Eizo S2242W - 22in widescreen TFT review

Subjective Image Quality Analysis

With a quality PVA panel, a wide gamut backlight and impressive contrast, this Eizo screen generates expectations of a typically in-your-face viewing experience replete with ultra saturated colours. The reality, however, is much more subtle.

Those who favour accuracy over showbiz moves, such as graphics professionals, will get along just fine with that. Your average consumer, however, might just find it a little subdued. Partly, that's down to the slightly – but only very slightly - sludgy backlight. The really dynamic colours and crisp whites that are usually delivered by high-end PVA panels do not quite feature here.

The only other demerit involves the presence of some very mild inverse ghosting (for an explanation of inverse ghosting, see our Dark Side of Overdrive feature). But it's only visible under very close inspection and really doesn't detract from the overall viewing experience.

That's pretty much the beginning and end of the FlexScan S2242W's shortcomings. Both contrast and black levels are simply superb, making this a fabulous monitor for watching high definition video, even if the inherent accuracy makes it a little unforgiving of poorly encoded video streams. Likewise, the excellent stability of the panel when viewed off centre is a boon for both occasional movie watching and gaming.


On the subject of gaming, this may be a panel aimed at graphics pros but thanks to a combination of decent pixel response and an unusually tight pixel pitch, we'd take it over most 22-inch panels out there. Subjectively, it certainly feels quicker than the 6ms grey-to-grey and 12ms rise/fall specifications would have you expect. We're happy to report that it suffers from little or no input lag, a relief given that this can often ruin PVA monitors for gamers.

However, it's the combination of the 1,920 x 1,200 native resolution and the compact 22in proportions that really sets the S2242W apart. In games it translates into epic detail. This screen just packs in so much visual information into a relatively small space. OK, you don't get the superficial visual drama of a massive panel sitting on your desktop. But larger 24in and beyond monitors simply cannot compete with the razor sharp imagery on offer here. The super fine pixel pitch also makes for very sharp text.

Conclusion

Over £400 is an awful lot of cash to pay for a 22in monitor, even one as good as this. Not only is it getting on for three times as expensive as your typical 1080p TN panel. it's also priced on a par with a number of rather desirable 24in screens such as the HP LP2475W.

For those who crave the largest panel possible, therefore, the S2242W looks like pretty poor value. But for the more discerning monitor buyer, there's plenty to like about this unusual Eizo. Thanks to the 1,920 x 1,200 pixel grid, you get the same effective working space as a 24in monitor, but due to the more compact dimensions, images are simply sharper, more realistic and satisfying.

Graphics pros, meanwhile, will appreciate that the increased resolution compared with other 22in screens puts it in a class of its own. Professional quality 24in monitors are typically much more expensive but deliver absolutely no additional on-screen real estate.

Ultimately, therefore, this screen is an acquired taste and not one that's quite right for our particular palate. For us, the perfect 22in screen would have a panel very much like this but shorn of a few of the professional frills and cheaper by at least £100. Sadly, therefore, our quest for the perfect 22in panel continues.

• Image Quality
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• 8/10

• Features
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• 8/10

• Value
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• 5/10

• Overall
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• 7/10

Score Guide