Samsung SyncMaster 240T

So far, the arguments for using TFT monitors have centred largely on their space-saving characteristics. However, the pixel-perfect geometry and superb focus available from TFTs can be of great benefit to those working in heavily graphics-driven industries such as CAD/CAM. Unfortunately, this often demands devices with large screen real estate, and until now only Eizo's 19.5in FlexScan L771 (reviewed issue 75, p179) has been large enough to fulfil these requirements. Samsung's SyncMaster 240T aims to change this, by offering a TFT with a colossal 24in viewable diagonal and a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,200.

The first thing that strikes you is the stylish silver and grey case. Also, to match the more esoteric look of the screen, Samsung has opted for a 16:9 screen aspect ratio.

Around the back of the 240T there's a D-SUB VGA input, DVI input and composite RGB and S-Video inputs for external video sources. There's also a picture-in-picture facility for use with the video inputs and a full remote control. Samsung offers, as options, a USB hub with one upstream and four downstream ports, and a matching set of stereo speakers.

To test the 240T we connected it to a 64Mb ATi Radeon graphics card through the D-SUB VGA connector at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 in 32-bit colour. Unfortunately, the 240T failed to make the same instant impression as the stunning Eizo L771. Much of this was due to the 240T's lack of fine image sharpness, manifested by a ghosting around the edges of text. This was due to a slight phase misalignment, which couldn't be corrected by adjusting the settings on the OSD. Colour and greyscale reproduction was good though, with little truncation at the darkest end of the intensity scale. Geometry was excellent too, with a superbly uniform image across the entire display area, although focus was slightly fuzzy in the corners.

Low-resolution interpolation was reasonable, but text bloated and lost sharpness at a resolution of 1,024 x 768. Viewing angles were also average, but the huge screen area makes the 240T ideal for close-up presentations.

Connecting through DVI produced a better-focused image with no interference, though you're limited to a resolution of 1,280 x 1,024, which is the acceptable maximum for DVI-connected devices. However, this appears too large on the huge screen area, so it's probably best to use the analog D-SUB connector.

A word of warning though. We found the screen to be fussy about partnering graphics hardware. Due to this we'd recommend checking the suitability of your graphics card with Samsung before making a decision, as some of the cards we used performed poorly.

After using the 240T as our main display for several weeks, we have to say we're disappointed. The advantages of its enormous screen area are offset by poor image quality, which is of paramount importance at this price point. Features are excellent though, and it also looks fantastic. But for £4,199 you expect something special, and sadly the Samsung SyncMaster 240T doesn't make the grade.

Author: Gareth Ogden