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Shall I return my PA246Q?

10K views 24 replies 9 participants last post by  libertysky 
#1 ·
I recently ordered my new computer, and for my display I chose the ASUS PA246Q. My friend had one, and I was impressed. Unfortunately, I recently discovered that ASUS is planning to release an updated monitor that improves upon the current model, the PA248Q. Since there is little discussion on it, I figured I would ask the golden question: should I return my monitor upon it arriving, and wait on the new PA248Q? I suppose it all depends on release date, and I cannot find any news on it. Any help, and opinions welcome!
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#2 ·
I would return it and wait, the PA248Q should be better.
 
#4 ·
Most of the newer LED back-lit IPS panels (Dell U2412, HP ZR2440) have much better contrast/black levels (1000:1 vs <700:1=greyish blacks, washed out dark scenes) than the older wide gamut CCFL lit models like the Dell U2410 and PA246Q which use the same panel.....

Return it and wait.
 
#5 ·
I agree with the waiting if you're up to it.
I am looking for a new monitor also - was sincerely looking at the PA246Q myself until I noticed that his younger brother, the PA248Q, is due to be released sometime in July 2012 from what I've been able to find out.
http://www.asus.com/Display/LCD_Monitors/PA248Q/#specifications

Got me a new rig, chose each component myself, and now need a fairly decent monitor to go with it - trouble from my side is the lack of room - a 24" would necessarily be the max space I can use. The PA248Q should come out around the 600-650 mark if I gauge it correctly, any more and I'd be disappointed. I am patiently waiting to see its official release - you wouldn't believe what I'm stuck with right now for monitor. - AG NEOVO F-417, that's right, 17" - patience, PATIENCE... !
 
#6 ·
Digital Versus has reviewed the PA248Q, it's a tincy bit better than its predecessor, but the HP ZR2440w and Dell U2412 are still better.

http://www.digitalversus.com/lcd-monitor/asus-pa248q-p13430/test.html

Wide gamut displays are a waste of money for general use, games and movies, especially since they over saturate colours and can make things such as skin tones look unnatural.

The HP and Dell mentioned above are sRGB displays and have much better black levels/contrast than wide gamut displays like the Asus PA24xQ's and Dell U2410
 
#7 ·
Dell UltraSharp U2412m
Response Time : 8 ms
Brightness : 300 cd/m2
True Resolution : 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz
Color Support 16.7 million colors
e-IPS (Enhanced IPS - 2009)

The out of the box colors are subtly off. For example skin tones, appear pinkish, grass looked a tad washed out and some reds are over exaggerated.

Tendency to display noticeable ghosting in many fast paced games. Even when in game mode, it occurred from time to time. It was never enough to be distracting and unless you are actively looking for it you may never notice it.
When watching movies but still exhibits ghosting every now and then. Even when calibrated, the monitor's blue shift did creep in every now and then for movies.

(hardwarecanucks - We consider it to be a bridge between high fidelity, expensive professional grade monitors and the run of the mill panels that use TN technology. It may take a bit of massaging to get this monitor to play nice.)

HP ZR2440w
Response Time : 6ms
Brightness : (typical) 350 cd/m²
Image Contrast Ratio : 1000:1 / 2000000:1 (dynamic)
True Resolution : 1920x1200
Color Support 16.7 million colors
e-IPS (Enhanced IPS - 2009)
I/O Ports, Signal Input : DVI-D, DisplayPort, USB 2.0 upstream ( Type B ), USB 2.0 downstream, HDMI, Audio line-out, SPDIF output
(earned a score of Very Good from pcworld)

Asus PA248Q
Response Time : 6ms
Brightness : 300 cd/m²
ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio (ASCR) : 80000000:1 - (750:1 according to digitalversus)
True Resolution : 1920x1200
Color Support 16.7 million colors
I/O Ports, Signal Input : HDMI , D-Sub, DisplayPort, DVI-D, Audio Output : HDMI 1.3, Earphone jack : 3.5mm Mini-Jack, USB Port(s) : 1 x upstream, 4 x downstream
The World's First Monitor with Four USB 3.0 Ports

I have already seen the digitalversus review that compares the PA248Q with the PA246Q . (still an improvement over what is an award winning monitor already - Editors' Choice Award from cnet, etc.)
The Asus PA248Q is not a wide gamut monitor at the usual 16.7 million colors.

There is no way the Dell UltraSharp U2412m is better, that is totally subjective, and quite erroneous if I do say so. "The U2412M just can't compete against Dell's own U2410 or many other 24" IPS-based displays on the market, nor was it ever meant to." (hardwarecanucks)
digitalversus even mentions that on the Dell U2412M you can't get rid of the reverse ghosting, as one of the cons in their review !
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The HP ZR2440w has USB 2.0 ports. 97% (CIE 1931) color gamut, 72% (CIE 1931) color gamut, HDCP, 84% (CIE 1976) color gamut. "Grayscale performance could be better. No auto-pivot. Slight motion blur" - pcmag. "Its color gamut isn't as wide as it's predecessor's" - proreview.

"the Dell U2412M which is perhaps the ZR2440w's most logical competitor. It uses a very similar panel (LM240WU8-SLA2) to the ZR2440w and is another IPS + W-LED offering in the 24" sector."

"The HP ZR2440w showed an average display input lag of 20ms. The similarly spec'd Dell U2412M was low at 9.4ms average."
"The lag of the HP ZR2440w screen has been categorised as CLASS 2. This should be fine for most moderate gaming still but for those wanting to play fast FPS it might prove an issue in some cases."
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"The ZR2440w has a RRP of £378 GBP (inc VAT) and can be found for ~£345 in the UK. This does put it a little more expensive than the popular Dell U2412M (£270) which is bound to draw comparisons, and is at the end of the day fairly similar in most areas."
- tftcentral.co.uk

The Asus PA248Q has USB 3.0 ports. It comes Pre-calibrated, having been pre-calibrated to minimize the color different to Delta E < 5 (Delta E is the difference between colours requested by the source and those displayed onscreen) right out of box. The PA248Q delivers 100% sRGB color reproduction, and 72% NTSC color reproduction.

Yes, we pretty much all know that the contrast ratio is moderately sub-par on the PA246Q, needs improving, and that's what the PA248Q accomplished, even if only marginally. The colour accuracy should be enough of an incentive to make up for that slight shortcoming.

All in all I just spent another few hours updating my knowledge of IPS and its Pros and Cons, and when comparing the specs of the monitors of the Dell UltraSharp U2412m and the HP ZR2440w which you, MenacingTuba, showed us. I have to say that I'm disappointed, still. I had previously dismissed the Dell UltraSharp U2412m early on in my research - I haven't changed my mind about that one, it's not even in the same category of my want list.

However, the HP ZR2440w gave me food for thought. That is, until I realized its shortcomings were essentially that it was a monitor which had much in common with the Dell.
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I would of wished you had found something for me to seriously consider but this isn't the case - I guess I'll just have to be waiting for the launch of the Asus PA248Q before I can readily make any stronger move in the purchasing of my next display ! Thanks for trying to help though.
 
#8 ·
My bad, I thought the PA248Q was also wide gamut.

You are putting far too much thought into comparing useless specs. Many are still puzzled as to how Digital Versus came up with the high response time numbers for the U2412, pretty much every other review site disagrees with them, like PRAD.de who actually measures the response time. Turning off the overdrive in the service menu gets rid of the reverse ghosting on the U2412.

http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/review/2011/review-dell-u2412m-part13.html#Response

Measured response times are very similar to the HP

http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/review/2012/review-hp-zr2440w-part8.html#Responsiveness

Asus pre-calibration is quite questionable. Their PA238Q was also supposed to come with calibrated colours but many real world owners with colorimeters like myself received awful units with much lower contrast, tons of back-light bleeding and poor gamma compared to the likely cherry picked review units. There were some people who verified this on [H]ard Forum and tons of people reported poor blacks and light bleeding on various forums. Asus can send off a cherry picked PA248Q to DV if they want, but what are "real," units like?

TFT was using the old inaccurate method for measuring input lag for their U2412 review, the actual input lag is 0.9ms (PRAD). The PA248Q's input lag is also still unknown...DV is still using the old inaccurate ways of measuring input lag so the jury is still out on the PA248Q.

Picture quality on the HP and Dell are very similar, the main advantage of the Dell is the lower input lag while the HP has more features and has been more consistent in terms of picture quality. The U2412 can easily be better than the PA248Q if it ends up having over 1 frame of input lag and consistent poor black levels like the PA246Q. If the PA248Q is as inconsistent as the PA238Q then the U2412 will be the clear winner.
 
#9 ·
I agree with a lot of the above (what MenacingTuba said). Just a few additional pointers... The RTC compensation error artifacts on the U2412M really are very slight in actuality. Whilst it would be easy to dismiss this as a 'problem' if you look at PixPerAn images taken at high shutter speeds it is not really a big issue when you actually use the monitor.

Generally the people who would consider this a problem during actual use are going to be quite sensitive to wider responsiveness issues and would probably benefit from a 120Hz TN panel monitor in that respect. It only really suffers during the kind of pace of action that would strain any IPS panel monitor and fairs much better than models with weaker pixel overdrive at slightly slower paces of action.

Also a note on the input lag. There is certainly a lot more to it than just the basal latency (what Prad.de measured as 0.9ms). If you were to compare this figure to most other measurements (often less accurate ones) from other sources you would have to take into account the pixel transitions on top of the basal latency - so that is 7.4ms as measured by Prad.de. And it's probably here nor there for the sake of this thread but the different components of this weigh in differently when considering 'felt latency'. I often see people try to compare input lag values between 120Hz TN panel monitors and IPS panel monitors thinking that the IPS panel monitor will 'feel more responsive' if the input lag is apparently lower. Just putting that out there as a word of caution.
 
#11 ·
I'll go right into what gets me here - you mentioned, MenacingTuba, "Asus can send off a cherry picked PA248Q to DV if they want, but what are "real," units like?" - frankly, I'm starting to feel quite perplexed by the possibility of that happening, especially when dealing with a multitude of factory specs.

I feel more worried about the good contrast ratios for the black levels obtained from some of these so called higher-priced IPS displays than by the Response Times. But the ghosting, slight motion blur, input lag is a constant ghost in the back of my mind too.

Whether the PA248Q comes out tomorrow or not, we all agree that the stats mean but little, actual real world testing will need to be done and examined.

And this is where I get to practice another aspect of what virtue I may possess - that one I mentioned in my first post - PATIENCE... ! PATIENCE... ! PATIENCE... !

Duly noted, PCM2, "images taken at high shutter speeds it is not really a big issue when you actually use the monitor." that's comforting to hear. "If you were to compare this figure to most other measurements (often less accurate ones) from other sources you would have to take into account the pixel transitions on top of the basal latency" - I think that is an excellent point I should have realized earlier, thanks for bringing that up, yes I agree with that totally as well.

I tell you, it's not like I want to shell-out whatever it'll cost for the PA246Q or the PA248Q but like us all we're needing to find the GRAIL of monitors. I would hope to be using it for about 3 years if I choose well enough, I expect.

I also gotta say that wide gamut has advantages too, but it seems less flexible for a "can do it all monitor" considering what the market has been able to deliver us so far. It always seems it's a question of time, there's just too many aspects of the technological world manufacturers are trying to deal with, they end up stretching themselves too thin in most regards most of the time, it seems.
 
#12 ·
I just translated a German ASUS PA248Q product page dated 14 June 2012 - now commercially available in Germany and Austria.

Specifications ASUS PA248Q ProArt
- 24.1 inches / 61.1 cm Wide Screen (16:10), WLED IPS display
- Speed of response: 6 milliseconds
- Maximum brightness: 300 cd / m
- Contrast ratio 1000:1 (native), 80,000:1 (ASCR)
- Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 (Full HD)
- Display colors: 16.7 million
- Viewing angle: 178 ° (H) / 178 ° (V)
- Ports: HDMI 1.3, DisplayPort, DVI-D, D-Sub, headphone jack, 4 x USB 3.0
- Weight: 6.4 kg
- Dimensions: 557.2 x 416.3 x 235 mm

Selling the PA248Q for 429 Euro. Roughly 551 Canadian or 535 U.S.
 
#13 ·
glad i came across this thread,,,i was allmost going to pul the trigger on a asus pa236q until i read this thread

some of the main differences between the 246 vs 248,,,,the 248 had led back lighting, and A+ ips panel....this is the same panel that dell uses in the ultrasharp u2711........

i almost bought a dell u2410, but just decided not too, seeing threads on the 246q were given bettter feedback on the asus than the dell in the photography forums......dell use to have some of the top 24 inchers around, seems like others are getting into the competition, like asus...hp had some good 24 incher in their last round, but i don,t like what i see today..

i have a dell 2408 wfp,,,,,and after looking at the asus pa246q, i thought my dell had a nicer looking ,more pleasant looking desktop, but try to find a pva panel today...everyone has went ips, espically the chearper e-ips.,,,,...

i am going to buy a 24 incher soon, in a week or 2, as right now, the pa248q is at top, unless i buy a open box nec i saw,,,,a $750 monitor marked down to $480...i also saw a new dell 2408wfp , still in the box for $378.....had thought about that too.......i would rather have a pva panel, but my choices are very limited.
 
#14 ·
wonder when the pa248q will be available in the united states.??????
 
#15 ·
http://www.shopblt.com/item/asus-24in-led-true-color-100percent/asus_pa248q.html

Bottom Line Telecom has it on a page with the note saying they're on order with an arrival date of 7/22/12. Funny thing is the price - $342.03 ?!? Tempted to order it and wait.

Here's another placeholder on Neobits website with a price of $360.

http://www.neobits.com/asus_pa248q_24_ips_led_professional_p3829879.html

And NCIX US for $339. Looks like this one's going to be a lot cheaper than the PA246Q. Wonder how they could cut $100 off the price of the old one?

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=73621&vpn=PA248Q&manufacture=ASUS
 
#16 ·
i too wonder why its cheaper........cheaper does not make sense ..unless there are some hardware changes
 
#17 ·
after looking at the pa246q, i don,t think the desktop looks as nice as my 2408wfp.....its the ips panel...i sort of prefer the va panels....prettier desktop colors in my opion...

i am seriously looking at the nec NEC Display Solutions P221W-BK 22-Inch....can get it on amazon for $389,,,,
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IWOB86/ref=asc_df_B001IWOB862077829?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B001IWOB86&hvpos=1o3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1845432829270861146&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=
the 24 inch is nice that i have...but i believe a 22inch is as big as i need...the 24inchers on a desktop is large
 
#18 ·
I always felt uncomfortable hypothesizing about the price of the PA248Q coming in at roughly the same price as its older brother, the PA246Q.
The main difference I always had in mind between the two was the color difference.

PA246Q:
is a wide gamut monitor with 1073.7M (10bit) Display Colors
Response Time : 6ms (Gray to Gray)
Brightness(Max) : 400 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: so far digitalversus tests have determined it to be at 650:1 (the average monitor stands at 850:1)

Asus PA246Q

PA248Q:
which has 16.7M Display Colors.
Response Time : 6ms (Gray to Gray)
Brightness(Max) : 300 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: so far digitalversus tests have determined it to be at 750:1 (the average monitor stands at 850:1)

Asus PA248Q

digitalversus PA248Q review

I was hoping, like most of you I guess, for more of a splash - more buck, more stronger features. The price range puts it squarely within the upper-middle IPS range for a 24" display.

But so be it. Even in that category it deserves a second look. Its price seems fair for the features it has shown the world so far.
I'm still looking to buy a display and the PA248Q is still on my list of possibilities.

I just wonder what the upcoming reviews will expose when they put it through more thorough tests. I'll be reading a few of them before I settle on a final choice.

For me the PA248Q now has a few Pros going for it:
factory calibrated colours, right out of box.
moving objects and fast-action scenes are still smooth enough. (digitalversus)
no problem with input lag. (digitalversus)

Contrast Ratio lower than the average is a definit Con for me.

£381.59 in the U.K. ($597 U.S. - $608 Can.)
€443.00 in France ($561 U.S. - $571 Can.)
30,000 Indian Rupees ($540 U.S. - $550 Can.)
South Africa ($561 U.S. - $571 Can.)

Brace yourselves - unless we get it cheaper than the rest of the world - the consensus seems to be in the mid $500 price tag !
 
#19 ·
maybe if i had a 246q i might like it., not sure....the 2408 dell has me spoiled,,,,great looking desktop and colors..i had a chance to buy a new one the other day, and blew it...i might buy a refurb, since i like em so much...and wait for the next gen of lcds.

i was looking at a dell 2208 wfp, thinking it was the same as the 2408,,,,not so, cheap tn panel...i cannot believe dell puts tn panels in there ultra sharp line
 
#22 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffredo View Post

I ordered mine on the 5th, but it won't get here until Monday.
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Damn! I wanted to be the first on the boards to have one.
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I even ordered an ASUS GTX 670 DirectCU to go with it!
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hey,,,.let us know how you like your 248q...i am very interestend to know.....they are lot cheaper than the 246.....
 
#23 ·
I want to let everyone know that I also took the plunge yesterday and acquired the ASUS PA248Q - should be getting it sometime next week. If you are in Canada I got it from DirectCanada for $334.21 - free shipping
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I made up my mind for several reasons.
I do some graphic designing and a little photo editing.
I've found very positive feedback from the PA248Q mostly.
I plan to get into gaming more, did not do much in the past.
The monitor is new to the market, like most of my recently acquired setup, modern in other words.

I am not inclined towards Dell and HP - the first to me is like comparing AMD and Intel - the second is because HP has been buggy when dealing with some of their hardware in the past, printers specifically. When a company's reputation for finesse is either non-existent (Dell) or damaged (HP) it kinda narrows ones choices for future dealings. I will however be more than happy sometime down the road to see what Samsung has to offer with their new display technology.

The same can be said for any other manufacturer trying to give us, the consumer, what we really need and not what we want or they want just cause its inexpensive or there's more money to make.
TN vs IPS ? Anyone remember VHS vs Betamax ? How about lately with HD DVD vs Blu-ray.
 
#25 ·
old thread, but i saw incorrect info so replying:

PA246Q is superior to the PA248Q, that's why 248 is cheaper.

the improvements mentioned by hardware reviewers are design improvements.

the 248Q is a streamlined ver of the the 246 with cheaper parts.

not just the 1.07B color vs 16.7M, but primarily, 246Q uses P-IPS (2010). 248Q uses e-IPS (commonly known as the "cheap IPS"). 246 is designed for professional graphic artists. 248 is for mass market general use.

but yea, if you're not an artist, i would go for the 2560x1440+ korean monitors now. my 246Q is superior to my samsung LED's and i've used the cinemadisplay before. i can't decide which is the bigger improvement: increased resolution or richer color. my gripe with the 246Q though is that at 59/60 Hz, there may be input lag (or just network latency) when playing LOL. no lag on SC2 max settings AA on
 
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