Conclusion
This is the part of the review that's paining me the most to write. Hercules aren't selling the 191 BLK any more, which is a huge shame because in my opinion it's excellent. Starting from the top, the size of the display is a big selling point. For desktop and gaming work, the bigger the resolution and display size the better. In that respect, the 191 BLK does well. It's a big panel and the resolution fits it well (but is possibly a little small).Fast motion performance was another high point. It's not as good as the 920 PRO; the better panel on that model makes it the best gamers device, and other 16ms and 20ms panels of the same size and resolution may be a little better than the 191 BLK too, but it's definitely not bad. If you want one to play games on, it'll play your games just fine. I'll certainly partake in a little more gaming action using it and I won't feel wanting for my CRT.
Style-wise, I'm a fan of the aesthetic. Black bezel, aluminium construction, stylish, curved alumininium base, use of an external power brick (reducing possible bulk). All of those things add up to something that's rather attractive to look at, sit in front of, and use. I prefer a skinnier bezel; if the LG was black I'd maybe not have given it back, but since it is actually black, under certain lighting conditions you really can't see its width.
I was left wishing for USB ports, having enjoyed them on the LG, but that's about the only thing I'd add to improve it.
Ultimately, the DVI-I connection, dual inputs, its 2D/ClearType performance, fast motion performance, aesthetic and panel size make it the best display I've ever had the pleasure of using. I favour the extra two inches over the better fast motion performance of the 920 PRO. Your opinion may differ in that regard.
Subjectively excellent, it's utterly disappointing that Hercules don't sell them now. They should put the price up a little to make a bit more money, if margins are the real reason they're pulling out of selling LCDs. I bet you people would pay it. I certainly would and I don't have any higher recommendation than that. Another big score for a Hercules product from me and they pull out of the two markets that earned those scores. There's something very wrong with that, I'll be sad to see Hercules leave those markets alone.
Grab one while you still can. But that's the problem, finding somewhere that sells it now is going to be very very difficult, if indeed they ever made it to retail in any quantity whatsoever. It was £550 inc VAT at Tekheads for a while, good luck, they don't list it any more.
Score
Pros
Big, bright, excellent geometry and colour reproGood fast motion performance
Sylish aesthetic
DVI and DSUB inputs
ClearType excellence
Cons
Not as good at fast motion display compared to the 920 PROHercules don't sell it now *sniff*
Thanks
Komplett for the camera used to take the shots.Hercules for the sample.
DisplayMate Technologies for DisplayMate display evaluation software.
My girlfriend Alex for taking all the pictures.
