NEC AccuSync LCD24WMCX 24" widescreen

NEC AccuSync LCD24WMCX 24" widescreen monitor

Manufacturer: NEC Display Solutions
UK Price (as reviewed): £298.05 (inc. VAT)
US Price (as reviewed): $439.99 (ex. Tax)


Many gamers and enthusiasts believe that a 24-inch diagonal is the optimum display size because it delivers a good combination of high native resolution and physical size. Indeed, the introduction of TN+Film panels in 24-inch widescreen monitors has enabled what was once a premium display size to drop quite considerably in price over the past twelve months.

As a result of this, not only do 24-inchers have resolution and physical size in their favour, but they now also have cost on their side. And that makes them attractive to gamers.

The same has happened with 20-to-22 inch monitors as well – better quality monitors with the same native resolution, like Samsung's SyncMaster 215TW, were squeezed out of the market by the cheaper TN-based 22-inch models because gamers demanded low-cost displays with decent screen real estate.


With the LCD24WMCX weighing in at around £300 from the usual online suspects, it sits somewhere in between the cheapest TN+Film based 24-inch monitors and those utilising better panel technology. By that, I mean displays like the PVA-based Hyundai ImageQuest W241D and the MVA-based BenQ FP241W – one has to wonder what NEC has done to command such a premium over other TN-based displays.

However, given NEC's reputation in the industry, it wouldn't surprise us if the LCD24WMCX does have something up its sleeve. NEC is a brand synonymous with making good monitors with great image quality to boot, so it's a little strange to see a display from the company using a cheaper 6-bit TN panel.

It's not the first though – in fact, NEC has a number of TN+Film based displays in its range that's specifically targeted at gamers. You see, gamers aren't as bothered about pixel-perfect colour accuracy as someone working in the film industry would be – they're a little more forgiving when it comes to image quality and they're prepared to take a few drawbacks if it cuts the price.

Specification Summary

• Price: £300 approx.
  
• Diagonal: 24 inches
  
• Native Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200
  
• Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1
  
• Brightness: 400 cd/m²
  
• Pixel Response: 5ms
  
• Viewing Angles: 160/160 degrees H/V
  
• Inputs: DVI (with HDCP), HDMI (with HDCP), VGA, component
  
• Chassis adjust: Tilt