Review: Samsung Syncmaster 940MW monitor

Samsung's Syncmaster 940MW is a 19in widescreen monitor that also doubles up as a TV.

Although it's first and foremost a monitor, with both DVI and VGA sockets, it also includes an analogue TV tuner, Scart, composite, component and s-video inputs for video connections from all sorts of devices.

Although the SyncMaster 940MW can display high-definition content, at this sort of screen size it's hard to differentiate between standard definition resolutions. Neverthless, it will accept HD device inputs via the component and DVI ports.

The DVI port also supports content protection through HDCP, so it's a fully HD-ready screen. Again, though, the difference between high-definition and standard content only becomes apparent on larger screens.

Despite that, the SyncMaster 940MW displays excellent picture quality when in Windows; text and images are clear and sharp, with good colour balance. However, like the Viewsonic VG2021m, the 940MW doesn't have an very bright screen, so dark shades can appear washed out. It's not a big problem, although on DVD movies and games, it can be slightly distracting.

Television picture quality is good, as is that from sources attached to the component input. However, composite and S-video connections don't look too great.

Connecting devices to each input is easy, but using the remote control to switch inputs isn't that intuitive; cycle through pressing the 'source' button or use the menu function. It would have been easier to have a set of individual buttons, one for each input. That's a minor qualm, though, and in general the 940MW is easy to use and performs well.

Also consider:
Hanns.G HW191
Overall: A cheaper alternative for those who don't need the TV tuner 
Rating: 4/5
Price: £150

Evesham T1505
Overall: A smaller LCD TV, although picture quality isn't great
Rating: 3/5
Price: £230

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