Iiyama ProLite E2008HDS-1 review

The Iiyama ProLite E2008HDS-1 is a 20in display with a 1,600×900 resolution. The DVI input supports HDCP copy protection, so you can play protected HD content. Of course, the 1W speakers will never produce a home cinema experience, so audio is best handled via your PC’s speakers or an AV amplifier.

We found colours on the E2008HDS-1 to be fairly natural, with a vibrancy that makes images look warm. There are three preset colour modes as well as a custom option, and we found the default 6500k mode the best.

Contrast was superb, so switching on the “ACR” dynamic contrast was unnecessary. Unlike other implementations of dynamic contrast, we found the E2008HDS-1’s to be rather more subtle – so subtle in fact that we couldn’t really tell it was enabled. There was plenty of detail in dark areas, with smooth transitions to bright scenes with no over-saturation.

The design of the E2008HDS-1 isn’t particularly inspiring. Unlike other Iiyama monitors we’ve reviewed recently, it isn’t particularly slim. The glossy black, rounded bezel and black plastic stand betray its budget price. The buttons that control the menu system are set on the bezel below the screen, where they are easily accessible.

The menu system is simple and easy to read, with white text on a dark blue background. There aren’t many options for image control – brightness and contrast, colour options and a Miscellaneous section where dynamic contrast and aspect ratio settings were hidden. Thankfully, we found little need to deviate from the default settings.

Despite its uninspiring looks, the E2008HDS-1 has great image quality and its 1,600×900 resolution makes it a smarter buy than rivals with a 1,440×900 resolution. Add to that its three-year, onsite warranty and low power consumption, and it’s great value and wins a Budget Buy award.