News Monitors

Thanks to a reduction of their backlights to two instead of four CCFL lamps, BenQ's new 18.5-inch models, the E900HD and G900HD, are reported to use a quarter less power than comparable displays.

Despite this, the models achieve brightness of 300 cd/m² at energy consumption of 30 watts. More noticeable than the low power consumption is the 16:9 format of both19-inch models. Instead of the 16:10 resolution of 1,440 x 900 pixels which has been customary until now, the models offer "only" 1,366 x 768 pixels.


The new widescreen format for desktop monitors, which has been disputed amongst users, is aimed in particular at multimedia use and the playback of films without black bands. LCD and plasma TVs have long come with the 16:9 format as standard.

To go with the DVD-compatible aspect ratio, there is a dynamic contrast regulation which allows for a maximum value of 10,000:1. The response time is 5 ms grey-to-grey.

Distinguished design in 16:9 format: BenQ E900HD and G900HD (Picture: BenQ)

The features of both LCD monitors include a DVI-D input with HDCP as well as a D-Sub connection for analogue signals. The BenQ E900HD differs from the G900HD only through additional stereo speakers with a headphone connection.

BenQ has not yet announced prices for the new models. Both monitors should come to the market in August.