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The 181B series uses a 18.1" a-si TFT/PVA (Pattern Vertical Alignment) 1280x1024 resolution screen
for viewing comparable to that of a 19" CRT display.
75% Rating: 
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Samsung 181B |
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TFT Display Evaluation Notes
| PCstats TFT Display Evaluation
Criteria: |
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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. |
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| 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. |
Freq Ver. |
Standard |
| 720X400 |
31.5 |
70 |
VGA |
| 640x480 |
31.5 |
60 |
VGA |
| 640x480 |
37.5 |
75 |
VGA |
| 640x480 |
43.3 |
85 |
VGA |
| 800x600 |
46.8 |
75 |
VESA |
| 800x600 |
53.6 |
85 |
VESA |
| 1024x768 |
48.3kHz |
60Hz |
XGA |
| 1024x768 |
60.0kHz |
75Hz |
XGA |
| 1024x768 |
68.7kHz |
84Hz |
XGA |
| 1280x1024 |
63.98kHz |
60Hz |
VESA |
| 1280x1024 |
79.90kHz |
75Hz |
VESA | |
| LCD Display Test |
Overall |
Test Notes and Observations |
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| Geometry: |
Pass |
Excellent picture geometry at the 181B's native
1280x1024 resolution. LCD displays as a
general rule never have problems displaying straight lines unless they are badly misconfigured.
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| Brightness and Contrast: |
Pass |
Very subtle changes are visible in the different shades
of black from 1% to 9% saturation. The 20% to 100% shading bars
are nicely transitioned and 100% white is very bright. Pure black
has always been difficult to reproduce on an LCD display without light spots,
but the 181B handles it very well.
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| HV Test: |
Pass |
This test is more applicable to CRT
displays than it is to an LCD. How ever since it forces
the display to show a full screen of black or white, while maintaining a solid white
line around the outside it is a good indicator of refresh rates on both the
display and pixel levels. The pixel refresh rate is 25ms.
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| 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 with white, red, green or
blue test screens. No broken pixels are visible in any colour.
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| Convergence: |
Pass |
The test grids 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.
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| Focus: |
Pass |
Excellent, all patterns are clearly visible and defined in both the
horizontal and vertical axis.
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| Resolution: |
Pass |
Resolution was also excellent at the native
1280x1024 resolution.
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| Moire: |
Pass |
Excellent, all test patterns were displayed properly and
without interference or 'walking lines'.
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Other Evaluation Notes: |
Very Good |
Like the 171B, the pixel refresh rate for the 181B is
set a very good 25ms. With more and more displays breaking past
the 80/80/80/80 viewing angles to even better 85/85/85/85 viewing angles, Samsung should
lead the trend and move forward with more agressive settings here. The stand was very stable,
and we didn't have any concerns about it tipping
over.
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Final Conclusions
As we have no confirmed pricing for the 181B it is hard
to say just how well it performs against comparable 18.1" office oriented displays. As more and more corporations are making the
complete switch to LCD, saving eyestrain and lowering power consumption, it may
be the war of the little features which captures
buyers attention.
While we were thoroughly impressed with the LCD glass used in the 181B, the lack of any integral audio features for
one has us wondering how it will place against aggressively priced LCD's
in this market which have a slew of basic
multimedia options.
From a users standpoint the 181B is well designed for the
office environment, the bezel is clean an unobstructed, the display is thin at
just 65mm, and with an integral power supply easy to install and move around if need be.
A removable base and Kensington security lock round out the tid bits,
but an optional USB port may add something to
this category.
In the world of home users more is better, but as this
display is clearly being targeted to large organizations its interesting to see
that simplicity and easy of use and installation have been moved to the
forefront. With an excellent set of LCD display characteristics, and TC0'99
compatibility, only price remains to be seen.
As a basic LCD display the 181B does its job, and does it
with style and grace that any 9 to 5'er would love to see sitting on their
desk!
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