Samsung SyncMaster 151MP LCD Monitor Review

Published By: Paul Machado
Review Date: August 4/2002
Product Supplied By: Samsung Canada

Testing/Display Quality:

As mentioned in my other LCD display reviews it is quite hard to evaluate a LCD monitor because there is no real software out there to benchmark or test the overall quality of the display. The results are qualitative rather than quantitative but are as fair as possible.

Since over the years that LCD displays have been released there have been many improvements in the technology they use. With that happening the cost of producing them have driven down and therefore cost the end user less. Although there have been many improvements in TFT LCD technology there still can be many flaws in the manufacturing process. Since each display is not created exactly equal one display may have some flaws while another one may not. So the results of this display may not equal the results on the same display. Now for some qualitative tests.

Picture Quality:

In my other 2 Samsung LCD reviews of the 191T and the Tantus LTM1575W you can note that I mentioned how superb the picture quality of both were. The images the 151MP offer are fantastic. With the automatic adjustment feature there is no need for you to adjust the screen size, color, sharpness unless you have a certain preference. Although the setting Samsung chose are just perfect. With the added contrast ratio of 330:1 and brightness luminance of 250cd/m2 the image reproduction is stunning.

Ghosting/Motion Blur:

In my review of the SyncMaster 191T I noted that there was some motion blur or "ghosting" visible in high FPS games or DVD's. This occurs because LCD screens are not able to refresh themselves as quick as a game like UT or Quake 3. Well the 151MP shows minimal or no motion blur whatsoever in these types of games or even DVD playback. A great satisfaction comes from this since this is more of a mid-end display in Samsung's line of LCD displays.

Broken Pixels:

LCD displays are made from millions of tiny transistors and during the manufacturing process some a few may become somewhat damaged. How this is shown on the display is perhaps by a missing pixel, a pixel that is white in color or does not change colors. This represents a damaged pixel and may occur in the process of making the display. Through many weeks of using the display and having various people use it as well there was no indication of any broken or missing pixels. Although the display I received does not have any does not mean that other displays of the same model will not.

TV Tuner Performance:

The optional TV tuner function available on the 151MP is certainly a great feature. The overall performance of the tuner was good but not as clear as the Tantus LTM1575W which I reviewed earlier. The channels did not seem as clear and crisp. However watching TV while doing this review with the PIP (picture in picture) is certainly a great added feature.

Conclusion:

Samsung has done a terrific job with the creation of the 151MP. Its bigger brother the 171MP looks the same as the 151MP except for the bigger screen size and much better specifications. With that said this is more of a mid-end display in the MP class. With a price tag of about $800USD or $1,270CDN this display is a great buy. Just think, if you were to buy an LCD monitor this size and performs as well as the 151MP and a TFT television this size separately that would be much more than to just buy the 151MP. Not to mention it would save a lot more space.

If you are looking to buy a display for your office or high level environment the 151MP is one of your best options unless you want a bigger screen and go for the 171MP. Due to the fact that it takes up a lot less space and weighs only 4Kg the 151MP is very easy to move around without having to get a hernia.

Not only that but this monitor takes care of your eyes as well. With the emission of electromagnetic radiation be much lower than a CRT monitor. Also you will not have to find a place with no reflections since this display will not reflect any light. Add all of this to the capabilities and features of the 151MP and you will know why this display receives the TechwareLabs Seal of Approval.