D connector is going to be next to impossible.
JarredWalton - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
As far as I know, if you use something like a DVI to BNC adapter, all you're doing is getting the DVI-A signal. In fact, I don't think anyone ever made a CRT that uses DVI-D for the signal. I'm not sure it matters, though, since ultimately the signal has to be analog on the CRTs. The problem is the GDM-FW900 is hard to find, and if you can find one they're used and cost $500+. (Not to mention they weigh a ton. LOL)pjladyfox - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
That's true however the OP did not specify DVI-D over DVI-I. ^_^ But you are right that there never was a CRT made that had DVI-D output since that was when they were transitioning that tech over the LCD's. However, at least you have a starting point for finding a monitor locally 'tho while the FW900 is expensive it's pretty much the pinnacle of CRT displays.Craig234 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I logged in, wrote a several paragraph review over 5 minues, and hit post and it lots the post with 'you need to login'.So a 1 paragraph summary:
I bought it after XP21 $2300 and Sony XP900 CRT's for gaming/web, I like bright and colorful and no screendoor, and I like this monitor as a 'sweet spot' that looks very good with good value.
prof.yustas - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I know a lot of people who really want to see HP ZR24W reviewed. Are you going to review it? It would be nice if you could compare HP ZR24W to DELL U2410.Thanks.
Brian Klug - Friday, May 21, 2010 - link
Oops, I forgot to reply. The ZR24W is on its way, and I'm eager to test it out! ;)-Brian
Ninjahedge - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I was a bit hopeful on this, but they all like to scale down the vertical resolution so it is really not much more desktop space.This is a gamer/vid screen, not a workspace.
It is hard, ever since I picked up my existing old school 20" dells (1600x1200) and have them hooked side-by-side, getting a single to match the desktop space is almost impossible (the 30" at 2560x1600 would be GREAT!, but $1200???? I can get a full size TV or a "MidRange Gamers System" for that! ;) )
It would be nice to start side stepping like I did with my last config (a 1600x1200 with a 17" in portrait mode rotated next to it) and put a wider monitor with the same vertical resolution and dot pitch next to it. Otherwise, I think I am just going to have to wait for teh Colossus Screens to come down below $1000!
erple2 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
You do realize why the 30" screen costs so much more, right? Nearly double the actual pixel count is one of the reasons. Using a better (and more expensive) screen technology is another. Those 30" 1200+ dollar monitors will still look substantially better than any consumer grade TV you can buy (and pretty much anything you see at any retail store will be consumer grade). There's a reason why they cost that much.Curiously, bigger is NOT always better in the case of monitors. Something that so few people seem to understand...
juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I dunno mate, I have a HP LP3065 and it's the best I've ever seen! I do agree though, in the case of going bigger you definitely have to drop more money to see an improvement.