In order to evaluate the image quality of all Visiontek cards we teamed up with Samsung to use some of the best monitors available for this test. For exploring the image quality we used a CRT and LCD screen, the 1200NF and 151D respectively. When using the Diamondtron tube 22 inch monitor we connected it to each graphics card also using a BNC cable rather than just using a D-SUB. The aim was to permit as little distortion as possible occurring via the link between the card and monitor. Our test using the 15 inch LCD panel was carried out via the use of the DVI connector on cards that supported it (not including Geforce4 MX440). This permitted to use an entirely digital link thus enabling as above to lower the chances of any signal distortion. Do note that although these tests prove one thing, what to expect, they also prove that the results may vary depending on your monitors capabilities.

Results are impressive at the native XGA resolution of the panel. Text was very clear with no blurring round the edges making it easier to read from quite a distance. Colors were equally vibrant proving there to be no need to use Nvidia's color vibrancy enhancements. Things were only marginally worse in DOS mode (the BIOS POST screen for example) where a slight softness was visible to text. This is not a flaw of the Visiontek cards, at present all TFT LCD monitors produce the same result given the use of a resolution other than their native one. With this said it is nothing to get upset about, the quality is still up there amongst the best. It seems any of the poor 2D image quality complaints especially from the Geforce2 GTS era have become a thing of the past. 3D demos looked great, the Wolf man Geforce4 demo reflected an extremely well lit feel which in some ways was arguably better than on the CRT monitor. That said it's all about how you configure the monitors settings so don't assume this last statement is true in all cases. Much of its truth however could be attributed to the use of DVI. Given the Ti4400, Ti4200 and Ti4600 feature DVI it would be waste to not make use of it should you want to view your desktop on a LCD panel. Although a Geforce 4 Ti would be overkill for the office, the test has shown that should you desire a gaming system using a Visiontek Geforce4 connected to a LCD display, the results should not disappoint. The thing to remember is the graphics card is only 50% of the equation, the other half is ultimately the monitor quality. For this reason we recommend taking time to choose the right LCD display to fulfill your high expectations. Overall the Samsung 151D and Visiontek cards make a well matched tandem. Year after year LCD technology is becoming cheaper and better, making use of DVI has become a viable alternative to CRT.

Regardless of resolution each of the cards exceeded in delivering high image quality throughout the spectrum. Before testing we took time to first calibrate the settings on the 1200NF to provide a crisp image, after which we took to trying out various resolutions and color depths. At 1600x1200 in 32 bit color the picture you see is simply stunning; it is crisp, vivid and solid in every sense of the word. Since most people don't run their screens at UXGA resolution we scaled down to 1280x1024 also in 32bit color. Here again you are greeted with a true showcase of fine lines and a crystal image. This trend seemed to continue through all standard resolutions right the way down to 640x480x32. The refresh rates were set to optimum settings at each resolution, in some cases below that of what 1200NF was capable of. We chose the average of 85Hz as the minimum in all tests as this reflects what most people use and is also the standard you should set yourself for flicker free viewing. Concluding the outcomes it would underline yet again there is no reason to buy such cards for use with small 15 inch or poor quality 17/19 inch monitors both new or old. Whereas a 350MHz RAMDAC is set to bring images that are near perfect, it begs to use it with a higher end monitor. A graphics card and display device form an inseparable link working together aiming for the same thing thus failing to match these properly will fall short of delivering the right effect.

Given that nearly all of us watch a DVD these days on a computer from time to time one area where we want to test Visiontek cards is in DVD quality. Ultimately this is down to the chipset (i.e. Ti4x00 or Geforce4 MX) but as with image quality the actual performance of onboard electronics also plays a part. We set off in the hunt to determine the outcome. Here yet again we took the liberty of using Samsung screens, the same as we did for image quality tests. The bigger 1200NF will in the end produce a better impression but in order to do a complete test the 151D LCD panel was brought back to action. As Visiontek bundles PowerDVD XP 4.0 with these cards we decided on using it. First and for most it was essential to enable hardware acceleration in the software DVD player's configuration. For color reproduction we chose the vivid setting. In the year 2002 AD we expected top notch DVD playback and that's what we got. Obviously the impression watching was greater on the CRT (due mainly to size) but for a small 15 inch LCD panel things really did look well. We could explain this by the use of the cards DVI (where possible) output, a sensible choice if your hardware (monitor & graphics card) supports it. Whereas one can clearly tell apart 3D performance from one card to the next (especially MX440 Vs any of the three Ti's), DVD performance told another story. If you happen to be an office worker (and thus casual DVD viewer) then a Ti or MX440 from Visiontek will rock your boat equally. Should you happen to be a hardcore gamer but still watch DVD's then it's a question of reaching for your pocket by getting either of the more expensive Ti's (Ti4200, Ti4400 or Ti4600). Other attention might be worthy in making sure a suitable monitor is at the other end of the cable, aperture grill tube screens will offes the best color reproduction amongst CRT's. As for LCD panels get a DVI capable unit with a fast response time (=< 25ms) for prime results. As the story goes what you see can only be as good as your screen allows it to be in the first place.

Spending such a sum of money as owning a Geforce4 (especially a Ti series) card will require makes you wish for the hope of getting a good warranty and technical support in return. Visiontek understands these issues and addresses them pretty well. The initial thing to note is that all their cards reviewed feature a life time warranty (maximum 6 years RTB). On top of that there is free online support as well as toll free phone support. These both are 24/7 services taking most of the hassle away from you and instead offering help more efficiently. Out of all these we applaud the life time warranty most, should your card fail there is a replacement within your reach. When combined you are left with pretty much decent support all round, more so important if you are a less experienced PC user.

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