With its striking design, integrated TV tuner and array of inputs, Sony's MFM-HT75W is one of the most appealing LCD monitors on the market - even if it's pricey. Crossing the boundaries between PC, gaming and TV, Sony's solid experience as a leader in TV design and manufacturing is evident with this 17in. widescreen beauty. Packed with advanced features such as Sony gorgeous X-black LCD screen enhancement technology and SRS Labs' SRS WOW surround sound audio technology, the MFM-HT75W is at the cutting edge of entertainment and IT convergence. However, a relatively small screen size of 17in., native resolution of 1280x768 pixels and a 16ms response time aren't ideal for fast-paced movie action or hardcore gaming. Instead, the screen is best suited to general PC users looking to add some style and convergence to their working or living space.
Pros: Striking design; wide variety of connectors; HDTV ready; PiP
Cons: Only 17in.; relatively low native resolution; expensive
If design and functionality are important in your work and living space, you'll love Sony's new widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) LCD monitor. The shape of the 17in. MFM-HT75W is striking (there's also a 19in. non-widescreen model for £499) thanks to a 'rising design' that gives the unit a modern sculpted look and the appearance of standing without the support of a conventional base. The design also provides a space-saving footprint and the facility for easy wall-mounting, if required.
Designed for the home, living room, bedroom or even home office, the silver screen (black at rear) can be hooked up to a computer, used for viewing TV, or for playing back DVDs and videogames. The display has a relatively wide variety of inputs, and the provision of a component input gives the HT-Series the unique ability to handle HD (High Definition) TV signals. In addition, it features conventional analogue and digital (DVI-D) connectors, component video, composite and S-Video ports, and audio ports.
The HT-Series is for people who find the conventional division between TV, computing and gaming restrictive. Having said that, a relatively small screen size of 17in., 16ms response time and a native resolution of just 1280x768 pixels (19in. model offers 1280x1024 pixels) aren't really suitable for movie playback, gaming, or graphics professionals. Instead, the screen is best suited to general PC users looking to add some style to their computing space.
Sony has integrated its TV knowledge seamlessly, right down to the matching - and relatively comprehensive - remote control. The silver remote and its rubber buttons provide instant access to special features including Teletext and Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, as well as channel, volume and video source controls. With PiP you can watch TV in a small box while carrying out another computing activities, such as Web browsing or checking e-mail.
