My $40 Acer LCD monitor I've been using for my PS3 wasn't that good of a deal

IAmTheCheapestGamer

IAmTheCheapestGamer

Banned
Apparently either I've used it too much in the 3-6 months I've had it and/or the people who returned it prior to it being sold to me at Target(complete with smudges on the screen and scratches on the case:roll:)used the ever loving crap outta it cuz now I'm getting 1 inch by 1 inch blocks of pixels that wink in and out sporadically when I'm using it.

I first noticed the problem about 2-3 weeks ago(just about when the 90 day return period was up at Target), but I figured maybe it was a fluke, so I just ignored it.

The problem went away for a couple of weeks, but the other night when I was playing I was getting 1" by 1" squares of pixels which were losing the picture on them(going completely black) on both sides of the screen and one very annoying block in the middle of the screen.

I could always just go back to using my SDtv I was using for my PS3 in the meantime if it goes, but I've sort of become accustomed to being able to read what's on the screen in games.;)

I know that Target is selling a newer model of the same monitor, but it's lacking a built in HDMI port, which means I'd have to go buy a seperate adapter for it.

So I've been considering getting a Philips 720p 22" HDtv from Wally World for $229. But seeing as how I don't watch much tv anyway, I don't really NEED the internal tuner.

Now I kinda wish I had waited and spent just a bit more money on an actual NEW product versus taking a chance on someone's fraudulently returned POS.:bomb: But for $40 I figured if I got a year out of it I'd be happy.

And before anyone suggests 'omg you should totally get a much larger screen'....I don't wanna spend much more than $200. So if you can find me a listing for a NEW HDtv/monitor w/ HDMI and internal speakers for $200 or LESS by all means post it and I'll consider it. But for the size room I play in I don't need a 50" plasma.
 
Really? I know I registered it when I got it, but I thought the warranty was only a 90 day one.

I'll check that out. Thanks. However I know their wording in the warranty registration page was a bit annoying, in that they said it was up to their discretion whether or not they'd send me a refurb or repair mine during the warranty period.

I just hope if I send it in it's still under warranty they make it 100% right and send me the same model back if they can't fix mine.
 
Alright. I just emailed them. Hopefully they'll tell me they can just replace it under warranty and will ship a replacement prior to me shipping out the semi borked one.

If not though, I guess I can go a few days w/o using my PS3, especially since it's supposed to be hot/humid the next 4-5 days around here.
 
If they do offer to fix/replace your current monitor, they definitely wont send you a replacement before you ship the broken one to them.
 
Either way, as long as they offer to repair/replace it and make it run like it used to. It's a nice monitor and a hell of a picture on it and I'd hate to go back to SD after getting used to seeing the games in HD now.

And this is coming from someone who always said 'HD is worthless'. Crow doesn't taste very good, lemme tell ya.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']And this is coming from someone who always said 'HD is worthless'. Crow doesn't taste very good, lemme tell ya.[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty indifferent to it myself, but I played freakin' NES on one the other night and it looked better than my TV. :bomb:
 
Look on TigerDirect.com in the monitors section, 23" to 24". There's quite a few to choose from that have HDMI and integrated speakers that are below $200.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']So if you can find me a listing for a NEW HDtv/monitor w/ HDMI and internal speakers for $200 or LESS by all means post it and I'll consider it. But for the size room I play in I don't need a 50" plasma.[/QUOTE]

Your best bet is following the monitors section of TechBargains.
Just scroll down and look on the left hand sidebar and click monitors.

Currently:
Asus VH242H 24 inch LCD Monitor (DVI & HDMI) $159.99AR , Aug. 28 10 AM

JR.com has the Asus VH242H 24" LCD Monitor for $159.99 + $13 Shipping after rebate and Coupon Code: geico10 (Exp Soon). Tax in NY.

Please note, rebate comes in form of Prepaid Visa Debit Card.

1920x1080; 5ms; 1000:1; 300nits; HDMI, DVI, VGA, SPDIF
$10 rebate Exp 8/31/10
Click to expand...

You can commonly get 24inch 1080p LCD monitors (some without and some with HDMI in) for $160 if you check Tech Bargains every day.
Not to mention, if you're hardcore enough with your fighting game and/or music games and require exact frame timing that you want the smallest possible lag without viewing on a CRT, you'd have to avoid all typical connections (composite/component/hdmi) and instead use VGA on a monitor.

I've picked up 19 monitors in the last year doing this, and I've never paid over $100 for a 19inch 720p or over $160 for a 24inch 1080p.
Hope I helped and happy hunting.

-FrankCastleAZ
 
I am using an acer LCD monitor on my desktop and it has a 3 year warranty so yours might be similar.

HDTV's are better for playing modern game systems since they were really made for modern LCD TV's, the PS3 and Xbox360 weren't really meant to be used on a CRT as far as I know, though there are plenty of people that use them on CRT TV's. There would be less of a difference if you were just watching TV, especially if the channel is not in HD as far as I know.
 
If you don't end up with a monitor w/built in hdmi, you can either pick up a HDMI/DVI cable, or an adapter:
cable for $3.71: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2404&seq=1&format=2

Adapter for $2.30: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10419&cs_id=1041902&p_id=2029&seq=1&format=2

I used the same type of adapter with my PS3 and used computer speakers through the composite cable that comes with the system. It worked perfectly. You'll just need an adapter to hook up the composite(red/white/yellow) cable to the 3.5mm speaker connection.

Also, since you're not using it for HDTV, I'd recommend sticking with a PC monitor. You'll get higher resolution, and usually a smaller footprint.
 
Alright. That settles it. I just got off the phone with Apu from Acer's fine Indian customer service. I have a three year warranty but shipping is not covered.:bomb: fuck that. So I guess I'm gonna do what the last owner of this POS did.
 
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It's IN warranty though. I've NEVER had to pay for shipping stuff out that was still covered under the factory warranty. Ten dollars for shipping it out is ten dollars more than I want to pay, especially considering the fact it's at THEIR discretion if they fix it, send me a refurb or send me a new one.

I've had enough problems with 'refurb' junk in the past that I learned my lesson to just keep sending back the refurbs till the company sends me a brand new item that's factory fresh.

I'm just sick and tired of companies not standing behind their products and doing so at no cost to the consumers who buy them.
 
Is it just me or am I the only person still left who reads how a company handles warranty replacements before I'm stuck with a product by opening it? You always read the manufacturer's warranty policy before opening up a product and having to deal with it.

Most vendors of LCD monitors work the same way, you ship the product to them at your cost, they swap it out with a replacement unit, usually a refurb, and ship it back to you at their cost. Hard drives, DVD drives, PS3s, 360s, it's all the same that it's usually your nickel to send the item to them for repair/replacement. That even includes vendors that will do advance replacement for items, shipping to the company is at your expense.
 
[quote name='shrike4242']Is it just me or am I the only person still left who reads how a company handles warranty replacements before I'm stuck with a product by opening it? You always read the manufacturer's warranty policy before opening up a product and having to deal with it.

Most vendors of LCD monitors work the same way, you ship the product to them at your cost, they swap it out with a replacement unit, usually a refurb, and ship it back to you at their cost. Hard drives, DVD drives, PS3s, 360s, it's all the same that it's usually your nickel to send the item to them for repair/replacement. That even includes vendors that will do advance replacement for items, shipping to the company is at your expense.[/QUOTE]

No, you're not the only one. When I was working in electronics retail 5 years ago, most manufactures required you to send it in to the repair facility at your cost. That was one of the biggest selling points on the in-house warranties.
 
you really are the cheapest gamer. complaining about a $40 obviously used lcd monitor breaking and then complaining when its covered under warranty but costs a whopping $10 dollars to ship, which a majority of manufacturers charge. my goodness.
 
Sigh it will most likely be more than $10.
Check rates with FedEx ground also.
(tracking and free insurance up to $100)

Hope it works out.

Just saw this over on SD

VIZIO M221NV 22-inch Razor LED LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps $209.99 http://accessories.us.dell.com/sn...1#Overview

add to cart for $349.99 - $140 Off Coupon DB6XV?3B5CP1TN (Ends 09/02) = $209.99 + Free Shipping

Product Features
VIZIO Internet Apps
Built-in WiFi 802.11n
1080p Full HD with Razor LED backlighting
50,000 to 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurroundHDTM audio

and Target had a 32" Magnavox (sp?) on temp price drop from $399 to $283 today
 
[quote name='RAMSTORIA']you really are the cheapest gamer. complaining about a $40 obviously used lcd monitor breaking and then complaining when its covered under warranty but costs a whopping $10 dollars to ship, which a majority of manufacturers charge. my goodness.[/QUOTE]
That I am. Maybe I've become spoiled from having other companies offer to pay the shipping after I pressed the issue a bit, but Acer's support people were having none of it.

I also don't want to be stuck without a screen to play my PS3 on while I wait for them to ship whatever they're going to ship me back, but that's a minor inconvenience really since I went 2-3 weeks w/o a PS3 when I sent in my 40 gb last year around this time.

As for replacing the monitor I'm trying to do so in the sub $200 range, but if need be I'll scrape up the extra money and just go with a store bought 22" LCD HDtv and get a semi name brand for the price(Philips from WM for $229).

But thanks for the suggestions nonetheless thus far.
 
[quote name='donut']Sigh it will most likely be more than $10.
Check rates with FedEx ground also.
(tracking and free insurance up to $100)

Hope it works out.

Just saw this over on SD

VIZIO M221NV 22-inch Razor LED LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps $209.99 http://accessories.us.dell.com/sn...1#Overview

add to cart for $349.99 - $140 Off Coupon DB6XV?3B5CP1TN (Ends 09/02) = $209.99 + Free Shipping

Product Features
VIZIO Internet Apps
Built-in WiFi 802.11n
1080p Full HD with Razor LED backlighting
50,000 to 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurroundHDTM audio

and Target had a 32" Magnavox (sp?) on temp price drop from $399 to $283 today[/QUOTE]

If I could get the $100 instant savings that was already in the cart on dell.com to stack with that $140 off coupon I'd bite on this deal in a second. But seeing as how I only have about $150 in my checking account till I get paid this week, I'm a tad bit short on this deal. Shame too since it is the right size tv I want and everything.
 
I just got done with a Dell chat with the one rep, who was unable to keep the $100 'instant savings' in the cart after applying the $140 coupon code.

But I'll try back tomorrow for the hell of it since their customer service center is almost closed for tonight(10pm EST, 9pm CST).

I'll gladly take the Vizio tv for $110 shipped to me, but $209 is a bit too much for some off brand tv for my liking.

Thanks for posting the deal though, donut.
 
I swear to god man, if you just wait a few days, you'll be able to get a 24inch 1080p LCD with HDMI in from some deal listed on TechBargains.

Obviously you can do what you want with your own money, but it would be worth the wait.
Don't give shitty WM money for some 1/2 ass price on a TV.

-FrankCastleAZ
 
Point taken. I don't like WM either. I almost had a nice 26" Sony from Kmart a couple of years ago for $175, but it had a damaged screen n case and was only worth about $40-50 at most.
 
I think the funniest thing about this thread is that Vizio is denounced as being an off-brand and phillips is held up as being a good brand. You might want to read some reviews on those models.
 
So do you still recommend the current version/model of this Acer LCD monitor that goes for about $160 at Target?

From my understanding, this is an older model that was purchased on clearance. I know electronics are a gamble, but 1080P for Target's $160 in-store/not on-sale seems to be the best for me, while BestBuy has a slightly better model for about $220.
 
I know it isn't quite on topic but I am dumbfounded by the amount of people expecting to pay for shipping to have something fixed/replaced in warranty. Every electronic device I have ever had to send in for repair (monitor, tv, printer, etc) has always had the OEM send me a new/refurb unit first with a shipping label I am supposed to use to mail the bad one back (just reuse the box they sent the new one in). They put a hold on my CC in case I try and keep both, but I have never paid for shipping to get something fixed.
 
[quote name='RoadDogg']I know it isn't quite on topic but I am dumbfounded by the amount of people expecting to pay for shipping to have something fixed/replaced in warranty. Every electronic device I have ever had to send in for repair (monitor, tv, printer, etc) has always had the OEM send me a new/refurb unit first with a shipping label I am supposed to use to mail the bad one back (just reuse the box they sent the new one in). They put a hold on my CC in case I try and keep both, but I have never paid for shipping to get something fixed.[/QUOTE]That's only if the vendor does advance replacements, and not all vendors that do advance replacements will pay shipping in both directions.

Checking out a vendor's warranty policy explains this all in great detail before a purchase.
 
[quote name='anotherpoorgamer']So do you still recommend the current version/model of this Acer LCD monitor that goes for about $160 at Target?

From my understanding, this is an older model that was purchased on clearance. I know electronics are a gamble, but 1080P for Target's $160 in-store/not on-sale seems to be the best for me, while BestBuy has a slightly better model for about $220.[/QUOTE]
You would need a DVI to HDMI adapter if you wanted to use the current Target Acer model for HDMI since it doesn't come with an HDMI port right on the monitor anymore.

As for Vizio and Philips and declaring one an off brand while considering the other one to be a 'better' brand I've seen Philips/Magnavox tv's around alot longer than I have Vizio tv's. Albeit some 'off' brands are constructed using 'name brand' parts.

To me as long as I get whatever replacement I choose to go with cheap enough and it's actually 100% new and not someone's return like this Acer monitor was I'll be happy.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']Point taken. I don't like WM either. I almost had a nice 26" Sony from Kmart a couple of years ago for $175, but it had a damaged screen n case and was only worth about $40-50 at most.[/QUOTE]



Speaking of waiting, this is my pick for the day-
Asus VH242H 24 inch LCD Monitor (DVI & HDMI) $169.99 Free Shipping, Aug. 31 11 AM

Newegg has the Asus VH242H 24" LCD Monitor for $169.99 Free Shipping after rebate and Coupon Code: EMCYWPZ44 (Exp 9/6). Tax in CA, NJ, TN.

Please note, rebate comes in form of Prepaid Visa Debit Card.

1920x1080; 5ms; 1000:1; 300nits; HDMI, DVI, VGA, SPDIF
$10 rebate Exp 8/31/10
Click to expand...


-FrankCastleAZ
 
Thanks FrankCastle, I just bought that monitor you linked to from newegg. It'll be used for my PS3 and 360 and be my first HDTV. I don't watch TV anyway so this seemed like a good deal.

What cables do I need to get? I know someone on the last page said if you want your rhythm and fighting games to be accurate you would want VGA cables, and I do play those types of games, or is HDMI better? And where would I buy the cables for 360 and PS3?

Also, where would be a good place to buy speakers?

Thanks
 
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[quote name='yourlefthand']I think the funniest thing about this thread is that Vizio is denounced as being an off-brand and phillips is held up as being a good brand. You might want to read some reviews on those models.[/QUOTE]

Agreed! I was just reading through this thread and was about to post the same thing. By and large, Vizio displays are head and shoulders above almost anything that Philips produces.
 
[quote name='darkslime']Thanks FrankCastle, I just bought that monitor you linked to from newegg. It'll be used for my PS3 and 360 and be my first HDTV. I don't watch TV anyway so this seemed like a good deal.

What cables do I need to get? I know someone on the last page said if you want your rhythm and fighting games to be accurate you would want VGA cables, and I do play those types of games, or is HDMI better? And where would I buy the cables for 360 and PS3?

Also, where would be a good place to buy speakers?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Congrats on your new monitor.
That was me who brought the input latency up.
Audio deals from headphones to recievers to speakers are also covered on TechBargains. Just scroll down a bit and click AUDIO on the left hand sidebar.



I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, but I think it's relevant to him if he buys a monitor without certain inputs.

------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------

Input Latency/Lag Information with specific connection types

When connecting to LCD TVs/Monitors via the standard Composite/Component/HDMI cables, there will be input lag. The only possible ways to avoid the input lag problem is to either get a commercial quality, real time latency monitor/TV, (which can run in the thousands of dollars per monitor) use the large, older tube CRT TVs, (which doesn't get as high as resolution and is difficult to store and ship) or use VGA connections.

The preferred method to using consoles on a LCD TV/Monitor uses VGA connection to avoid any input lag.

---Any system compatible with component cables (PS2/PS3/Gamecube/Wii/XBox1/360) Can use an HD BOX PRO.
 
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[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']You would need a DVI to HDMI adapter if you wanted to use the current Target Acer model for HDMI since it doesn't come with an HDMI port right on the monitor anymore.


To me as long as I get whatever replacement I choose to go with cheap enough and it's actually 100% new and not someone's return like this Acer monitor was I'll be happy.[/QUOTE]


Yup, I found a Philips branded DVI to HDMI cable at Walmart on clearance, awhile back. I was aware that the $160 Target Acer Monitor does not have an HDMI port. The $220 Bestbuy version has the HDMI port, but it is a little out of my price range. I'll just save up and see what happens.

Also with FrankCastleAZ's post, I will be using Microsoft's VGA cable for my XB360 and a DVI to HDMI cable for my PS3.

I wonder if the input lag on a cheap lcd monitor is worse than playing a PS3 with component cables, on an old CRT tv that does only 480i with component inputs?
 
Thanks for the info there, Frank. However it's all Greek to me. But if I understand the term correctly, input lag would be the difference in time between when you press a button on a controller and your character does the requested action on the screen, right?

If so, then I have no input lag when playing on the Acer via an HDMI cable hookup.

And here's the kicker....the big 1 inch blocks of pixels that were acting up just a couple of days ago....have STOPPED acting up, which is making my service request from Acer completely useless.:bomb:

But isn't that always the case that something acts up until just before you're going to send it in to get repaired? And yes....I decided on forking out the $10-12 or so for UPS shipping or whatever rather than spending $100-300 on something new.

But I'll keep those other options in mind for when I might need another monitor/tv in the future.
 
Thanks for all the info again. I bought a 360 VGA or HDMI cable, but is there anywhere I can get a cheaper PS3 one? I can't find one on monoprice and they seem to be $30 anywhere else.

Also, where in AZ do you have tourneys? I live in Tucson.

EDIT: Also, where could I get cheap speakers? I don't have any computer speakers at all, haha. I have a CRT monitor with them built in.
 
That was my other option I was considering originally was an old as hell CRT monitor that I was looking at on Craigslist under the free section. Frickin' thing was like 25" and probably weighed about 200lbs.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']If so, then I have no input lag when playing on the Acer via an HDMI cable hookup.[/QUOTE]

Yeah you do, you just don't notice. In which case you're fine and don't need to worry about it.

[quote name='darkslime']Thanks for all the info again. I bought a 360 VGA or HDMI cable, but is there anywhere I can get a cheaper PS3 one? I can't find one on monoprice and they seem to be $30 anywhere else.

Also, where in AZ do you have tourneys? I live in Tucson.

EDIT: Also, where could I get cheap speakers? I don't have any computer speakers at all, haha. I have a CRT monitor with them built in.[/QUOTE]

PM sent to avoid off topic discussions


-FrankCastleAZ
 
Update: The blocks of pixels stopped winking in and out while playing a game for 90-95% of the time, so I held off on even sending it into Acer for the time being.
 
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