We saw the analog version of the FP71V+, the FP71E+, back in March. Back then performance was acceptable if not great and the price was $700. So how does this evolved, digital version fare in a maturing market? The FP71V+ is a17 inch, 8ms display but it uses some techno-voodoo called Advanced Motion Acceleration to achieve a 5ms grey to grey response time and improve motion performance. This is no figment of a marketing department's overactive imagination. Our midnight response time showdown saw it match the Labs-winning 4ms ViewSonic for 'blurless' performance.

Unfortunately, blistering speed aside, it still comes out as an average performer overall, and it may disappoint those looking for high contrast and smooth colour transitions. Detail is missing in both bright and dark areas and colour change is prone to stepping.

The FP71V+ is one of only two competitors to sport a glossy coating which people will either love or hate. On one hand colours in films and games appear much richer and look superior, but some people don't see the benefit in the increased reflections.

The FP71V+ is also one of three monitors to sport built-in speakers and, while they're only 1W each, the quality was impressive with reasonable bass and little distortion. It also has the smallest bases of the bunch -- a 190mm diameter circle -- which will appeal to those without vast amounts of desk space.

BenQ deserves points for its seven-day zero bright or dark pixel policy -- far better than many other competitors. Ultimately, if you're looking for a damned fast LCD gaming display that won't break the bank, and can live with the high-gloss coating, the BenQ could be for you.