Introduction

BenQ's latest LCD monitor, the FP72V is a testament to their renewed focus on the rest of the user base, branching out from a gamer-centric strategy. While gaming has traditionally driven most of computing innovations, the broader scope of a networked home and home entertainment is moving into center stage. BenQ unloaded a whole set of new displays during the latest Computex 2005 in Taipei and while they finally rose to the 4ms challenge, the FP72V posed a much more interesting and unique product for perusal.

The FP72V was being marketed by BenQ as a total home entertainment system and the first thing BenQ did was use a full 8-bit panel to ensure that the display can produce the full 16.7 million color spectrum. Of course, this smells of a speed trade off and as expected, the FP72V has a rated response time of 25ms. Slow, yes, but for its intended purpose, it would still be sufficient. Next, BenQ slapped on as many features that they believe an all-in-one monitor should have. Speakers, webcam with mic, USB hub, automatic light sensor, digital and analog input and a whopping 1000:1 contrast ratio. The list piqued our interest for sure and we wanted to see if a 17-inch LCD panel can carry such a big burden. However, before we begin, do take some time to scan through the technical specifications below.

Front view of the BenQ FP72V, LCD monitor or widescreen TV?

The FP72V packaging comes with the following items:-

BenQ FP72V 17-inch TFT LCD with side speakers

BenQ Webcam

Analog D-SUB display cable

Digital DVI-D display cable

Stereo audio cable

USB cable

Power cord and adapter

Quick Start Guide

Driver CD

BenQ FP72V 17-inch TFT LCD Monitor Technical Specifications

LCD	Type : 17-inch active panel TFT display Native Resolution : 1280 x 1024 (SXGA) Active Display Area : 43.2cm diagonal Brightness :  280cd/m² typical Contrast Ratio :  1000:1 typical Response Time :  25ms typical Dot Pitch :  0.294mm Viewing Angle : 178° (V) x 178° (H) Special Feature: Auto panel brightness light sensor
Preset Timing Modes	640 x 480 @ 60, 72, 75Hz 720 x 400 @ 70Hz 800 x 600 @ 60, 72, 75Hz 1024 x 768 @ 60, 70, 75Hz 1152 x 864 @ 75Hz 1280 x 1024 @ 60, 75Hz
Input	Analog : D-Sub Digital : DVI-D USB 2.0 3-port hub Horizontal Frequency : 31~81kHz Vertical Frequency : 56~76Hz
Control	Basic : iKey, Mode, Menu Exit, Left, Right, Menu Enter, Power OSD : Contrast, brightness, vertical & horizontal image position, phase, pixel clock, color balance, color palette, choice of language (8 language OSD), OSD position, status indicator, display-mode availability, mode, light sensor, timer
Multimedia	2 x 2W stereo speakers (optional) BenQ USB Webcam (optional)
Operating Conditions	Power Consumption : 60W (max) Power Saving : <2W Voltage : AC 100-240V, 50-60Hz (auto switch) Operating Temperature : 0° - 40° Humidity : 10% - 90%
Physical	Dimensions : 502(W) x 345.2(H) x 230(D) mm Net Weight : 6kg
Safety & EMI	FCC Class B, ISO 13406-2, VCCI, CSA, CB Report, CE, C-Tick, BSMI, Fimko, GOST, PSB, CCC