Review: Samsung SyncMaster 940MW Monitor

As the Media Center operating system becomes more prevalent on new computers -- and with the forthcoming Vista OS promising to be even more multimedia-friendly -- people will have many options for channeling television broadcasts through their PCs. Today's high-end computers, in fact, often contain built-in TV tuners.

But for those of us using older systems, there is a way to jump on the TV bandwagon without buying a tuner on the side. The Samsung SyncMaster 940MW is one of a new generation of monitors that has the TV tuner built right in. The 19-inch widescreen LCD is also HDTV-ready with picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture functions that can show two different scenes at once.

Look and Feel

A thin bezel frame gives the SyncMaster 940MW an attractive, firm look. Its 13.7-pound weight, hefty for a monitor, is to be expected given the impressive features within.

Dimensions are 18.3 x 16.0 x 8.5 inches, with the viewing screen measuring 19 inches diagonally. The short pedestal that sits on a large circular base is not adjustable, but because the monitor is viewable from the extreme right and left (160 degrees), this lack of adjustment might not create much inconvenience. The monitor is wall-mount capable, so the adjustment issue might be moot anyway.

Features

The SyncMaster 940MW has an impressive list of features that justifies the relatively steep price tag. More than just a computer monitor, the 940MW offers the ability to connect a TV signal and display it in HD.

In addition, it can receive FM radio stations and is compatible with several TV broadcast formats used worldwide, including NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. Moreover, the monitor can accept input signals from multimedia devices, such as camcorders, via S-video, component, and composite ports. And it has high-quality speakers with Dolby Virtual Sound.

Beyond wowing us with its ability to switch from high-quality TV and movies to equally good computer-graphics displays, the SyncMaster 940MW impressed us with the ability to view two different scenes simultaneously, via either picture-in-picture format or by putting two equally sized images side-by-side.

Performance

The picture output is exceptionally sharp and clear on this SyncMaster. We did not observe any of the graininess, ghosting, or other distortions that can accompany monitors with a 0.294-mm pixel pitch. (The pitch is the distance between pixels that affects the clarity and crispness of the display.)

The maximum resolution of 1,440 x 900 and the 700:1 contrast ratio contribute to the outstanding picture. So does the ultrafast response time of 12 milliseconds, which means the display can show movement seamlessly.

Widescreen images often can appear stretched, with taller objects unrealistically blunted, but we did not see any picture distortion with this monitor set to a viewing ratio of 16:10.

The Verdict

The Samsung SyncMaster 940MW brings a new level of enjoyment to multimedia viewing. Being able to incorporate computing tasks, game playing, TV shows, and movies all at the same location is a joy.

This convenience comes at a higher price than traditional widescreen LCDs, but for the multimedia aficionado, this monitor is well worth the investment.

Samsung SyncMaster 940MW

Specs: 19-inch widescreen; MagicTuner with TV Support System; FM Radio; Virtual Dolby and BBE sound; HDTV-ready; video inputs: analog RGB, DVI, composite, S-video, component, TV (Antenna/Cable).

Pros: PC and Mac compatible; easy-to-use controls; built-in speakers; bright and sharp picture; 1,440 x 900 WXGA+ widescreen resolution.

Cons: No DVI cable included; base is not adjustable.

Verdict: The Samsung SyncMaster is a well-designed multipurpose LCD panel that can double as widescreen TV monitor.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $679.99

www.samsung.com

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