Hyundai L22WG review

While several monitors this month use the more entertainment-focused 1080p resolution, Hyundai has taken a different approach to attracting those who want an all-purpose TFT. The L22WG sticks to a 22in 1,680 x 1,050 panel, but integrates a hybrid TV tuner and a host of consumer video connectors.

You get component, scart and composite ports to go with the D-SUB and HDMI inputs. A pair of 2.5W speakers can connect via the 3.5mm jack, but there are also RCA phono inputs to accompany the composite video connection. In short, the L22WG will connect to most devices you have at home, but whether you'd actually want it to is a different matter.

From the moment we switched it on we noticed colour issues, with a dirty green tinge across video and photos. We tried to adjust the settings, but the buttons on the front-underside were infuriating - we'd question the decision to put a poorly labelled power button right in the middle, and another nondescript button on the right that switches the input source regardless of which menu you're currently in.

Using Normal colour, we had to lower the contrast considerably to prevent light colours from washing out; switching to User colour and tweaking the individual levels proved more fruitful, but a reddish tint pervaded the image. Our gradient tests showed a backlight uneven from top to bottom, while the top-left corner appeared almost blue on a black test screen.

The monitor isn't particularly attractive, and the TV tuner lifts the cost above all but the most high-end TFTs here, making the Hyundai L22WG an uninspiring overall package.

Author: David Bayon