f o c u s

LCD TELEVISIONS

SAMSUNG SYNCMASTER 910MP

Better ,
CD technology has been around for a long, long time and weve all seen or owned a LCD watch or calculator. When looking at LCD TVs or monitors, it would be safe to say that in this regard, the technology is still fairly new, and there are still major technological changes that should lead to improved performance. What this means to a reviewer like myself, is that a monitor that bowled me over a few years ago, probably wouldnt impress me at all if I reviewed it now. This is because as my personal experience with the technology has improved, I have become far more critical of some of the LCD specific aspects that I would have overlooked before. One of these aspects is response time, or the time taken for a single pixel to react to an electronic input delivered to it. Slow response time leads to fuzzy images and a haze that follows moving images. Another aspect that I have become far more critical of is field of view. With LCD monitors now taking Plasma monitors on for the medium sized monitor segment, they have to be competitive on all performance fronts, and field of view is one of them. Now whilst the Samsung monitor on review here isnt big enough to fight with the smaller plasma TVs or monitors - it only has a diagonal that measures in at 19-inches - it does compete with some smaller conventional TVs and MC monitors.And as such it has to offer performance that is better than or equal to its competitors. On the point of performance, the Samsung SyncMaster 910MP, to give you its full name, offers a response time of 8 ms.This is claimed to ensure stable viewing of movie and streaming video. Other performance aspects that are at, or close to the top of the class, are a contrast ratio of 700:1, a brightness of 300 cd/m2, and a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. On the features front, the 910MP isnt shy either and includes MagicTune, which offers convenient buttonless OSD control of colour calibration for accurate colour, and Image MagicBright, which provides three modes for optimum display of text, internet and entertainment.There are also additional user adjusted modes, and auto adjustment. Being a TV, the 910MP integrates stereo A U D I O

Slimmer,

aerial to it (no aerial in the demo room at the office) and partly because set-up is simple. The only cable I needed to connect between our DVD player and to the 910MP was a SCART cable and this delivered both audio and video signals. Simple. Despite a power rating of only 3 watts per channel, the on board speakers were more than capable of delivering adequate sound quality that was in keeping with the size of the TV. It wouldnt blow one away, but it also didnt detract from the onscreen images. Images themselves were bright, colour was
speakers, and offers virtual Dolby and BBE Sound. On the input side of things - or should that rather be rear of things - there are connectors for analogue RGB, CVBS, S-Video,TV antenna, SCART, and D-Sub. One of the reasons people opt for LCD TVs/Monitors is their size, and here the 910 measures in at 430 mm x 434.4 mm x 227.8 mm (W/H/D), with these measurements including the stand. Setting the 910MP up proved to be extremely hassle free, partly because I didnt connect an

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Brighter.

good and contrast was better than I had expected.There was in fact a fair amount of shadow detail and depth to images. When viewing DVDs at TV-like distances, the 910MP showed that its claim of high resolution was justified and all image edges were clean and virtually movement-artefact clear. Moving closer to the TV, to the kind of distances that one would use when using it as a PC monitor, I did detect a few slight anomalies. Despite the fast response time, there was still a small amount of lag behind images, and

p e a k s

VERDICT The Samsung SyncMaster 910MP should prove to be the perfect second TV or PC monitor for those that have rooms that are space-challenged. PRICE..RSUPPLIED BY Samsung South Africa 011-549-1500 www.samsung.co.za
there were a few jagged edges. Text however was clean and sharp, and I am becoming, as mentioned earlier in the text, a far less tolerant of any flaw than I would have been not so long ago. On balance, I believe that the Samsung 910MP is a super TV/Monitor that could be used as either a space saving second TV or a PC monitor that offers a TV tuner for those occasions that you want to catch up on your soapies whilst working. Its field of view was good too.

Joel Kopping.

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A U D I O

f e a t u r e

LOOKING BACK

MODEL PRODUCT DATE
E-308 AE1 Mk III Aelite Centre Aelite One Aelite Sub Aelite Three Aelite Two GDV-850 Media Link AQ 1001DT Reference 3 NRG3 Rockefeller Beocenter 2 Beolab 3 Beovision7-32 None 805 S M-1/PV-1 Ultra Clarifier DAC1 Z1 Radia 520i/210i Microsystem CD Microsystem CD B100 Azur 540R/DVD77 Azur 640A Azur 640C 350D MVX45i XEED SX50 Elite Master Series V Series Silhouette 100 Silhouette 100 Tower Silhouette 200 Silhouette Dialogue SW1 SW2 CAP2100 12-00555 Concept 2 5100MP AVC-A1XV AVR2106 DHT-M330 DVD 1720 DVD-A1XV PMA SA1 R50 T3 Series Dreamy CS 4.45 Maestro MA 2 MS4.45 Soundman The Composer Mk II FS 608-4PI EMP-51H Profile 918 MTV 3001 DM8/DM10/DM58/DM68 AVR 7300 DPR2005 Integrated Amplifiers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers DVD Players PC/TV Interfaces Tube Amplifiers Pre-Amplifiers Cables Cables Lifestyle Systems Loudspeakers LCD Televisions Earphones Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Accessories DACs Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Microsystems Microsystems Amplifiers AV Receiver/DVD Players Amplifiers CD Players Digicams Digicams Projectors Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Subwoofers Amplifiers Lightning Protectors Loudspeakers Projectors AV Amplifiers AV Receivers Systems DVD Players Universal Players Integrated Amplifiers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Projectors Cables Cables Cables Cables Cables Loudspeakers Projectors Loudspeakers LCD Televisions Systems AV Receivers AV Receivers 03/05 08/05 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/05 06/05 04/05 12/05:01/06 05/05 05/05 12/05:01/06 05/05 07/05 10/05 09/05 06/05 09/05 02/06 10/05 07/05 06/05 08/05 11/05 10/05 05/05 12/05:01/06 11/05 10/05 06/05 04/05 06/05 04/05 09/05 02/06 02/06 11/05 02/06 02/06 09/05 10/05 09/05 03/05 02/06 04/05 12/05:01/06 07/05 11/05 09/05 02/06 07/06 02/06 08/05 12/05:01/06 07/05 08/05 06/05 09/05 03/05 12/05:01/06 02/06 10/05 03/05 11/05 06/05
Another year has passed us by and if by chance, you missed a few issues, heres our annual glance at the year that was
RRRRRRRRRR9500 RRR8000 RRRR1000 RRR2250 RR5000 R39 990/RNot supplied RRR4 890/RR3790 RR9000 RRRRFrom RR3982 R8902 RR3010 R6067 RRRRRRR6895 RRRRRRRR2240 per 3m R(0.8m) RRR638 (3m) RR5999 RRNot supplied. RR19 990

VERDICT

Accuphase Acoustic Energy Acoustic Energy Acoustic Energy Acoustic Energy Acoustic Energy Acoustic Energy Adcom ADS Tech Antique Sound Labs Audio Research AudioQuest AudioQuest B&O B&O B&O B&O B&W B&W Bedini Benchmark Bohlender-Graebener Bohlender-Graebener Boston Acoustics Boston Acoustics Bryston Cambridge Audio Cambridge Audio Cambridge Audio Canon Canon Canon CAV CAV Cerwin Vega Chario Chario Chario Chario Chario Chario Class Clearline Dali Dell Denon Denon Denon Denon Denon Denon DLS DLS Dreamvision Ecosse Ecosse Ecosse Ecosse Ecosse Elac Epson Focal Futronic Halcro Harman Kardon Harman Kardon
Superbly constructed. Reference quality speakers. Solid performances. Solid performances. Solid performances. Solid performances. Solid performances. Excellent build quality. Recommended. Great gadget to have. Why people love tubes. One of the ultimates available. Clear sound enhancement. Simply a superb cable. Great performance. Harnessing serious technology. Top class image and sound. Perform superbly. Can sound bright. One of the finest around. Top class sound. Makes an audible difference. Clean, clear and convincing. Super sound quality. True high-enders. Surprising sonics. A tabletop winner. Velvet-sounding. Real performance, real value. Affordable quality. A true hi-fi bargain. The one to beat - if possible. Superb all-rounder. Ultra smooth and detailed images. Looks and sound quality above par. Top notch construction. Good detail and tonality. A cohesive sound. A cohesive sound. Classy performers. A cohesive sound. A cohesive sound. Eloquent-sounding. Superior sound quality. Offers peace of mind. A bargain at the price. A detailed and impressive image. Extremely flexible and capable. A breath of fresh air. Able home theatre system. Delivers awesome movie experience. Incredible prowess. Claims the title of high end. Works with anything. Stylish. Novel engineering. Superb portable projector. A superb cable. One of the most revealing reviewed. Lucid, charming delivery. Worth every cent. Excellent in a subwoofer role. Superb sound quality. A budget winner. Superb to listen to. Performance exceeds asking price. Irresistible array of sonic and AV options. Everything you need. Extremely flexible.

A U D I O

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M A R C H

Harman Kardon Hermstedt Ixos Ixos Jamo Jamo Jamo Jamo Jamo Jamo Jamo Jamo Jolida Jolida Jolida KEF KEF Kimber Lexicon LG LG LG LG LG Linn Linx Loewe Magix Marantz Marantz Marantz Marantz Marantz Martin Logan Meridian Meridian Meridian Mission Mission Monitor Audio Monster Monster Monster Monster Mordaunt Short Mordaunt Short Mordaunt Short Mordaunt Short Mordaunt Short Musical Fidelity Musical Fidelity Musical Fidelity NAD NAD NAD NAD Onkyo Onkyo Onkyo Onkyo Optoma Optoma Optoma Panasonic Panasonic Panasonic Panasonic Panasonic Panasonic Paradigm Paradigm
DVD 31 Hifidelio XHA 406/XHS 606 XHT 601/XHV 704/XHD 408 8A2 A340PDD.5 A7 D4 D430 E 680 Rock 6.3A SUB6510 3000A/3000B JD 9 JD1704RC/JD1501RC/JD700A IQ3 Reference 207 Hero RV-8 50PX4 Hurricane II L173SA RD JS31 RH7624W RT-32LZ50 Full System L800 Xelos SL37 Movie Edit Pro 10 DV9500 PM-11S1 PM15S1 SA-11S1 SA15-S1 Summit 808 Signature G02 G57 Elegante E83 M2S iDeck Standard Composite Standard Digital Coax Standard Stereo Standard Subwoofer Avant 903S Avant 905C Avant 906 Avant 907W 500 Series A5 X-150 X-Ray V3 L53 M3 T163/T973 Version 2 OS A-1VL C-1VL DV-SP1000E TX-NR5000E H27 Movietime DV 10 RD50 DMC FZ30 DMC-LX1 DMR E500 DMR-EH50 NV-GS150 SA-XR70/DVD-S97/SPTP70 On-Wall PDR10

PRODUCT

DVD Players Music Servers Cables Cables Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Subwoofers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Subwoofers Pre Power Amplifiers Phono Stages Systems Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Cables AV Receivers Plasma LCD Monitors Projectors HDD/DVD Recorders LCD TVs Systems Loudspeakers Televisions Digicam Software Universal Players Integrated Amplifiers Amplifiers CD/SACD Players SACD/CD Players Loudspeakers CD Players Pre-Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Accessories Cables Cables Cables Cables Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Systems Integrated Amplifiers CD Players DVD Receivers Integrated Amplifiers Pre-Processors/Power Amplifiers Operating Software Amplifiers CD Players Universal Players AV Receivers Projectors Projectors Projection TVs Digicams Digicams HDD Recorders DVD Recorders Camcorders Systems Loudspeakers Subwoofers
07/05 08/05 03/05 04/05 11/05 06/05 02/06 07/05 07/05 04/05 11/05 10/05 06/05 08/05 08/05 02/06 05/05 02/06 11/05 02/06 10/05 06/05 12/05:01/06 08/05 06/05 07/05 04/05 06/05 06/05 09/05 11/05 10/05 12/05:01/06 12/05:01/06 05/05 03/05 04/05 08/05 09/05 11/05 04/05 04/05 04/05 04/05 02/06 02/06 02/06 02/06 07/05 09/05 11/05 10/05 04/05 11/05 09/05 12/05:01/06 09/05 07/05 07/05 06/05 02/06 10/05 11/05 12/05:01/06 10/05 03/05 10/05 05/05 07/05 11/05 12/05:01/06

Packs heavyweight punch. RWell executed, great sounding. RSound good, arent too costly. R300(1m)/R25(1m) High value, well constructed. R390/R480/R250 Sound good, look good. RDelivers super sounds. RGood audio quality. RAn attractive proposition. RBlows you away. Intense. RA sound that really convinces. RUnobtrusive music for outdoors. RDelivers with authority. REngrossing listening experience. R39 900/RClean musicality. RDelivers well. RUtterly involving. RMajestic, room-filling. RRevealing and balanced. RThe current AV Receiver champion. RHigh resolution, great contrast. RSuperb, multi-functional. RPerforms well, considering price. RSuperb value for money. RGood image and sound quality. RPhenomenal music and movie experience. Price per unit Good looking, easy to install. R(pair) The ultimate style statement. RMultitude of features and options. R650 Finely executed player. Not supplied Performs well beyond expectations. ROffers a lot more than expected. RGreat-sounding music. RWill appeal to music fans. RPlay with verve and passion. RA heavyweight champion. RNear flawless. RSmooth and effortless delivery. RSuperbly crafted floorstanders. RWell constructed, good value. RSurprisingly good results. RDependable, unltimately satisfying. R299 (1m) Dependable, ultimately satisying. R399 (1m) Dependable, ultimately satisfying. R299 (1m) Dependable, ultimately satisfying. R399 (4.8m) Good quality, affordable. RGood quality, affordable. RGood quality, affordable. RGood quality, affordable. RGreat value. RUtterly convincing in all sonic aspects. Rper component. Immaculately constructed. RToo good to switch off. RSomething different! Not supplied. NAD goes high-end. RWork great together. R9 900/RShows tangible results. Model dependant. Delivers the musical goods. RExciting, involving, entertaining. ROne of the best available. RHas it all - then some! RVery competitive price. RAn appealing device. RLarge and enjoyable. RSLR fans will love this camera. RPacked with useful features. ROffers a lot of flexibility. RA truly versatile device. RGood, all-round performance. RSuperb technological value. RGreat companions for plasma. Model dependant. Delivers plenty of thrills. R4000
Paradigm Parasound Parasound Parasound Pioneer Pro-Ject PSB QED Quad Revel Revel Revel Revel Revel Rotel Rotel Samsung Samsung Samsung Samsung Samsung Sennheiser Sennheiser Sennheiser Sennheiser Sennheiser Shanling Skytronic SME Sonor Audio Sonor Audio Sony Sony Sony Sony Sony Sony Sony Spendor Steinhart Sunfire Sunfire Synergistic Research Thorens Tivoli Audio Tivoli Audio Ultralink Ultralink Ultralink Ultralink Valve Audio Van Den Hul Van Den Hul Van Den Hul Van Den Hul Van Den Hul Van Den Hul Vienna Acoustics Vifa Vincent Vogel Yamaha Yamaha Yamaha Yamaha Yamaha Yamaha Yamaha Yamaha Yamaha

Exceptional value. Powerhouse delivery. Adept with movies and music. Delivers on the sonic front. Superb performer. Makes music come alive. Very listenable. Detailed and balanced sound. Craftmanship at its best. Very precise sonics. Very precise sonics. Very precise sonics. Very precise sonics. Very precise sonics. Solid performance. Performance of note. Great images at great price. Superb image quality. Delivers super image. Perfect for a smaller room. Extreme functionality. Produce a beautiful, balanced sound. Should please even the most critical. Good for travellers. Lightweight and comfortable. Comfortable, high performance. Superb sound quality. Solid performance on all fronts. The ultimate, bar none. A superb speaker. Composed and elegant. Good image quality. Delivers super images. Built to last. Sounds good. Takes a little getting used to.Wow! Accuracy above outright musicality. Takes on the big boys easily. A superb plasma TV. Reference calibre speakers Power in abundance. Incisive and gripping performer. Packs hefty punch. Absolutely incredible! Superb styling, construction. A super little radio. Cover Feature Great performance and value. Great performance and value. Great performance and value Great performance and value. Exceptional. Smooth sounding. Musical magic. Improvement on standard cables. Gone from good to great. Smooth, engaging, musically heartening. Engaging, honest interlink. Stunning good looks. Good looking and sounding. A classy performer. Useful, good looking. Sophisticated, whisper-quiet. True high-end product. Multi-talented. Solid video and audio performance. Definitely value for money. Receiver of some note. Blows away competition. Packed with useable features. Sound without the fuss.
RRRRRRRR326 (1m) RReach Reach Ra pair Ra pair Ra pair RRRRRRRRRRRRRR223 +-RRRRRR895 RNot supplied. RRRR32 575/RRRR(2.4 m pair) RR1525 Cover Feature R720 R760 R360 R280 RR135 (1m) RFrom R920 (1m) RR485(0.6m stereo pair) R(1m) RRR8975 RRRRRRRRRR7 990