BenQ releases fast-response E-series LCDs

BenQ has just unveiled a completely new series of computer LCDs it promises will blend style as well as performance. The E-series abandons the display maker's utilitarian roots with a deep black casing, stealth-mounted 2W chin speakers on most models, and ambient LED lighting for dark rooms. Every display is fast enough for movies with a 5ms pixel response time and relies on BenQ's custom Senseye image processing technique to automatically balance colors either for absolute accuracy in an sRGB mode or boosted colors in movie and photo modes.

The range starts with the 17-inch E700, which is available in versions with or without speakers and with either DVI/VGA or VGA-only input. The E900 expands screen sizes to 19-inches and offers three standard-ratio and two widescreen LCDs with similar speaker and video input options. The E2000WA is the company's lone 20-inch model and comes equipped with a wide aspect and VGA output, while two 22-inch screens in the E2200W series both include speakers and the choice of either DVI/VGA or VGA alone. Topping the entire series is the 24-inch E2000W, which adds HDMI input to the mix for displaying HD movies, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 video at a native 1080p.

Prices and ship times will vary, but BenQ says the E-series should be available in Asia immediately and rates the computer monitors for use in the US.