BenQ G2220HD review

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Verdict:

A monitor with full HD resolution, a subtle yet effective Dynamic contrast mode and good basic image quality at a great price.

Review Date: 17 Sep 2009

Price when reviewed: £134

Supplier: http://www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop

Reviewed By: Barry de la Rosa

Our Rating 5 stars out of 5

ExpertReviews Award

Review
Specs

Despite its low price, BenQ's G2220HD 22in widescreen monitor has a full HD resolution of 1,920x1,080.

There's no HDMI input, but the DVI input is HDCP compliant. If you'd like to use this display for entertainment, such as for watching movies from a Blu-ray player, you'll need to buy a DVI-to-HDMI adaptor, and plug in your PC via the analogue VGA input.

Fortunately, your efforts will be worth it, as the image quality from the G2220HD is outstanding. It helps that this display has a subtle dynamic contrast mode that adjusted the backlight automatically without us noticing the change. The mode drastically improved image quality, particularly in movies, where we could see more detail in dark scenes than with other monitors, and blacks were inky and dark. Considering this monitor's low price, the dynamic mode is even more impressive.

The backlight isn't quite as bright as some, and there are some slightly uneven patches at the sides, but the high contrast and stunning colours make these issues easy to forgive. They're unlikely to be noticed in everyday use.

The dynamic contrast mode is a little too brash for everyday Windows use, but a button under the screen switches between image mode presets, so you can quickly go from watching a movie to working on a spreadsheet.

The menu system for adjusting picture settings is clear and easy to use, although some preset modes, such as Dynamic, disable controls such as brightness and contrast, which can be confusing at first.

This monitor looks good on the outside, and its image quality does nothing to spoil this good impression. Apart from a strange design on the base of the stand, the G2220HD's design is simple, with a thin, glossy-black bezel that's broken only by a small panel that houses the menu buttons.

As one of the cheapest full HD monitors we've seen, the G2220HD deserves attention, but its subtle Dynamic contrast mode is an added bonus and its basic image quality is great. For quality and price, this monitor can't be beaten. It wins our Best Buy award.

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