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CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on LCD Monitors. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of lcd monitor.
Game-friendly LCD
A monitor may have a good screen size, and great image clarity, but gamers also need an LCD monitor to have lightning-fast pixel response times to keep images sharp when the action starts.
Read more in the Monitor Buying Guide
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HDTV on Monitors
In essence, computer monitors and TVs are very similar. Both have the same job of presenting visual information to the user, and for this reason many early home computers used TVs as monitors. However, the type of image quality needed for the images of a TV signal were different than that needed to clearly display text, and the separate evolution of computer monitors began. While the two have been becoming more similar again, there remain potential differences:
First monitors don't need a tuner, and this remains the bigger difference between the two. A giant LCD screen with a computer hooked up to it can display the computer's output, and in fact that is exactly what is happening with computer-based media centers. Conversely, a monitor can be hooked up to normal video equipment (cable boxes, DVD players) as long as something else can process any TV signal. This can be tricky, but there are various how-to guides available.
TVs have traditionally used interlace scan technology, which helps keep bandwidth down while maintaining picture resolution. However, interlacing also can cause a phenomenon called interline twitter which causes problems with fine vertical detail, such as small text, and computer monitors have instead used progressive scan. Today, this still manifests in different resolutions. Standard HDTV resolutions are 720i, 720p, 1080i and 1080p. The 'i' refers to 'interlace' and the 'p' refers to 'progressive'. Modern LCD panels need progressive scan, and while most can "deinterlace" a signal, they are behind the rise of the various progressive HDTV resolutions (that is, 720p and 1080p), whereas the original CRT HDTVs are the reason for the interlaced versions. Both 720 resolutions work out to 1280x720 pixels and both 1080 resolutions are 1920x1080 pixels. Any monitor capable of these resolutions or greater is technically capable of acting like an HDTV. It is best if the native resolution of a LCD monitor is the same as one of these as LCDs are sensitive to scaling issues.
Originally, TVs and computer monitors both used a 4:3 aspect ratio. However, HDTV resolutions are widescreen in nature, but a little-realized wrinkle is that HDTV and widescreen computer monitors typically use different aspect ratios, with HDTV using 16:9 and most widescreen monitors using 16:10. The 'typical' monitor resolution that could be used with HDTV is 1920x1200 (as opposed to 1920x1080 for 1080p). This is slightly "squarer" than HDTV and will lead to small 'letterbox' bands on HDTV content even after everything is properly set up.
Read more in the Monitor Buying Guide
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CNET product brief
Description: The Samsung SyncMaster 204BW is a 20.1 in, flat panel computer monitor.Compared to other flat panel monitors on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $235.This display features a 1680x1050 native resolution.
Pros: Has 1000:1 contrast ratio.This is higher than the average monitor on the market today, but is to be expected for a monitor of this price.Its wide viewing angle (160 degrees) is useful whenever the screen is being viewed by more than one person at the same time.This monitor meets the EPEAT Silver level criteria of environmental performance including a minimum of 65% recycleable or reuseable materials.Accepts DVI input, which allows for greater signal clarity than traditional VGA.
Cons: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Built for those who want a spacious screen that will not hog their entire desk.The 5 ms response time of this screen makes it ideal for fast-moving games and for watching movies.
Value: Given its relatively inexpensive price, this monitor has great features for the money.In fact, you would typically pay about 60% more to get a flat panel monitor with comparable viewable size.
Suggestions: (1) Before purchasing an LCD monitor, consider visiting your local store for a live demo to ensure that its overall image quality, color, and sharpness meets your expectation.(2) For more help in deciding if this is the right monitor for you, visit the buying guide for monitors at CNET Reviews.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
