X-bit labs

New LCD Monitors from Samsung: Roundup of 5 New Models (page 4)

Category: Other

by Oleg Artamonov

[ 03/04/2004 | 03:34 PM ]

Samsung SyncMaster 173VT

This model surprised me twice even before I started my tests. First of all, only the Japanese site of Samsung contains some info about this product (regrettably, my Japanese is far from perfect). Anyway, even this kind of description made clear that the monitor must have a 12msec matrix. Well, the 172X was a disappointment, let’s try the 173VT. Secondly, this is the first LCD monitor in our test lab to feature a touch screen. For technical reasons, we didn’t have a chance to test this interesting function in great detail.

Externally, this monitor doesn’t look like a regular Samsung product. It looks plain, without any innovational design solutions. The front panel of the case is silver-colored, while the back panel and the base are black. The power adapter is integrated into the monitor, so the case is thicker than the above-described SyncMaster 172X. The monitor stands on a simple round base that allows changing the tilt of the screen. For hanging this device on the wall, you’ll need a VESA-compatible bracket. The only distinguishing traits of this product are the glass of the touch screen that covers the matrix and its cord built into the bottom of the case.

As you see, this monitor is equipped with only one, analog, input. So I am inclined to think that the “T” in “173TV” means “Touch Screen” rather than “T series”, which does feature a DVI input.

The control buttons are below the screen, on the right, and don’t follow the traditional Samsung style, either. Quick access is for the brightness control, for auto-adjustment and for switching the MagicBright modes.

The menu design is easily recognizable. We have the Samsung’s traditional neat and handy white-blue panel.

When you choose “User Adjusted” in the color temperature menu, the real temperatures are 5720K white and 7800K gray by default. “Reddish” means 5610K white and 7070K gray, and “Bluish” – 5740K white and 8950K gray. Some tones of gray have a little of pink in them when “Reddish” is selected, that’s why I used “User Adjusted” with the default settings.

The brightness control initially stood on 80% and the contrast on 50%. To achieve a screen brightness of 100nit, I set 43% brightness and 50% contrast. Again, the MagicBright feature is available with its three modes: Text (40% brightness, 50% contrast), Internet (57% brightness and 50% contrast), Entertain (86% and 58%, respectively).