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Product:
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Samsung SyncMaster 915N TFT-LCD Monitor |
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Price:
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$577 (CAN) / $462 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Samsung Canada
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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May 12th, 2005
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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At the rear of the unit are two accessible ports which include a 15-pin VGA connection and a power
connector. I was disappointed to see that the Samsung SyncMaster 915N TFT-LCD Monitor does not include
a DVI port which is perfect for dual monitor configurations.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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As previously mentioned, Samsung has bundled the two different applications to enhance the display
options for the SyncMaster 915N. Natural Color is an easy to use management system that assists consumers
in monitor image alignment on screen or via print. MagicTune v2.5 is essentially the software equivalent
of the OSD Menu allowing you to customize your monitor settings from your desktop. An easy to use wizard
guides you through the menu options where you can make the necessary adjustments for your own personal
preference.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Once powered up, by pressing the menu button on the base of the monitor brings up the On Screen Display.
The menu system for the 915N is easy to navigate and covers all the basic settings such as vertical and
horizontal positioning, image size, auto tuning as well as brightness and contrast settings.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Samsung SyncMaster 915N TFT-LCD Monitor was run through a series of applications at different resolutions
ranging from 2D and 3D programs, DVD's, and games. Overall performance was good when connected to an
Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV 128MB Video Card and an ASUS GeForce FX5200 with very little ghosting issues and
no dead pixels. The contract and sharpness options in the Natural Tune software allow you to get a
clear detailed desktop thanks to the high 700:1 contrast ratio.
DVD playback using CyberLink PowerDVD 6 was exceptionally smooth while watching a few scenes from one of
my favourite movies "Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King". I set the max resolution of 1280 x 1024
and played a few rounds of Doom3 on the Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV 128MB Video Card. Consumers will be
pleased with the 19" viewable area which makes multimedia applications a pleasure to use. The gaming
experience was equally enjoyable and the overall image quality was very good thanks to the very quick
8ms refresh rate.
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Conclusion:
Samsung continues to solidify its position as a global market leader with innovative products that
cover such a wide scope and user base. The SyncMaster product line continues to be refined by covering
all aspects of mid-range to high-end LCD-TFT units. The Samsung SyncMaster 915N TFT-LCD Monitor has been
clearly designed to attract the gaming community as evidenced with the low price margin and fast refresh
rate. While the price will make this unit attractive, you do lose out on a lot of features that that
should be standard on every LCD-TFT product. I was disappointed to see no support for DVI which makes
this product suitable in a dual monitor configuration. In the past, Samsung has been generous with
providing a VESA Wall Mounting Kit, but unfortunately this option has to be purchased separately. The
ergonomic features and retractable monitor base are decent but there are alternative Samsung models such
as the 172x and 192T which feature a better overall design. On a positive note, the SyncMaster 915N
TFT-LCD Monitor features a narrow base which doesn't take up too much desk space. Consumers will appreciate the
easy to navigate On Screen Display menu options that can be manipulated from the external buttons
located on the front of the unit. The Natural Color and MagicTune v2.5 software applications simplify
the process of creating a set of pre-defined menu settings that can be configured to suit any specific
type of application or environment. I personally prefer Samsung's Magic Bright option that is normally
integrated into the OSD menu and doesn't rely on the installation of application software to function.
Finally, the improved product specifications are impressive specifically for gamers and include a high
700:1 contrast ratio and very fast 8ms response time. Overall, I'm awarding the SyncMaster 915N
TFT-LCD Monitor a final rating of 8.5 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Samsung Canada website for more information or
discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Good picture quality and sharp display
- 8ms refresh rate
- Three year warranty support
- High contrast ratio and fast response time
- Natural Colour and MagicTune software
- Easy to navigate On Screen Display menu
- Price
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Cons:
- No support for DVI
- No VESA Wall Mounting Kit
- No Magic Bright feature on the OSD
- Better ergonomic features would enhance this product
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