Doublesight DS-305W

[lobski]

It's official...

http://doublesight.com/images/305wmainban20080070303.jpg

[d3viant]

what is the price and specs on this beast?

[ToastyX]

Is it just me, or does that look like a Hazro?

http://www.toastyx.net/clarity_defined.jpg

[lobski]

Is it just me, or does that look like a Hazro?

http://www.toastyx.net/clarity_defined.jpg :eek:

[d3viant]

Im a big fan of hazro as well !!!

[MentatYP]

Either somebody at the company for some inexplicable reason decided to stretch the image of the monitor for their teaser graphic, or the DS 30" is roughly a 2:1 ratio monitor, not a 16:10! Ok guys, we get it--it's a widescreen. No need to exaggerate.

[Pixelated Taco]

Either somebody at the company for some inexplicable reason decided to stretch the image of the monitor for their teaser graphic, or the DS 30" is roughly a 2:1 ratio monitor, not a 16:10! Ok guys, we get it--it's a widescreen. No need to exaggerate.

I don't think it's stretched enough :p. I can't feel the wideness or the impact of it being wide, lol.

I'm really interested in the price though. I've heard good things about Doublesight and a 30" might fit the bill for me.

[leftheaded]

which panel is this going to use? same as the NEC LCD3090WUXi?

[theDreamer]

Either somebody at the company for some inexplicable reason decided to stretch the image of the monitor for their teaser graphic, or the DS 30" is roughly a 2:1 ratio monitor, not a 16:10! Ok guys, we get it--it's a widescreen. No need to exaggerate.

I just had to. :D

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r157/ele9ment/stretchcopy.jpg

[ilarehson]

Is this monitor worth waiting for? Or if you could get your hands on a Dell 3007-HC, would that be the better option?

decisions, decision

[leftheaded]

Is this monitor worth waiting for?

yes, i think so if it shares the same panel as the NEC LCD3090

[Benlehot]

http://www.buy.com/prod/30in-ws-lcd-3000-1-2560x1600-mntrds-305w-dvi-8ms/q/loc/101/208386203.html

DS-305W

[GlimmerMan]

Is this monitor worth waiting for? Or if you could get your hands on a Dell 3007-HC, would that be the better option?

decisions, decision

http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=01100100U012_BQ77973P.shtml&order_id=532848038

These guys think they are getting them around 9/2. Looks like at least two months away. And still many unknowns like the panel type and inputs.

[ilarehson]

Hmmm, this is true. Well as long as the panel sports the NEC 3090, it may indeed be worth it...Especially if you dont have to pay that price premium.

However, as GlimmerMan says, still many unknowns, we'll hopefully just have to wait for 9/2

[ToastyX]

I think it's clear now:

http://www.toastyx.net/image_305w.png

http://www.toastyx.net/hz30ws_rear4.jpg

[lobski]

Does it have a scaler?

[Benlehot]

so if it's like the Hazro HZ30W, good or bad choice ?

[lobski]

so if it's like the Hazro HZ30W, good or bad choice ?

Very good, low input lag.

[Jaa-Yoo]

Is it just me, or is there only one single input on that thing?? :confused:

[naszero]

Is it just me, or is there only one single input on that thing?? :confused:


Assuming it's the Hazro HZ30W re-branded, it would only have a dual-link DVI input.

[lobski]

Assuming it's the Hazro HZ30W re-branded, it would only have a dual-link DVI input.

Awesome, simple, no-dirty monitor... I want it!

[leftheaded]

will this thing have the anti-glare coating that causes "glittery dirt" on the screen? my Dell 3008WFP does this, and it is horrible. it's a show stopper for me.

[albovin]

will this thing have the anti-glare coating that causes "glittery dirt" on the screen?

Yes, it will.

[Nick_Leo]

Wow i really want this monitor.

[d3viant]

What kind of video card does a person need to run this monitor?

[leftheaded]

What kind of video card does a person need to run this monitor?

if you're not gaming, then you just want something that supports the native res. if you want to game at 2560, then you want top tier stuff.

[Nick_Leo]

how does this compare to the dell 007-hc

[rice rocket]

how does this compare to the dell 007-hc

It's not available, how would we know...

[trainee]

looks like the specs are up on the site:
http://www.doublesight.com/product/?idx=15

Looks like the same panel as the 3007wfp right?

[TheArTcher]

The DS-305W is now listed on their store at $1199. Still out of stock though. Also, the panel description avoids telling us what kind of panel it is.

[MaddieBrad]

I must have at least 2 DVI inputs!!!

[ZeroH]

It's an LG-IPS panel. But only a single DVI input? nothing else? No thanks.

[lobski]

It's an LG-IPS panel. But only a single DVI input? nothing else? No thanks.

It must have no scaler.

Low input lag ftw

[MaddieBrad]

It must have no scaler.

Low input lag ftw

I'll second that emotion.

Dood... Seriously... Does anyone know for sure that this screen will only have 1 input??? If it does Im just gonna get the LP3065 And be done with it.

[Seated]

If you look at their website, you'll see it has one VGA, one DVI, 1 4-port USB hub. That's it. It uses the LG IPS panel (I believe, based on another thread, it's H-IPS) and it's half the price of the NEC. Count me in.

[Seated]

Okay, I don't know that it's a H-IPS monitor. The post said LG-IPS, which doesn't say. The 265W is H-IPS but I dont' know about this monitor. My bad.

[verylostindeed]

Interestingly, the Doublesight e-store appears to indicate that this is in-stock now.

[verylostindeed]

This monitor is in stock at Newegg now for $1,080, shipped.

If I had any money -- which I do not -- this would be mighty tempting.

[lhsa]

it only has one DVI input AND no HDCP support:mad:

i thought this would be my new screen but not now...

[lhsa]

del

[Snowdog]

it only has one DVI input AND no HDCP support:mad:

i thought this would be my new screen but not now...

How do you know it has no HDCP. It is often left off info and taken for granted these days.

The Dell 3007-HC, Hazro HZ30, HP 3065, LG W3000H all have HDCP, so I would bet this one does as well.

That gives you about 5 30" panels that are all pretty much equivalent. LG S-IPS, Dual link DVI, no scaler, low input lag. The newest ones have slightly wider gamut if that makes any real difference.

But basically, you buy the one that has the nicest case for the lowest price with the best return policy, because the screen uniformity is highly suspect on any of these and you may want to exchange/return.

[kaneinf]

Does this monitor lack VESA mounting holes?

It certainly LOOKS like a rebadged Hazro, and the Hazro website claims it has 100mm x 100mm VESA holes (but I don't see them in the photos on their site).

Similarly, I don't see them on the Doublesight either, unless they're completely under the stand. The description and even manual make no mention of VESA mounts.

[lhsa]

the newegg description shows "No" for HDCP support.

[kaneinf]

Does this monitor lack VESA mounting holes?

It certainly LOOKS like a rebadged Hazro, and the Hazro website claims it has 100mm x 100mm VESA holes (but I don't see them in the photos on their site).

Similarly, I don't see them on the Doublesight either, unless they're completely under the stand. The description and even manual make no mention of VESA mounts.

Yup, no VESA holes, here is the reply I got from Doublesight:

"Thank you for your interest in our Products. I am sorry but due to the overall size and weight of the DS-305W, we have not included VESA standard holes in the housing."

[heatlesssun]

One DVI input is fine for me. The stand looks like crap though and no easy way to repleace it without VESA holes. Anyone seen any review for this thing. I can deal with these short commings is the display is good.

edit: Never mind. The specs on NewEgg indicate no HDCP support. That makes it useless for my purposes as I indeed to get a Blu-Ray drive as well.

[lhsa]

sad but true...from the horses mouth:

Thank you for your interest in our Monitors. The DS-305W is built with only one input at this time which is DVI-D and it will require a Dual Link DVI-D compatible video card. This model is not HDCP compliant.

now what to buy?!?!? i should have kept my original DS-263N which was perfect except lacking the AW polarizer:(

How do you know it has no HDCP. It is often left off info and taken for granted these days.

The Dell 3007-HC, Hazro HZ30, HP 3065, LG W3000H all have HDCP, so I would bet this one does as well.

That gives you about 5 30" panels that are all pretty much equivalent. LG S-IPS, Dual link DVI, no scaler, low input lag. The newest ones have slightly wider gamut if that makes any real difference.

But basically, you buy the one that has the nicest case for the lowest price with the best return policy, because the screen uniformity is highly suspect on any of these and you may want to exchange/return.

[conscript]

just so I'm not screwing up here...if it's not HDCP compliant, then I just can't watch HD movies on it?

All I really would want this monitor for is PC games, Web browsing and office work. Any reason it wouldn't be a decent fit? (other than the fact that I'm also going to have to at least upgrade to a 1GB 4780 when they come out?)

I've been wanting to pull the trigger on a 2500x1600 monitor for some time, and I was hoping this would be it.

[turumbar]

just so I'm not screwing up here...if it's not HDCP compliant, then I just can't watch HD movies on it?

All I really would want this monitor for is PC games, Web browsing and office work. Any reason it wouldn't be a decent fit? (other than the fact that I'm also going to have to at least upgrade to a 1GB 4780 when they come out?)

I've been wanting to pull the trigger on a 2500x1600 monitor for some time, and I was hoping this would be it.

If it's not HDCP compliant, it means that it can't play content encrypted by HDCP. That means Blu-Ray movies, and not much else. You can even get around Blu-Ray's HDCP by using Any-DVD HD. This does mean that you would only be able to play Blu-Ray movies from a computer, and not any other player, though.

For games, browsing and office work, it looks like quite a display.

[Snowdog]

If it's not HDCP compliant, it means that it can't play content encrypted by HDCP. That means Blu-Ray movies, and not much else. You can even get around Blu-Ray's HDCP by using Any-DVD HD. This does mean that you would only be able to play Blu-Ray movies from a computer, and not any other player, though.


What makes it better choice than the Dell 3007-HC, Hazro HZ30, HP 3065, or LG W3000H all of which have HDCP. Many of which have VESA mounting as well.

All of these are essentially functionally equivalent. I would rather have HDCP/VESA than not even if I wasn't using it today. No guarantee Anydvd will keep playing Blu Rays...

[turumbar]

What makes it better choice than the Dell 3007-HC, Hazro HZ30, HP 3065, or LG W3000H all of which have HDCP. Many of which have VESA mounting as well.

Oh, I wouldn't say it's better (or equal) to any of those monitors - its only noteworthy quality is being slightly cheaper for someone on a budget.


P.S. what do you think would prevent anydvd from continuing to play DVD's?

[Snowdog]

Oh,
P.S. what do you think would prevent anydvd from continuing to play DVD's?

Nothing. I said it may stop play Blu Rays (on Non HDCP sources).

What could stop them? Changes in the copy protection a visit from the Blu Ray lawyers for breaking the copy protection.

It would be simpler to have compliant monitor than pay what 79 Euros (~$100USD??) for Anydvd HD which may or may not keep working.

[kaneinf]

The cheap just got cheaper, newegg just dropped the price another $50... I think I may have to bite on this one. I'll report back next week I guess.

[conscript]

You think a single 4870 is enough to power this thing for current gaming (screw crysis, hated the game anyway), or am I looking at a mandatory CF or SLI setup? Probably be playing alot of WAR online in the upcoming months, and man would I like the extra screen real estate... I currently have a 8800 640mb GTS for 19x12, and I've found I can pretty much play everything. I guess my biggest concern is the 512MB on the 4870...

[Benlehot]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824185012

[videomasterz]

wow below a grand!

[lhsa]

wow! but how could it not be HDCP compliant when the Hazro is? did they modify or customize the internals with the OEM to remove that capability? perhaps it does have it as an unlisted feature.

who wants to to be the first guinea pig:) only $999!

[Benlehot]

i will buy one as soon as I can get one in Canada !

[kaneinf]

Mine should be here by Tuesday. I don't have a blu-ray drive, or any HD stuff anyhow, so I'm not sure how to test if HDCP is really there or not...

I will report back with pics and stuff though. Let me know if you guys want anything in particular tested or looked at

[videomasterz]

Mine should be here by Tuesday. I don't have a blu-ray drive, or any HD stuff anyhow, so I'm not sure how to test if HDCP is really there or not...

I will report back with pics and stuff though. Let me know if you guys want anything in particular tested or looked at
I guess you can check if it has any "sparkle" effect, meaning a very thick anti glare coating, if its using an LG panel probably it does but you never know, they might be using something new.

Also please check if there is a white glow from the corners on a dark background.. not backlight bleed but just natural glow from the IPS panel, and most importantly pics pics pics!

[naszero]

I'm conflicted. Either get this monitor now or wait for Hazro to bring their model line around December. :confused:

[Snowdog]

Mine should be here by Tuesday. I don't have a blu-ray drive, or any HD stuff anyhow, so I'm not sure how to test if HDCP is really there or not...

I will report back with pics and stuff though. Let me know if you guys want anything in particular tested or looked at

http://www.cyberlink.com/english/support/blu-ray_support/index.jsp

Download the BD advisor. It will check your graphics card and LCD for HDCP.

[conscript]

well i pulled the trigger along with a 4870x2. I don't know a ton about monitors, i only know my user experience with them and can give you my unscientific impressions. I've used recently a 28" Hanns-G, 24" Gateway, 20" Dell WS...so I've been getting pregressively bigger :P I coudl care less about other inputs, as i have a DLP and plasma in our house that i do any movie/tv/ps3 watching on. This is purely for pc games and work.

[kaneinf]

So I finally got mine, and I'm having some trouble...

I can't get it to display above 1280x800 without becoming completely garbled. 2560x1600 is a mess. I have an XFX 7900GT, which supposedly has 2 dual link DVI ports.

On the plus side, no dead or stuck pixels.

[d3viant]

I don't think your video card has enough juice for that monitor.

[kaneinf]

The 7900GT specs indicate it does dual link DVI at up to 2560x1600. I'm not trying to play games here, I am not a big gamer anymore.

[MentatYP]

So I finally got mine, and I'm having some trouble...

I can't get it to display above 1280x800 without becoming completely garbled. 2560x1600 is a mess. I have an XFX 7900GT, which supposedly has 2 dual link DVI ports.

On the plus side, no dead or stuck pixels.

Are you using a dual-link DVI cable?

[kaneinf]

Yeah, the DVI cable that came with it, it has all the pins like a dual link DVI-D should.

Is there any way for me to check if dual link or single link is active? Maybe my video card and/or drivers are bugged and stuck in single link?

On a side note, the power cable that comes with it looks like it's from Germany (2 round posts instead of the 2 blades we have here in the States). I had to go rummage for a US power cable. The Newegg pics show this, but I assumed these were taken from a different market. Nope.

[videomasterz]

So I finally got mine, and I'm having some trouble...

I can't get it to display above 1280x800 without becoming completely garbled. 2560x1600 is a mess. I have an XFX 7900GT, which supposedly has 2 dual link DVI ports.

On the plus side, no dead or stuck pixels.

what do you mean completely garbled?? like all the colors are screwed up??

also can you take pics of your new 30"!! :D and also take pics of the problem...

most likely its the DVI cable...

[kaneinf]

I managed to get it to display up to 2048x1536 by turning off the image scaling in the Nvidia control panel. This monitor scales a few resolutions, namely the low ones, all the way up to 1280x800, except 1152x864. Above that, nothing really works.

Here is what I'm using right now. It sucks. (Excuse my crap photography for the time being)
http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/9895/dsc03013rh7.th.jpg (http://img354.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc03013rh7.jpg)

When I go to 2560x1600@60hz, I get this:
http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/4998/dsc03007cj5.th.jpg (http://img354.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc03007cj5.jpg)

Video card: XFX 7900GT

DVI cable looks like this:
http://img209.imagevenue.com/loc29/th_13800_Resize_of_DSC03010_122_29lo.JPG (http://img209.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=13800_Resize_of_DSC03010_122_29lo.JPG)

If I ever get this monitor working right I'll be sure to write up all my thoughts and some more pics.

[videomasterz]

ok first picture looks like the monitor itself is scaling the image..

2nd pic.. looks really weird... there has to be some options on the monitor itself to configure it somehow?? looks like the monitor is trying its best to produce the image..

yes the 3rd pic IS a DVI-D cable...

your best best to eliminate all possiblities is run out of your house right now and get another DVI-D dual link cable.. just to be sure... if it still looks the same then its hardware.. your monitor or video card...

if you know anyone that has another 30" screen borrow their dvi-d

[kaneinf]

Unfortunately I don't know anyone else with a 30" screen. I may just go to the store and buy a newer video card temporarily to test it out.

[verylostindeed]

My off-the-cuff guess would be a faulty dual-link DVI cable as well.

This really is just the Hazro re-packaged, huh? Pretty good price, although you'd like HDCP for the money.

[Lenny_D]

*cries*

wish i could afford a 30"

[d3viant]

Anyone recomend a good DVI cable?

[King of Heroes]

Anyone recomend a good DVI cable?

www.monoprice.com <-- Get it there. Anywhere else (especially any brick & mortar) is a ripoff.

[kaneinf]

Just so the other guy who ordered one doesn't freak out, I thought I'd update:

My buddy came by with his Macbook Pro tonight, and he hooked it up and it worked flawlessly in 2560x1600 with the cable it came with, no problems. Clearly the problem is with my drivers or something. My video card was advertised as being able to run 2 screens at 2560x1600, so I don't know what's up.

[naszero]

Any confirmation yet the Doublesight doesn't support HDCP?

[videomasterz]

Just so the other guy who ordered one doesn't freak out, I thought I'd update:

My buddy came by with his Macbook Pro tonight, and he hooked it up and it worked flawlessly in 2560x1600 with the cable it came with, no problems. Clearly the problem is with my drivers or something. My video card was advertised as being able to run 2 screens at 2560x1600, so I don't know what's up.

ok thats good to know, so most likely its either drivers or your video card. I suggest getting a new video card, if your gonna came on that 30" you need at LEAST a 8800GTX 768mb. I have a 9800GX2 to push my 30"

[conscript]

Just so the other guy who ordered one doesn't freak out, I thought I'd update:

My buddy came by with his Macbook Pro tonight, and he hooked it up and it worked flawlessly in 2560x1600 with the cable it came with, no problems. Clearly the problem is with my drivers or something. My video card was advertised as being able to run 2 screens at 2560x1600, so I don't know what's up.




lol I'm not freaking, if my 4870x2 can't run it then I'd be very surprised. Monitor and card should be here monday...my only concern is dead pixels

[Malatar]

lol I'm not freaking, if my 4870x2 can't run it then I'd be very surprised. Monitor and card should be here monday...my only concern is dead pixels

Yes, that's my only concern with trying out this 30" as well. Doublesight's return policy requiring 7 or more dead pixels seems harsh... I hope yours arrives perfect!

[d3viant]

Keep the reviews coming !! ... im exciting on making the 265W purchase.. hopefully
within the next month.

[VoBoy]

Just so the other guy who ordered one doesn't freak out, I thought I'd update:

My buddy came by with his Macbook Pro tonight, and he hooked it up and it worked flawlessly in 2560x1600 with the cable it came with, no problems. Clearly the problem is with my drivers or something. My video card was advertised as being able to run 2 screens at 2560x1600, so I don't know what's up.

Did you use the dvi output on the video card on bottom? (the one closer to the motherboard) I believe some of the older video cards only had dual link dvi-d on one port.

BTW newegg jacked up the price 50 bucks ><!

[DragoonTD]

looking forward to more reviews.

[kaneinf]

Here are my thoughts so far on this monitor.

First of all, to follow up on my previous posts, I went and bought a new video card (9600GT) and it's now working fine in 2560x1600. I didn't go for a higher end video card because I honestly don't play graphics intensive games. The only games I really play are GTA San Andreas and Warcraft 3, both of which are running fine in native res with this card.

Anyhow, I guess I should start from the beginning. On the day I was supposed to get this by UPS, by UPS guy decided to pull his typical BS and just leave a tag without knocking on my door (I was sitting right in my living room the entire afternoon). So, I had to drive clear across town to UPS to pick it up myself after complaining on the phone for the 1000th time. I was not happy with what I saw when the package was wheeled out to me.

First of all, Newegg ships this thing in the retail packaging, as it would appear at some electronics store, advertising to all what is inside. Secondly, the box quality is very poor for the amount of weight inside, so the box was literally coming apart, as you can see below:

http://img237.imagevenue.com/loc202/th_20426_DSC02965_122_202lo.JPG (http://img237.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20426_DSC02965_122_202lo.JPG)

http://img195.imagevenue.com/loc30/th_20434_DSC02966_122_30lo.JPG (http://img195.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20434_DSC02966_122_30lo.JPG)

http://img150.imagevenue.com/loc1016/th_20447_blurredDSC02968_122_1016lo.jpg (http://img150.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20447_blurredDSC02968_122_1016lo.jpg)

At least the inside of the box had a significant amount of foam standoff material, and luckily my monitor did not seem to be damaged at all:

http://img233.imagevenue.com/loc136/th_20461_DSC02970_122_136lo.JPG (http://img233.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20461_DSC02970_122_136lo.JPG)

First look seems good. The stand comes already bolted onto the panel, and there are no VESA holes, as mentioned in an earlier post. The reasoning given by the sales rep of "it's too large and heavy for VESA mounts" seems like BS, because the stand is attached by 4 bolts of roughly the same size as you would see on a typical VESA mount. On top of that, they're all concentrated in this small 1.5" x 1.5" area (obscured by the stand in the picture below). Additionally, the panel and stand combined ONLY weigh 23 pounds. That is featherweight for a 30" panel. This is probably due mostly to that power brick being outside the panel, and the aluminum construction. The universal mounts I have for my other monitors would easily support this panel if it had the holes for it. The reasoning for lack of VESA holes is obviously economical.

http://img204.imagevenue.com/loc389/th_20468_DSC02975_122_389lo.JPG (http://img204.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20468_DSC02975_122_389lo.JPG)

http://img206.imagevenue.com/loc518/th_20608_DSC02976_122_518lo.JPG (http://img206.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20608_DSC02976_122_518lo.JPG)

Here's the back of the panel (S/N blurred for obvious reasons), showing the actual manufacturer: PCBANK21 CO., LTD.

http://img205.imagevenue.com/loc556/th_20616_blurredDSC02977_122_556lo.jpg (http://img205.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20616_blurredDSC02977_122_556lo.jpg)

Also, here are the cables it comes with. 1 dual-link DVI cable, the massive external power brick with their proprietary (?) plug on one end, and a standard PC A/C style connector on the other end. However, for some reason they are shipping this thing with a power cable using some European (?) style socket on the end... I had to rummage around to find a regular US power cable of my own to plug into the power brick. I was amazed at this, since Newegg sells to US customers mostly. Newegg has that power cable in their photos, but I naturally assumed this was just from whatever market it came from, and that Newegg would ship it with the CORRECT cable.

http://img237.imagevenue.com/loc533/th_20637_DSC02983_122_533lo.JPG (http://img237.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20637_DSC02983_122_533lo.JPG)

Fast forward to today, I finally have this thing working great, and it puts out a beautiful image. I've only used TN film panels in the past, so IPS is a real treat for me. I wasn't sure what the "sparkle effect" was that people had mentioned here, so I can't really comment on it.

http://img188.imagevenue.com/loc250/th_19455_DSC00002_122_250lo.JPG (http://img188.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19455_DSC00002_122_250lo.JPG)

http://img134.imagevenue.com/loc724/th_19469_DSC00005_122_724lo.JPG (http://img134.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19469_DSC00005_122_724lo.JPG)

http://img136.imagevenue.com/loc1063/th_19480_DSC00007_122_1063lo.JPG (http://img136.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19480_DSC00007_122_1063lo.JPG)

http://img232.imagevenue.com/loc117/th_19495_DSC00011_122_117lo.JPG (http://img232.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19495_DSC00011_122_117lo.JPG)

http://img130.imagevenue.com/loc623/th_19695_DSC00014_122_623lo.JPG (http://img130.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19695_DSC00014_122_623lo.JPG)

http://img188.imagevenue.com/loc370/th_19713_DSC00015_122_370lo.JPG (http://img188.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19713_DSC00015_122_370lo.JPG)

http://img216.imagevenue.com/loc253/th_19723_DSC00017_122_253lo.JPG (http://img216.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19723_DSC00017_122_253lo.JPG)

There are only 3 "buttons" on the monitor. Two for backlight control ("brightness"), and one for power. Aside from the lack of an OSD or anything, the buttons themselves are not very functional. There is no tactile response - It's just a hard plastic panel that somehow registers your taps SOMETIMES, and I often find myself having to tap it over and over trying to get it to respond.

The build quality of the panel enclosure is OK. It's all aluminum, and the stand it comes mounted to is solid aluminum as well, making it feel fairly sturdy and high quality. On the down side, the panel seems to be about 0.41 degrees out of alignment as mounted on the stand (in my case at least, your mileage may vary). This amounts to the left side being about 5mm higher than the right side. This may or may not bother you. I am pretty anal about that sort of thing, so I noticed pretty quickly.

However, as you can see in the pictures above, the logos, etc, are just small pieces of metal which are held on by some adhesive, and some of the letters are already starting to come off. This could be a good or bad thing, I suppose, as some people may think it would look even better as a plain panel anyway.

On the down side, there are small gaps at the corners because the fillets don't exactly match the curvature of the opposing panels, as you can see below. This is a minor gripe, as there are vent holes at the top on the rear anyway. I don't think this was intended to be a "sealed unit" like I've seen the Apple 30" described as.

http://img186.imagevenue.com/loc432/th_19503_DSC00012_122_432lo.JPG (http://img186.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19503_DSC00012_122_432lo.JPG)

http://img148.imagevenue.com/loc797/th_19701_DSC00013_122_797lo.JPG (http://img148.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19701_DSC00013_122_797lo.JPG)

Massive power brick in action:

http://img182.imagevenue.com/loc56/th_19728_DSC00019_122_56lo.JPG (http://img182.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19728_DSC00019_122_56lo.JPG)

The power brick can get pretty hot, and for that reason I guess it's a good thing that all this stuff isn't inside the actual panel itself.

Being an IPS panel, I like not having the weird negative effects from different viewing angles, so the corners look nice in general. These pictures were taken at angles from a lot closer than I actually sit when I'm using it:

http://img173.imagevenue.com/loc1065/th_19856_DSC00025_122_1065lo.JPG (http://img173.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19856_DSC00025_122_1065lo.JPG)

http://img189.imagevenue.com/loc219/th_19862_DSC00027_122_219lo.JPG (http://img189.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19862_DSC00027_122_219lo.JPG)

I took these 2 pictures to try to show the brightness and/or glow of different areas on the panel:

http://img133.imagevenue.com/loc801/th_19871_DSC00030_122_801lo.JPG (http://img133.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19871_DSC00030_122_801lo.JPG)

http://img142.imagevenue.com/loc1107/th_19877_DSC00033_122_1107lo.JPG (http://img142.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=19877_DSC00033_122_1107lo.JPG)

It's not perfect, but it doesn't bother me personally, I wasn't really sure what to expect with a 30" monitor. Even the 20" monitors I'm used to always had some weird dark and bright areas. I don't think there is any backlight bleed, but I've never really seen that before personally anyway. This sort of thing is hard to see through photographs I guess.

Lastly, I used BD Advisor as suggested by an earlier poster, and it seemed to indicate that the monitor IS HDCP compliant... I'm not sure if this is a false positive or what, but here is a screenshot of the output:

http://img232.imagevenue.com/loc248/th_21355_BD-Advisor_122_248lo.jpg (http://img232.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=21355_BD-Advisor_122_248lo.jpg)

At first I ran it with 3 panels running (the 30" on the 9600GT, and the 2 20.1" panels on the 7900GT), and received a positive result. I assumed this had to be mistaken, so I disabled the 20.1" panels and ran it again and got the same outcome.

Take this with a grain of salt, I guess, since it is not listed as such in the manufacturer specs. Lets hope the next poster to get his panel has a blu-ray drive and can test it out for real.

The colors seemed pretty nice to the eye out of the box, and I didn't try calibrating it until yesterday with Spyder2 Pro. I had used this with good results to match my previous monitor set (3 20.1" all from LG but 1 was 1 year older than the other 2). The resulting color profile for the 30" was not that great of a match to the 2 20" panels. The whites aren't as white, and it has a little bit more of a warm yellow hint to it compared to the others (which I also recalibrated at the same time). With the 20.1" panels, I could adjust RGB sliders in the OSD, which I think helped a great deal in homing in on a good representation, but the DoubleSight has none, and I guess the software did the best it could...

Any of you experts on color calibration, please chime in and let me know if there are some more tricks to this (without requiring me to buy an expensive new colorimeter :/)

As far as gaming goes, It works great, and I'm really getting used to all this real estate. I didn't used to have to turn my head to look at the minimap in Warcraft 3. As an additional bonus to having to buy a new video card, the 9600GT I have seems to do a much better job at software scaling than my 7900GT was trying to do. I fired up Warcraft 3 in the highest default resolution (2048x1536) and it honestly looked like native resolution to me, despite being stretched. I don't know how that works, but I was fooled until I took a screenshot and checked the resolution later.

All in all, I think this monitor is decent - it's one of those "you get what you pay for" situations. I knew the first 30" dipping below $1000 would have some drawbacks, but as a poor grad student it was already a big enough stretch for this monitor, let alone a $2000 NEC or what have you.

[nomu]

Also, here are the cables it comes with. 1 dual-link DVI cable, the massive external power brick with their proprietary (?) plug on one end, and a standard PC A/C style connector on the other end. However, for some reason they are shipping this thing with a power cable using some European (?) style socket on the end... I had to rummage around to find a regular US power cable of my own to plug into the power brick. I was amazed at this, since Newegg sells to US customers mostly. Newegg has that power cable in their photos, but I naturally assumed this was just from whatever market it came from, and that Newegg would ship it with the CORRECT cable.

http://img237.imagevenue.com/loc533/th_20637_DSC02983_122_533lo.JPG (http://img237.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=20637_DSC02983_122_533lo.JPG)

That looks like a standar DIN power connector, so it's probably not proprietary. Also that AC cable has a South Korean plug, and that's where PCBANK operates. Newegg wouldn't touch the retail package, it seems that the monitor was hastily prepared for the US market. This is consistent with the 263N's minimal and inaccurate manual. As you said, you pay for everything you get.

[Atreus]

great review and pictures - how's the uniformity and does it have those infamous stripes that have plagued the nec 3090?

[verylostindeed]

If this monitor ends up being DHCP compliant, it's probably the best buy out of the 30" models. That is, it is the cheapest and probably the same quality wise as all of the others.

[d3viant]

Told you it was the video card! glad to see you got it working and nice review.

[Yelnats]

How is Doublesight's Warrenty service?

I had to exchange a Dell 2005FPW, and although I had to spend a lot of time on the phone, they quickly cross-shipped a 2007WFP replacement.

[kaneinf]

Atreus: I haven't noticed any weird artifacts so far. I very briefly scanned through the NEC 3090 thread to see if i could find a picture or something, but didn't catch one. If I notice any weirdness like that I'll be sure to post back here.

The uniformity is OK in usage, I really don't have any gripes about it. There is a tiny bit of glow in the corners when viewed at an angle, like a lot of other similar panels seem to get, but my brain has already started to tune it out.

As far as image quality goes, I'm still a little beefed about my inability to get this panel to match my two TN panels I have on each side. Not sure if I could make the colorimeter software do anything more than it's already done. I think it would be much easier if there were built in RGB sliders and color temperature controls, but that's one of the many the sacrifices to get such an inexpensive panel.

d3viant: Yeah, it seems that since my old video card was one of the first to advertise 2560x1600 capability, they probably just threw that feature in there as an afterthought. I don't even know if anything but the Apple 30" was out at that time. At least now I have a single card running the 30" instead of the 30" and 1 20.1".

Yelnats: No idea, it claims to have a 3 year warranty, but I imagine it won't be near as good as Dell. I haven't been able to get much information on DoubleSight, I just know they have an office out in LA with like 50 people working there. I'm not really counting on them being around in a few years, but who knows, maybe they'll make it big?

[videomasterz]

very good review kaneinf.. the sparkle effect described by some people appear on white backgrounds.. such as if you click on my computer and it shows a white background and your harddrives, it sort of looks like alot of crystal dust. The glow you are talking about in the corners means its an IPS panel.. but what color glow? purple/violet? or white??

This monitor looks very nice imho... to make it better I would just scrap off all the badges and make it "clean" :D

[conscript]

well just received mine, haven't had a chance to play any games, but here's the short review:

1. Box was in terrible shape when it arrived, but everything inside was pristine.
2. No dead pixels (yay!)
3. Wrong plug included, had to use previous monitors plug.
4. zero backlight bleed
5. Minor banding ( think that's what it's called), where the red stripe in these forusm is *slightly* darker near the bottom of the screen than the top
6. Text is very crisp

Overall, my immediate feel is that i'm very happy with this monitor, moving from a Hanns-G 28" (which I also liked very much), a Gateway FD2400, Dell 21" WS. I'd say I'm most please with this montior, but then again it's my new toy...more to come :)

[Cloud15x]

Anyone know when they will be back in stock @egg?

[jtabler]

I received mine yesterday from newegg.

I was trying to run it with a 7600gt, but that didn't work out. I had the same issues as above even though the documentation says 7600gt and up will work. It did the half res just fine, but full res was all lined and garbled.

I just ordered a 3870 for $109 from new egg to replace the 7600gt. Whenever the 4870x2 are around $350, I'll order one (January 2009 maybe?).

Mini Review:

1. Box in bad condition
2. No U.S. Power Cord (minor gripe)
3. Back corner screw was loose holding the panel together.
4. Construction feels "cheap" in comparison to the only other 30" I've seen, the Apple.

1280x800 resolution it looked great with no dead pixels. For 999 plus shipping, it was a good choice for me as my previous setup was to stretch my IDE and toolbars across 2x 20" widescreens with a 3rd 20" for "preview". It left a lot to be desired.

To be honest, unless you have a program that needs a lot of real estate, such as an IDE/editing software, I would not recommend this monitor just for the it's bigger so it must be better factor.

[paxophobe]

Hi curious if any sort of buzzing or humming can be heard from this panel?

I recently had to get rid of a 3007wfp because it buzzed to the point of annoying me greatly and now am in the market for a silent 30" panel.

[kaneinf]

I haven't noticed any personally, I can't really put my ear up to the power brick right now without tearing my desk apart since I have everything lashed down around the 30" now. Does the 3007wfp have an external power supply like the DS-305W does?

I can totally understand your annoyance though. When I put my new video card in for this monitor it introduced some soft high pitch squealing sound coming from the vicinity of the card. I tried to find the exact source using the old drinking straw stethoscope trick to no avail. My solution was to crank up one of the 120mm case fans to a higher rpm to drown it out with some more white noise. I live in a noisy part of town anyway so a little *whooooooosh* from my computer doesn't bother me much. The high pitched stuff is intolerable though.

[paxophobe]

3007wfp has an internal power supply. Very annoying one at that (countlessly verified on this forum).

Its kind of encouraging that the DS305w has an external power brick, because, at least I could set it to the side or something. Under a desk would be better than two feet from my face.

[paxophobe]

@kaneinf

I'm sure a lot of disgruntled ex 3007wfp owners would like to know if theres any sound coming out of the brick. If you ever go under your desk, be sure to check it out :-)

[Snowdog]

I can totally understand your annoyance though. When I put my new video card in for this monitor it introduced some soft high pitch squealing sound coming from the vicinity of the card. I tried to find the exact source using the old drinking straw stethoscope trick to no avail.

NVidia Card? Squealing constant or in 3d applications?

[scivian]

Does anyone else see the banding on the the close-up pics of the flowers?

[Snowdog]

Does anyone else see the banding on the the close-up pics of the flowers?

No, I do see typical noise bands that you get from the interaction between a digital camera and an LCD display, but no display banding.

[kaneinf]

NVidia Card? Squealing constant or in 3d applications?

Constantly, it's a BFG 9600GT OC. I don't notice it anymore though. I'm sure it's still there but I've been able to ignore it now.

[sMiLe-]

Does this monitor have hdmi support? Will the 26" have hdmi support?

[wildkatz84]

w2207h or w2408h ftw

[lifanus]

Was doing LCD research and found it for sale for dirt cheap at Provantage.com for $988 (http://www.provantage.com/doublesight-ds-305w~7DBLE00M.htm) However i see it is now in backorder... :(

Don't know if it's any good for intense photographic works in photoshop if it's got bleeding problems and uneven brightness. Hows input lag and respons time on this thing? (In other word, gaming performance)

[DragoonTD]

hopefully more people will put up some reviews.

[Takeda Kenshi]

I too would like to hear more impressions about this monitor. I've been looking at the 265W and this would be a good litmus test to see whether or not the 265 would be a good fit for me.

[jtabler]

It's a big old that depends.

After having it up and running with a HD 3870, I'd say that it's great for what I do - web development.

I did load up "The Witcher" demo at 2560x1600 just to check. It was really stunning, but the 3870 is not the card to do it. It's playable, but has noticeable issues. I thought the movies played very. It's definitely much brighter than my other screens.

I have it side by side with my dell 2005wfs and can't tell a difference, so I guess I'm not a videophile.

[kaneinf]

It appears Newegg has pulled this product. I guess the two less than glowing reviews may have had an impact?

[jtabler]

Regarding newegg removal, It could be the packaging or the lack of U.S. cable. However, it's likely distribution issues.

My only complaint in use now is that in the top middle there is a very subtle greenish hue that comes down in a half circle about 2.5 inches whenever the screen is black. Sometimes I stare at it and think it is going away, but it is my mind playing tricks on me. I can't see it with any other color than black and only if the screen is static.

[Benlehot]

so... anyone else with this display?

[jtabler]

I wouldn't get it if I were you. Go for the dell if you want 30".

[heatsinker]

Scored one of these off of eBay for $770. Really wasn't interested in a 30" screen, but IPS panels in the smaller sizes cost about the same new, so I figured what the hell. I will be sure to report back once it lands on my doorstep. :D

[Benlehot]

how is your DS-305W heatsinker?

[heatsinker]

Oops, sorry; completely forgot about this thread. It's freakin' awesome; zero dead pixels and the colors were satisfactory without any adjustment. Biggest problems are backlight bleeding from the edges and has pretty noticeable gamma shift at wide angles (possible lack of polarizer?). The power switch is a pain in the neck to operate; it's some kind of touch sensitive switch and aside from the teeny-weeny green LED, it's kinda hard to tell if you actually turned the monitor on or off

All in all it has some of the faults of my old 2001FP so they're not that big a deal to me, but it's nice having no dead pixels and a helluva lot more real estate, plus it feels lighter than the Dell. The price just made it that much sweeter too.

[kaneinf]

When I went to visit the parents for the holidays (and the milling machine and lathe!), I decided to come up with a project for myself. Ever since I got my DS-305W I've been dissatisfied with crappy crappy stand and the lack of a standard VESA mount. I designed an adapter plate to go from the proprietary DS-305W bolt pattern (M4 15mm x 34mm) to a standard 100mm x 100mm VESA pattern.

Here you can see the proprietary mounting pattern:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7195/dsc00051tt9.th.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00051tt9.jpg)

In addition to the four threaded holes, there were 2 additional holes for a set of pins which were cast onto the original mounting hardware. I believe these pins are not only for locating, but also load bearing, so I decided to include them in my design.

Below you can see the monitor-side of the finished part, milled out of a solid block of 7000 series aluminum, care of the LTV scrapyard of years past (if anyone in DFW can remember that far back...).

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2109/dsc00064yx2.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00064yx2.jpg)

I machined the pins from steel on a lathe with a precise outer diameter to match the cast parts (0.1365"), with the lower end sized so I could press-fit them into the aluminum part. The protrusion left after milling the body of the part is to fit the recess on the back of the monitor, as can be seen in the first photo. The recesses around the corner holes are a hair over 7mm in width, to fit the 7mm hex nuts for an M4 machine screw (those used in a VESA mounting kit) so that I don't have to hold the nuts to the back.

I decided to use nuts instead of installing threads in the part for simplicity. I don't like putting load bearing threads in aluminum, just because it is so easy to strip or gal them out, and I didn't feel like messing with helicoils when what I came up with is so easy and adequate by comparison.

Here is the VESA-mount-side of the part. The recess in the center is to allow clearance for the bolts (and any washers that may be necessary to shim them to the correct bolt depth) when the VESA plate is flush-mounted to the adapter.

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6000/dsc00065et3.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00065et3.jpg)

Finally, here is the whole thing installed and mounted on an Omnimount WS-3 I have.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/9918/dsc00072pm3.th.jpg (http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00072pm3.jpg)

Now that I know it all fits and works great, I need to order another WS-3 mount so I can put my second portrait mode 20" back where it belongs!

[Luthorcrow]

Damn, wish I had a machinist in my network.

Nice work! Thanks for the pics.:D

[sneakygreenalien]

Just popped in to say that I've been using my ds-305w for a week or so now. It's really a great quality monitor for the money. Yes it lacks some inputs but I didnt buy it for anything other than pc use. Once color calibrated it really shows the colors alot better than my older viewsonic. The reds are pinkish red, red red and fluorescent red :D. Dark levels are outstanding and as expected. I calibrated my panel at 50% backlight. That way I could adjust accordingly right off the panel if needed. I noticed that the backlight became more even and darker with the backlight at 50%. Basically the backlight hotspots disapeared. It's a pleasure to watch 1080p flics on this thing.

[jimblevins]

Looks like it's got only one input

[coolchu001]

is the back of the monitor aluminum or just aluminum looking plastic?? Too bad live.com Cashback is currently dead for eBay. It can be had for under $800 at the buy (buy.com) store on eBay

[heatsinker]

It's aluminum, in fact, there's actually very little plastic on the monitor.

[sneakygreenalien]

Only 1 input...

The monitor only has one input. You have to know this going in. In other words if you only use it for the computer then... You could however buy a hdmi->dvi cable if your situation calls for it.
------------------------------
Metal or plastic back...
Panel case, handle and stand are metal. If you want a good review goto http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/hazro_hz30w.htm
-------------------------------
Hazro and DoubleSight distribute the same 30" monitors. Just different logos ;)

Hazro is in the UK and DoubleSight in the States.

[kaneinf]

Actually, the handle is NOT aluminum. The handle is injection molded plastic with some plastic grey paneling stuck on top with adhesive (speaking from my experience disassembling the mount).

Aside from the handle, the base and column segments are made of aluminum. The column is basically an extruded piece of stock with some interior channels which mounting screws thread into to secure the monitor. From my inspection, this is NOT a part that will hold up well to continual disassembly and reassembly. It would be extremely easy to totally strip out the channel by hand with just a small screwdriver. If you plan to take it apart for some reason as I did, be careful.

The actual mounting hinge/joint feels like some sort of cheap die cast material, similar to what matchbox cars are made out of.

The mounting point on the back of the monitor is a series of simple holes in the aluminum body which have a steel plate on the other side. This steel plate is where the M4 threads are. The plate is still quite thin, so be careful screwing it back together. It would be bad news to strip those out.

Also, unrelated to the above, I recently noticed a pretty bad brightness inconsistency in the lower middle area of the screen when representing grays. I mainly notice it when I open Photoshop. The default workspace background really brings it out.

At any rate, aside from the cheap quality (although decent looking) mount, and awful controls, this monitor is pretty decent, especially for the price.

I got rid of the default mount entirely, and to alleviate the problem of shoddy controls I started using AutoHotKey and a script to automatically send all panels into standby, so I don't have to mess with the unresponsive power button.

Also a weird performance quirk I've observed is that every time my panels all go into power save mode, the DS-305W always flashes a full screen red, green, or blue image (one of these, randomly). Not sure if this is normal for big panels (maybe dual link dvi related?), but none of my other smaller panels ever do this.

Oh, and the power brick is pretty big and it gets extremely hot.

[sneakygreenalien]

Actually, the handle is NOT aluminum. The handle is injection molded plastic with some plastic grey paneling stuck on top with adhesive (speaking from my experience disassembling the mount).

Aside from the handle, the base and column segments are made of aluminum. The column is basically an extruded piece of stock with some interior channels which mounting screws thread into to secure the monitor. From my inspection, this is NOT a part that will hold up well to continual disassembly and reassembly. It would be extremely easy to totally strip out the channel by hand with just a small screwdriver. If you plan to take it apart for some reason as I did, be careful.

The actual mounting hinge/joint feels like some sort of cheap die cast material, similar to what matchbox cars are made out of.

The mounting point on the back of the monitor is a series of simple holes in the aluminum body which have a steel plate on the other side. This steel plate is where the M4 threads are. The plate is still quite thin, so be careful screwing it back together. It would be bad news to strip those out.

Also, unrelated to the above, I recently noticed a pretty bad brightness inconsistency in the lower middle area of the screen when representing grays. I mainly notice it when I open Photoshop. The default workspace background really brings it out.

At any rate, aside from the cheap quality (although decent looking) mount, and awful controls, this monitor is pretty decent, especially for the price.

I got rid of the default mount entirely, and to alleviate the problem of shoddy controls I started using AutoHotKey and a script to automatically send all panels into standby, so I don't have to mess with the unresponsive power button.

Also a weird performance quirk I've observed is that every time my panels all go into power save mode, the DS-305W always flashes a full screen red, green, or blue image (one of these, randomly). Not sure if this is normal for big panels (maybe dual link dvi related?), but none of my other smaller panels ever do this.

Oh, and the power brick is pretty big and it gets extremely hot.

I'm quite happy with my purchase. I made damn sure there wasn't anything wrong with the panel,stand,control panel or anything else before I chose to keep mine. Otherwise I would have RMA'd it back to where I got it. I had 15 days no questions asked.

That panel flashing sounds like a vidcard related issue.

And yes the AC adapter gets very warm. Mine gets around 106F and hopefully it won't blow. However I'm not gonna worry about it either.

[freebeerz]

Could you post the CAD drawings you used to create this adapter plate?

Thanks!

When I went to visit the parents for the holidays (and the milling machine and lathe!), I decided to come up with a project for myself. Ever since I got my DS-305W I've been dissatisfied with crappy crappy stand and the lack of a standard VESA mount. I designed an adapter plate to go from the proprietary DS-305W bolt pattern (M4 15mm x 34mm) to a standard 100mm x 100mm VESA pattern.

Here you can see the proprietary mounting pattern:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7195/dsc00051tt9.th.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00051tt9.jpg)

In addition to the four threaded holes, there were 2 additional holes for a set of pins which were cast onto the original mounting hardware. I believe these pins are not only for locating, but also load bearing, so I decided to include them in my design.

Below you can see the monitor-side of the finished part, milled out of a solid block of 7000 series aluminum, care of the LTV scrapyard of years past (if anyone in DFW can remember that far back...).

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2109/dsc00064yx2.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00064yx2.jpg)

I machined the pins from steel on a lathe with a precise outer diameter to match the cast parts (0.1365"), with the lower end sized so I could press-fit them into the aluminum part. The protrusion left after milling the body of the part is to fit the recess on the back of the monitor, as can be seen in the first photo. The recesses around the corner holes are a hair over 7mm in width, to fit the 7mm hex nuts for an M4 machine screw (those used in a VESA mounting kit) so that I don't have to hold the nuts to the back.

I decided to use nuts instead of installing threads in the part for simplicity. I don't like putting load bearing threads in aluminum, just because it is so easy to strip or gal them out, and I didn't feel like messing with helicoils when what I came up with is so easy and adequate by comparison.

Here is the VESA-mount-side of the part. The recess in the center is to allow clearance for the bolts (and any washers that may be necessary to shim them to the correct bolt depth) when the VESA plate is flush-mounted to the adapter.

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6000/dsc00065et3.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00065et3.jpg)

Finally, here is the whole thing installed and mounted on an Omnimount WS-3 I have.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/9918/dsc00072pm3.th.jpg (http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00072pm3.jpg)

Now that I know it all fits and works great, I need to order another WS-3 mount so I can put my second portrait mode 20" back where it belongs!

[kaneinf]

Could you post the CAD drawings you used to create this adapter plate?

Thanks!

http://rapidshare.com/files/217595145/ds305w_mount.rar.html

The drawings in the pdf are accurate, the included cad file was made in Solidworks 2008, and is not quite up to date. I don't know where the updated cad file went, because I modified it on site and didn't bother sending the updated file back to myself, apparently.

Keep in mind that you make/use this thing at your own risk. I'm obviously not responsible, and Doublesight would surely void your warranty if they were to find out you even removed the stand.

[freebeerz]

http://rapidshare.com/files/217595145/ds305w_mount.rar.html

The drawings in the pdf are accurate, the included cad file was made in Solidworks 2008, and is not quite up to date. I don't know where the updated cad file went, because I modified it on site and didn't bother sending the updated file back to myself, apparently.

Keep in mind that you make/use this thing at your own risk. I'm obviously not responsible, and Doublesight would surely void your warranty if they were to find out you even removed the stand.

Wow.. Very professional drawings!

Thanks a lot!

[conscript]

well it's been 6+ months now, and unfortunately I have a negative to report. I don't really know how to explain it, but over time, I've gotten some weird streaking, almost like a water spill, inside the lcd along the left side of the monitor. Can only see it on certain background. For example, on this page i can't see it at all, though on my desktop which is bluish, it's a bit more pronouced. I'll see if I can get a clear picture to get your input. It's really not a big deal, don't even notice it most of the time, except I'm kinda funny about spending $1K and not having a perfect product 6 months down the road. Going to call DS support tomorrow, but man, having to ship and insure it out thwere and prepay for the return just sucks. Now I remember why I always tried to buy my monitors from local B&M stores. (I got this one at Newegg).

[Vega]

http://rapidshare.com/files/217595145/ds305w_mount.rar.html

The drawings in the pdf are accurate, the included cad file was made in Solidworks 2008, and is not quite up to date. I don't know where the updated cad file went, because I modified it on site and didn't bother sending the updated file back to myself, apparently.

Keep in mind that you make/use this thing at your own risk. I'm obviously not responsible, and Doublesight would surely void your warranty if they were to find out you even removed the stand.

I just ordered this display. How much would you charge to make one of those VESA plate adapters? ;)

With the adapter, how much pressure could safely be placed on the screen to reposition the display on a tilting monitor arm? Is it pretty robust and secure or is it something that's fragile enough you wouldn't want to mess with it much? I know with those original screw holes in the back of the display being so close, any type of leverage could really hurt the mount.

[patrickgerry]

well it's been 6+ months now, and unfortunately I have a negative to report. I don't really know how to explain it, but over time, I've gotten some weird streaking, almost like a water spill, inside the lcd along the left side of the monitor. Can only see it on certain background. For example, on this page i can't see it at all, though on my desktop which is bluish, it's a bit more pronouced. I'll see if I can get a clear picture to get your input. It's really not a big deal, don't even notice it most of the time, except I'm kinda funny about spending $1K and not having a perfect product 6 months down the road. Going to call DS support tomorrow, but man, having to ship and insure it out thwere and prepay for the return just sucks. Now I remember why I always tried to buy my monitors from local B&M stores. (I got this one at Newegg).

too bad. Can you show us some pics of the "waterspill".

[gringott]

Dell currently has two different models of this monitor listed. One is $162 more than the other one, and takes longer to get delivered. I called Dell twice and Doublesight once, nobody knows why two are listed. There are two different Dell part numbers. Both are listed as DS-305W.
Dell Part# A2547677 $1161.99
and the
Dell Part# A2052094 $999.99

Anybody got a clue on this? The Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC is $100 more that the lowest one, but cheaper than the highest DS-305W, so I am torn up on what to buy. HELP!!!!

[Vega]

I just received my DS-305W from Dell for $999.99. There are no pixel issues and the display looks gorgeous. I had the Gateway 30" before and this thing is much better. The DoubleSight is a super fast display with only like 7.5ms display lag. The Gateway even without the up-scalar is like 45ms and with the scalar it's off the charts.

The quality is much better then I expected with the bezel, back plate and stand made of metal. I will test if there is any backlight bleed tonight when it's dark. The only thing I dislike is the lack of a VESA mount but I can make up a custom adapter for that.

So far it's great. H-IPS, relatively cheap, quality case, lowest 30" input lag, what more could you want?

[gringott]

Dell could not tell me what was different about the two model numbers vs. price.

Doublesight told me first by telephone, then via email [two different people] that they only make one model so if you pay more at Dell you are not getting more, they have no idea why Dell would list two numbers and two prices.

I will order mine next week.

[conscript]

too bad. Can you show us some pics of the "waterspill".

It really is only visible on darker, but not black backgrounds (even looking for it, i can't see it on these forums, for example). My desktop seems to show it the most, with a dark blue hue. I'm thinking I'm going to RMA, because i actually want to sell the monitor because i just found out I'm going to have my first kid, and frankly what seemed like cool toys a few months ago now have $$ signs on them for cribs/diapers/etc :eek: But not going to sell something with a defect, even as minor as this.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3214/1000261b.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000261b.jpg)

(sorry for the huge file, but at lower resolutions you can't really see it)

[Adrgha]

Silly question, but could you share that wallpaper with us? Thanks!

[conscript]

Silly question, but could you share that wallpaper with us? Thanks!

sure, here ya go. Don't remember where i got it originally.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7715/desktopbackgroundh.th.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=desktopbackgroundh.jpg)

[Vega]

Further tested my DS-305W, no back-light bleed. Quality is top notch.

[conscript]

Well I'll say this, based on my experience RMA'ing my monitor with doublesight, I won't hesitate to order another monitor from them. I sent the picture to them, they offered to crossship a brand new monitor to me, and just make sure I send back the old one within 20 days of receiving the new one. Took me about only a minute on hold, person on the phone was about as pleasant as can be, and overall the process was ridiculously easy.

Course, the real proof will be in the pudding when I get my new perfectly functional replacement. :)

[miguelito]

sure, here ya go. Don't remember where i got it originally.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7715/desktopbackgroundh.th.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=desktopbackgroundh.jpg)

I believe I saw that wallpaper at InterfaceLift (http://interfacelift.com/wallpaper_beta/downloads/date/widescreen/). Great source for awesome 2560x1600 wallpapers.

[Vega]

I just took my DS-305W apart and the LG label was easy to find. It uses the LG LM300WQ3 panel.

[gringott]

Have had my "cheaper" Dell version, great monitor. I have only two gripes, not really against Doublesight:

Have to wait to use it with my new mac mini until they sort out the dvi-d dual link issue with the $100 mac mini adapter (no one else has an adapter)

I could only afford 1 Doublesight. Hahah.

But maybe next month I can get another one!! ha ha.

[freebeerz]

http://rapidshare.com/files/217595145/ds305w_mount.rar.html

The drawings in the pdf are accurate, the included cad file was made in Solidworks 2008, and is not quite up to date. I don't know where the updated cad file went, because I modified it on site and didn't bother sending the updated file back to myself, apparently.

Keep in mind that you make/use this thing at your own risk. I'm obviously not responsible, and Doublesight would surely void your warranty if they were to find out you even removed the stand.

I've just finished my own homemade VESA plate following your plan:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ariess/HazroVESAAdaptorPlate

I bought a 20x20cm aluminium plate on ebay and only had access to a hacksaw and drill so the result is a bit rougher, but it works!

Your design saved me a lot of measuring, thanks! :)

[quinnyfizzle]

I've had my DS-305w for about a month now. It was bought new off ebay for like $750 shipped(superb deal) :D

Does anyone else notice a super bright glow about this monitor? My older PVA panel never had this issue. It is especially noticable in a dark room with a black desktop background.

[sneakygreenalien]

No super bright glow to report :)

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9459/ds305wbacklightuniformi.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6333/ds305wbacklightuniformic.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9947/ds305wfrontjd.jpg

[quinnyfizzle]

I have that same glow you have in the second picture. Is that normal?

It is so noticable while browsing [H] because of the black background.

[sneakygreenalien]

Thats normal for S-IPS and H-IPS panels. The only difference would be that S-IPS is going to have a purple-blue hue and the H-IPS a pink-green hue.

The backlight on the ds-305w's is set pretty high from the factory. I turned down the backlight to %50 then color calibrate from there. The panel displays colors really well now. Give it a try.

[kaneinf]

I've just finished my own homemade VESA plate following your plan:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ariess/HazroVESAAdaptorPlate

I bought a 20x20cm aluminium plate on ebay and only had access to a hacksaw and drill so the result is a bit rougher, but it works!

Your design saved me a lot of measuring, thanks! :)

Sweet, glad to be of help

By the way, Lately I've noticed a weird "glitch" with this monitor... Every time I turn it on, within the first minute or so of operation, there is a momentary (maybe 1/60th of a second) flash of a single horizontal white line, maybe 1 pixel in height, across the screen about 1/3 of the way from the bottom. I'm not sure if it has always done this or not, but I definitely notice it when using dark backgrounds.

Also, I tend to keep my Firefox window in the same location all the time, and now there's a pink persistent image of the outline of the browser window when I'm looking at a gray background.

I tried to get rid of it by leaving the monitor displaying a pure white image overnight a few times, and it didn't seem to make any difference. Is this not the way to go about it on an S-IPS panel? I also tried leaving it cycling red, green, and blue images at 2 minute intervals to no avail.