Acer P-Series LCDs bring high contrast, HDMI

Acer's LCD display division today shifted away from its budget focus courtesy of a completely new LCD line. The P-Series displays emphasize high contrast ratios above all else; the budget 19-inch P191Wd starts off at an already high 2,000:1, climing to 2,500:1 for the 20-inch P201Wd and 22-inch P221Wd, and topping out at 3,000:1 for the premium 24-inch P241Wd. Every model also includes HDCP encryption support for full HD videos, either over a native HDMI input for the 24-inch screen or DVI for the three smaller models. A designer look is also the focus with a glossy, black bezel present on every model along with relatively inconspicuous controls.

All four systems carry VGA ports as secondary inputs and anti-glare protection. The 19-, 20-, and 22-inch displays reach 300cd/m2 brightness with a fast pixel response of 5ms at prices of $230, $260, and $320 respectively. Acer's 24-inch model steps up performance with a brighter 400cd/m2 panel and response times as low as 2ms for $500. The complete line should be in shops today.