Dell Launches New UltraSharp 3008WFP 30-Inch LCD

MojoKid writes "Dell has taken the wraps off their new 30" LCD monitor today and launched the UltraSharp 3008WFP. You'll note that there are more than a few upgrades provided with this newer 3008 version. Specifically, the panel now has a 117% color gamut, in addition to having a 3000:1 contrast ratio, versus the 1000:1 performance of its predecessor, the 3007WFP. The panel also comes with the same pixel response time of 8ms but now has enhanced brightness capability at 370 nits. Also, Dell finally saw fit to add significantly more connectivity options to the panel, with not only two DVI-D inputs, but also HDMI, Composite, Component, S-Video and the new DisplayPort interface. In short, anything you could want to hook up now or in the future, can be hooked up to this new Dell 30" panel."

Comments

Re:Does it hdcp?

[The Ultimate Fartkno]

YA RLY!

FTA:

Ports: Analog, DVI-D (dual link) with HDCP x2, S-Video, Composite, Component, HDMI, DisplayPort
USB 2.0 (4), 9-in-2 Media Card Reader, Kensington security port

Re:30 in LCD monitor?

[HTH NE1]

HDTVs tend not to include Dual-link DVI and its resolution of 2560x1600.

I already run my 21" VGA-connected 4:3 CRT at 2048x1536 (the limit supported by my KVM switch).

What this Dell display is missing is a stand that supports easy switching to portrait mode.

I'll wait for the behardware review.

[eddy]

Happened across these guys a few days ago while hunting for a clue on what LCD to get in the 22-24" range. I was very impressed by their deep analysis of different monitors; actual measurements of color gamut, response times (ghosting), etc. Good shit. Yes, you'll have to 'suffer' their english. Big deal.

The first thing I learned was that it's like that old saying of "Fast, Good, Cheap -- Pick two", only with "colors, response, ergonomics". Secondly: It's hell to actually be able to know what the hell monitor you're getting since producers swap in different quality panels under the exact same model. Typically the good panels go out in the first batch (which reviewers will get), and then if there's high demand, or in other territories, they'll put in the cheaper panels instead. Their flippant attitude about it makes me not want to buy a monitor at all. Maybe with Dell this isn't a problem, but on the other hand, they're not cheap, as measured globally.

Re:I'll wait for the behardware review.

[Orphaze]

Unfortunately, Dell is well known for swapping panels. It's referred to as the Dell Panel Lottery on forums across the internet.

In short, Dell has been known to swap S-IPS panels (a kind of TFT technology known for particularly accurate color representation) with various other kinds of cheaper panel technologies, all within the same model number. This is why many manufacturers, including Dell, refuse to list what technology they're using in the monitor specs, in order to reserve the right to use whatever cheapest panel they can find as they become available.

I purchased a Dell 2001FP a few years back that had a genuine S-IPS panel. When it started to have problems (specifically, a piece of tape or insulation began migrating onto the screen underneath the plastic of the panel) they sent me the newer model of the same line. It looked awful in comparison, despite having virtually the same specs. (It was a PVA panel, from what I found out later.) Luckily, after spending 2.5 hours (persistence is key in these situations; eventually it's cheaper to give in than to continue dealing with you) in a chat with a Dell support tech, and her manager, I eventually convinced them to refund my money in its entirety, despite the fact I had purchased the monitor about 5 months ago.

In any case, it pays to do a fair amount of research on a monitor before making a purchase. In the end, I ended up going with an HP LP2065, another S-IPS based monitor, which I have been very happy with. Things may have improved more recently though, so it may not be such a big deal these days.

Re:yeah, but how much?

[HTH NE1]

I'd really like to know how much this thing is gonna cost. It's like trying to solve a cryptex looking for a price tag anywhere. Last page says MSRP US$1999.

Re:OK, now 120Hz?

[sexconker]

120 HZ is good because of the whole video vs film thing.

Film (movies) is usually done at 24 fps (23.976).
Video (tv, some movies) is usually done at 30 fps (29.97).

So if you've got a 60 Hz display, you're getting 2 frames of display per frame of video.
With film, half of the frames of film will be displayed for 2 frames, and half will bd displayed for 3 frames.

This causes a jerky display.

With a 120 Hz display, each frame of video can be displayed for 4 frames (4 * 30 = 120).
Each frame of film can be displayed for 5 frames (5 * 24 = 120).

It also allows us to drive our computers at 120 Hz, which is good if you want to play Quake II.

Don't buy the soundbar

[owlstead]

I've got a 21" Wide Screen Dell display. It took some getting used to (about 5 days) before I came to terms with some back-lighting issues. But I also bought the sound-bar. What a piece of crap that is. I should have returned it just after testing it, but I thought it would be a nice addition to the otherwise feature packed screen. Even the connectors to the headphones were junk, no one should do that to a couple a pair of Sennheiser headphones.

After a while I have fallen in love with the screen. It's got *very* good scaling and the VGA connector performs brilliantly. Very good value for money. But, as said, DON'T BUY THE FREAKIN SOUNDBAR.

Re:Does it hdcp?

[Anonymous Coward]

Hardly useless, all my high definition movies come without DRM and free of charge. Bittorrent is great, isn't it?

Beware: Some "WFP" models have 6-bit TN panels

[MojoStan]

Subject: I love the Dell WFP Series

Comment:I've got two 2007WFP (20") monitors and they are awesome.[snip]

Buyer beware: not all "WFP" models are created equal. The WFP models that have an 'E' or 'SP' before the number (e.g. E207WFP and SP2008WFP, both 20") use inferior 6-bit TN panels. TN panels can only display 262,144 colors and only "support" "16 million+" colors through dithering. A TN panel's viewing angles are also inferior. (I wish manufacturers would make this information more clear for their TN panels.)

In contrast, the UltraSharp 2007WFP models you've got are awesome. They are true 8-bit panels that can display 16,777,216 colors and have superior viewing angles. They either use S-IPS or S-PVA panels. Of course, they are also significantly more expensive than the 6-bit TN models (but good value for 8-bit).

Just yesterday, I noticed a disturbing new (to me) model name for a Dell LCD. Dell recently released a 22" model called the "UltraSharp 2208WFP." In the past, having "UltraSharp" in the model name and no 'E' or 'SP' before the model number hinted that it was an "awesome" 8-bit panel. Not anymore. It's a freakin' 6-bit TN panel.

That said, TN models are probably good enough for most buyers. Most of today's 6-bit panels probably look better than 8-bit panels from 5 years ago. I just wish manufacturers were required to disclose the type of panel in their specs.

Re:Waiting for 24"

[Pete (big-pete)]

I demand to know why you posted as an anonymous coward. I have mod points, and if I were to use them on you now, that would be wasting them.

I think you're misunderstanding what mod-points are for. Their main use is not to "reward" people - that is a secondary effect. The main use of mod points is to highlight a good comment, regardless of author. This will bring the comment up into the visibility of more viewers.

For example anyone browsing at "1" and above will miss the comment you failed to moderate now, due to your failure to correctly moderate the comment up from 0 to 1. I personally only view comments rated "2" or higher, as there used to be (and I assume still is) a lot of junk at "1". There are one or two good posters who post without their karma bonus, and to avoid missing these people I try and friend them when I realise who they are, and grant friends an additional +1 to make them visible.

If there's a good comment that you think more people shouuld see, mod it up - even if it is an anonymous coward.

-- Pete.