BenQ E2400HD
Manufacturer: BenQ America Corp. Part number: E2400HD
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The BenQ E2400HD is a 24-inch monitor that sacrifices features for price, but doesn't have enough going for it to best its competition.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eCOST.com | ![]() | | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/27/2009 |
CNET editors' review
BenQ E2400HD price range: $372.99
- Reviewed by: Eric Franklin
- Edited by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 02/11/2009
The good: Low price; good performance in games and movies at optimal viewing angle; built-in speakers and headphone jack; solid footstand prevents wobbling.
The bad: Black level not as deep as we prefer; bad lower viewing angle; lack of ergonomic support; includes only a VGA cable.
The bottom line: The BenQ E2400HD is a 24-inch monitor that sacrifices features for price, but doesn't have enough going for it to best its competition.
If you're looking for a low-priced 24-inch monitor, the BenQ E2400HD comes close to, but can't beat out, the Dell S2409W. For as little as $300, the BenQ E2400HD gives you VGA, DVI, and HDMI connections, great games and movies performance, and a redesigned footstand that virtually prevents any wobbling. Compared with the $690, 24-inch Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP, the BenQ lacks connection options and ergonomic features, its onscreen display (OSD) is less intuitive, and its black level in movies is not as deep. If price is your focus, the BenQ E2400HD provides good quality for the money, but ultimately we recommend the Dell S2409W over the BenQ.
Design and features
The BenQ E2400HD's bezel is a glossy reflective black that measures just 0.8 inch on all sides. Along the bottom of the bezel is a gray "lip" that extends 0.7 inch with a raised silver BenQ logo on the middle and a green LED power button on the far right. The panel is just over an inch deep, which is longer than the Dell S2409W; however, this is still shorter than most 24-inchers. A thin 3-centimeter strip wraps around the outer end of the panel, bringing the panel width to 22.9 inches. That's an average width for a monitor this size.
The footstand continues the glossy motif and is shaped, appropriately enough, like a foot, including a heel. The footstand is 7.5 inches long, and nearly 8 inches wide. Thanks to its foot-like shape, the display has a very solid foundation and does not wobble one bit when we knock it around, unlike the S2409W.
As mentioned previously, the BenQ E2400HD costs as little as $300, but not without some sacrifices. To get the price that low, BenQ skimped on a few ergonomic features, including screen height adjustment, rotation, and pivoting. The screen tilts back 20 degrees and forward 5 degrees, but that--and a hole in the display's neck to route your cables--are the only ergonomic benefits you get.
The BenQ E2400HD's connection options include the video connection trifecta of VGA, DVI, and HDMI. Although the VGA and HDMI are easy to reach, the DVI port sits just a little too close to the display's neck to rule out hand cramping when connecting the cable. Sadly, BenQ only includes a single VGA cable with the monitor, so if you don't want to risk hand cramping, you'll have to invest further.
On the E2400HD's left side at the middle is an easy-to-reach headphone jack. To complement this, the monitor also includes built-in speakers.
The OSD button labels are located on the bottom right side of the bezel and consist of five buttons (located on the right side of the panel): an Auto button, a Menu button, an Up button, a Down button, and an Enter button. Calibrating the display using the OSD is easy, but the room must be light enough to see the labels. Thankfully, the buttons are flush with the panel and have enough space between them that they can be easily differentiated by touch as long as you've memorized the layout.
Of course, if you'd rather not deal with the sometimes headache-inducing process of calibration, the OSD includes five preset modes including Standard, Movie, RGB, Dynamics, and Photo. Each mode alters the brightness, contrast, sharpness, hue, color saturation, and color temperature of the monitor in an attempt to make it more suited for the task at hand.
We found that the Standard preset was the best all-around setting for movies. The Movie preset's picture is over-tuned to the point that dithering was noticeable and details that should be smooth looked slightly bumpy instead. For games, we preferred the Standard preset.
The OSD interface is the same used in BenQ's previous model, the
The most-touted feature of the 24-inch BenQ E2400HD is its 16:9 aspect ratio, which supports a resolution of 1,920x1,080. BenQ and other vendors refer to monitors capable of this resolution as "Full HD" monitors, which is interesting given that a 16:10 24-incher would have an even higher native resolution of 1,920x1,200, but we digress. More and more monitor vendors arestarting to move toward 16:9, from 16:10, mainly because hi-def content, in particular 1080p movies, can fit onto a 1,920x1,080 screen without necessitating that the image being stretched or scrunched.
Manufacturer's specs:
Resolution: 1,920x1,080
Pixel-response rate: 2ms
Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Connectivity: HDMI, DVI, VGA
HDCP compliant? Yes
Included video cables? VGA
Performance
We tested the BenQ E2400HD with its DVI connection. The display posted a composite score of 85 on CNET Labs' DisplayMate-based performance tests compared with the 24-inch Dell S2409W's score of 87. The two displays exhibited similar performance in most of the DisplayMate test screens, but the Dell scored slightly better in our color tracking tests as it exhibited no noticeable compression or expansion at the dark or light ends of the color scale. A color-tracking error occurs when the intensity of red, green, and blue (RGB) do not adjust identically with signal-level changes. During two color tests, Low Saturation Colors and 64-256 Intensity Color Ramp, the BenQ showed clear signs of expansion at the light end of the scale, while the Dell displayed the colors in the scale smoothly.
The BenQ E2400HD posted a brightness score of 246 candelas per square meters (cd/m2), according to our test, which is lower than the 300 cd/m2 maximum claimed by BenQ. The Dell S2409W came in just below it with a 242 cd/m2 brightness rating. The BenQ missed its vendor's 1,000:1 contrast ratio claim by more than 100, scoring an 892:1. Contrast ratio was more favoring to the Dell as we measured it at a 1,001:1 contrast ratio, virtually the same as Dell's claimed 1,000:1 rating.
World of Warcraft is really starting to try my patience, because of the way the game behaves during monitor testing. It behaves darn near perfectly on nearly every monitor, including the BenQ E2400HD. Colors are vibrant and the polygonal models move smoothly without any streaking or ghosting. Curses to Blizzard for creating such a scalable game that, while good for the gamer, is bad for me, the tester. The game is just wearing out its usefulness as a test basis that can really highlight the differences in monitors.
Having said that, when viewing the game from a lower-than-optimal viewing angle, the screen darkened to the point where graphic details could not be seen--typical of most TN panels. See the paragraph at the bottom of this section for more details on viewing angle.
When watching our favorite test scenes in the Kill Bill Vol. 1 DVD on the BenQ E2400HD, we noticed that its performance was virtually identical to the Dell S2409W's. Colors were vibrant, but didn't have the same kind of pop like we saw with the Apple LED Cinema Display. The blacks were deep without losing any dark details in dark scenes, though not quite as deep as the Dell's. We didn't notice any streaking or ghosting and the screen remained sharp for a DVD.
The 1080p Blu-ray version of House of Flying Daggers looked great for the same reasons stated above; however, we didn't notice any quality advantage to the screen's 16:9 aspect ratio.
The built-in speakers produce decent sound, but even at maximum volume we were disappointed that the decibel level did not go high enough. In addition, the low level of bass made the audio sound tinny at times.
We determined that the best settings for watching games and movies on the BenQ E2400HD was Standard preset mode, with a contrast of 36, and the brightness set at your discretion. We settled on a 92 for brightness.
The optimal viewing angle for a monitor is usually directly in front, about a quarter of the screen's distance down from the top. At this angle, you're viewing the colors and gamma correction as they were intended. Most monitors are not made to be viewed at any other angle. Depending on its panel type, picture quality at nonoptimal angles varies. Most monitors use TN panels, which get overly bright or overly dark in parts of the screen when viewed from nonoptimal angles. Both the Dell S2409W and the BenQ E2400HD displays use TN panels, and when they are viewed from the side angles, the screens appeared to darken only slightly. When viewed from the bottom the screen darkened immediately but not as dramatically as some smaller monitors like the Gateway HD1900 and the Samsung SyncMaster 953BW. Of course, when viewed from the optimal angle, we had no problems.
| BenQ E2400HD | Avg watts per hour |
| On (Default Luminance) | 41.56 |
| On (Max Luminance) | 42.64 |
| On (Min Luminance) | 17.2 |
| Sleep | 0.53 |
| Calibrated (200cd/m2) | 37 |
| Score | Good |
| Annual energy cost (@$0.1135/kWh) | $12.76 |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test LCD monitors
Service and support
BenQ backs the E2400HD with a three-year parts-and-labor warranty, which also includes support for the backlight. Free phone support (as long as you are under warranty) is provided Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PST, but there is no weekend phone support like Dell provides for the S2409W. The user manual is on the included CD, but BenQ's Web site only has the warranty information available for download.
User reviews
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Awesome Monitor for everyone to be recommended to use!
by Johnville on June 25, 2009
Pros: This monitor was great for me as I wanted a 24 inch that was Full HD, 1080p, 16:9 display, HDMI and DVI connectivity all for under $350 dollars, and thankfully the BenQ E2400HD was capable of delivering such to my needs!
Cons: I think the design of the monitor could be changed a bit, I mean I didn't know but only after I bought the E2400HD I saw the new G series from BenQ, they look so much nicer! But functionality-wise the E series is just as great!
Summary: I must say, having this monitor for the past 6 months has really changed my life drastically. I used to use my tiny 15 inch CRT monitor, and finally decided ...
Summary: I must say, having this monitor for the past 6 months has really changed my life drastically. I used to use my tiny 15 inch CRT monitor, and finally decided to go for the jump into a 24 inch; wow, what a difference did it make! Now I don't ever have to leave my room! I use my BenQ E2400HD for movies, for my PS3, for PC gaming, for work, and of course web surfing. The 24inch makes everything so much clearer. I mean I understand it was a big jump from a 15" to a 24", but the difference is extremely awesome! I mean I was looking at some Samsung and Dell monitors, but I picked the BenQ instead after reading numerous great reviews about the monitor, and must I say, it is a great monitor! I don't notice any ghosting, as that sounded like a problem with some brands.
I'm quite surprise to hear that the first user, commented about the monitor in the sense that BenQ has such a unresponsive customer service. Fortunately, I have not encountered any problems yet, so I have nothing to complain about. But for other users, you can see that the 1st user was also very satisfied with the functions and the output of the E2400HD! So you see, it is a great monitor! It's fun to use, great money value, just hope you don't get a faulty version! -
The monitor broke down twice in 3 months of use.
by helenkung on March 4, 2009
Pros: When working, the monitor had good colour, picture, and sharpness. The price was attractive compared to similar products.
Cons: The monitor broke down after 6 weeks and Benq took almost a month to repair it. It broke down a second time after only 7 weeks of use after the repair. Benq has refused to replace it or refund my money. Their customer service has been poor.
Summary: It the monitor worked reliably, the monitor would be a good choice. I was happy with the performance while it worked but the fact that it failed twice in 3 ...
Summary: It the monitor worked reliably, the monitor would be a good choice. I was happy with the performance while it worked but the fact that it failed twice in 3 months of use is very disappointing. Morevoer, Benq's inability to resolve the issue satisfactorily has been very frustrating. A product that fails twice in such a short period of time is defective and not acceptable performance. I can accept that the monitor I purchased happened to be the dud that got past their quality control, but if this is so, Benq should be much more proactive about resolving the issue to my satisfaction.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: BenQ America Corp.
- Part number: E2400HD
- Description: The impressive monitor gives you the ultimate freedom in the digital realm, allowing you to surf the cyber space at ease and connect to the video outputs such as HD camcorder, PS3, Blu-ray DVD and MOD. What is more, the incredible 100% dot-to-dot image quality of Full HD resolution relieves you of the discomfort caused by picture distortions and black bars, allowing you to fully indulge yourself in the world of digital entertainment. E2400HD - supported by 1080p HDMI interface and a 5Gbps digital transit - connect you to a variety of digital multimedia services such as HD DVD players and the gaming consoles. So enjoy the dot-to-dot high quality image in all the digital video and audio performances!
General
- Display Type LCD display / TFT active matrix
- Width 23 in
- Depth 7.8 in
- Height 17.8 in
- Weight 15.4 lbs
- Enclosure Color Glossy black
Image
- Image Color Temperature Adjustable
- Display (projector) image aspect ratio 16:9
- Image brightness 300 cd/m2
- Image Contrast Ratio 1000:1 / 10000:1 (dynamic)
- Max horizontal view angle 170
- Max vertical view angle 160
Display
- Diagonal Size 24 in - Widescreen
- Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch 0.276 mm
- Max Resolution 1920 x 1080
- Video Format 1080p (FullHD)
- Color Support 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Max Sync Rate (V x H) 76 Hz x 83 KHz
- Video Bandwidth 205 MHz
- Response Time 2 ms
- Typical Response Time 5 ms (typical); 2 ms (gray-to-gray)
- Display Positions Adjustments Tilt
- Video Output None
- Signal Input HDMI, DVI-D, VGA
- Features HDCP, Senseye+Photo Image Technology, Advanced Motion Accelerator (AMA) technology
Video Input
- Analog Video Signal RGB
- Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
Audio Output
- Type Speaker(s) - Stereo - Integrated
- Sound Output Mode:Output Power / Channel 1 Watt
Input Device
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x DVI-D, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Audio line-in, 1 x Headphones
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x Audio cable, 1 x VGA cable
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Compliant Standards TCO '03
Power
- Power device form factor Internal
Sustainability
- CNET Labs: Operational power consumption 41.56 Watt
- CNET Labs: Power consumption Stand by / Sleep 0.53 Watt
- CNET Labs: Estimated Annual Energy Cost 12.77 US Dollars
Manufacturer info
- BenQ America Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse BenQ America Corp. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.benq.com/
- Address:
20480 E. Business Parkway, City of Industry, CA - Phone: 949-255-9500
- Email: benqcs.us@benq.com
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