Review: Sony MFM-HT205 monitor

The Sony MFM-HT205's gently curved vertical sweep of silver presents the 20in 16:10 format MVA panel (read our guide to TFT panel technology) with a seductive minimalism that you know would look just perfect on your desk, in your living room or just about anywhere.

Thankfully, due to the vast selection of input connectors, you're not limited to where you can put it. Dual analogue and DVI inputs, complete with individual audio jacks are perfect for your PC, while Scart; composite, component and S-video connections see to it that you can connect it to just about anything else.

Furthermore, its HDCP compliant so will be compatible with future copyright-protected content. The addition of an analogue TV tuner and rather attractive full-sized remote control make it one of the most versatile monitors you can buy.

There's also plenty of oomph from the integral 3W per channel stereo speaker system with 5W sub-woofer.

Of course all of this would count for nothing if the performance weren't up to scratch. For use as a television, especially if you're going to watch it comfortably from across the room, you'll need plenty of brightness and contrast. The MFM-HT205 delivers both in spades.

Its maximum brightness of 470cd/m2 and a rated contrast ratio of 1,600:1 are among the very highest we've seen.

Using Sony's X-Black LCD technology it has a very smooth, dark-looking panel which delivers very deep blacks and rich colours.

The monitor is very easy to set up, especially using the remote control. Preset modes for different uses ensure that movies are bright and dynamic while your spreadsheets don't burn your eyes out.

And, while everything is configurable enough to satisfy the twitchiest tweak freak, features such as an ambient light detector and copious 'auto' options make it equally appealing to those who just want to plug and play.