NEC-Mitsubishi AccuSync LCD91VM

The AccuSync LCD91VM is the first in a new range of TFTs from the company that brought us the excellent MultiSync range. It's a decidedly more consumer-oriented panel, as evidenced not only by its price, but also the single D-SUB input and prominent stereo speakers on the front.

Unfortunately, it seems NEC-Mitsubishi has thrown the baby out with the bath water, as lurking behind the shiny silver plastic fascia is a disappointing panel. While the analog input shows no problems with locking on to the clock signal, there's an overall impression of dullness in general use, even at the highest brightness settings. Not only is contrast sub-standard, but colours on the Desktop look a touch unnatural, and the definition of text is harsh, particularly during word processing. Although we tried to remedy these problems using the on-board controls, any improvement was marginal.

Given that, we were pleasantly surprised by DVD playback. Flesh tones appeared a little too red occasionally, but there were practically no visible artefacts. The response times quoted by manufacturers are increasingly arbitrary, and the 23ms supplied for the LCD91VM belies the lack of distracting lag present in fast-moving movie scenes. It isn't quite up with CRTs on hectic 3D gaming, but it's among the better panels we've seen for it.

The integrated stereo speakers put in a reasonable performance, although at 2.5W each they won't compete with even basic desktop models. Both a headphone socket and dedicated volume buttons are thoughtfully included in the front panel.

Our technical tests revealed a fairly poor colour range, with a truncation at both high and low ends. Separation was bad too, explaining the poor contrast. On the positive side, there was practically no banding on colour ramps, but with uneven response, this isn't a good panel for accurate colour representation.

There's basic cable management and an integrated power supply to keep things tidy, but other elements have suffered from cost cutting too. There's only a basic forward/back tilt to the stand, and it isn't the most stable around either - a concern for a panel weighing 6kg. Build quality isn't otherwise too much of an issue, but its looks betray its budget origins.

The on-screen display makes changing settings relatively easy. The front-panel buttons aren't labelled with their full functions, but once you realise that the Auto button also functions as Back, it becomes clearer. Not that there's a lot to change - aside from the usual contrast and brightness settings, colour temperature is switchable between Cool, Warm and User. The latter offers adjustment along the RGB axis, but failed to cure any performance issues.

All in all, it's a disappointing show, and while the price tag isn't outrageously high, there are simply better panels available for the money. The CTX S962A (see issue 112, p68) may only have a captive analog input, but it offers significantly better performance for slightly less cost. DVD playback wasn't quite as good, but then it's worth investing in a wide-aspect panel if you're really serious about movies.

Author: Ross Burridge