This has been a nagging issue with me, and now with the BF beta out, on both pc and 360, I question it even more. The Asus I've run for couple of years now just doesn't seem to be cutting it anymore. Maybe on it's way out? Color, contrast...just isn't right no matter what adjustments I make. Swapped it out (Asus 24" 1080p) for a Samsung LCD tv we aren't using (26" 720p) and it just looks far superior. An older Viewsonic 4:3 looks better as well. The specs on the Asus are pretty good, it's a fast monitor. I'm sick of doing this little dance every couple of years, so if I do it again, I want something good. Or I might just keep using this Samsung next to the Viewsonic. Lower resolution but running higher AA might just be the thing to do.

What's your monitor, size, native resolution and how do you like it?

I'm using an ASUS monitor and so far it's been great...25.5" viewable, 1920x1200 (I just can't stand 16:9 ratios), and it plays everything with excellent quality. Maybe you got a bad batch, or more than likely it's a cheaper version which doesn't have the quality you're looking for?

Either way check the reviews, the internetz is full of them

24" 1920x1200 Eyefinity. Also have 23" 1920x1080 and 27" 1920x1080. Eyefintiy is the BIG feature (5760x1200) that overshadows all else (for work and play). Parenthetically, also have other sizes and a genuine 3D Stereo monitor (works with polarized glasses -- not shutter glasses). Bigger is better; however, on some desks, three 24" or 23" screens in Eyefinity is all that fits (about 48" to 50" across when side monitors are at an angle -- wider if not). Also, 27" 1920x1080 is starting to have pixels too big (looks pixelized up close).

Regarding what "looks good" visually (color and contrast), I think LCD monitors are nearly always a compromise.

Only one LCD I've ever seen has great black levels, 100 gamut color, great off axis view contrast -- Samsung cPVA F2380 23" (I own 3 of them -- but not my Eyefinity setup). Seem (not positive there are no changes) to be the same as Samsung's special Eyefinity monitors currently selling for over $500 (though I got mine for under $200 on close out sale). Seem too dark at first because one is not used to such contrast in an LCD. The color/contrast can be adjusted for pro use. However, some folks don't like the slower 8ms response (however, it is changing over a wider range of gray level -- so not actually slow for a given gray change). I can see blurring using a test application, but not in games. Others may see it differently (obviously not too big an issue since Samsung sells these as gaming monitors).

The "fast" TN (and other) fast LCD have low color gamut (around 70), low contrast, very poor off axis view (color and contrast change quickly as one moves off axis). I've owned some. They are OK sitting right in front of them -- if there is nothing nearby to compare to. Not my cup of tea. However, the lack of color gamut is viewed by some as providing more "snap" to the color and they prefer the low gamut. Games are designed around low gamut because that's what people usually have (I have read but don't know for sure). Low off axis contrast and color change make these less suitable for Eyefinity.

The S-IPS and H-IPS I'm using now have great gamut. Decent off axis view. Low contrast -- but acceptable compared to other LCD (except above Samsung which is from a different universe). Fine for games, to me (though, again, a slower reacting screen on paper).

Also, virtually all LCD come poorly calibrated. Hand calibration is time consuming and hard to get accurate -- but doable with a set of special test charts. One needs to use something like the Pantone huey Pro device (I have one) to calibrate before making up their mind.

One almost has to look at different monitors and decide for one's self. That is, one doesn't really know until one gets it and calibrates it. What I or a reviewer may like, may be unacceptable to others. Not a good situation for the buyer.

Allen - you sure know your computer stuff.

I've been buying Dell monitors through the Dell Outlet link at the botton of the Dell site, and have a 30", a 24" and a few 22"s. These are the "Ultrasharp" models and I am happy with them (not LCDs), however the 24" has a shiny reflective screen that I do not prefer. The 30" runs hot so I put a small quiet fan behind it that runs 24/7.

The Dell Outlet stuff are returns. Lots of this stuff comes back to Dell having never been opened, often from company bulk purchases that get returned. My bro works at Dell and told me about the Dell Outlet place. The stuff comes with warranties.

Dell Outlet

WC