why do display monitors look so bad in the store?

Is it just me or do pc monitors on display at the store look kind of terrible?

It's like they dim the brightness or power going to them so much the picture looks really weak? 'Cause I can't tell how good the picture quality is supposed to be be looking at them.

If it's not that then the PC LCD's have very mixed quality levels. I'm trying to decide what monitor to buy.

 

Poor store management...

Check return policy make sure you can return for any reason for full refund....
I think BB is any reason within 15 days..
Find one you think you like, try if, it sucks return it...

 

I just bought a new monitor after lots of research. I found the best way to get a monitor other than looking at them directly was reading tons of reviews. I picked a Planar 27in HDMI TFT monitor after reading tons of reviews on it and others.

In a store if you get someone's attention I'm sure if it sounds like you're interested in buying they can probably allow you to mess with the settings. I would imagine a floor model might have the brightness and contrast down to not strain the display. Best Buy in particular sells a service to "optimize" the display settings of some of their TVs, so its not in their best interest to set up each display carefully: only the model for this service. If you have one, bring a laptop as well and relevant cable. Calling ahead and getting the name of an associate in that dept can go a long way.

When I go to buy speakers I will bring a challenging piece of music and CD player to bench test. You would be surprised how many more expensive speakers have sounded muddy when you put it to the test.

 

Hanns-G monitors are always good for the price. I've noticed that the floor models settings seem to be messed with constantly (probably by kids or something). When I go to adjust the settings on floor models, the contrast and brightness are usually way off what they should be.

 

They usually look bad due to high brightness levels in the store and also due to the fact that they cannot afford to pay a sales rep money whilst they play around with a monitor to find the best setting.

If you are considering buying one, maybe ask a sales rep to set it up properly for you so you can see it, i suspect they will do it for you.

 

I find with TVs and monitors, they are either too bright or not bright enough. Most TVs tend to be set too bright so they will look bright on the show room floor where the store lights may wash out the display. This is why when you buy a big screen TV, you should have it calibrated once you get it home.

For monitors, one problem may be they feed dozens of monitors with the same feed.