ASUS VG236H 23-inch 3D Display Review: 120Hz is the Future
by Brian Klug on August 7, 2010 2:48 AM ESTOverview and Specifications
First off, let’s get the name down for this 23 inch, 120Hz display, because ASUS is selling the VG236 in two different packages and model numbers. One is the VG236H, which comes with a NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit and retails for $499. The other is the VG246HE, which is the exact same display, but comes without a bundled NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit and retails for $349. Both of those packages contain the exact same display, but just differ in whether they include the shutter glasses you’ll need to do stereoscopic 3D.
ASUS is basically selling you the 3D Vision Kit for $150, which is a pretty sweet deal. As of this writing, the same NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit is retailing on Newegg for $174.
The VG236H packs HDMI, DVI-D, and component video inputs, though the only one that will work with 120Hz refresh rates, and thus 3D, is DVI-D.
The VG236H display is glossy, as is nearly all of the bezel. ASUS claims to have added an antireflection coating to the display, as they well should. It no doubt mitigates the reflection a bit, but there’s still going to be unavoidable glare, especially if you have lights behind you. That might be killer for some, but it isn't a huge issue - I still wish it was matte though. The VG236H is also a TN panel, partly out of necessity to drive that super fast refresh rate, however color quality is actually pretty good as we’ll show in a minute. ASUS is using a technology called Dual Side driving to get to 120Hz.
Hate it or love it, the VG236H is also 16:9, and thus native 1920x1080. Finding 16:10 1920x1200 monitors which used to be the norm, not the exception, is increasingly difficult. Honestly, I’d rather have my extra 120 pixels of image height when hunting down people in games than deal with two black bars when playing back anamorphic video content. Oh well, 1080P is more marketable I guess.
Let’s go into the rest of the specifications:
| ASUS VG236H - Specifications | |||
| Property | Quoted Specification | ||
| Video Inputs | DVI-D (120 Hz 3D), HDMI, Component YPbPr | ||
| Panel Type | TN (with Dual Side driving), CCFL backlight | ||
| Pixel Pitch | 0.265 mm | ||
| Colors | 16.7 Million (24 bit) | ||
| Brightness | 400 nits maximum | ||
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 (standard), or 100,000:1 (dynamic) | ||
| Response Time | 2ms (g2g) with Overdive/"Trace Free" control | ||
| Viewable Size | 23" (54.8 cm) diagonal | ||
| Resolution | 1920x1080 at 120Hz (1080P) | ||
| Viewing Angle | 170 degrees horizontal, 160 degrees vertical | ||
| Power Consumption (operation) | <60 watts typical | ||
| Power Consumption (standby) | <2 watts typical | ||
| Screen Treatment | Glossy (with antireflection coating) | ||
| Height-Adjustable | Yes: ~4" (100 mm) of travel | ||
| Tilt | Yes: -5 degrees to 15 degrees | ||
| Pivot | No | ||
| Swivel | Yes: +/- 150 degrees | ||
| VESA Wall Mounting | Yes - 100x100mm | ||
| Dimensions w/ Base (WxHxD) | 21.7" (550 mm) x 16.5" (420 mm) x 9.8" (250 mm) | ||
| Weight w/o Stand | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) | ||
| Additional Features | NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit, 120 Hz operation | ||
| Limited Warranty | 3 years - repair or replacement | ||
| Accessories | DVI-D cable, power cable, quick start guide, manual, warranty card, support CD, NVIDIA 3D Demo DVD, NVIDIA 3D vision kit | ||
| Price |
VG236H (includes 3D vision kit): $499 VG236HE (w/o 3D kit): $349 |
||
ASUS definitely understands its gamer segment, as including component and HDMI video inputs is definitely an added plus for people who want to hook up a game console or two. Of course, the caveat with HDMI on a display like this is that there’s no audio out for connecting headsets, something which would definitely put this over the top for most gamers. We could get upset about DisplayPort being absent, but honestly it isn’t that big of a deal, yet.
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killerclick - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
Stop trying to push these stupid fads, I'm not buying 3D! Ever!Etern205 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
3D monitors are just regular LCD screens which support up to 120Hz. Enabling 3D requires those special glasses and it's entirely up to you whether you want to enable it or not.There is not such thing as a 3D monitor as if there is, then you will need to wear the glasses every single time you use it.
And imo, that 3D logo on the stand looks hideous. Much like a ricer who puts sticker of tuners just to make it look cool or something.
Iketh - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
... but don't change the camera perspective when taking comparitive photos. The height adjustment images don't help a bit. Leave the camera in the same position for both.Etern205 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
I thought all monitors are "3D" ?:P
smookyolo - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
That's what they'd like you to think, yes ;)dingetje - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
yes, and the old crt's are even more 3D than the new technology ;)HDPeeT - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
Thanks for the great review! I'm glad to see that there are professional sites out there that appreciate the advantages 120hz displays bring to the table besides just the 3D stuff.I know, I know, there are plenty of people out there that are really excited about 3D gaming and movies, but for me, it's all about the faster refresh and (hopefully) lower input lag.
The one thing I'm little confused about is how you reached the conclusion that the display has 3.9ms of lag. When you say "The VG236H consistently lags 1 frame from the FP241W.", wouldn't this imply that it has at least ~8ms of lag at a 120hz refresh (or even 16ms at 60hz (still not clear on that)?
Mumrik - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
Page 1: "On a technical level, the necessity for 120Hz arises from the need to drive two 60Hz images for each eye."That would take 240hz. You mean ONE 60Hz image for each eye.
cactusdog - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
Brian, Do you see the same benefits (of smoother motion on the desktop) when the VG236H is set to 60Hz?7Enigma - Monday, August 9, 2010 - link
Good question. The obvious answer is no, but I agree it should quickly be tested.