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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juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
Guess it really is a dead-and-goner Brian! I have one of those on my new HP LP3065. It's a single green pixel, only viewable on a solid black background. Bit disheartening on a $1200 monitor, but there ya go.Martimus - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
HP has a 100% dead pixel replacement policy on their more expensive monitors. Plus when you call them, they usually send out a guy to replace the monitor, rather than have you ship it to them.I would at least try calling their customer service, to see if you can get a replacement.
juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I wasn't atually aware of that mate, thankyou very much for filling me in. I'll give them a buzz today and see how I go! Cheers again!AmdInside - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
My vote is for the Asus 27" monitor. I own it and have no complaints.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
A good choice. My sister scored one of these, as I bought it but couldn't 'appreciate' the design on the speaker bar. I love that it has a remote though! Best idea ever.PubicTheHare - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
But I'd like something with fairly accurate color (gaming capable would be nice) and 1920x1200There's something about 1080P that bugs me; it's missing 120 pixels and the omission in favor of marketing it as "1080P" feels like a cheap trick.
Is there a 1920x1200 monitor with decent color reproduction for under $400?
I don't think I've seen any.
juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
My recommendation: an older HP or Dell Ultrasharp model. They're usually S-PVA or IPS, and have plenty of features with great colour representation. Samsung are a good bet also. As the market has changed over the past year, you can't look to newer models to provide high-res at high-sizes anymore, without paying a good deal of cash. eBay is your friend, and that's where I'd start. Good luck!Reikon - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
The HP ZR24w is 1920x1200, about $400, and uses an IPS panel.juzz86 - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
Yep, won't do much better than that for $425!Exodite - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
The only reason to get a 27" display would be to get a 2560*1440 resolution, or higher.I'm not going to pay more money for less pixel density, more power usage and more space occupied when I'm essentially getting a less smart-looking Samsung P2250 or P2270.
The only 27" displays on the market with that kind of resolution so far seem to be IPS with a plethora of useless additions such as USB-hubs and such which are geared towards the graphics professional though. Where's the slim and sleek 27" TN panels for the rest of us?
I need the vertical resolution for productivity, 1080p has pretty much killed the reason to ever upgrade from my 1280*1024 set before they burn out completely, and since I only watch movies or play games outside of the text editing and software design side of things TN would be ideal.
And cheaper.
Come on Samsung and LG, I'm putting my faith in you here!