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Hitachi CML181SXW 18.1 inch TFT LCD Display
Hitachi CML181SXW 18.1 inch TFT LCD Display - PCSTATS
At just over $900USD, for a 18.1" TFT LCD the CML181SXW has to be one of the most aggressive priced LCD's on the market today.
 79% Rating:   
Filed under: Monitors Published:  Author: 
External Mfg. Website: Hitachi Apr 12 2002   Max Page  
Home > Reviews > Monitors > Hitachi CML181SXW

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. KHz Freq Ver. Hz Standard
    720X400 31.5 70 VGA
    640X350 31.5 70 VGA
    640x400 24.8 56 NEC
    640x400 31.5 70 VGA
    640x480 31.5 60 VGA
    640x480 37.5 75 VGA
    640x480 37.8 73 VESA
    640x480 35.0 66 APPLE
    832X624 49.7 75 APPLE
    800x600 46.8 75 VESA
    800x600 37.8 60 VESA
    800x600 48.1 72 VESA
    800x600 35.1 56 SVGA
    1024x768 53.9 66 compaq
    1024x768 56.4 70 XGA
    1024x768 60.0 75 XGA
    1024x768 60.0 75 XGA
    1280x1024 63.98 60 sxga
    1280x1024 79.90 75 sxga

    LCD Display Test Overall Test Notes and Observations
    Geometry: Pass

    LCD's inherent design means that test grids are displayed very true and very square. In this sense, LCD displays are really good for CAD work as the line render nice and sharp at the native 1280x1024 resolution.

    Brightness and Contrast: Pass

    Good shading on the grey scale with visible differences from 1% to 9% white.

    Colour: Pass

    The white test screen is bright and very consistent over the full screen real estate. There are no visible dark patches, or banding of any type at the edges. The red/green/blue test screen are very bright and lush as well. On the black screen, there were some bright areas off to one side we will note later in the review.

    Convergence: Pass

    The grid test patterns 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. CRT displays tend to produce better results under this test as there is more of a blending processor going on.

    Focus: Pass

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

    Resolution: Pass

    Resolution is excellent at the native 1280x1024 resolution. The image scaling algorithm is very good at non-native resolutions like 800x600 and 1024x768.

    Moire: Pass

    Excellent, all test patterns were displayed properly and without interference or 'walking lines' in the grey or 1pix test patterns.

    Other Evaluation Notes:

    Pass

    Sound quality from the integrated speakers is satisfactory, but not especially amazing. I would compare their quality to that of an alarm clock. The headphone jack offers the user much better personal sound options, and yields excellent quality audio. The volume wheel is another very nice touch as well.

    The stand swivels left and right nicely and tilts back with the application of a decent amount of force. There is no vertical adjustment on the CML181SXW, but this is not uncommon.

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    Contents of Article: Hitachi CML181SXW
     Pg 1.  Hitachi CML181SXW 18.1 inch TFT LCD Display
     Pg 2.  The CML181SXW Monitor Up Close
     Pg 3.  — TFT Display Evaluation Notes
     Pg 4.  LCD Display Issues, Comparisons and Conclusions

     
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