Customer Reviews

NEC MultiSync LCD1970GX-BK 19" LCD Monitor (Black)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

*** Beware of dead/stuck pixels *** High rate of getting a bad pixel right out of the box.

When I ordered this monitor, I was very worried about dead pixels, since it seems to be a very common problem with LCDs - but especially for this NEC model, due to their manufacturing process not being in the high class, unfortunately. I took a chance anyway and well, whaddya know: the monitor, which was shipped to me from Amazon, had ONE blue dot (still fortunate?) - a stuck pixel (a bad pixel which is stuck) near the bottom left corner. Although the dot is only noticeable on a black background - dead/stuck pixels are NOT acceptable when it's brand new, right out of the box. However, companies beg to differ and find 1-3 bad pixels as "acceptable" (some as many as 8 or more bad pixels!) and will not exchange it. Quite ridiculous. For me, it can get a bit annoying during DVDs (widescreen with black bars) or anything else with a screen filled only with black. Zero dead pixels or some, it's definitely a gamble with LCD monitors! These companies that make LCDs really need to go through dead pixel tests before sending these things out. If your local store has it, I suggest you buy it from them as return/exchanging this monitor would be most likely. However, you should also check with their policy because they might not accept returns for an "acceptable" amount of bad pixels. If you're feeling lucky, and you want to save a lot more money buying this online instead, go for it.

That said, if you can avoid those pesky dots on your monitor (or be somewhat "fortunate" enough to just have one near a corner), then you'll be pretty satisfied with the main concerns about this moniter:

The screen is very sharp and clear. High quality pictures look pretty incredible. The OptiClear screen really adds depth to the pictures, and the colors are very vivid. I really love the glossy look of the OptiClear cover screen; however, some might not appreciate it because, like many people mention, it can add a glare in a well-lit room (it almost becomes a mirror on a dark background). Nevertheless, I actually prefer using this monitor in a bright room because the glossy look is very attractive to me; maybe also because I've gotten used to it. On the contrary, in a dark room, the shiny look or glare is not so apparent; and that to me seem like it takes away the depth of the picture. I guess this is a matter of personal preference, though.

Did I mention how bright this monitor is? You'll be able to see things most people will not - even if they set their average monitor at its highest brightness. (this might be somewhat a disadvantage since everything looks so good on this monitor that when you edit a photo, it might actually be a lot darker in reality.) What amazes me, though, is the color black on this monitor truly looks black - very saturated with the OptiClear screen.

With this monitor and PowerDVD (dvd software), I viewed a DVD (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children) - a movie with tons of FAST action sequence, and I was very satisfied with the results. I had played the movie before on my previous Dell 17" LCD monitor but the experience was at a whole new level; not because of the extra 2", but it was so much smoother with richer colors. If someone played a video on this monitor at some convention, it will definitely grab many people's attention.

As for gaming, the 8ms response time really does make a difference. Again, comparing with my previous Dell 17" monitor (which was a much higher/slower response time, since it was made more for office use), even though I was using the same graphics card, the games felt much smoother - but best of all, the clarity and vivid colors that this NEC monitor produced, made games much more enjoyable. I felt like I had a whole new graphics card installed. Along with being able to adjust to high brightness, games such as DOOM 3 is very easier to see. If you're a gamer, this monitor should definitely be in one of your choices.

The USB Hub on the side of the monitor is a nice extra. There are two USB on the left side of the monitor and two on the back, so total of four USB ports! (The Dell UltraSharp has three USB ports). The Hub was instantly found on Windows XP and is working properly.

The menu for adjusting brightness/contrast is very simple; and with the joystick button, it is easy and fast to navigate. I really like the location/design of the buttons on the monitor because it doesn't takeover the frame, and it is even nice to look at. You can also download a software called "NaViSet", from NEC's website, to adjust all brightness/contrast through the computer, instead of physically pressing the buttons on the monitor. It's much faster and convenient through the software, because manually, you would have to hold the button until it gets to the percentage (of brightness/contrast) that you want. But with the software, you can instantly select/scroll the percentage just by a click of a mouse.

The monitor comes with all cables: DVI-D cable, Mini D-Sub cable, USB cable, power cord. It also comes with a cable mangement cover for tidiness on the back of the monitor.

Cons:
1.) Of course, I already covered this but bad pixels are a shame.

2.) I think the viewing angle can be a little better. It looks great when viewing from the center, but it seems to lose a bit of brightness/contrast from a different angle. It's still watchable from the side but not as superb as the center view, of course.

3.) It's too bad this model cannot pivot for portrait (vertical) viewing - not that I need it, but since it can height adjust and do everything else, why not? The Dell UltraSharp seems to beat this NEC monitor in terms of overall ergonomics. And trust me, you want a monitor that can height adjust; you'll get tired of viewing it at the same position, and once you adjust it from time to time, it's like using a whole new monitor again! The Sony SDM-HS95P had an unusual design and also had the glossy screen, but the lack of height adjustment really killed it.

Though, I'm really not surprised how this NEC LCD1970GX was rated number one 19" monitor at PCWORLD. This monitor really does deserve a 5/5, but for me - mostly due to stuck pixel problem - I give it a 4/5. (maybe that's still being pretty generous for a bad pixel on the monitor?)

My dad has a Dell Ultrasharp 2005FPW 20" and recommended me the same monitor for a cheaper price (some special business deal) than this NEC monitor - but I declined. I'm actually very happy with my decision (apart from getting the dreaded bad pixel).

If you want an all-around monitor - for entertainment such as movies, photos, games, or just browsing the web - this monitor would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you're going to be using it in an office environment (with a lot of bright lights, where you have no control over); or if you're a programmer, you might want to consider a monitor that can pivot (portrait view) vertically. NEC does offer a higher model (NEC LCD1980FXi) which can pivot, but then there are sacrifices in brightness/contrast, response time, and of course the price is much more expensive. It really comes down to what you'll be using the monitor for. But overall, this is an amazing monitor and the display should impress many. However, bad pixels rates are relatively high on this monitor, so just be aware.

On a side note, UPS or the Amazon worker who packaged the monitor did a terrible job: the delivery box was in a really bad condition; the tape was not secure and the air cushion was not protecting the bottom surface. I was very disappointed with that, but thankfully the monitor was okay inside its stock box.

I bought this after reading the PCWORLD review even though I could not find one locally to look at. The display is absolutely magnificent in terms of colors, brightness and contrast. The best I have seen anywhere in my shopping. Set-up is "just plug it in". Monitor frame and base are very nice in simple clean black. Display height and tilt etc. are easy to set. Can be set down very low for us bifocal guys! Comes with both analog and DVI cables and neat cable cover at rear to keep cables together and hidden. The buttons seem small at first but are easy to use. The little settings joystick is truly a joy and makes adjustments so easy. I have used it for some games and do not see any smearing. The response time is listed as 8ms. The screen surface is very glossy and so you will not like it if you have bright lights or windows directly behind your work station. Despite what I have read here, I did not see any bad pixels after running two different pixel checkers! Overall awesome display with 3 yr. warranty, $50 rebate and great price from PCCONNection. Seems huge compared to my NEC FP950 monitor and much clearer. Not the lowest cost but could well be the best 19" LCD around for gaming and detail work. Give it a look!

Jim D.

This is a great monitor. If you have any type of backlighting or white surface behind you, or even if you are wearing a white shirt, you can get quite a bit of glare off the screen. However once you get them positioned just right and the lighting adjusted so that the glare is gone, it is the sharpest, brightest monitor you will find. It beats the Sony because of the tilt and height adjustments.

This is a great monitor. The contrast is stunning, the DVI modes are what I use it in all the time, I love it. However, a lot of these, including the one I bought ship with bright dots because the manufacturing process is not as good as the higher end LCD displays. This can be annoying, as the dots may stay bright or flicker on and off over time. Either way, you still can't beat this display for the pric, I would buy it again, I just wish it were truly *perfect* instead of just acceptable. The dot went away after about a month.

I was headed to Fry's to buy a different monitor when I saw this one and loved it. Great color, brilliant picture and a fast response time and not much more money. Unfortunately Fry's was out of stock, in fact all of CA Frys were out of stock. So I go online and order it and it arrives about 5 days later. Plug it in and thats when I realize its not as great as I saw in the store. First I upgrade new drivers for my top of the line video card and the monitor itself. But I soon come to realize it takes over 30 min sometimes over an hour for the monitor to finish warming up. During that time it flickers, shakes, and has lines running through it.I also have a bright dead pixel in the middle of the monitor. NEC won't exchange it unless it has 4-5 dead pixels so it looks like I am stuck with a monitor that takes an hour to warm-up and has a dead pixel, pretty sad for almost $600

Great monitor!! Beautiful text and color...you won't be disappointed if looking for that PERFECT 19 inch LCD display monitor.

I liked this over the Sony SDMhs95p because the image was much clearer. Also the NEC has a height and pivot ability to which the Sony does not. And, the Sony has a poor "picture stand" that is both unstable and not durable enough for myself or for children's usage.

I prefer to buy from a box store just to make sure there are no pixel problems. This monitor had no broken pixels...beautiful color in every way.

I checked out Viewsonic, Samsung, Sony and NEC. NEC wins by far!

Thanks NEC for finally meeting MY expectations in a clear, easy to read monitor.

Bright, clear, a pure business tool with looks that will cause you to be the envy of nerds everywhere. I use a twin LCD1970GX-BK set-up to run my ecommerce business. The screen is crisp and easily viewed from any angle. These are a superb value at Amazons price.

I would buy these NEC monitors again in a heartbeat.

My biggest concern was purchasing something online that may of had flaws. I was very happy to discover that my new monitor was perfect. There were no dead pixels and I was very impressed with the quality.

I am only writing this review because I wanted others to know that this monitor deserves a great rating. I spent several hours reviewing monitors and what people had to say about them. I wanted this monitor because of its specifications, but only decided on it after reading the reviews. I wanted to thank the other reviewers of this product.

Extra sharp picture - no dropped pixels annnnnnd its 8 ms refresh rate is suspect. Nice unit !

I did months of research on various monitors and finally set my sights on the NEC LCD1970GX-BK. I appreciate the fact that stuck pixels might be a problem for some, but I didn't have any. What I did get is a remakably bright and clear display, a handsome and easily adjusted base which includes 4 additonal USB ports. In short this monitor is excellent, and is a great compliment to any high-end machine.