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Samsung Syncmaster 181T 18.1 inch TFT LCD Display
Samsung Syncmaster 181T 18.1 inch TFT LCD Display - PCSTATS
The Syncmaster 181T in its black and silver housing is something quite different for an LCD, and much better looking than most.
 82% Rating:   
Filed under: Monitors Published:  Author: 
External Mfg. Website: Samsung Apr 03 2002   Max Page  
Home > Reviews > Monitors > Samsung 181T

TFT Display Evaluation Notes

PCstats TFT Display Evaluation Criteria:

We evaluate the quality of TFT displays with the help of a program called Nokia Monitor Test. The software application displays a range of colours and test patterns that can help diagnose just about any visual problems or defects a TFT display may contain.

It can also be a very useful tool for properly adjusting a display to the optimal settings. The software consists of eleven tests which can be run in steps as adjustments are made to the OSD. As the tests are run we look for the following problems, only one of which should be inoperable (broken pixel).

  • Broken Pixels: What we class as a 'broken pixel' can fall under any one of the following circumstances: Pixel always on (any colour), pixel always off, pixel unable to display a shade (red, green, blue, black, white), pixel shown colour gradient.
  • Pixel Clock: If the number of dot clocks within one horizontal synch are not properly configured the screen will appear to drift or vertical stripes may be generated. This should be correctable by the on screen menu.
  • Phase: If the phase of the display data and dot clock are not correctly tuned the screen can flicker, or text be displayed blurry. For example text may appear dithered, or when looking at a test pattern of a one-pixel black, one-pixel white checkerboard pattern the pattern may be distorted. This should be correctable by the on screen menu.
  • Response Time: We look for any streaking associated with moving a full page of text up or down quickly. Displays with slower refresh rates tend to show some degree of image streaking or text discoloration which can be distracting.
  • Stand Stability: TFT displays are fragile components and the stand should offer adequately stable support as well as be easily adjustable.

    We deduct marks for quality control if there are any predominant broken pixels in a display. While many manufacturers may consider a few broken pixels acceptable, we believe the high cost of TFT displays should translate into a clear and unblemished image.

  • Display Test System Configuration:
    Video Card: ATI Radeon 8500
    Operating System: MS Windows 2000
    Display Settings: Color Temp: 6500 Kelvin
    Resolution: 1280x1024 pixels
    Frequency: 60Hz
    Colour: 32 Bit
    Display Resolutions:
    Resolution Freq Hor. Freq Ver. Standard
    720X400 31.5 70 VGA
    640x480 31.5 60 VGA
    640x480 37.5 75 VGA
    640x480 43.3 85 VGA
    800x600 46.8 75 VESA
    800x600 53.6 85 VESA
    1024x768 48.3kHz 60Hz XGA
    1024x768 60.0kHz 75Hz XGA
    1024x768 68.7kHz 84Hz XGA
    1280x1024 63.98kHz 60Hz VESA
    1280x1024 79.90kHz 75Hz VESA

    LCD Display Test Overall Test Notes and Observations
    Geometry: Pass

    Excellent picture geometry at the 181T's native 1280x1024 resolution. LCD displays as a general rule never have problems displaying straight lines.

    Brightness and Contrast: Pass

    Good clean shading, crisp definition in 1%-9% white range but it is hard to see differences between 1% and 2%. There is no ghosting or unevenness in black background. Some small illuminance around isolated white squares on black background. This is not out of the norm however.

    HV Test: Pass

    This test is more applicable to CRT displays than it is to an LCD. How ever since it forces the display to show a full screen of black or white, while maintaining a solid white line around the outside it is a good indicator of refresh rates on both the display and pixel levels.

    Colour: Pass

    The white and Red test screens are very bright and very consistent over the full screen area. There are no visible dark patches, or banding of any type at the edges with white, red, green or blue test screens. No broken pixels are visible in any colour.

    Convergence: Pass

    The test grids in RGB illustrate the worst case situations when different coloured pixels must work closely together, and since they comprise different parts of a pixel they do not line up exactly.

    Focus: Pass

    Excellent, all patterns are clearly visible and defined in both the horizontal and vertical axis.

    Resolution: Pass

    Resolution was also excellent at the native 1280x1024 resolution. Image dithering at lower resolutions is very good as well.

    Moire: Pass

    Excellent, all test patterns were displayed properly and without interference or 'walking lines'.

    Dither Algorithm:

    Other Evaluation Notes:

    Excellent

    Like the 181B, the pixel refresh rate for the 181T is set to below 30ms. With a set of viewing angles at 85/85/85/85 it is currently at the highest standard currently available. The stand was very stable, although rotating left to right didn't not work very well. The vertical height adjustments were good, and the 90 degree rotation worked well.

    Conclusions

    From an LCD standpoint we have looked at many displays which were intended to be used in the office or home as substitutes for conventional monitors. As such many of them replicated how a CRT looked - big wide bezels, dull beige colouring, etc. The 181T appear to be marking a turning point as far as LCD monitors are concerned.

    In much the same way as Sony introduced some surprisingly striking and decadent displays Samsung is offering a much more affordable LCD here. While the overall thickness of the 181T is still somewhat "chunky" its small bezel makes viewing it from head on a true pleasure, and gives it a slimming appearance. Coupled with a very capable LCD display unit, the 181T offers users very wide viewing angles, a very good contrast rating and a pretty decent brightness value.

    The integrated power supply is a step in the right direction for LCD's, and it will be interesting to see how much further they progress, and how slim monitors such as this become. Very cool indeed.

    < Previous Page © 2023 PCSTATS.com Monitors Reviews...»

     

    Contents of Article: Samsung 181T
     Pg 1.  Samsung Syncmaster 181T 18.1 inch TFT LCD Display
     Pg 2.  The 181T Display Up Close
     Pg 3.  Analog Standard, USB Hub & New OSD Menu
     Pg 4.  — TFT Display Evaluation Notes

     
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