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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mino - Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - link
.. reasonable 1920x1200 ..dingetje - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
I will immediately get one....when 1920 x 1200 models are available.A 1920 x 1080 screen is just not acceptable for me, even when it's 120hz goodness.
Looking forward to more 120hz screen reviews....thx
Taft12 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
How long can you hold your breath? I don't think 1920x1200 is coming back on the market ever again.ZoZo - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
You may have to wait a long time.It appears that 16:10 is being abandoned.
DarkUltra - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
For now, yes but if there is a market for it it will hopefully return. The 23" 16:9 we have at works is just too wide for me; the 1920x1200 24" my father have is really much higher, it can fit an entire Windows 7 double-sized task bar and a ribbon menu more than 1080.martin5000 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
16:9 is absolutely horrible for computers. Its so disappointing that this is the current trend.Glossy is also terrible, maybe the colours do look a bit more vibrant, but at the cost of not actually be able to see the screen unless you're in the perfect light conditions, no thanks!
medi01 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
I second that. Basically it's all about marketing:1) glossy screens probably look better in shops
2) X inches monitor with 4:3 ratio has 12% more pixels than 16:9 => it's cheaper to produce
Mr Perfect - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
I imaging that being able to put "FULL 1080P HD!" on the box doesn't hurt sales either.So, to recap, change this into a 16:10, matte finish, IPS panel.
BansheeX - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
You're both nuts. No aspect ratio inherently gives more resolution than any other. Case-in-point, 3200x1800 is a 16:9 resolution that is much higher than 1600x1200 (4:3) or 1920x1200 (16:10). The reason 1920x1080 is so common for 16:9 is mainly the result of established manufacturing processes and 1:1 scaling of HD material.Quidam67 - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
I genuinely don't understand why some people are showing such a strong reaction against 16:9 monitors. I must be missing the point, or is it really just the slightly different aspect ratio + slightly less pixels that has them all worked up?!?