-- Conclusion
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Let's see what this model can do in the visual
tests. Here are some initial shots of the OSD.
The first connector we tried was the
analog. The LCD screen is extremely bright and crisp even when
using the analog connector. The refresh rate is locked in at
60Hz like its younger brother the
151V. The 1024X768 resolution was first tested at 32bit
color. No problems whatsoever on our desktop. The next
step was to bump it up to its max resolution of 1280X1024.
Here is where we noticed the first problem.
We then proceeded to load up the
GT Forums
using Internet Explorer 6.0 and noticed this strange occurrence on
the right side.
A vertical line appeared on and off
throughout testing, sort of like colors melting. I tried
different difference screen resolutions and it only appeared to
happen at 1280X1024. First hypothesis was that the video card
drivers were somehow malfunctioning. Before a reinstall and
update on the Detonators, we tried changing the refresh rate.
As far as this LCD goes, there should not be much change since 60Hz
was the maximum. Oddly enough, at 75Hz the fading vertical
line disappeared. Everything else remained the same and
function like nothing had happened. We switch cables and tried
the digital (DVI) connector, these problems were none existent.
Moving on, our next test was to see how
DVD playback quality was. To test this we chose 'The Matrix'
and played the dojo fighting scene over a few times. With fast
action, the images on screen had a tendency to ghost or blur a tiny bit.
During slower playback, this was less noticeable. This is not
entirely the fault of the monitor, but more of an analog issue.
The ghosting was nearly gone when using the digital connector.
The colors were also crisper and brighter when DVI was used.
When you work hard, you need to play
hard. To test out the gaming aspect of the unit we loaded up
the Unreal Tournament 2003 Demo. Logged onto the official
GideonTech UT2k3 Server under Bombing Run and we were off. The
top picture shows a shot of the sky in BR-Anubis while the second
shows the spinning Mini-Gun. After a few rounds of fragging
the other GT players, the conclusion was whoever said gaming on a
LCD was bad is clearly off their rocker. The gaming experience
is totally different with the use of the LCD. Most users will
drop their jaws at the bright and smooth colors. Slight ghosting occurred when lots of players
were moving in one specific area. Although that was the case,
we only noticed it because we were looking for it. Using DVI, ghosting was not even an issue. Our advice, go grab a
video card with a digital connector, you owe your eyes the favor.
Also included is the pivot software
that lets you rotate your desktop 90-270 degrees. This is
useful if you are editing a legal document or simply reading a long
website. Once you set the rotation you wish, just turn the LCD
screen respectively.
While gaming on our UT2k3 server on
another monitor, you can edit your essay paper on this one with ease
while taking a break. Very
cool feature not seen in lower end models.
Overall, the experience with this unit
is mind blowing. Not only are all colors displayed bright and
crisp, there are options to use a digital connection with a fully
turn able screen. Add to the fact that the unit was designed
by Porsche, you have a winning combo. The 171P is a 17inch
viewable unit which is comparable to a 19inch CRT monitor.
With the benefit of more desk space when using a LCD, the unit is
also only a fraction of the weight of a 19inch.
The only downside after reviewing this
unit is the price. It retails for close to $1000 which may
turn away some people. Although that is the case, we do stress
this is a high end model with style and performance in mind.
If Samsung could update their printed instructions as well as
finding a way to have removable video cables, they would have a unit
that would be on the top of every LCD fans list.
Thanks to
Samsung
for providing us with this test unit, this model has awed us, you
will not be disappointed in the styling and visual offering.
Pros:
- High contrast ratio
- Large viewing angle
- Pivoting screen
- Beautiful touch sensitive OSD controls
- Sleek silver finish
- Designed by F.A. Porsche
Cons:
- Non-removable video cables
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