Product Reviews

The term 'multifunction display' can often mean 'best avoided' when it comes to serious computer work. However, with the MFM-HT95, Sony might have changed all that.

The HT95 is a 19in LCD with a native resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels, contrast ratio of 1000:1 and response time of 12ms. It connects to your Mac using either DVI or VGA, has a built-in TV tuner and comes with a remote control.

Its 5:4 aspect ratio isn't ideal for watching DVDs or television, and if this is your primary concern, you may be better off with the HT95's junior sibling, the 17in, 16:9 HT75W which has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels. However, you should remember that a widescreen image shown in letterbox format on the HT95 will have exactly the same resolution as one shown full-screen on the HT75W. The multifunction credentials of the display are beefed up by the inclusion of both composite and component video inputs. The inclusion of component video makes this an ideal, if somewhat small, companion for a progressive-scan DVD player.

In addition to a remote control and TV tuner, the HT95 has built-in speakers rated at 3W each and a 5W sub-woofer. There's even a virtual surround sound feature that uses SRS Wow to create the impression of multi-channel audio. The sound from these is pretty impressive for such small speakers - they pack a surprising amount

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of punch and the bass output has plenty of oomph. However, the SRS Wow is undetectable to our ears. You wouldn't want to use these speakers to listen to music on a regular basis, but if you want to watch TV or the occasional DVD, they're fine. One feature we particularly like is the picture-in-picture which allows you to watch TV in a small window on screen while you work.

Other than its TV and video features, the HT95's key selling point is something Sony calls X-black. It's a 'screen enhancement' technology, which the company claims boosts brightness and contrast and makes colours more vibrant. Sony also says it reduces glare more than conventional anti-glare coatings.

Setting up the display is straightforward, helped by the excellent remote control. An on-screen menu system allows you to adjust brightness, contrast and backlight, or choose from three presets: movie, PC, and game. You can also change settings for Gamma and colour temperature.

Our tests showed this to be an extremely capable display, whether used as a Mac monitor or for watching TV or DVDs. Colours are vivid, the screen is bright and the ability to fine-tune almost every detail of the image means you can set it up to display exactly as you want it.

At £629 including VAT, this is an expensive 19in display. If you want a basic monitor to connect to your Mac you can pick up a 19in model for less than £200, but that's not the point. The MFM-HT95 is a high-quality monitor with plenty of scope for adjusting the image, which is something you won't get on a £200 display. On top of this, it's a capable LCD TV, so you are in effect getting the best of both worlds, something that's rare in 'combo' devices. And the build quality, including the robust but easily adjustable stand, is excellent.

We wouldn't recommend the MFM-HT95 to everyone, but if you want a 19in display that produces stunning images and has the ability to function as a TV, look no further.