LG Flatron 915FT Plus

We first saw the 17in Flatron tube back in issue 57 and it's remained relatively unchanged, yet still impressive, right up to our last 17in monitors group test (see Labs, issue 78, p102). However, with the continuing development of flat-screen shadow-mask tubes, the battle for flat-screen alternatives to aperture-grille is getting hotter. Now LG is fighting back with the Flatron 915FT Plus, the first 19in CRT to feature Flatron technology.

Unlike the usual aperture-grille or shadow-mask tubes, the 915FT Plus uses LG's patented Flatron Flat Tension Mask technology. The Tension Mask is similar to the grille in a Diamondtron or Trinitron tube, the principal difference being the use of an array of slots rather than individual stripes. This provides some of the benefits of aperture-grille technology but removes the need for visible damping wires.

Another difference is the use of a perfectly flat panel. Many manufacturers slightly curve the inside of the panel to correct for the illusion of a concave image generated by the varying angle of beam diffraction across the inside of the glass. As a result, the 915FT Plus looks concave, although this effect wears off quickly.

In terms of features, the 915FT Plus is quite distinguished, with non-captive D-SUB and BNC connectors at the rear. LG has also included a USB hub with one up and four downstream ports. The recent trend has been to omit the USB hub in order to lower prices, but with the increase of USB peripherals, including digital cameras, keyboards and mice, we'd rather see them featured.

The 19in Flatron tube proved to be a good performer and an improvement on the 17in tube in the 795FT. For example, perfecting the 915FT's colour purity was quickly done, partially thanks to individual corner purity controls. Colours were also bright, and colour fades were smoothly gradated, although Iiyama's Vision Master Pro 451 (see Labs, issue 80, p102) offers more striking colours and better contrast. Greyscale shades were excellent, but the dark end of the scale was slightly truncated. Colour registration was also very accurate, with no need to make use of the OSD's two convergence controls.

At resolutions of 1,024 x 768 and 1,280 x 1,024, image geometry was fine, with only slight irregularities at the edges of the screen that couldn't be fully ironed out, despite the OSD featuring top and bottom hooking controls. Focus was acceptable even in the corners, although the DVI-equipped Iiyama Vision Master Pro 453 (see Reviews, issue 81, p152) was visibly sharper, especially at 1,280 x 1,024.

MoirÚ was an issue with the 795FT Plus, and despite having two moirÚ cancellers the 915FT also suffers. That said, in general use the fine interference patterns weren't really noticeable. Power regulation, on the other hand, was superb with barely any change in screen geometry even under rigorous testing.

The LG Flatron 915FT Plus is a good 19in CRT with above-average image quality. The only concern is moirÚ interference, but in areas of colour performance and geometry it acquits itself well. You also get BNC and a USB hub, and the price of £279 is very good. However, Iiyama's Vision Master Pro 451 is only £40 more and, if you can stretch to it, this would be a wiser way to spend your money.

Author: Gareth Ogden