Samsung Syncmaster 170MP NTSC TFT-LCD Monitor: I can see!
Written: Dec 15 '02 (Updated Jan 22 '03)
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Pros: Built-in TV tuner with Picture-in-Picture, Thin LCD, Excellent resolutions
Cons: LCDs are still expensive, but this monitor is a great value
The Bottom Line: Having the TV and video function built into the monitor, rather than on a PC card, is very cost effective and an efficient use of resources.
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| jiwhite's Full Review: Samsung SyncMaster 170MP Monitor |
For years, we've had our home office set up with a television on my husband's side of the office, behind me. I could listen to the TV while working, but not watch the TV. I had several options to remedy the situation. I could buy another small TV and install it on my side of the office. I could install a TV tuner card in my PC. Or, I could get a monitor with the TV built in. The Samsung Syncmaster 170MP is a perfect solution to this situation, as well as several other issues.
Set Up
Installing the Samsung Syncmaster 170MP was very easy. The 17" monitor itself is light. I was surprised that it could come in such a small box, but the stand folds flat to the monitor. Although the box was small and light, the monitor was well protected and had no scratches or dings. The monitor can be wall-mounted using an optional VESA (Video Electronic Standards Association) mounting device. Pop off the back cover panel to get to all of the inputs and outputs. The monitor takes RCA and Stereo audio input and PC, RCA, S-VHS, and PAL CATV cable video input. The monitor provides Stereo and Headphone audio output. The only small difficulty with this monitor is getting the cables physically plugged in because they are vertical and recessed. Because I have Microsoft Windows XP, it was plug and play to install the monitor on the computer. A CD with drivers is included in the packaging for other operating systems. I used the stereo cable included put the audio from my computer to the speakers on the monitor. The speakers aren't great, but they're much better than the $1.99 pair I had been using and don't take up any desk space, being at the bottom of the monitor. We also used a booster/splitter, a video cable, and the included converter to bring the cable to the monitor. I pressed the power button on the monitor and I was ready to go.
The functions of the monitor are easy to access from the front of the monitor. There are four lights to indicate which inputs are being displayed, PC, Video 1, Video 2 and TV. The Source button takes you through each one in order. The PIP button activates the Picture-in-Picture screen. Exit and Menu, combined with the channel and volume up and down buttons, help you configure all of the video, audio and PIP options. The monitor even includes a V-Chip for limiting which channels your children can watch if they are using the monitor. An interesting note on the buttons of this monitor is that they are touch sensitive. You only have to touch them, not push them to use the buttons. You can also access all of the options through the easy-to-use remote.
Use
The picture quality of the Samsung Syncmaster 170MP, .264 dot pitch, is much better than my older monitor. When I first turned on the monitor, I was amazed at the difference in the video quality. There were no dead pixels on my monitor out of the box. The picture is crisp and the colors are true. I could see the flaws in the pictures I had retouched that I hadn't been able to see before. Although the size, 17", is the same as my old monitor, I can use a higher resolution, up to 1280 X 1024 @ 76 Hz, and, therefore, have much more desktop space. Using the small PIP, I can watch TV and work on my computer easily. When my husband is watching the same channel on his TV behind me, it's almost like having surround sound. However, the sound does distort as you turn up the volume. Eventually, I would like to get better external speakers, but the ones on the monitor are fine for now.
Bottom Line
Having the TV and video function built into the monitor, rather than on a PC card, is very cost effective and an efficient use of resources. It would cost me much more to install a TV tuner card and buy a separate LCD monitor and would tax my computer system more. I am very happy with the video and audio quality and functions provided in a light, thin package. Unfortunately, these monitors are being discontinued. I purchase the last boxed one available from CompUSA in the Phoenix area. If you like this monitor, buy one soon.
Specs
Complete technical specification for this monitor can be found at the Manufacturer's website:
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?eUser=&prod_id=170MP-Silver
©2002 Janine White
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 649
Operating System: Windows
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jiwhite
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Member: Janine White
Location: Chandler, AZ
Reviews written: 194
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About Me:
Criminologist turned Software Engineer
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