netchris,

No. There is no way in the build/order process to differentiate between the panel types.

The best way to tell what kind of panel you've got is just by looking at it from an angle -- not by revision numbers or service menus.

Panel Characteristics:
TN - Washed out light from above, washed out dark from below
*VA - Slightly washed out light both from above and below
IPS - Blacks have a slight purple tint when viewed from an extreeme angle, no wash out

Sounds like you've got the PVA screen. :(

I wish Dell would guarantee the type of panel for a fee. I'd be more than happy to pay an extra $50 to guarantee that I get a S-IPS panel. (..with no dead pixels or banding, hehe) I think that $50 is a generous amount to pay Dell for a technician to spend 5 minutes checking a monitor before sending it out. Otherwise Dell just isn't getting my business on this one!

ChrisM:

Are you in a position to tell us if it would be possible to guarantee an IPS panel by paying an additional fee? Sounds like a win-win situation to me. I get what I want (an IPS panel) and Dell gets what it wants (more money!)

Message Edited by netchris on 11-17-200611:53 AM

Message Edited by netchris on 11-17-200611:53 AM

mshelton1984,

"The colors just dont seem as good.."
As good as what?

"the viewing angles are bad..."
explain.

"input lag in gaming."
What games? What game video settings?

Sorry, I guess I didnt give that good of details. Here goes.

Colors: Dark colors have a strange effect. When viewing head on, their fine. But if I move my head slightly they have a weird luminance effect and become lighter. Thats really the only way I know how to describe it. Its sorta like viewing a hologramn.

Input lag: Same settings I have always played on. Unreal Tournament 2004. I have 2 7600GT's in SLI and I have never had any problems, but with this monitor even browsing in game menus is a pain. It just doesnt react as quickly as it should when I move the mouse. Basically makes it impossible to enjoy the game.

Viewing Angles: Well, what can I say. Unless I am viewing head on it loses contrast. Although this honstly doesnt bother me much. Same loss of constrast with horizontal and vertical viewing angles.

Also, I have seen S-IPS panels and know their properties. This just isn't and IPS panel. Unfortunately, I didn't know about this so called "panel lottery" until today. I thought all 2007WFP's were IPS. :(

I have submitted an exchange request. How is return shipment of my current monitor handled? I have no UPS center near by that I could ship it from. I would assume the UPS driver could just pick up the monitor when he delivers the replacement, correct?

Thanks for your help!

Yes, that is the PVA version:

The codes can be found in this thread:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1111100

2007 WFP A03 - Panel code RT803: S-IPS LG.Philips LM201W01: - Overwhelming evidence)
2007 WFP A03 - Panel code PM330: S-PVA Samsung LTM201M1: Strong evidence)
2007 FP A03 - Panel Code UW473: S-PVA Samsung LTM201U1: Proof, someone disassembled )
2007 FP A03 - Panel Code HN210: S-IPS LG.Philips LM201U05: Suspected, process of elimination.

I received the replacement today. It's also a S-PVA panel. Its EXACTLY like the first. Seriously, I cant tell them apart. Both have bad viewing angles, color shifts and horrible input lag! I dont know what to do now. I bought the Dell even though it cost more than similar 20" widescreens because I figured you get what you pay for, but I have seen much cheaper monitors better than these! Did they just completely switch to PVA now? If so, I might as well just get my money back minus the restocking fee and buy something else. I Don't think I will ever be buying another Dell product after this much trouble.

This is why I would never waste my time with this random nonsense. Even if your odds are 50/50 of getting each type that doesn't mean you won't get 4 PVA's in a row. If you think about it they run in batches as well, so chances are greatest that you will get what you just had.

Just received mine and overall its not bad.....but dreadful back light bleeding on a black screen........don't know what to do as I think I have a SIP-S panel and don't want to enter the 'lottery' and receive something different!

Pretty bad this whole situation of not knowing what's going to arrive on your doorstep once you have paid good hard cash for something that's pretty much guaranteed to have some kind of fault.

This is the code for mine: V1B11 - LPL WSXGA LM201W01

Also....I never received a power cable in the box?.....is this correct?

How do I also stop my PC from turning on when I switch the monitor on?......is this to do with the USB cable attachment?

Message Edited by scaramonga on 11-22-200612:43 PM

Most of these guys are fairly happy with their monitor until they find out that they have the "wrong" panel.
They can't even tell what the difference is until they read on some forums in what properties a S-IPS is supposed to be "better".
Add to that some are making quick conclusions on what code in the service menu is supposed to be which panel type and there you go... Panel Hysteria.

I agree with qua_sar_x. There are some pro users that know for sure that they want a S-IPS pannel based on their strong points (color, view angles). But a lot of people are just angry because their pannel is not supposed to be "the best". The fact is that the S-PVA is widely used on professional brands of monitors just because it has a good color range and a superior contrast ratio than the S-IPS.

That's entirely not the point!

If you ordered a Dual Core CPU and when it arrived you find out its only got one core because the manufacturer decided one core was cheaper to produce and that its OK as it runs at the same speed as dual version.....you'd be kinda ticked off???

When you buy goods.....EVERYONE should know EXACTLY what they are paying money for...PERIOD!!

The Specs should NEVER change unless the BUYER is notified BEFOREHAND and that they have agreed to the change of Specs.

One should not have to throw their money into a big 'lottery' pot and wait to see what luck has dealt them.