REVIEW: LG Flatron IPS231P Part 5

If you want to name an issue closely related to IPS panels, its their relatively low light yield. This means that, in comparison to other panel types, a smaller portion of the light emitted from the backlight arrives at the panel surface. To achieve the same effective brightness, the backlight generally needs to shine brighter. Thus, more power is needed.

By using energy saving LEDs in the backlight of the IPS231P, LG circumnavigated the problem enabling the display to compete with cold cathode-lit TN panels of the same size in terms of energy consumption after all. If you consider the brightness level of 140 cd/m², 21.1 watts on a 23-inch screen diagonal are an appropriate value.

The maximum value of 35 watts, specified by the manufacturer, is slightly undercut. Being very low anyway, the specifications for Standby and Off mode (< 0.3 watts each) are undercut by the IPS231P and perform on a level hardly recordable within the accuracy of the deployed electric current measuring device.

Via OSD, an Energy Saving Mode can be activated, which according to the maker reduces energy consumption during typical operation by 20 per cent. Principally, this mode is comparable to a dynamic contrast engine. If the screen content is dark, the brightness of the backlight is dimmed, causing lower power consumption. To avoid a consequent lowering of the absolute brightness, all pixels are triggered somewhat lighter, as a result of which the contrast ratio suffers extremely. Additionally, the IPS231P performs the switching relatively distinctive, which is why this feature soon gets annoying. As the saving during typical operation is barely worth to mention, we recommend to let this function to be deactivated.

Connectors

The IPS231P accepts video signals either analogous through VGA or digitally via DVI. HDMI, which is mainly used with video applications, is not provided by LG; another evidence for the fact that the device is designed in favour of productive working prior to pastime. However, HDMI peripherals can be connected via customary HDMI DVI adapter cables offhand.

Acting as feeder for analogue audio, the 3.5 mm audio jack transports corresponding signals to the internal speakers. The connector sockets are housed on the back side and point downwards. Admittedly, this prevents inserted cables from projecting backwards, but makes the plug-in of cables either a blind flight or an act of acrobatics.

Connectors of the IPS231P.

Cable management is not provided, but as the cables are being projected downwards as already mentioned, cable tangle remains limited. A Kensington lock slot can be used to “chain up” the monitor.

Controls and OSD

The OSD can be controlled by means of five push buttons at the lower right of the screen edge. As they are build rather slim, operation now and then is a bit fiddly. Moreover, they tend to elude finger printing, which is why navigating through the menu is made slightly difficult, particularly for persons with bold fingers.

What is not exactly helpful is the fact that LG did not label the buttons. The function of each separate button will only appear on the screen after one of them is touched. As well, the key names always come out in English, even if the OSD is set to German otherwise.

LG swaps the labelling of OSD keys to the screen area.

Apart from that, menu items are described consistently and, to a great extent, self-explanatory. The translation to German is well done, too.

The main menu is to be reached through the key on the far left. From here, one is able to continue in five sub items.

In the sub item "Image", basic image adjustments for brightness, contrast and sharpness can be performed.

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