ASUS VH242H 24-Inch 16:9 LCD Monitor Review

As more people continue to move into smaller spaces, they are starting to require more from their electronics and computer equipment. It's no longer enough for a product to serve a single purpose, because convergence has very much become the name of the game. We simply do not have the space to accommodate separate printers, scanners, and copiers; it's just so much more efficient to get a multifunction printer. The same can almost be said for the LCD monitor market. They're not just there to show you the Internet. We want more.

The new ASUS VH242H 24-inch LCD monitor falls into this kind of philosophy. Instead of the conventional 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio that we see with most computer monitors, this screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, the same that you'd find with the HDTV in your living room. In this way, it's a perfect fit for multimedia and gaming applications. You can actually watch your DVDs in a full-screen format and play your Xbox 360 games without a stretched image or that annoying letterbox effect. As expected, the specifications are able to run the gamut for most consumers as well, while maintaining a sleek and simple appearance that will fit in with any decor.

Features At a Glance

The ASUS VH242H LCD monitor is not meant to hit the top of the range, but it's not a budget-minded offering either. The specs place it somewhere in the middle and the main draw is that it is able to offer a native 16:9 aspect ratio and full 1080p video support. You'll also notice that it's got an HDMI port in there, so connecting your PlayStation 3 or HD cable box should be a piece of cake. The stereo speakers won't floor you, but they are suitable for modest applications. For more boom, you'll need external speakers.

In terms of the rest of the specs and features, here are a few of the noted highlights from the product page:

• Panel Size: 23.6" Wide Screen
• True Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels
• Pixel Pitch: 0.272mm
• Brightness (Max): 300 cd/m2
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio (Max): 20000:1 (ASCR)
• Display Color: 16.7 million
• Viewing Angle: 170°(H)/160°(V)
• Response Time: 5 ms
• SPLENDID Video Preset Modes (5 modes)
• Skin-Tone Selection (3 mode)
• HDCP support
• Color Temperature Selection (5 modes)
• Stereo Speakers 2Wx2 stereo RMS
• Input/Output: DVD-D, D-Sub/VGA, 3.5mm audio mini-jack, HDMI, SPDIF (audio)
• Power Consumption < 55 W
• Power Saving Mode < 2 W

Because it takes on a 16:9 aspect ratio with a TV-like 1920x1080 resolution, the Asus VH242H doesn't really have a 24-inch screen. It's a 23.6-inch widescreen. You can expect similar oddball numbers when it comes to some of the 16:9 gaming laptops from Asus too. This unit will set you back about $279 US and is available at most popular retailers like NCIX and NewEgg.

What's In the Box?

When it comes to a lot of LCD monitors that you find on the market today, many of them ship with a rather barebones selection of accessories. The assumption is that you are upgrading from a previous unit and the added accessories do not provide any extra value. For the new buyer, however, it can be a real pain the rear end when they get home only to discover that they have to return to the store to buy the appropriate cables. Thankfully, that is not the situation with this Asus monitor. Everything you need is included.

In addition to the monitor and stand, you get both a DVI and a VGA cable. This way, you have no trouble getting started with either a digital or an analog video connection. If you want to make use of the integrated stereo speakers, the included 3.5mm audio cable is certainly appreciated. There is no HDMI cable in the box, unfortunately, but having both the DVI and VGA in there is a nice surprise. Rounding out the contents are the power cord, installation CD (not really necessary), quick start guide, and warranty card.