Asus VG236H 23inch 3D MONITOR
The Asus VG236H is one of the few full-3D monitors operating at a refresh rate of 120Hz (images per second). Standard screens refresh at 60Hz, and the VG236H’s higher figure means that it can alternate between two separate 60Hz images.
The screen uses alternate-frame sequencing to display a different image for each eye. Active-shutter glasses ensure that each eye only sees the image intended for it.The final effect makes appropriate images visible in 3D.
Setting up the VG236H isn’t an easy task. You run through a series of stages to get the components up and running, and we had to reinstall the Windows drivers several times before the infrared emitter for the 3D glasses would work. We then had to hunt down a software patch to get the flat-panel working in 3D. The software and drivers will need to be improved before this becomes the easy process it needs to be.
The 3D effect
Once running, the Asus Immediately grabs the attention with a number of 3D JPS files. These are stills containing two pictures, allowing a 3D image to be viewed through the special glasses. You can find a number of JPS images online. Alternatively, take in-game 3D screenshots or use a camera such as the FujifiIm Finepix Real 3D Vii1 to create your own 3D snaps.
Their excellence is no substitute for full-motion 3D, however. We tried a number of Windows games on a PC kitted out with an nVidia GeForce GTX 470 graphics card. The most impressive was Metro 2033.
The characters and objects aren’t fully rounded – the effect is a little like looking at a series of flat cardboard cut-outs placed at different distances – but the impression of depth still impresses.
Whether moving through crowds of characters, opening heavy doors or fighting lunging monsters, the 3D effect made a huge difference. Every time we took the glasses off and went back to 2D mode (you can switch from 2D to 3D and back at the touch of a button), the game felt distant and dull.
Watching films was no less impressive. We tested the screen with the animation ‘Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs’, and felt as though we could peer right into the screen. Sequences where the viewpoint floats through groups of people gives the feeling that the action is happening around you.
The technology isn’t without its drawbacks, however. We were unable to get a completely smooth picture, and the feeling of wearing glasses is slightly offputting. We certainly wouldn’t want to wear them all day. It takes some time to adjust to 3D when gaming, and for the first few days we found ourselves less accurate. Games were noticeably less smooth, which will be a problem when top framerates are vital.
We can’t see 3D being something we’d want to use all the time. But for an hour spent immersed in our favourite game, the experience is significantly enhanced.
The screen
Take away the 3D aspect, and this is still a decent (if expensive) 23in flat-panel. Its sleek black casing is attractive, and the stand is height-adjustable. No separate VGA connector is included, but you get both HOW and DVI, as well as YPbPr component video. We like the menu system, and preset screen modes are accessible from a single key.
Capable of using the full 120Hz in 2D mode, the Asus feels extremely smooth in use. Its use of a twisted-nematic (TN) panel is disappointing, given the price, but the viewing angles are adequate.
Image quality is sharp and colour-packed (which Asus aids with its Splendid Video technology). The glass screen is extremely reflective, though, making it a difficult panel to use in well-lit rooms. It’s also very bright, so you’ll want to tone it down a touch for everyday PC tasks.
Verdict
Although the Asus is expensive for a 23in LCD monitor with a TN panel, It’s well worth the outlay if you also have the necessary 30 kit. The screen’s reflective glass is annoying, but this is otherwise a good flat-panel and a suitable introduction to the world of 3D. We recommend trying it before purchase, if possible. For those who want a fully immersive visual experience, the Asus VG236H
could unlock a whole new dimension.
Specification
23in flat-panel:1920×1080: 0.27rnm pixel pitch; 4D0cd/rr4 brightness: 2ms (GTG) response rate;1,000.1 specified contrast
ratio (100,000.1 max): 170/I6Oidegree viewing angle: NH: HDNI: YPbPi inputs (3 x RCA phono sockets): 3-year warranty; 550x250c420mm: 7kg
Price £380
The Asus VG236H is one of the few full-3D monitors operating at a refresh rate of 120Hz (images per second). Standard screens refresh at 60Hz, and the VG236H’s higher figure means that it can alternate between two separate 60Hz images.
The screen uses alternate-frame sequencing to display a different image for each eye. Active-shutter glasses ensure that each eye only sees the image intended for it.The final effect makes appropriate images visible in 3D.
Setting up the VG236H isn’t an easy task. You run through a series of stages to get the components up and running, and we had to reinstall the Windows drivers several times before the infrared emitter for the 3D glasses would work. We then had to hunt down a software patch to get the flat-panel working in 3D. The software and drivers will need to be improved before this becomes the easy process it needs to be.
The 3D effect
Once running, the Asus Immediately grabs the attention with a number of 3D JPS files. These are stills containing two pictures, allowing a 3D image to be viewed through the special glasses. You can find a number of JPS images online. Alternatively, take in-game 3D screenshots or use a camera such as the FujifiIm Finepix Real 3D Vii1 to create your own 3D snaps.
Their excellence is no substitute for full-motion 3D, however. We tried a number of Windows games on a PC kitted out with an nVidia GeForce GTX 470 graphics card. The most impressive was Metro 2033.
The characters and objects aren’t fully rounded – the effect is a little like looking at a series of flat cardboard cut-outs placed at different distances – but the impression of depth still impresses.
Whether moving through crowds of characters, opening heavy doors or fighting lunging monsters, the 3D effect made a huge difference. Every time we took the glasses off and went back to 2D mode (you can switch from 2D to 3D and back at the touch of a button), the game felt distant and dull.
Watching films was no less impressive. We tested the screen with the animation ‘Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs’, and felt as though we could peer right into the screen. Sequences where the viewpoint floats through groups of people gives the feeling that the action is happening around you.
The technology isn’t without its drawbacks, however. We were unable to get a completely smooth picture, and the feeling of wearing glasses is slightly offputting. We certainly wouldn’t want to wear them all day. It takes some time to adjust to 3D when gaming, and for the first few days we found ourselves less accurate. Games were noticeably less smooth, which will be a problem when top framerates are vital.
We can’t see 3D being something we’d want to use all the time. But for an hour spent immersed in our favourite game, the experience is significantly enhanced.
The screen
Take away the 3D aspect, and this is still a decent (if expensive) 23in flat-panel. Its sleek black casing is attractive, and the stand is height-adjustable. No separate VGA connector is included, but you get both HOW and DVI, as well as YPbPr component video. We like the menu system, and preset screen modes are accessible from a single key.
Capable of using the full 120Hz in 2D mode, the Asus feels extremely smooth in use. Its use of a twisted-nematic (TN) panel is disappointing, given the price, but the viewing angles are adequate.
Image quality is sharp and colour-packed (which Asus aids with its Splendid Video technology). The glass screen is extremely reflective, though, making it a difficult panel to use in well-lit rooms. It’s also very bright, so you’ll want to tone it down a touch for everyday PC tasks.
Verdict
Although the Asus is expensive for a 23in LCD monitor with a TN panel, It’s well worth the outlay if you also have the necessary 30 kit. The screen’s reflective glass is annoying, but this is otherwise a good flat-panel and a suitable introduction to the world of 3D. We recommend trying it before purchase, if possible. For those who want a fully immersive visual experience, the Asus VG236H
could unlock a whole new dimension.
Specification
23in flat-panel:1920×1080: 0.27rnm pixel pitch; 4D0cd/rr4 brightness: 2ms (GTG) response rate;1,000.1 specified contrast
ratio (100,000.1 max): 170/I6Oidegree viewing angle: NH: HDNI: YPbPi inputs (3 x RCA phono sockets): 3-year warranty; 550x250c420mm: 7kg
Price £380
