Dell U2412M - 16:10 IPS without Breaking the Bank
by Chris Heinonen on February 28, 2012 9:00 AM ESTDell U2412M Input Lag and Power Use
For testing lag, I am trying a new solution to our previous testing method. I’m trying out SMTT, which is designed specifically for measuring lag in LCD displays. Using DirectX it manages to push over 1,000 frames per second to a display, allowing for millisecond accuracy instead of relying on time demos that often run well below that threshold. Using this method, we can actually determine two different values: The input lag for the LCD to initially respond, and then the total lag from when the new frame is received to when it is completely drawn and at full brightness. This last one is the overall important value, as it is what gamers would be most concerned with. It’s important to have as low an "input lag" as possible so that even if the screen isn’t fully drawn yet (the pixels will be changing over) you will be able to begin to get that feeling of responsiveness.
Here we see that the overall lag value measured OK, at 17ms. The input lag, which was also measured, was just under 2ms, which indicates that the Dell responds very quickly, and then it’s just a matter of the pixel response time. One thing to keep in mind here is that the 17ms response time is the total time from input to peak brightness, and then it takes 15ms to fall back to another value. When I actually look at the test subjectively and not objectively, you can certainly see the change in the pixel after 7-8ms of time. So I could report it as 8ms of lag, as that’s about what I think you would experience in a real world situation, but the worst case scenario seems to be 17ms, which is what I’m choosing to report as that’s the objective number.
The CRT still comes in perfect, and that’s what the LCD should aim to do; picking a number that gives a better result, even if it might be more applicable to the real world, feels like cheating. Perhaps we will get a future display technology (like OLED or CrystalLED that I saw at CES this year) that will bring us back to CRT response times, but until that happens I’m going with the objective, worst case measurement. I will report the “real world estimate” along with it, though, so you can use that for your own judgment. Please let me know what you think of this in the comments section.
I made the assumption that with a larger panel and the 300 nits of light output that the Dell would not be the most eco friendly panel I had seen. Happily I found this to not be the case. It drew just 36 watts at maximum brightness and only 16W at minimum brightness, less than even the 23” Dell U2311H from last year. I don’t know if it is more efficient LED lights, or a more transparent panel that allows more light through, but Dell did a good job keeping the power use low on the U2412M.
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klatscho - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
we sort of downgraded from eizo to these beauties, and the do the job quite nice, especially since we got them way below the 200 euro mark including the soundbar - which is why everyone is getting one now.the only problem we have identified so far is an unusually high doa-rate above 6% at the beginning, which has meanwhile dropped to around 4% for the last couple of hundred units; but again, at this price this is forgiveable.
Touche - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
Although it could be calculated (if contrast is consistent across the brightness range), it would be helpful if you showed the black level at calibrated brightness setting (100 cd/m2).cheinonen - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
I can add that to future reviews.anactoraaron - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
Please correct me if I'm wrong but this panel beats the U2312H from last year in power draw since last year's 2312 uses ccfl, not led like this panel.I personally didn't HAVE to have the 16:10 and recently bought 2 of the updated U2312HM which also uses led. But I always hear "once you go 16:10 you never go back" and I guess I'm just scared that will happen....
Sure the styling isn't "sexy" but I'm a man that prefers function over all. At least comment on how there's ZERO glossy surfaces on these monitors...
Also, the stand with these Dell monitors are top notch. They adjust more than ANY monitor I have ever encountered- 9" of height adjustment (for the newer U2312HM- I believe the U2412 has 7") , can spin to portrait orientation (just need to release a locking mechanism), and it can basically do more twists and turns than anyone's parents at a 1950's themed dance party. :)
1ceTr0n - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
The U3011 is a beautiful monitor but for $1200, I demanded perfection and all three models had color uniformity and lighting issues.I finally gave up and got a U2412M and i've been very happy with it. Very nice bright and even LED lighting, very low heat, great colors and nary any ghosting and a great price with extended 4 year advance warranty.
Unless your anal about LCD's, this one is hard to beat
fausto412 - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
Do 120hz IPS 24" 16x10 Monitors exist and are they any good and affordable?I've been waiting for that "I gotta have that monitor!!" review for like 2 years.
Currently using 22" Samsung 226bw and the view angles suck balls. But considering how long monitors last I am trying to wait for the next huge leap forward to get a 24" screen and upgrade. what say the monitor experts on this thread?
cheinonen - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - link
There are no 120Hz IPS panels yet, you are stuck with TN at this point. I have no idea if there is a time frame for these or not either.Oxford Guy - Thursday, March 1, 2012 - link
120 Hz A-MVA panels are supposed to be near.Oxford Guy - Sunday, March 4, 2012 - link
They were announced in December:http://www.google.com/search?q=120 hz amva&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
fausto412 - Thursday, March 1, 2012 - link
sadly i don't know what's holding back monitor makers.I feel like they quit trying to advance tech for home users.