LG Flatron D2342 3D LED-Backlit Monitor

LG’s Cinema 3D line of TVs that we reviewed impressed us. It was only a matter of time before LG decided to bring the same technology down to LCD monitors. The LG Flatron D2342 is one such product. As 3D content in the form of games and videos increases, PC users should find it easier to take advantage of the content. So far, 3D monitors, like 3D TVs have been expensive and out of reach for many. Hopefully, LG can bring the technology to mainstream audiences at a more affordable price.

Features

The D2342 is a 3D-capable LED-backlit monitor that has a native display resolution of 1920x1080 and a viewing area of 23 inches. LG claims it has a response time of 5ms. The connectivity options are sufficient for most users - an HDMI, DVI and D-Sub port are present at the rear. There’s also a 3.5mm analog audio connector for users who want to connect their headphones or external speakers to the display. Integrated speakers could have been a nice addition to the mix. 

The OSD interface is easy to use all thanks to the button lined up with the interface. There’s also a decent amount of control you have on the parameters of the monitor. For example, there are separate menus for controlling the basic characteristics of the monitor, another for the volume and then for 3D features. There are different modes of 3D supported by the D2342, as well as a 2D-to-3D feature that we saw on the recent 3D TVs from LG and other manufacturers. Some menus on the interface require you to scroll, which could have been minimized.

Connectors at the rear, including the audio connector

The monitor comes bundled with two pairs of 3D glasses. One of them is a clip-on for users with spectacles and the other one without. The glasses are light-weight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Being passive, they require no batteries to operate. Switching to 3D mode is simple and different standards of rendering 3D are supported by the screen. There are no options to change the intensity of 2D-to-3D conversion on the monitor. 

Design and Build Quality

The LG Flatron D2342 has a decent looking design. The matte screen is surrounded by a thin bevelled bezel. The panel at the bottom is wider than the rest. An equally thin bezel would’ve looked better, but this design makes the screen look a little larger than it actually is. The stand is light-weight and easy to setup, unlike many other displays in the market today. The display is held up by a narrow stand and frame. The base, too has a slightly curved design with a glossy finish on it. It’s strong but, isn’t stable enough and the screen wobbles a bit when you move it. The stand lets you move the monitor backwards.

Easy-to-use controls

The quality of all the buttons is great and playing around the user interface is effortless, too. The power button has a blue indicator built-in. Personally, something a little more subtle would suit the design of the screen.