REVIEW: LG Flatron IPS231P

Author: Jonathan Arweck
05/05/2011

Translation by Markus Hevesi

Manufacturer: LG

Warranty LCD / Backlight (Years):	3 years incl. pick-up service
Max. pixel faults (according to ISO 13406-2):	Class II
Panel size [inch] / Panel technology:	23 / IPS
Pixel size [mm]:	0.265
Native resolution:	1.920 x 1.080 (16:9)
Visible screen size / diagonal [mm]:	509.2 x 286.4 / 584.2
Inputs, connectors:	1 x D-Sub VGA (analogue), 1 x DVI-D (digital), Audio out 1 x 3.5 mm audio jack (input for internal speaker)
Vertical frequency [Hz]:	56 - 75
Max. horizontal frequency / video bandwidth [kHz/MHz]:	83 / -
Color mode preset / user:	4 / 1
LCD pivotable / portrait mode:	Yes / Yes
LCD display arm option:	Yes
Accessories:	D-Sub VGA cable, DVI-D cable, software CD, quick start guide
Dimensions (W x H x D) [mm]:	548.2 x 476.7 x 137.5 (with stand)
Weight [kg]:	10.2 (with stand)
Compliance:	TUEV-GS, EPA Energy Star 5.0, UL, CSA, SEMKO, NEMKO, VCCI-2, CE (EMC Directive 2004/108/EC: EN 55022:2006 ClassB / EN 61000-3-2 2006 / EN55024/EN 61000-3-3 / Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC: EN 60950-1 2006), EPEAT GOLD
Power consumption On / Stand-by / Off [Watt]:	< 35 / < 0.3 / < 0.3 (manufacturer's data)
Test date:	05.05.2011
Rating:
Picture stability:	++ (digital) ++ (analogue)
Viewing angle dependency:	++
Contrast:	+
Color space:	+
Subjective impression of image quality:	+
Shades of gray resolution:	+/-
Brightness allocation:	+/-
Interpolation image quality:	+
Fabrication of case / frame, mechanics:	+
Operating and OSD:	+
Suitable for occasional gamer:	+/-
Suitable for hardcore gamer:	-
Suitable for DVD / Video:	+/- / +
Price [incl. VAT. in Euros]:	195,00

++ very good, + good, +/- satisfactory, - bad, -- very bad

Introduction

With the Flatron IPS231P, LG presents a remarkable combination of two promising technologies, which at a price of 200 Euros is situated in the lower price range. As suggested by the product name, a 23-inch IPS panel with Full HD resolution is deployed here. Following today’s trend, LG makes use of LEDs instead of the more common CCFL tubes used so far. With this combination, the manufacturer on the one hand uses the advantages of an IPS panel (high stability of viewing angles, 8 bits colour control) and simultaneously bridles this panel type’s hunger for energy.

However, as the contrast ratio of many representatives of this sort of panel is slightly worse compared to TN an VA competitors, especially low price IPS panels do not have a good reputation in those other disciplines. But according to LG, the IPS231P features a good contrast ratio of 1.000:1 (dynamic contrast ratio: 5.000.000:1) and furthermore boasts a relatively fast response time of eight milliseconds. Supported by up-to-date mechanical features, this key data actually sounds promising.

So, did LG really succeed in making the IPS231 a display that manages the balancing act between a low price, stable viewing angles, high image quality, good mechanics and low power consumption? Well, the following review is to clarify this and many other questions. In order to get answers, the monitor had to undergo our complex test procedure.

In the course of the testing, the colorimeter X-Rite DTP94 was utilized, apart from the spectrophotometer EyeOne Pro (also from X-Rite), in conjunction with Quato’s iColor software. Hereto, the test device was connected to the digital output of a Radeon HD4650 and a GeForce 9600GT, respectively. To check its suitability for video applications, the Blu-ray player Sony BDP-S370 was used.

Scope of supply

In order to minimize the volume of the packaging carton despite the monitor’s elaborate mechanics, LG delivers the IPS231P with disassembled foot plate. Before putting the display into operation, the plate must be attached to the stand with the help of a screw. Besides a screw driver or a sufficient replacement (like a coin) one does not need another tool. After the assembly, the securing pin of the spring-loaded height adjustment needs to be released. Just then, the display is ready for use.

All needed accessories are available: An analogue VGA cable as well as a digital DVI cable, furthermore a power cord and a 3.5 millimetre double jack cable can be found in the package. With respect to printed materials, there are only a warranty card and the quick start guide; a detailed manual is not provided. Available only on CD, there is a manual besides a pivot software. Thanks to the fact that operations are self-explanatory to a great extent, one will have to consult it only in the most rare case.

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