The VX2435wm is an economical 24'' with an MVA 8 ms panel and HDMI input. Moreover, for connectivity, there are all types. ViewSonic claims it is suited for TVs, games, movies, and consoles. As for the panel, we already encountered the 20 inch version in the very popular Belinea 10 20 35W and Viewsonic VX2025wm. We ordinarily appreciate this technology type for its great versatility: wider viewing angles than with TNs (especially vertically, but these are less than with the Dell 2407WFP, equipped with a PVA panel), reactivity superior to 5 ms TNs, and shimmering that is well managed in movies.
Design and ergonomics
However, we were first of all seduced by its design. Like all the models in the VX line initially destined for gamers, this screen is aesthetically pleasing. Its glossy black bezel is a plus as much as much as all the video connections on the back: HDMI replaces the DVI (an HDMI / DVI cable is included), VGA, YUV, and S-Video. There is only the lack of a USB hub, an option present on its biggest rival, the Dell 2407WFP. Overall, a closer look reveals that the VX2435wm was produced with economical considerations in mind. The bezel is plastic and not metal, the foot is basic and fixed and therefore cannot be pivoted or vertically adjusted.
Nor is this a pre-calibrated screen like the latest Dell 2407WFP line. With our colorimeter in hand we measured an overly excessive brightness of 514 cd/m² (almost a sunlamp !) and an average color difference of 4.3 while « normal » screens are more at 3.5. Those with good color fidelity are at 2.
The best manual adjustments we were able to make (though still imperfect) carried out on our test screen resulted in brightness values of 45, contrast at 86, red at 45, green at 39 and blue at 40. However, as off as these colors were, this wasn’t a problem in games.
And with the PS3 ? HD movies?
The screen has an HDMI input so we hooked it up to a PS3. We feared for the worst because the spec sheet mentioned 1080i resolution support but nothing about 1080p. However, it did work, although results weren’t extraordinary and it’s not the same effect as with a Full HD TV. For some silly reason games are in 1080 lines, while the screen is in 1200. There is an "upscaling" and consequent degradation of the image. We can definitely detect the presence of a new generation console, however, there is a noticeable stair effect on edges and the overall sharpness is imperfect – at least from up close. Take advantage of your wireless controller and step back at least 6 feet. By the way, we compared the quality of 1080p with 720p in games and the difference is minimal.
We then took a look at the quality of DVD and HD movies by connecting the Xbox 360’s HD-DVD player to the computer which piloted the screen. Here, we were really impressed and it was a pleasure to see the quality associated with smaller MVA panels on this 24 inch. And actually, it was even better! Two points were particularly impressive: color gradation was good (compared to the solarization of its rivals, starting with the Dell 2407WFP) and shimmering is very minimal.
In the end, movies (especially in HD) are particularly well rendered even from a distance of three feet. After this, there is DivX quality whose small resolution scaled to 1920 wide results in rather noticeable compression defects.
