Dell 3008WFP-HC (page 6: Viewing angles, rendering in movies)

Viewing angles

We take pictures of the monitors from a 50° angle from all sides. The claimed viewing angles in a product’s characteristics are often exaggerated especially for TN screens.

There are three types of technologies to choose from: TN, MVA and PVA, the last two being closely related. We could also add ASV – a variation of MVA from Sharp, in decline which we really only find in TVs.

First of all, lateral viewing angles with IPS technology are by far the best. Next usually come monitors with TN panels. In the past (more than 2 years ago), TNs were rather catastrophic from the side angles. Now, it is possible for several people to share a screen, even if they aren’t perfectly in front of it. Finally, we have the PVAs and MVAs, which are more or less equivalent. Beyond 40° from both sides, there is a loss of contrast, which however isn’t too extreme. In fact, there are only really problems when looking from below.

Vertical viewing angles : The IPS screen always offers an image that is almost perfect at 50° and even beyond. In this area, other technologies are largely inferior. The PVAs are behind with a rather abrupt loss of contrast with an image that is still visible though not as flattering (black is more gray, white is pale, loss of depth). It’s the same but even more sudden with MVA panels. Finally, we have the TN screen. From above, the image loses all of its contrast. From below, it turns black. This complicates things when you want to use this screen as a TV and depending on the size of viewers, the monitor may have to be inclined.

IPS 8 ms : Dell 3008WFP-HC
Here the Dell screen does not disappoint and its viewing angles are truly large! As a reminder, here are the other types of technology for comparison :

TN 2 ms : Iiyama ProLite E2201W

PVA 6 ms : Dell 2407WFP-HC

MVA 8 ms : ViewSonic VX2435wm

Movie rendering

The 3008WFP-HC is an IPS and it performs as such ; however, there aren’t only advantages here. As we mention above, we like the very large viewing angles this technology offers (there is nothing better). The downside is that it is more subject to shimmering than others and you have to step back from the screen to better enjoy your movies.

Putting some distance between you and the monitor is even more of a priority because there is no video correction circuitry integrated to this Dell. It’s an option still reserved for televisions and as usual rescaling is dependent on the graphic card. This has slightly improved but we are far from the smoothing and upscaling capabilities of the best TVs. Here all compression defects are indeed visible. You will really have to tough it out if you want watch a divX with this monitor.