Relisys RLT1720

Many TFT monitors now come with a built-in TV antenna socket for watching the joys of terrestrial television. The good-looking Relisys RLT1720 is the latest monitor to join these ranks.

The 17in widescreen display can support resolutions up to 1,280 x 768 but there's no DVI port, so all PC connections have to be made via the analogue connection. There is, however, a multitude of sockets hidden behind a removable panel that provide inputs for S-Video, composite video, and phono audio. This provides users with a further two input sources (AV1 and AV2) for devices such as camcorders, consoles and standalone DVD players. Each source can then be cycled using the 'mode' button on the top of the monitor, or the remote control, which also has buttons to select the aspect ratio (4:3/16:9), TV channel selection and volume.

We tested the RLTY1720 in common Windows applications, DVD playback and in TV mode. For the most part screen quality was very good, demonstrating excellent brightness and contrast - something not always found with TFTs. However, we did notice a slight white flare at the top right of the screen, which was more evident in black areas, such as the letterbox in DVD movies.

The viewing angle is very good and the monitor can tilt back, although there's no swivel.

All the usual viewing options are included in a menu system and a useful auto screen-setup mode, which will tweak the image for the optimum display settings. The two integrated speakers don't produce stunning sound quality and you'll be better off using your existing PC or hi-fi speakers, especially when playing games or watching films.

The Relisys is a handsome device and one of the cheapest LCD TVs that we've seen.

Contact: Relisys 0161 232 6000
www.relisys.com

Specifications:

• 17in widescreen
• Native resolution 1,280 x 768
• VGA, TV, S-Video, Composite video, phono audio
• Contrast ratio (400:1)
• Viewing angle (horizontal 160 deg vertical 160 deg)