Introduction

While the CMV CT-720D is the third 17-inch 8ms LCD monitor to hit the market, it is the first we have received with a different panel make. Both BenQ and ViewSonic do not manufacture their own LCD panels and mainly use AU Optronics panels in their LCD line-up. This is the reason why the BenQ FP71E+ and ViewSonic VP171b are identical specification wise. As part of the Taiwanese Chi Mei Group, CMV uses their own panels made by CMO (Chi Mei Optoelectronics). The 8ms panel CMO has developed in the CT-720D sports some very interesting specifications.

The CMV CT-720D 17-inch 8ms TFT LCD monitor.

Rear view of the CMV CT-720D

Ever since the introduction of 16ms panels, manufacturers have had to compromise on color reproduction in return for better response times. We have seen the use of 6-bit panels, resulting in slightly more compressed color ranges of 16.2 million colors instead of an 8-bit panel that is capable of a full 16.7 million range. In a bold move, the specifications of the CMV CT-720D claims to support 16.7 million colors. Not only that, the LCD panel boasts an exceptionally high 450cd/m² brightness rating. It also has a higher viewing angle, which might suggest that the panel uses either IPS (In-Plane Switching) or MVA/SuperMVA (Multi-Vertical Alignment) methods instead of Twisted Nematic. These specifications are much higher than those found on the BenQ and ViewSonic models mentioned. Has CMO stumbled upon a method to lower response times on an 8-bit panel? Sadly, we were unable to find further details on the panel in both CMV and CMO's website. However, if you're anything like us, you'd be quite excited over the prospect of such a monitor. Before we begin though, you can have a look at the specifications below:-