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Samsung
SyncMaster 150MP TFT LCD Specifications |
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Display
Type |
- 15 inch amorphous silicon
TFT
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Display
Colors |
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Pixel
Pitch |
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Display
Area |
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Display
Resolution |
- 1024 x 768 @ 60Hz (optimum), 1024 x 768
@ 85Hz
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Scanning
Frequencies |
- Vertical
56-85Hz / Horizontal 30-69Hz
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Input
Signal |
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Sync
Signal |
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Video
Signal |
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Viewing
Angle |
- 60 degree
left/right, 70 degree up/down
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Plug &
Play Level |
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Power
consumption |
- 33W
- <3W (power saving
mode)
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Dimensions |
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Weight |
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Samsung is world renown for its TFT LCD display panels. The company has done it again with their latest addition to their line of successful TFT LCD display products. This time round, we reviewed the new Samsung SyncMaster 150MP.
The SyncMaster 150MP is a 15-inch TFT LCD monitor with features that one would usually associate with a standard television set--it is a computer monitor, video monitor and TV set all rolled into one sleek sexy unit. The display's design is quite typically Samsung via its sharp lines and corners. It is shaped much like one of their TV sets except that this unit does not have the dimensional depth of CRT TV set. Frankly speaking, I took awhile to get used to the design.
Initial impressions play an important roll during the purchase process. I believe that's where it they may lose out a bit if their product were to be placed directly beside an Apple LCD display. Functionality wise, it is superior than other LCD monitors.
When I first took it out of the box, I was impressed with the overall weight of the Samsung LCD display--it is very light. The power source doesn't go directly into the unit but instead through an AC adapter which explains the size and weight of the display. Integrating the AC adapter into the unit would have increased the size and weight of the unit.
Setting up the display was easy; I had it up and running in less than a minute. The next thing to do was to install the display profile option for the monitor in the computer's display properties applet.
The Samsung LCD monitor's controls are neatly layed out at the bottom of the display with the power button positioned at the center. There are four buttons on the left and right side of the power button. The buttons are also touch sensitive and do not have enouph travel. You can push them, but you need only lightly touch them to activate the function of the button. There are buttons for Source, PIP, Exit and Menu controls the settings, selecting menu functions, and a pair of buttons for the Channel and Volume keys. On top of the Samsung display, a dark triangular 'bump' houses the IR sensor for communications with a remote control device.
These buttons allow the user to make adjustments or customize the display properties. Display settings and adjustments are all done through the OSD (On Screen Display). Users navigate the menus in the OSD to perform settings. This is no different from most computers or most CRT television sets. Through the menus, adjustments to the contrast, brightness, 'image lock' (for fine tuning the image on the display), horizontal position, vertical position, color, PIP (picture-in-picture), TV setup (includes channel system, channel tuning and sorting), video control (for video inputs), audio control (bass, treble and muting), image size (zooming, expanding, panning), image effect for sharpening or softening of the displayed image), timer and OSD control (language, window position on screen, opaqueness of the OSD background, OSD appearance duration and button beep. All the OSD controls can also be accessed via an infrared remote control unit that's supplied with the Samsung SyncMaster 150MP LCD monitor. Some of the OSD menus rather difficult to use via the touch buttons, so I find it easier to navigate using the remote control device.
Moving to the rear of the SyncMaster 150MP display, you will find a row of connectors neatly arranged under a removable panel that hides all the unsightly plugs and connectors. Assuming that you do not plug and unplug cables all the time, the removable panel makes it less cluttered--that is if you place the monitor at a position where you can see the back of the LCD monitor such as at a reception desk.
Behind the removable panel, you will find a connector for your PC video, S-video, composite video, audio (RCA and 3.5mm stereo jacks), audio line-out, headphone jack and an antenna. There is also a place where you can mount an optional wall-mount pivot for the display.
The OSD controls.
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I tested the Samsung LCD panel with DVD movies, TV, several games of Counter-Strike and also did some word processing tasks. In fact, this review was written using it. I find that the monitor performs best as a computer monitor but isn't too bad for watching DVD/VCD video as well.
As with previous Samsung LCD monitors, video quality remains consistent if not better. One feature I really like is the PIP wherein you can watch a video or TV while also using the monitor with your PC; this beats having a dedicated TV tuner card or video input cards since there are no drivers to install or update and no IRQ conflicts when things don't work. These extra features come at a price though, it does make the monitor more expensive than many other 15-inch LCD monitors.
One gripe that I have about the SyncMaster 150MP LCD display is its viewing angle. It isn't so much of a problem when using it as a PC monitor, but when using it as a TV or video monitor, colours seem to shift slightly towards yellow once you try viewing outside the ideal viewing angle. Another gripe that I have is the sound quality, it doesn't sound as good as a common TV set, although you can adjust the bass and treble to your liking. Adding a pair of external speakers will help improve the sound, but this is additional cost. You could also hook it up to your mini-compo or hi-fi, provided you have one close by.
The Samsung SyncMaster 150MP's remote control device.
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It's both a TV and a monitor, all built into one slim sleek chassis.
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The cost of LCD displays have come down compared to the start of the year, but they are still expensive compared to a similar-size CRT monitor. At current prices for a 15-inch TFT display, one can get a 19-inch display and still have some cash to spare. Prices are set to fall, and before long, most PC manufacturers will offer the LCD display as a standard monitor. Until that happens, the LCD monitor is still considered a luxury item for most people. It saves space and reduces your desktop real estate requirement, but it isn't cheap.
Display quality on the Samsung SyncMaster 150MP LCD display is crisp and clear--there is virtually no flicker, and it is good for those with impaired eye sight. Image quality is good and helps to reduce eyestrain if you are one to spend extended hours in front of one. (I have found it beneficial after a marathon six hours of playing Counter-Strike using it. I still feel like I could take on those terrorist on the 'de_dust map'. With a CRT display, my eyes feel tired after about three hours of continuos play.
The Samsung SyncMaster 150MP retails for S$2,299 and comes with a 3-year warranty.
