Official BenQ FP241W Thread !!! Info, Pictures, Reviews

Has anyone found any FP 241WZ's in stock in the US yet? They were supposed to be in stock last Thursday, now they say today.
 
I wonder if BFI, black frame insertion, is a hardware issue or a firmware deal? Or both? I guess I should call BenQ to see if a service center can do BFI on an FP241W, aye?
 
Just picked up my monitor today...and am quite pleased.
However it does have one dead pixel at the lower right hand part of the screen, it is very hard to see it though...but i know its there.


I was a bit dissapointed with how the 360 looks on it, ie: looks a bit jaggy edged.
Is this because of the stretch? (monitor isnt upgraded yet)
I have tried running through both component and vga but it still looks dodgey.

Has anyone here tried the 360 before and after the upgrade? and did it improve the picture greatly?
 
Turrican2, when you get your upgrade to 1:1 can you ask about getting BFI while they're under the hood? I just want to know if that is possible.
 
Man... I just noticed the NCIX FP241W price reduction/special... I sent them an email wondering if I could get credit, or if they'd waive the the shipping insurance or something...

I also asked them why I paid $50 for 5 day shipping (eta on delivery is 30th), and for clarification on that charge covering the express shipping TO the border, and then slow boat to China once inside the US... No idea how that works...

Does anybody know if I get a separate tracking number once it switches to a US courier?
 
newegg.com has the BenQ FP241W 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $769.99. Coupon code "EMC123BENQ24LCD" slices it to $719.99. With free 3-day shipping.
 
Well, as mentioned some pages ago, I had problems with the DVI input on my monitor. New cable, but it's the same. Screen goes black. Then used a DVI to HDMI cable. That works but only up to 1920X1080.

Furthermore, it is quite impossible to get a straight answer on how and when BenQ will handle the firmware fix. So the monitor goes back and I'm getting my money back. Hope to see to Z version soon in Europe.
 
Turrican2 said:
Just picked up my monitor today...and am quite pleased.
However it does have one dead pixel at the lower right hand part of the screen, it is very hard to see it though...but i know its there.


I was a bit dissapointed with how the 360 looks on it, ie: looks a bit jaggy edged.
Is this because of the stretch? (monitor isnt upgraded yet)
I have tried running through both component and vga but it still looks dodgey.

Has anyone here tried the 360 before and after the upgrade? and did it improve the picture greatly?
Click to expand...

My XBOX 360 image also looks jaggy and fuzzy. My guess is it's because of the stretching.
 
higgy said:
I wonder if BFI, black frame insertion, is a hardware issue or a firmware deal? Or both? I guess I sould call BenQ to see if a service center can do BFI on an FP241W, aye?
Click to expand...

Even if it was just a firmware update, they're using it as a major feature for a higher end model. Kinda like how Microsoft is selling 5 different versions of Vista at different prices.
 
Quanticles said:
Even if it was just a firmware update, they're using it as a major feature for a higher end model. Kinda like how Microsoft is selling 5 different versions of Vista at different prices.
Click to expand...
yes, I think you are right. I might be wrong but I think they originally advertised the FP241W with BFI.
 
I just called BenQ regarding the FP241W Z and after hearing from a BenQ Product Specialist that they were still in the dark someone gave me another number and I somehow got put through to the Display Product Manager in the UK (though from Taiwan). I was told that he knows as much as anyone in Europe about what is happening with this monitor and the FP241W.

He seemed friendly and very authoratitive and told me they now had a sample of the final production model of which at least 100 units are shipping to the UK end Feb. It turns out that he hadn't actually heard of this forum but, when asked, agreed to join and will endeavour to answer questions and clarify matters here next week. Personally, after speaking with him I have faith that they will be here by the end of Feb and won't be buying anything else just yet.

Incidentally, given their advertising budgets I cannot fathom why more companies don't allocate staff for this purpose - someone from Fujitsui does this very effectively over on AV Forum.
 
jcbguk said:
I just called BenQ regarding the FP241W Z and after hearing from a BenQ Product Specialist that they were still in the dark someone gave me another number and I somehow got put through to the Display Product Manager in the UK (though from Taiwan). I was told that he knows as much as anyone in Europe about what is happening with this monitor and the FP241W.

He seemed friendly and very authoratitive and told me they now had a sample of the final production model of which at least 100 units are shipping to the UK end Feb. It turns out that he hadn't actually heard of this forum but, when asked, agreed to join and will endeavour to answer questions and clarify matters here next week. Personally, after speaking with him I have faith that they will be here by the end of Feb and won't be buying anything else just yet.

Incidentally, given their advertising budgets I cannot fathom why more companies don't allocate staff for this purpose - someone from Fujitsui does this very effectively over on AV Forum.
Click to expand...

Excellent work dude! or dudette! Thank you very much for getting us a resource. I guess this thread has never come to their attention. :)
 
I'm thinking about purchasing this monitor from NCIX but never ordered from Canada before, do you have to pay customs if ordering from the US? Sorry for asking twice, but I really want to order soon. Thanks.
 
djphatic said:
For those in the UK; i received an email from BenQ today (which I wasnt expected them to do) notifying me that the 1:1 pixel mapping fix is now available and to contact them if i want to start the process.

In the email they said they collect the item, repair it and return it, with no mention of additional cost to myself. I also made them aware of the problem with my DVI which I mentioned previously so hopefully that will get fixed as well if it isnt already addressed.
Click to expand...

Well that's a relief... still waiting to hear any news, mine was collected by repair tech last monday....

:hopefulsmiley:
 
icecream said:
I'm thinking about purchasing this monitor from NCIX but never ordered from Canada before, do you have to pay customs if ordering from the US? Sorry for asking twice, but I really want to order soon. Thanks.
Click to expand...

No idea... Mine was the monitor price quoted, zero pixel thing, shipping/shipping insurance... $869 when all was said and done... Per my previous post, I paid $48 express shipping (downside vs. NewEgg), but have no idea if that was inter-canadian shipping or what... I'm disappointed that it's taking a week to get to me, but I know that'll go away when I get it...
 
There's another new customer review on Newegg that gives more hope that they're shipping with the new firmware now:
BEN-Q SON!!
Reviewed By: Army Sgt (go signal) on 1/25/2007
Tech Level Tech Level: somewhat high
Ownership: 1 day to 1 week

Pros: every video input you need, man my xbox 360 look GREAT! PS3 looks PHENOMENAL! Im good! I must have recieved my monitor with the flash update because I am having zero issues with stretching. I LOVE U BEN Q!!

Cons: THE SCREEN WONT GO INTO STANDBY THROUGH ANY VIDEO SOURCE EXCEPT EITHER DVI OR VGA 15 PIN (WHICHEVER ONE IS CONNECTED TO AN ACTUAL PC. for ex. you will have to manually turn off the monitor or stare at a 24 in. blue screen if you have a PS3 connected via component (when turned off). Colors will need slight adjustment out of the box. Price um, a lil hi. But if you have money to burn its worth it.

Other Thoughts: Only issues were the no standby for non-pc modes and slight color tweaking is needed. but trust me, once you adjust the colors (less than 5 min) all is good. Word to the wise, dont adjust screen brightness. If your xbox 360 games or ps3 games look dark, go into your 360 or ps3 display settings and adjust from there. Remember, most problems come from the source, not the monitor. I WANT 2!!!!!
Click to expand...
 
My FP241W just arrived from NewEgg. I ordered on Monday afternoon and it shipped Tuesday morning.

Mgf. Date:November 2006
Rev.:B2-124

Is it worth opening? I'm going to call BenQ right now and figure out what the chances are that this thing has the firmware update...
 
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say if that box is sealed and made in Nov 2006 then you won't have the firmware fix.
 
Same here. Got the very same Nov revision. No firmware confirmed. Call the benQ main number and choose option 4 at somepoint to get to LCD support. Tell them you want the firmware flash. they will issue the rma number. Mine was on its way back to me the very same day Benq received it. So it dosn't take 7-10 days for the firmware update to take. They will make you pay shipping both ways. Remember to write down the return tracking number. If you already open it - make sure you put everything back together neatly. You can go to the main menu on the LCD display to seeif you have more than 3 option listed under the system tab. If you don't no firmware for you....
 
mrtoasty said:
There's another new customer review on Newegg that gives more hope that they're shipping with the new firmware now:
Click to expand...

I wouldn't hold my breath... that dude sounds like an idiot...

Or it could just be me... I guess I would have gone into my menus and looked for the 1:1 option, then posted a review on NewEgg...
 
SeanTek said:
My FP241W just arrived from NewEgg. I ordered on Monday afternoon and it shipped Tuesday morning.

Mgf. Date:November 2006
Rev.:B2-124

Is it worth opening? I'm going to call BenQ right now and figure out what the chances are that this thing has the firmware update...
Click to expand...

I wouldnt waste your time. Just call BenQ and figure out where you need to send it. Maybe if they receive a few sealed boxes they'll get the idea.
 
I called BenQ and discussed the issue with the tech. Going to send the item to NJ most likely...
The tech said that if the manufacturing date was in January 2007, it was most likely that the monitor would have the updated firmware. But, as I said, mine is November 2006. I should also point out that when I asked Newegg about this on Monday by phone, they said that they got one or two shipments in dated around December 20, 2006 (if I remember correctly...). Whatever it was, it was definitely not 2007. So, I would guess that when you are ordering from NewEgg, you should tack on $30 plus an extra week in your head as a "delivery fee."

...which still makes NE cheaper (and possibly faster) than NCIX if there is no tax, though more of a pain.
 
SeanTek said:
I called BenQ and discussed the issue with the tech. Going to send the item to NJ most likely...
The tech said that if the manufacturing date was in January 2007, it was most likely that the monitor would have the updated firmware. But, as I said, mine is November 2006. I should also point out that when I asked Newegg about this on Monday by phone, they said that they got one or two shipments in dated around December 20, 2006 (if I remember correctly...). Whatever it was, it was definitely not 2007. So, I would guess that when you are ordering from NewEgg, you should tack on $30 plus an extra week in your head as a "delivery fee."

...which still makes NE cheaper (and possibly faster) than NCIX if there is no tax, though more of a pain.
Click to expand...

$60 - you have to ship both ways

I also needed to pay another $60 in taxes. So for me ordering from newegg would have cost a total of $840. From NCIX I got it for $808, which included a heavy duty box and 0 dead pixel policy.

By the time newegg gets their new stock in their sale will be over. You'll also never know if you're going to get the updated firmware
 
For me it's $15.89 each way, and no tax. Of course, every situation is different...I should have said "plus tax, plus shipping each way."
 
SeanTek said:
My FP241W just arrived from NewEgg. I ordered on Monday afternoon and it shipped Tuesday morning.

Mgf. Date:November 2006
Rev.:B2-124

Is it worth opening? I'm going to call BenQ right now and figure out what the chances are that this thing has the firmware update...
Click to expand...


the manufactured date is on the box outside?

I really want to know because a local store will get their next shipment very soon

thank you
 
Yes, the manufacture date is on the outside of the box. Look closely on the side. It is on a sticker with product and serial numbers.

Another thing to point out: the BenQ tech said that I only have to ship back the monitor, nothing else. If you remove the cables and the stand, that should save a fair amount on shipping weight.
 
Flake said:
Well that's a relief... still waiting to hear any news, mine was collected by repair tech last monday....

:hopefulsmiley:
Click to expand...

After some confusion its finally getting picked up tomorrow; they initially wanted to replace the entire unit but after a few emails back and forth with repairtech they realised it was for 1:1 pixel mapping fix.

Hopefully the fix will solve issues with the DVI as well; fingers crossed.
 
SeanTek said:
Yes, the manufacture date is on the outside of the box. Look closely on the side. It is on a sticker with product and serial numbers.

Another thing to point out: the BenQ tech said that I only have to ship back the monitor, nothing else. If you remove the cables and the stand, that should save a fair amount on shipping weight.
Click to expand...

The Rep I talked to said I had to ship monitor AND stand. But he said I needed to keep my cables because they would lose them.
 
first time poster here, just wanted to ask some questions...
I have been keping tabs on this thread for some time now, got interested in this display some time back, but price/ firmware issues kept me from getting one. In waiting for the firmware upgrade on this display the prices of smaller displays have dropped quite a bit. I have been very interested in the pricing of the new 22" models coming out, but so far none of the new models have had the functionality (component and video imputs) of some of the 24" displays. Here are my questions:

1) I like the size of the Benq, but are there any other good displays that might be smaller for a much cheaper price (keeping in mind I would still like component and video imput)?

2) are there any 22" models coming out soon that will be including component and video imputs?

3) would it be just as economical for me to purchase a display without the component imputs and get VGA adapters for those things I want to hook up to the monitor (just consoles really, xbox 360, xbox, wii)?

4) should I just wait a few months for prices to drop?

thanks for any and all help. I really like the look of this Benq monitor, but being on a student budget makes it hard for me to justify the extra 400 dollars for an aditional 2 inches of screen space... I am mostly interested in finding a good monitor that I can use for a lot of different things, PC stuff, gaming, consoles, watching movies, etc...
 
I personally don't need the component inputs. I bought the monitor planning to hook my 360 into the VGA, PS3 into HDMI and PC into DVI. Maybe if I planned to hook up an older system I would use the component but at this point in time I could of done without.
 
Does anyone else feel that not being able to do PIP between DVI and VGA (or component) is really odd?
 
Mysticode said:
Does anyone else feel that not being able to do PIP between DVI and VGA (or component) is really odd?
Click to expand...
It sounds to me like they didn't really design this monitor to have PIP and then added it as an afterthought -- there must be something about the design of the DVI/VGA/HDMI/component inputs that prevents them from being used together. It seems pretty worthless to me the way they've designed it -- I don't have a single device that uses s-video or component, and no device I buy in the future will use them. That said, I've always found PIP to be pretty gimmicky anyway, something that's neat to see, but something that I never used anyway. I wouldn't avoid this monitor because of the PIP, but if this is something that's important to you, you'd best look elsewhere.
 
Alpha-Leader said:
I personally don't need the component inputs. I bought the monitor planning to hook my 360 into the VGA, PS3 into HDMI and PC into DVI. Maybe if I planned to hook up an older system I would use the component but at this point in time I could of done without.
Click to expand...

xbox 360 can't do 1080p over vga on this monitor correctly yet, so the component may come in handy
 
I dont know if you guys know but, BenQ has a 7 day no dead pixel policy.
This is what they offer here is Australia anyway (on the FP series) , so if you are paying more for a no dead pixel warranty you are being ripped.

Would you guys return the monitor if it had one dead pixel in the lower right corner?
And has anyone found a dead pix on theirs yet? or am i the only one?
Im not sure if its worth all the hassle just for that.
It is a bit annoying though.

I have found that PC looks fantastic , but the 360 looks terrible in comparison.
I am hoping its just the stretch that is doing this as i wont be happy at all if the update doesnt make it sharper and less jagged.
 
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