Horizon is a brand of Asesoft that has developed LCD monitors since 2002. Currently, Horizon offers customers a wide range of LCD monitors with between 15 and 24 inches diagonals and with a response time on some models of only 4ms. After the resounding success that it had with the 2206SW model, Horizon decided to release a new monitor, with a diagonal of 24" which, from specifications, promises to become a new best buy in the category to which it belongs.

As with the younger brother, 2206SW, Horizon 2408SW comes in a carton box, equipped with a handle to facilitate the transport. In the box we find a DVI cable, VGA cable, power cable, user manual, a remote control and an audio cable. The monitor does not come with any CD drivers; it is “Plug and Play”. The base of the monitor consists from two parts: the supporting leg, and lower (the basis) on which the monitor stands. The quality of materials is good for a monitor which is inside the range of entry-level 24” LCD monitors.

The material used for the frame construction is plastic, and is painted in matte black. At the bottom there is a rectangular area in relief with a glossy finish. The leg is solid, painted in black and has a pivot. Therefore, the monitor can rotate a lot, and in many angles and directions. The monitor can be lifted approximately 30 cm. The monitor can be rotated 90°, in portrait mode. The image is not adjusting automatically, according to the rotation of the monitor, this being performed manually from the video card control panel. The monitor can tilt backwards about 28 degrees, and in front about 3 degrees. The remote control looks modern and shows small sizes. It works very well even at a distance of 3.5 meters of the monitor. The monitor has a software that can play movies, music, pictures and even games that are placed on memory cards, or on the external HDD or on Stick, connected via the USB connector. These facilities can be accessed using the remote control. Basically, this monitor, connected to an external TV tuner can be used without problems as a TV with player functions. The panel used is TN (Twisted Nematic), LG, Grade A +. By default, the monitor is set at 60% contrast and a brightness of 80%.The colors are slightly oversaturated, but this small disadvantage can be repaired by manual adjustment of color. The monitor is well calibrated from the factory, when it comes to color. With this computer monitor, no fading or traces you will find on the screen!

Viewing angles are decent horizontally but poor vertically, which is typical to any TN panel. However, seen from top to bottom this monitor performs better than other TN panel monitors. The OSD provides a sufficient number of settings, most notable among them being the adjustment of contrast, brightness and color. Also in the OSD we can see the resolution and image refresh rate, we can set the position of OSD on the screen, we can choose the language and the source from where the video signal is received. Horizon succeeded to make a really good monitor, as design, and performance. Horizon 2408SW is an LCD Computer Monitor that is worth trying! With this computer monitor, no fading or traces will you find on the screen!

The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is a flat and thin display device which consists of a number of pixels that are monochrome and which are placed in front of a light-reflecting mirror or a light source. It is used mainly for devices that are powered by batteries due to reduced energy consumption. Basically LCD history begins in 1888 when Friedrich Reinitzer discovered the liquid crystals. The first LCD panel was invented in 1968 by John L. Janning, an employee of NCR.

Each pixel of an LCD screen consists of a layer of molecules that are aligned between two transparent electrodes and two filters used for polarization, their axes being perpendicular to each other. Both the material used as liquid crystal and the material used in aligning layer contains ionic compounds.

If it is applied an electric field that has a given polarity for a long period of time the material will be attracted to the surface, damaging device performance. Applying an alternating current is the solution to avoid degradation of the device. Another way to avoid damaging it is reversing the polarity of the electric field when accessing the device. The crystal liquid will provide the same answer whatever the polarity of magnetic field applied. It is not possible to demand each pixel when the display requires a high number of pixels. It would be necessary independent electrodes to do that. Thus, the display is multiplexed. In what concerns the multiplexed display, electrodes that are on one side of the display are wired and grouped together (usually in columns) each group being supplied by an individual power voltage. Also, the electrodes can be grouped on lines, each group supplied by an individual power voltage but different from that used in the case of pixels grouped in columns. The groups are chosen so that every pixel from the array has a unique combination of two voltages.

When analyzing a LCD Computer Monitor, the most important factors are:
-The resolution, meaning the horizontal and vertical size expressed in pixels. LCD monitors have a native resolution where it is achieved the best display image
-Point size (Dot pitch) which refers to the distance between centers of two adjacent pixels. The more reduced, the more granularities on the image are reduced, resulting in a clearer image
-The visible surface consisting of an LCD panel size measured diagonally (also known as the active visible surface)
-The response time is another important factor when analyzing a LCD monitor. The response time is the minimum time needed to change the color or brightness of a pixel
-The refresh rate specifies in how much time during a second the monitor is drawing the picture offered. A refresh rate too low can cause image flicker, being more noticeable on larger monitors

-The type of array which can be passive or active
-The visibility angle
-Colors Support, meaning how many colors it supports
-The luminosity
-The contrast which is the ratio between the intensity that the brightest white has and the intensity of the most black
-The screen format that is the ratio of image width and height
-Input Ports, such as VGA (D-Sub), DVI, S-Video, LVDS or HDMI

Most computer users are using LCD monitors. What many do not know is how to spare their monitor to not have any inconvenience. Often problems can happen to interfere with the video card, sometimes to a fault or improper configuration of the resolution.

Even worse is when one of the layers of which the monitor is made, moves from his place, as a result of a mechanic shock. To prevent and avoid such problems here are certain rules or standards of use, also called safety precautions that we need to respect and to take into account. For ignorance, the use of other buttons, procedures or adjustments than the corresponding ones may cause shocks or mechanical and electrical incidents.

Safety Precautions of LCD Computer Monitors
Do not expose the monitor to direct sunlight or to the action of heat sources. This can lead to overheating the monitor. It is always necessary to remove objects that could fall into the ventilation slots, as well as those that may prevent your monitor hardware cooling. Lack of proper ventilation is another is another contribution factor that leads to the damaging of your monitor. Avoid blocking the vents on the casing. When you place the monitor, it is necessary to ensure easy access to plug and socket. For normal functioning of the monitor, if the monitor is closing as a result of the disconnection of power cord from the power source wait 6 seconds before plugging it again. It is recommended to use only the power cord supplied with the monitor. You should avoid exposure of the LCD monitor at powerful vibration or high impact situations while functioning. You must avoid falling or dropping the LCD monitor during operation or transport.

Maintenance of LCD Computer Monitors
In order to protect the display against any damage, do not apply excessive pressure on the liquid crystal panel; when you want to move the monitor, grab it by the frame and do not, under any circumstances grab it by the liquid crystal panel. If you do not use the monitor for a long time, it is recommended to disconnect the monitor from the power source. If necessary, you can clean the LCD monitor with a humid cloth, but only after you disconnect it from the power source; the monitor can also be cleaned with a dry cloth but only when it is not under voltage. You must never use organically solvents, such as alcohol or other solutions containing ammonia. You should avoid the exposure of LCD monitor to rain, dust, water or excessive moisture environments.

These may cause permanently damages to the monitor. If, however, the monitor is exposed at moisture, it must be cleaned immediately with a humid cloth. If, accidentally, water or any other substance gets into the monitor, you have to interrupt the power supply, immediately and then you should go with the monitor at the service center. For the monitor to function optimally and to prolong its life, you must keep it within specific temperature and humidity parameters (0-40 degrees Celsius, 32- 104 degrees F, 20- 80% RH).

The BenQ V2420 is a< strong> monitor that offers high-class capabilities in a sophisticated and good looking package. This monitor offers LED enlightenment, a 24-inch display with optimum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 5 ms response time, all these in a slim casing. How does the monitor look? Spectacular!

The colors are excellent; enlightenment is uniform over the entire panel, rendering the colors accurately due to the technology based on LED enlightenment. The images are very good, the menu is properly configured and the casing does not seem cheap. This monitor has a lot to offer for games enthusiasts. The large image lets you see all details. The screen is so large that it seeks even your peripheral vision. You'll feel as if you are looking through a window and you are closer to the action. Car games, football games or strategy games can be seen incredibly well. By using BenQ V2420 you can easily display two A4 size pages side by side, when translating a document from one language to another or search for data in a file and write them in another. This can be done thanks to Windows 7 OS which allows you to toggle a window on half screen very quickly only by dragging it left or right.

BenQ V2420 is also offering you the possibility to watch HD movies even at their original resolution, if you do not have a TV set with such characteristics. Of course, at 24 inches the eye does not really notifies differences between 720p and 1080p but the idea is that you have got rid of the need to resize a full HD video, to fit on a lower resolution monitor. Especially since the resize can lead to distortions and loss of quality. The casing is well knit and is not crackling when it gets warm from long usage or when is shrinking due to cooling process. At the monitor base is a sticker that says “Certified for Windows 7? but this seems to be a marketing strategy: is a monitor, of course it goes without problems on Windows 7. The buttons are under the monitor and have the classic system of menus and configuration of values ??with “+”and “-“.The screen can tilt forward and backwards, at an angle of 5 degrees and 15 degrees, in accordance with specifications of the manual. The LED from the casing is green during operation, but it has reduced intensity and does not bother the eye, and in stand-by is blinking yellow, but it is not annoying during the night.

Advantages of BenQ V2420
-high quality image
-high contrast due to LED enlightenment;
-full native HD resolution
-it also has HDMI connector
-is excellent for games and movies but also for office requirements
-28W maximum consumption, and only 17W in Eco Mode
-the LED on the casing does not disturb either in use or in standby

Disadvantages of BenQ V2420
-It cannot be mounted on the wall even if it is a slim model. The back connectors come out perpendicularly from the monitor, so you must leave space for cables and the stand however has about 15-20 inches diagonally.It is not delivered with DVI or HDMI cables which must be purchased separately
-It is not delivered with DVI or HDMI cables which must be purchased separately

Swivels are simple devices, working by basic mechanical rules, which allow you to turn or rotate the position of an appliance or furniture. They are more commonly used for TVs and monitors. What makes them so necessary for monitors is the fact that they allow you to basically switch positions however you like and you need. Since many displays have not so great viewing angles, and most of them give you headaches if you are not staying right in front of them, being able to swivel them on even 360 degrees will be a real bless.

Computer monitor swivels
This little device is generally purchased for home or office usage. It is a simple platform sitting on the top of a table or desk, fully rotary. However, you might find models that can be used to fix an LCD monitor on a wall. Depending on what type of display you have and on the position you intend to place it, you might want to choose combinations of plastic and metal, both of high quality, so they can sustain the weight of the monitor. Coming back to the table swivels, they can also be made by plastic and metal, but most of them only have a large platform and no arm at all.

Options
The offer is so various that you must carefully analyze it. There are models appropriate for specific weights and that need to also fit with your furniture. A fixed bracket, specially designed to be fixed on the wall, is a solid option. But there are also tilts and swivels for wall usage. There are brackets in two pieces. There are rack mounts. And the list can go on and on. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a reliable manufacturer, with good quality products, check the UMM series from Bosch. They have some really great devices for LCD monitors swiveling.

The C-Clamp arm
This swivel sure has a catchy look. Stylish, elegant and even ergonomic, it perfectly goes with an LCD monitor. The arm will allow you to tilt the display in various angles at ease. It has no complicated instructions for when you decide to install or dismount it. Your monitor’s safety was very important for the producers, so an alloy between aluminum and some strong metals is the foundation of this model. It has a compact design, to help you save as much space as possible and you can choose from three different but quick ways to use it: spring arm, pivot stand or simple swivel.

Once installed, on pivot you can rotate the display at 360 degrees, on swivel at 270 degrees and you can tilt it at only 40 degrees. It supports a maximum weight of 15 kilos. However, the C-Clip is most commonly used for table fixture, with the mention that the table should have between 20 and 60 m/m. And do not be worried that it could damage your furniture, the system is protective enough to keep that from happening.

Bosch offer
As I have previously suggested, Bosch is yet another option to consider. If you get the chance, look for the LW 30B model, which is a wall bracket supporting up to 12 kilos of weight.