BenQ V2420H review

Photos
We looked at some pictures in the Photo preset and found that the BenQ lacks sharpness and has a green tint in faces and environments. The sRGB preset provided the best photo picture quality in terms of accurate colors and clarity. Still, the PX2370 looked better overall, with even more accurate colors and clarity.

Viewing angle
The optimal viewing angle for a monitor is usually directly in front of it, about a quarter of the screen's distance down from the top. At this angle, you're viewing the colors as the manufacturer intended them. Most manufacturers don't make monitors for viewing from any other angle. Depending on its panel type, picture quality at nonoptimal angles varies. Most monitors use TN panels that get overly bright or overly dark in parts of the screen when viewed from nonoptimal angles. The BenQ V2420H uses a TN panel, and when we view it from the sides, we perceived the screen to darken about 6 inches off from center, which is a typical viewing angle limit for a TN-based monitor. At default settings, the PX2370 had a typical viewing angle threshold; however, it includes extra features that improve viewing from specific angles. The BenQ V2420H doesn't include these features.

Recommended settings and use
For general use and when watching movies on the BenQ V2420H, we find the Standard preset is optimal--just adjust its contrast setting to 42. For photo editing and games, the sRGB preset works best.

As with most TN-based monitors, you shouldn't use the BenQ V2420H if you need accurate color reproduction; however, the monitor is good for watching movies, playing games, and for general use. If you have stringent color needs, we suggest you narrow your search to IPS or PVA-based panels only. The Dell UltraSharp U2711 is a good place to start.

Juice box
BenQ V2420H	Average watts per hour
On (default luminance)	23.7
On (max luminance)	23.7
On (min luminance)	10.3
Sleep	1.2
Calibrated (200 cd/m2)	21.7
Annual power consumption cost	$7.90
Score	Good

Power consumption
The BenQ V2420H has good power consumption rate, with a Default/On power draw of 23.7 watts, compared with the PX2370's power draw of 25.01 watts in the same test. The power consumption delta was much higher in our Sleep/Standby test, with the PX2370 pulling ahead with 0.27 watts and the Asus MS238H drawing more than four times as much power with 1.2 watts. With both monitor's center point calibrated to 200 candelas per square meter, the PX2370 draws 19.9 watts, while the V2420H draws 21.7 watts. Based on our formula, the BenQ V2420H cost $7.90 per year to power, compared with the PX2370's $7.65 annual power cost..

Find out more about how we test LCD monitors.

Service and support
BenQ backs the V2420H with a standard three-year parts and labor warranty that also includes support for the backlight. As long as you're under warranty, BenQ provides free phone support weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific. Currently, the monitor's user manual, drivers, and additional software are not available on BenQ's Web site.