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.
121 Comments
View All Comments
user72 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
I have some molecular modeling programs that use OpenGL QuadBuffer for 3D rendering. Do you know if this monitor is compatible with QuadBuffer? Thanks!Sp12 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
Until I can get 120hz IPS technology I'm unimpressed. 120hz is in no way worth it for the dithering and inconsistent colors TN brings. Especially if it comes at a premium like that.I may be waiting forever until blue phase or autostereoscopic displays come around.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Phase_Mode_LCD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autostereoscopy
Soldier1969 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
1080 monitors suck after having 1920 x 1200 since Jan of 2007 I will never go backwards in resolution. When they make a 2560 x 1600 LED backlit 120hz panel I'll get one but these 1080 ones cater to the poor folk.Daeros - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
This review just highlights why I still use a pair of HP 1230 21" crt monitors. Sure, they weigh about 70lbs each, but they are like 6 years old and have no problem running at 2048x1536 @ 110Hz . Show me any lcd that can do that. And don't even get me started on gamut or black levels.Zok - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
Well, without getting into the old CRT-LCD argument too heavily, my desk can't handle a 30" CRT - size or weight.DarkUltra - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
1536x110hz = 169Khz horizontal frequency. That is amazing.. I thoght my lacie electronblue22 III was good at 1440x85hz :)Luke212 - Sunday, August 22, 2010 - link
yeah its a nice story but his crt can only do 91hz at that rez.(140k/1536)
adonn78 - Saturday, August 7, 2010 - link
I think its over priced for a 23 inch monitor. I'd rather get a larger screen than one with features I'll never use such as 3D.DarkUltra - Sunday, August 8, 2010 - link
It's not just the 3D. 120hz give you a much smoother Windows experience, and the lack of RTC artifacts is also good.SunLord - Monday, August 9, 2010 - link
Any monitor over $300 isn't worth buying even fi its 120hz and the newest gimmick to get stupid people to pay more