My Acer GD245HQ review experiences of a new 3D vision user
  3 / 16    
Hehe, I almost want to shout GrammarTime!!

But atleast it's a response and us Acer G245 users might be in for some upgrades.

I applaud you Appelsap, for being a 'doer' and not one of those guys who sits on their fat **** complaining about how **** everything is [a bit like me :blink: ].

/clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /thanks.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thanks:' /> .
Hehe, I almost want to shout GrammarTime!!



But atleast it's a response and us Acer G245 users might be in for some upgrades.



I applaud you Appelsap, for being a 'doer' and not one of those guys who sits on their fat **** complaining about how **** everything is [a bit like me :blink: ].



/clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /clap.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clap:' /> /thanks.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thanks:' /> .

#31
Posted 03/02/2010 10:42 PM   
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1011080' date='Mar 2 2010, 11:12 PM']Acer responds well. I've explained the overdrive issues with screen quality in more detail, and suggested they fix this in the monitor's firmware: simply disable the overdrive feature at 60Hz, and enable it at any higher frequency. That would do the trick.

Their reply:
[i]"We would surely get try to work on it ,may be we can come up with an resolution . But implementation would not be on one corner of the issue and would take necessary time for further improvements .
Would reply back to soon once we come up with an resolution from our end"[/i]

Wow, you'd almost think they got it. Well, for no it's just wait and see what happens.[/quote]

That solution would mean you'd be stuck with 60Hz in windows if you want the halo-letters gone, right? If so it's still not a fix that'd make me pick this monitor up.

This thing really blows as I'd pretty much decided to get the GD245HQ. With the problems you've uncovered though it's looking like I'll have to search for another alternative or just give up the thought of 120Hz smooth gaming for now. :(
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1011080' date='Mar 2 2010, 11:12 PM']Acer responds well. I've explained the overdrive issues with screen quality in more detail, and suggested they fix this in the monitor's firmware: simply disable the overdrive feature at 60Hz, and enable it at any higher frequency. That would do the trick.



Their reply:

"We would surely get try to work on it ,may be we can come up with an resolution . But implementation would not be on one corner of the issue and would take necessary time for further improvements .

Would reply back to soon once we come up with an resolution from our end"




Wow, you'd almost think they got it. Well, for no it's just wait and see what happens.



That solution would mean you'd be stuck with 60Hz in windows if you want the halo-letters gone, right? If so it's still not a fix that'd make me pick this monitor up.



This thing really blows as I'd pretty much decided to get the GD245HQ. With the problems you've uncovered though it's looking like I'll have to search for another alternative or just give up the thought of 120Hz smooth gaming for now. :(

#32
Posted 03/03/2010 09:25 AM   
[quote name='era909' post='1011366' date='Mar 3 2010, 11:25 AM']That solution would mean you'd be stuck with 60Hz in windows if you want the halo-letters gone, right?[/quote]
Yes. I considered other options, such as adding the OD function to the user menu of the monitor in stead of having it in the service menu only. Acer can think of that too of course, so it might be an easier fix for them to achieve. However, having the OD off in 60Hz and on in the higher refreshes makes everything more fool proof. Set your desktop to use 60Hz, and you get fine quality viewing for all your 2D apps. Enable the 100-120Hz setting for all games in the 3D Vision menu, and it'll switch to the higher refresh for you, without ever having to touch a button. Should you want the higher refresh anyway, you can do this via the nVidia settings - I find this easier than fiddling with the monitor buttons. At 60Hz the OD isn't as necessary as it is on 120Hz, there it is a necessity for 3D Vision.

[quote]This thing really blows as I'd pretty much decided to get the GD245HQ. With the problems you've uncovered though it's looking like I'll have to search for another alternative or just give up the thought of 120Hz smooth gaming for now. :([/quote]
Like I've said before, if you want a 120Hz LCD right now, you're going to have to compromise. You won't get stunning image quality AND ultra fast response in the same panel. So there's two options: get a different panel for each 'need', or decide which is more important and compromise on the other. (ok, ok, actually I did neither, so there's a third option: I hacked the panel to suit both needs ... :D )

You're disappointed at the downsides of the Acer, as you'd pretty much decided to get one. Well, perhaps it's a good thing you read about this here before you got it, in stead of it was you posting it here before RMAing the display ;)
Do note that not everyone will be as disappointed by the IQ loss as a result of the OD, so some will be happy with it on all the time anyway. Those 'some' just do not include 'me'. :P
[quote name='era909' post='1011366' date='Mar 3 2010, 11:25 AM']That solution would mean you'd be stuck with 60Hz in windows if you want the halo-letters gone, right?

Yes. I considered other options, such as adding the OD function to the user menu of the monitor in stead of having it in the service menu only. Acer can think of that too of course, so it might be an easier fix for them to achieve. However, having the OD off in 60Hz and on in the higher refreshes makes everything more fool proof. Set your desktop to use 60Hz, and you get fine quality viewing for all your 2D apps. Enable the 100-120Hz setting for all games in the 3D Vision menu, and it'll switch to the higher refresh for you, without ever having to touch a button. Should you want the higher refresh anyway, you can do this via the nVidia settings - I find this easier than fiddling with the monitor buttons. At 60Hz the OD isn't as necessary as it is on 120Hz, there it is a necessity for 3D Vision.



This thing really blows as I'd pretty much decided to get the GD245HQ. With the problems you've uncovered though it's looking like I'll have to search for another alternative or just give up the thought of 120Hz smooth gaming for now. :(


Like I've said before, if you want a 120Hz LCD right now, you're going to have to compromise. You won't get stunning image quality AND ultra fast response in the same panel. So there's two options: get a different panel for each 'need', or decide which is more important and compromise on the other. (ok, ok, actually I did neither, so there's a third option: I hacked the panel to suit both needs ... :D )



You're disappointed at the downsides of the Acer, as you'd pretty much decided to get one. Well, perhaps it's a good thing you read about this here before you got it, in stead of it was you posting it here before RMAing the display ;)

Do note that not everyone will be as disappointed by the IQ loss as a result of the OD, so some will be happy with it on all the time anyway. Those 'some' just do not include 'me'. :P

#33
Posted 03/03/2010 12:47 PM   
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1011437' date='Mar 3 2010, 01:47 PM']Like I've said before, if you want a 120Hz LCD right now, you're going to have to compromise. You won't get stunning image quality AND ultra fast response in the same panel. So there's two options: get a different panel for each 'need', or decide which is more important and compromise on the other. (ok, ok, actually I did neither, so there's a third option: I hacked the panel to suit both needs ... :D )

You're disappointed at the downsides of the Acer, as you'd pretty much decided to get one. Well, perhaps it's a good thing you read about this here before you got it, in stead of it was you posting it here before RMAing the display ;)
Do note that not everyone will be as disappointed by the IQ loss as a result of the OD, so some will be happy with it on all the time anyway. Those 'some' just do not include 'me'. :P[/quote]

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy I saw this before I bought it expecting more out of it. I might still get it - I haven't decided yet. I'd like to see it live for myself before deciding but I don't think any shops around here will stock it so it's gonna be difficult.

I made this image really quickly. If you get the time could you take a photo of it at normal viewing distance and maybe a couple of close ups like you did on the youtube logo? With overdrive on of course. Would be great to have something to compare to what it looks like on my current monitor.

[img]http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8038/colorstest.jpg[/img]

Font sizes are 16 and 10 if anyone wonders.
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1011437' date='Mar 3 2010, 01:47 PM']Like I've said before, if you want a 120Hz LCD right now, you're going to have to compromise. You won't get stunning image quality AND ultra fast response in the same panel. So there's two options: get a different panel for each 'need', or decide which is more important and compromise on the other. (ok, ok, actually I did neither, so there's a third option: I hacked the panel to suit both needs ... :D )



You're disappointed at the downsides of the Acer, as you'd pretty much decided to get one. Well, perhaps it's a good thing you read about this here before you got it, in stead of it was you posting it here before RMAing the display ;)

Do note that not everyone will be as disappointed by the IQ loss as a result of the OD, so some will be happy with it on all the time anyway. Those 'some' just do not include 'me'. :P



Don't get me wrong, I'm happy I saw this before I bought it expecting more out of it. I might still get it - I haven't decided yet. I'd like to see it live for myself before deciding but I don't think any shops around here will stock it so it's gonna be difficult.



I made this image really quickly. If you get the time could you take a photo of it at normal viewing distance and maybe a couple of close ups like you did on the youtube logo? With overdrive on of course. Would be great to have something to compare to what it looks like on my current monitor.



Image



Font sizes are 16 and 10 if anyone wonders.

#34
Posted 03/03/2010 05:21 PM   
[quote name='era909' post='1011621' date='Mar 3 2010, 07:21 PM']I made this image really quickly. If you get the time could you take a photo of it at normal viewing distance and maybe a couple of close ups like you did on the youtube logo? With overdrive on of course. Would be great to have something to compare to what it looks like on my current monitor.[/quote]
Well, I took the snaps. Don't judge them on color quality, you're looking at what my camera sees on your display - will never look the same.

Here's the snaps (clicktop bar for the full version)

[img]http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8215/img4316a.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9074/img4317.jpg[/img]

Good luck!
[quote name='era909' post='1011621' date='Mar 3 2010, 07:21 PM']I made this image really quickly. If you get the time could you take a photo of it at normal viewing distance and maybe a couple of close ups like you did on the youtube logo? With overdrive on of course. Would be great to have something to compare to what it looks like on my current monitor.

Well, I took the snaps. Don't judge them on color quality, you're looking at what my camera sees on your display - will never look the same.



Here's the snaps (clicktop bar for the full version)



Image

Image



Good luck!

#35
Posted 03/03/2010 09:21 PM   
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1011765' date='Mar 3 2010, 10:21 PM']Well, I took the snaps. Don't judge them on color quality, you're looking at what my camera sees on your display - will never look the same.[/quote]

Yeah, I know they won't look the same but it'll give an indication of how visible the halos are. On those pictures it doesn't look as bad as on the youtube logo. Certain colors seem to produce more of the effect than others but overall it was better than I thought it would be. Might just give it a try myself and see what it looks like in person - if it's no worse than on those images I can put up with it.

Many thanks for your help.

ETA:

It just struck me that since the text on those images were made with a standard font they don't have the sharp edges like the youtube logo where it goes from black to grey in one pixel. These fonts have a sort of shadowed pixel in between the true black and the background. If you read a text document or a webpage where the text is written normally does it produce as noticeable an effect as the youtube logo or does that one stand out?

I drew two 1 pixel wide lines on the image. Are the white borders more noticeable on those than on the text?

[img]http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3249/colorstest2.jpg[/img]

Sorry for being annoying, I appreciate the help. :)
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1011765' date='Mar 3 2010, 10:21 PM']Well, I took the snaps. Don't judge them on color quality, you're looking at what my camera sees on your display - will never look the same.



Yeah, I know they won't look the same but it'll give an indication of how visible the halos are. On those pictures it doesn't look as bad as on the youtube logo. Certain colors seem to produce more of the effect than others but overall it was better than I thought it would be. Might just give it a try myself and see what it looks like in person - if it's no worse than on those images I can put up with it.



Many thanks for your help.



ETA:



It just struck me that since the text on those images were made with a standard font they don't have the sharp edges like the youtube logo where it goes from black to grey in one pixel. These fonts have a sort of shadowed pixel in between the true black and the background. If you read a text document or a webpage where the text is written normally does it produce as noticeable an effect as the youtube logo or does that one stand out?



I drew two 1 pixel wide lines on the image. Are the white borders more noticeable on those than on the text?



Image



Sorry for being annoying, I appreciate the help. :)

#36
Posted 03/03/2010 10:45 PM   
[quote name='era909' post='1011808' date='Mar 4 2010, 12:45 AM']Sorry for being annoying, I appreciate the help. :)[/quote]
Don't worry about it.

[img]http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8619/img4318g.jpg[/img]

I can tell you the whitish halo is a little more pronounced around the sharp contrasting line, you can easily spot it on the grey and pink background. It's more visible on the right side. On the left, it looks pretty good mostly, except for the red and dark red backgrounds - there it looks a little blurred, must be a blackish halo...
[quote name='era909' post='1011808' date='Mar 4 2010, 12:45 AM']Sorry for being annoying, I appreciate the help. :)

Don't worry about it.



Image



I can tell you the whitish halo is a little more pronounced around the sharp contrasting line, you can easily spot it on the grey and pink background. It's more visible on the right side. On the left, it looks pretty good mostly, except for the red and dark red backgrounds - there it looks a little blurred, must be a blackish halo...

#37
Posted 03/04/2010 11:18 PM   
Agreed. It's the contrast in colours where it stuggles, and maybe with slightly larger fonts. I notice it mainly in my explorer tabs or any kind of header really. Normal type in this forum is perfect, although I do use a skin. I've still not got the OD disable hack to work.. Will have to go over Appelsaps instructions again.
Agreed. It's the contrast in colours where it stuggles, and maybe with slightly larger fonts. I notice it mainly in my explorer tabs or any kind of header really. Normal type in this forum is perfect, although I do use a skin. I've still not got the OD disable hack to work.. Will have to go over Appelsaps instructions again.

#38
Posted 03/05/2010 03:16 AM   
I've found that using 100 Hz in stead of 120 Hz really decreases the amount of visible ghosting - much better imo. The first minute or so I can notice the flickering of the screen (each eye will be at 50Hz then), but I'm not bothered by it.
I've updated the review in the first post to reflect this.
I've found that using 100 Hz in stead of 120 Hz really decreases the amount of visible ghosting - much better imo. The first minute or so I can notice the flickering of the screen (each eye will be at 50Hz then), but I'm not bothered by it.

I've updated the review in the first post to reflect this.

#39
Posted 03/09/2010 11:34 AM   
I use 85Hz on my monitor (since the last few drivers haven't let me use any more) and the flickering doesn't bother me at all... I would be much happier using lower refresh rates in turn to get less ghosting...
I use 85Hz on my monitor (since the last few drivers haven't let me use any more) and the flickering doesn't bother me at all... I would be much happier using lower refresh rates in turn to get less ghosting...

Twitter: @Dr_Inkduff

<b>Processor:</b> Intel Core i7 920 D0 (4Ghz) <b>Motherboard:</b> ASUS P6T

<b>Memory:</b> 6GB DDR3 RAM (Kingston) <b>Graphics:</b> GTX 260 (216 cores, physX); EVGA GTX 480 SC

<b>OS:</b> Win7 Home Premium 64-bit / Vista Home Premium 64-bit

<b>Hard Disks:</b> 750GB + 500GB <b>Tower:</b> Antec 'Twelve Hundred' Gaming Tower

<b>Monitors:</b> 24" ACER GD245HQbd 120Hz 1920*1080 + 22" widescreen LCD 1680x1050

http://bit.ly/Bluesteel

#40
Posted 03/09/2010 12:02 PM   
I've just bought gd245hq.
It rules, although I come from a ghost-full CRT, so the improvement is clearly huge.
Ty Appelsap!
I've just bought gd245hq.

It rules, although I come from a ghost-full CRT, so the improvement is clearly huge.

Ty Appelsap!

#41
Posted 03/10/2010 09:44 AM   
Applesap,

thanks a lot for your great review - much appreciated.

I have bought three (3) GD245HQs for use with nVidia GTX480 when they finally start shipping. For time being I use an old 8-series nVidia (so no 3d for now). Overall I am happy with the three monitors, especially after rack-mounting them side-by-side on a Chief they look impressive (no more orange feet - which were much to low anyway).

I too am not very happy with their 2D desktop performance - they appear to be too bright and more tiring to look at then my old Samsung Synchmaster 245B. I will try to calibrate them using eye-one and let you know if that changes anything (apart from colours of course). Windows 7 Cleartype helps a little bit, but reading remains sub-optimal.

Unfortunately disabling overdrive in the menu has not made any change to me - what firmware are you running?

thanks
Applesap,



thanks a lot for your great review - much appreciated.



I have bought three (3) GD245HQs for use with nVidia GTX480 when they finally start shipping. For time being I use an old 8-series nVidia (so no 3d for now). Overall I am happy with the three monitors, especially after rack-mounting them side-by-side on a Chief they look impressive (no more orange feet - which were much to low anyway).



I too am not very happy with their 2D desktop performance - they appear to be too bright and more tiring to look at then my old Samsung Synchmaster 245B. I will try to calibrate them using eye-one and let you know if that changes anything (apart from colours of course). Windows 7 Cleartype helps a little bit, but reading remains sub-optimal.



Unfortunately disabling overdrive in the menu has not made any change to me - what firmware are you running?



thanks

#42
Posted 03/14/2010 09:52 AM   
I think the firmware would be the list of numbers at the bottom of the service menu screen? It says:
[b]GD245HQ MH M002 1215[/b]

I've reported back to Acer it really s*cks that the brightness jumps back to it's default value (77) every time the monitor doesn't get a signal, even if it's just for a millisec to switch resolutions or to flash the screen (something UAC does). I have to push the buttons or use the Acer software to set it to my prefs again at a much lower brightness. Quite annoying.

Another interesting thing I've found is that the bright halo I've described in my review, which disappears when disabling the OD, is only present in the left half of the panel. When I move the window around, I can see the halo's magically disappear on the right hand side, as if the left and right part of the screen are separate. I've yet to find out whether or not I have a faulty panel, or it's to do with the hardware and/or firmware. I'll make a video of it when I have more time.
I think the firmware would be the list of numbers at the bottom of the service menu screen? It says:

GD245HQ MH M002 1215



I've reported back to Acer it really s*cks that the brightness jumps back to it's default value (77) every time the monitor doesn't get a signal, even if it's just for a millisec to switch resolutions or to flash the screen (something UAC does). I have to push the buttons or use the Acer software to set it to my prefs again at a much lower brightness. Quite annoying.



Another interesting thing I've found is that the bright halo I've described in my review, which disappears when disabling the OD, is only present in the left half of the panel. When I move the window around, I can see the halo's magically disappear on the right hand side, as if the left and right part of the screen are separate. I've yet to find out whether or not I have a faulty panel, or it's to do with the hardware and/or firmware. I'll make a video of it when I have more time.

#43
Posted 03/14/2010 10:13 PM   
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1019367' date='Mar 14 2010, 11:13 PM']I think the firmware would be the list of numbers at the bottom of the service menu screen? It says:
[b]GD245HQ MH M002 1215[/b]

I've reported back to Acer it really s*cks that the brightness jumps back to it's default value (77) every time the monitor doesn't get a signal, even if it's just for a millisec to switch resolutions or to flash the screen (something UAC does). I have to push the buttons or use the Acer software to set it to my prefs again at a much lower brightness. Quite annoying.

Another interesting thing I've found is that the bright halo I've described in my review, which disappears when disabling the OD, is only present in the left half of the panel. When I move the window around, I can see the halo's magically disappear on the right hand side, as if the left and right part of the screen are separate. I've yet to find out whether or not I have a faulty panel, or it's to do with the hardware and/or firmware. I'll make a video of it when I have more time.[/quote]

Applesap, i have same firmware. Do you know what any of the other settings are?

Moreover the halo i have is on all three monitors everywhere on the screen - it's like using a vga cable instead of dvi. any ideas?

thanks
c
[quote name='Appelsap' post='1019367' date='Mar 14 2010, 11:13 PM']I think the firmware would be the list of numbers at the bottom of the service menu screen? It says:

GD245HQ MH M002 1215



I've reported back to Acer it really s*cks that the brightness jumps back to it's default value (77) every time the monitor doesn't get a signal, even if it's just for a millisec to switch resolutions or to flash the screen (something UAC does). I have to push the buttons or use the Acer software to set it to my prefs again at a much lower brightness. Quite annoying.



Another interesting thing I've found is that the bright halo I've described in my review, which disappears when disabling the OD, is only present in the left half of the panel. When I move the window around, I can see the halo's magically disappear on the right hand side, as if the left and right part of the screen are separate. I've yet to find out whether or not I have a faulty panel, or it's to do with the hardware and/or firmware. I'll make a video of it when I have more time.



Applesap, i have same firmware. Do you know what any of the other settings are?



Moreover the halo i have is on all three monitors everywhere on the screen - it's like using a vga cable instead of dvi. any ideas?



thanks

c

#44
Posted 03/15/2010 08:50 AM   
[quote name='csaba73' post='1019591' date='Mar 15 2010, 10:50 AM']Applesap, i have same firmware. Do you know what any of the other settings are?[/quote]

Well, first there are the panel gain/offset settings for the different pixels (red-green-blue), I'm not touching those. There's all at 0 anyway.
Then there's the Warm/Cool presets, you could change that, I'm not interested in those either. Mine are: 127-125-127 for warm and 105-113-127 for cool.

Next is the panel type (CMO M236-L02), language (EMEA), Acer's color management which can be controlled in the user on-screen-display, it turns itself off regularly too btw (Off).
The EDID WP is about Extended Display Identification Data. The monitor has info about what sort of display it is and what sort of input it can handle. This is sent to the computer through the DVI connection. My guess is the WP means Write Protection - turning it off would enable you to alter the EDID info in the monitor. It should be On however.

Panel Span 75 and Step 488, DDR Span 833 and Step 11 - dunno what that is about, not touching those.
OD is the pixel OverDrive, turn it Off or On (mine is off most of the time ;)
HPD - was On, tried Off, didn't notice any difference, no clue what that is for.

Reset - I wonder... :rolleyes:
[quote name='csaba73' post='1019591' date='Mar 15 2010, 10:50 AM']Applesap, i have same firmware. Do you know what any of the other settings are?



Well, first there are the panel gain/offset settings for the different pixels (red-green-blue), I'm not touching those. There's all at 0 anyway.

Then there's the Warm/Cool presets, you could change that, I'm not interested in those either. Mine are: 127-125-127 for warm and 105-113-127 for cool.



Next is the panel type (CMO M236-L02), language (EMEA), Acer's color management which can be controlled in the user on-screen-display, it turns itself off regularly too btw (Off).

The EDID WP is about Extended Display Identification Data. The monitor has info about what sort of display it is and what sort of input it can handle. This is sent to the computer through the DVI connection. My guess is the WP means Write Protection - turning it off would enable you to alter the EDID info in the monitor. It should be On however.



Panel Span 75 and Step 488, DDR Span 833 and Step 11 - dunno what that is about, not touching those.

OD is the pixel OverDrive, turn it Off or On (mine is off most of the time ;)

HPD - was On, tried Off, didn't notice any difference, no clue what that is for.



Reset - I wonder... :rolleyes:

#45
Posted 03/15/2010 04:40 PM   
  3 / 16    
Scroll To Top