BUYER'S GUIDE Super VCA: Today's Choice

OVERVIEW The latest in the line of video standards, Super VGA offers sharp, 800 by 600 399 resolution and compatibility with current applications. Here's the critical market and buying information you need for successful mail-order shopping.

PERFORMANCE TESTS Fifteen Super VGA monitors are put to the test in five applications-oriented 409 categories, including image quality, ergonomics, and connectors.

PRODUCT PROFILES Individual takes on reviewed monitors sum up the pros and cons of each, help­ 420 ing you to make the right buying choice.

TEST RESULTS The details of what went into each of the five Performance Tests, along with 440 product scores shown in chart form.

FEATURES CHART A comparison chart gives you the vital stats on the 15 monitors we tested, as 45:1. well as other mail!order Super VGA displays.

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBER 1990 397 OVERVIEW

Super Sharp and Super Colorful With an 800- by 600-pixel resolution, and backing by the VESA standards committee, Super VGA monitors are showing their display strength.

BY JOE DEVLIN, JOHN BELL, AND MARC GREENFIELD

once at a monitor running in 800 by 600 Super VGA mode and adopting the full VESA Super VGA stan­ you'll be sold. Letters are sharp and clear, and look as if they have dard. But there are already quite a few monitors that will accept this signal. Of been printed on the screen with a press and solid ink. Lines in the the monitors we tested, only the Mag­ angled letters "V," "M," and "W" look like lines-not the steep stairs navox 7CM320, NEC MultiSync 2A, and 1W CasperTM-5156H units can't oper­ of a Mayan temple as they do in VGA or EGA Curving lines of graph­ ate at 72Hz or higher in any resolution. ics are almost perfectly arched. And, you can choose from 262,144 vibrant colors. Yet, these 'three monitors fit another VESA specification, called simply the 800 Super VGA is the latest in a series of video standards for color monitors that by 600 monitor guidelines. These guide­ stretches back to 1981, when the original IBM PC was introduced. The evolution of lines require a scan rate of either 56Hz or 60Hz. these standards has meant increasingly better resolution and more colors on-screen VESA gave its blessings to these other chosen from larger color palettes. (See yet a standard. Each of the video cards scan rates because they were the de facto the sidebar, "Video Standards.") · that run 1,024 by 768 resolution uses its market standards before the official stan­ Super VGA allows you to display as own interface and frequency specifica­ dard was approved, and manufacturers many as 256 colors from a palette of tions. This creates much confusion and did not want to give up the market 262,144. This is the same color spectrum more limited software support than ground they had already gained. that VGA has, but Super VGA monitors SuperVGA All monitors reviewed in this Buyer's provide 57 percent better resolution. The Moreover, these video cards and the Guide conform to at least the 800 by 600 increase in resolution comes from the monitors they work with are expensive. monitor guidelines and most fit the addition of nearly 200,000 pixels on the (See the sidebar, "Price Differences.") VESA standard, since they can adjust screen. More pixels mean sharper edges Even so, most of the Super VGA moni­ automatically to the signals that are being and curves, and a denser image. tors included in this Buyer's Guide run sent. (For a list of mail-order companies There's a dramatic difference between as high as 1,024 by 768 resolution. If offering Super VGA monitors, see the VGA and Super VGA monitor displays. you're sure you want to use this higher Buyer's Guide Index at the back of the Super VGA produces rich, smooth, and video mode now or in the future, you magazine.) solid areas of color that look as if they've should consider buying a multiscanning This ability to accept a range of signal been. sprayed on the display screen. monitor that supports it. frequencies is called multiscanning; VGA-generated colors, on the other automatic adjustments to incoming hand, seem slightly dotty-you can tell The Making of a Standard frequencies is called autoscanning. In they're constructed of thousands of tiny Video standards have always been a one sense, all of these monitors are mul­ pixels. complex business, and Super VGA is no tiscanning-since they run in either In Super VGA, the curves and angles different. There is actually more than VGA or Super VGA modes. But we've re­ of text characters look almost as good as one Super VGA standard, and all of served that term for monitors that are they do on a printed page. In VGA, these come from a consortium of moni­ compatible with CGA, EGA, and/ or jagged edges are apparent. tor manufacturers known as the Video 1,024- by 768-pixel resolutions. A video mode, sometimes referred to Electronics Standards Association The market has moved rapidly to sup­ as Extended VGA, has a better resolu­ (VESA). Last June, the group adopted a port Super VGA, with graphics compa­ tion than Super VGA, with 1,024 pixels standard that established common fre­ nies and video board manufacturers across the screen by 768 pixels down. quency specifications for 800 by 600 busily writing drivers for 800 by 600 res­ (See the sidebar, "Point/Counterpoint: video systems. In broad terms, this stan­ olution. Compatibility is a much simpler The Resolution Debate.") While Extend~ dard calls for a vertical scan rate of 72 issue for monitors, since they are, like ed VGA represents another large jump hertz (Hz). television sets, re<;eiving units. If a mon­ in resolution over Super VGA, it is not Video board manufacturers are now itor can handle the signal frequency

PC SOURCES, DECEMBER 1990 399 OVERVIEW

VIDEO STANDARDS In the beginning there was MDA and CGA. If you pur­ To compete with IBM's EGA standard, other manufactur­ chased the original IBM PC in 1981, you could pick either ers introduced monitors and video cards that pushed the monitor type and its corresponding video card. resolution of color displays up to 640 by 480. Like its pre­ Although CGA allowed PC users to do graphics, it decessors, this Super EGA mode operates off digital sig­ proved too primitive for complicated drawings. In August, nals, which limits the maximum number of colors possible 1982, the next video standard emerged to alleviate the (since each new color requires more wires in the video problem: the Hercules Graphics Adapter (HGA), the most cable). IBM overcame this limitation with the VGA (Video successful non-IBM video standard to date. While HGA Graphics Array) card, which uses analog signals. produces only monochrome output, it uses a 720- by 348- Although it is an analog rather than a digital device, pixel display in a graphics modEr-On impressive gain VGA supports IBM's earlier standards through emulation. over IBM's standards at the time. However, a monitor that accepts only digital input can't be By the mid-1980s, people wanted even better color mon­ plugged into a VGA card unless it has an alternate input itors. To satisfy these growing demands, IBM introduced the mechanism. Likewise, you can't plug a VGA monitor into Extended Graphics Adapter (EGA) in 1984. This new video an EGA card without a special connector. standard took the monitor world by storm and remained At the same time IBM introduced VGA it also unveiled the primary video standard for the next three years. the 8514/A, its high-end video adapter, and its matching monitor, the 8514. While this The Resolution Lineup video system provides even high­ Listed from highest to lowest resolutions, this chart details the evolution of video standards. er resolution, its components can't be used with those of other IBM Maximum Maximum Maximum Scan Date Resolution On-Screen Color Rate Intro­ display systems; the 8514/As Video Standard (in pixels) Colors Choices (in KHz) duced interlacing technique will cause IBM 8514/A 1,024 by 768 16 or 256 262,144 35.50 '87 noticeable screen flickering if Incompatible with previous IBM video standards because used with incompatible equip­ it uses on interlacing scheme; intended for CAD applications ment. (See the sidebar, "Interlaced Extended VGA 1,024 by 768 16 262,144 3(}50 '87 vs. Non-Interlaced.") Not on IBM video standard, but supports 960 by 720 256 262,144 higher resolution than Super VGA Other manufacturers of video cards and monitors tried to VESA Super VGA 800 by 600 16 or 256 262,144 35.52 '90 Recently adopted as a standard by a consortium of reduce IBM's market share by monitor manufacturers introducing systems with higher IBM VGA 640 by 480 16 262,144 31.5 '87 resolutions than VGA without Built into PS/2 Models 50, 60, 80; available 320 by 200 256 262,144 resorting to the 8514/As interlac- as a board for other computers 720 by 400 16 262,144 ing trick. The resulting 800- by Super EGA 640 by 480 16 64 3(}32 600-pixel systems are known as Anon·IBM standard that outdoes EGA in resolution; 800 by 600 64 35 '84 Super VGA. originally used for desktop publishing Even as 800 by 600 catches on, IBM EGA 640 by 350 16 64 21.8 '84 industry analysts are predicting Producing sharp text and graphics, EGA was the primary the imminent arrival of IBM's next video standard for business graphics until VGA appeared standard, currently known as Hercules Monochrome Adapter 720 by 348 2 17.75 '82 XGA. Designed for the multimedia First video standard that could handle serious graphics marketplace, XGAs resolution is work; the most successful non·IBM video standard to dote expected to provide 1 ,024- by IBM CGA 640 by 200 16 '81 15.75 768-pixel resolution with 32,000 The first widespread color standard for video adapters; has poor text resolu tion on-screen colors. Whatever XGA looks like, there is no question that IBM MDA 640 by 350 18.4 '81 The first monochrome video standard; IBM MDA is video technology will continue to text·bosed, and cannot occommodote graphics evolve, giving us even higher reso- elements lutions and more colors.

400 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES being sent, it's automatically compatible may not have 800 by 600 drivers. In this . As of this writing, the development with software running at 800 by 600 res­ case, upgrade the program, or ask your tool kits are en route to software manu­ olution. A vast majority of graphics or graphics board manufacturer or soft­ facturers; in three to six months many CAD I CAM programs now have an 800 ware publisher for th e driver to your applications programs will have built-in by 600 driver for most video boards on video card. VESA drivers. Adoption of this standard the market. Quite a few graphics board manufac­ should end most of the awkwardness You can also get compatibility through turers have on-line bulletin boards with over compatibility, even in the case of Microsoft Windows 3.0, which has its libraries of drivers. Such a service allows Extended VGA. own set of 800 by 600 drivers for both you to download the driver you need, video boards and software. Windows install it, and be running in 800 by 600 Display Differences even has Super VGA drivers for some mode quickly. Although all the monitors we tested here older character-based programs. For In June, the VESA committee adopted support 800 by 600 resolution, they don't example, you can run Microsoft Word another standard, called the Super VGA all provide the same image quality. The in 800 by 600 mode through Windows, BIOS Extension. This standard specifies shape and size of each monitor's cathode even though Microsoft has not written the software calls necessary to run in ray tube, the difference in electronics, such a driver for use in a straight DOS 800 by 600 mode and beyond. This stan­ the dot pitch, and the scan rates create environment. dard allows applications programmers to variations in the image. If you're using software that you write one driver that works with any Monitors such as the NEC MultiSync haven't updated in two or more years, it VESA video card. 3D, Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG, and

PRICE DIFFERENCES The deciding factor between choosing one PC product VGA-compatible categories vary greatly, depending on over another is often price. Such is the case when shop­ the mail -order vendor and· the specific product's offerings. ping for a monitor. After all, a monitor can be the most When you' re shopping in the direct channel, keep in expensive component of your video system. And it may mind that while a monitor's price may be low, other sys­ be the most valuable, since its display quality can affect tems may have a more pleasing display quality or better your productivity. ergonomics. We investigated prices for the three classes of VGA­ For example, the NEC MultiSync 3D, Seiko CM 1450, compatible monitors: VGA monitors with 640- by 480- and Sony CPD- 1 304 MultiScan HG all cost more than pixel resolution; fixed-sync monitors with resolutions as $600 by mail, and each proved to be a praiseworthy great as 800 by 600 pixels; and multiscanning monitors, performer in our Image Quality tests. The Mitsuba 71 OVH many of which provide 1,024- by 768-pixel resolution. costs much less than these three monitors-$450 list and (See the chart, "Average Costs.") about $375 by mail-but it did not perform as well in Overall, we found monitor mail-order prices to be Image Quality. These facts, however, are not to suggest roughly 40 percent off list prices. The price differences that the more expensive the monitor the better the prod­ between the three VGA categories are small . For exam­ uct. Look at the Relisys RE- 1520: It costs $995 list and ple, the average mail-order price of a VG.A monitor is $425 by mail and it received the lowest score in our $320; for a fixed-sync, $41 0; and for a multiscanning Image Quality test. monitor, $450. While you can save $130 buying a 640 by 480 VGA Average Costs monitor versus a multiscanning display, this is no bar­ Prices listed are averages based on a random sampling gain. Given the changing market for monitors, VGA of mail-order companies and monitor manufacturers. monitors will soon be outdated. To get the most for your Prices are for 14-inch monitors. money, you should buy a Super VGA monitor capable of Mail­ 800- by 600-pixel resolution. In fact, you may want to go List Order the extra step and buy a monitor supporting 1 ,024- by Price Price 768-pixel resolution. It will offer extra assurance that you 640 by 480 VGA monitors $535 $320 won't be left behind as this resolution becomes better 800 by 600 Super VGA monitors $676 $410 supported and more standardized. Multiscanning monitors $746 $453 You ' ll find that monitor prices within each of the three

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBER 1990 401 OVERVIEW

INTERLACED YS. NON-INTERLACED An important factor to consider when shopping for a However; interlacing does have a serious downside­ monitor is whether it is interlaced or non-interlaced. The screen flicker-which is caused largely by the refreshing terms can be confused easily, but getting their meanings of alternate lines on the screen. This flicker is apparent straight will help you make the right monitor choice. when you look at an interlaced monitor out of the corner To produce images, monitors scan each row of pixels of your eye, or after you've been viewing the display for a on the screen. An interlaced monitor first scans each of long time. The flicker will bother some people more than the odd rows and then goes back and scans the even others, and lighting conditions can also affect the intensity ones. For example, rows one, three, five, and so on are of the flicker. In some cases, interlacing can cause eye scanned; then lines two, four, six, and so on. A non­ strain. interlaced monitor, on the other hand, scans each row Few monitors use interlacing only. All of the monitors in sequence. we tested are non-interlaced when pumping out 800 by The advantage of interlacing is cost savings. Simply 600 or 640 by 480 resolution graphics. Twelve of the fif­ put, electronics that scan half as many lines per second teen monitors provide an interlaced 1,024 by 768 mode are far less expensive. So, to keep costs down and resolu­ to ensure compatibility with IBM's 8514/A graphics card. tion high, IBM uses the interlacing technique for its The Relisys RE-1520, Seiko CM 1450, and Sony CPD- 8514/A video card and 8514 monitor. Thanks to inter­ 1304 MultiScan HG monitors provide non-interlaced lacing, 8514 video systems provide 1,024 by 7 68 resolu­ 1,024 by 768 operation. Not surprisingly, these three tion at a reasonable price. monitors are more costly; each lists at or above $1,000.

Seiko CM1450 have a wide range of dot pitch-probably because of their sons the VESA committee settled on this brightness and contrast, so their images high quality circuitry. frequency as a Super VGA standard. seem much more alive. Conversely, the Others, such as the Aamazing CM There is also a subjective element to Relisys RE-1520, Tatung CM-1498X, and 61428S, CIX Super VGA 5468, and Mag­ image quality. Some people prefer mon­ TW Casper monitors provide duller navox monitors, represent a second tier itors that can produce high contrast images. of quality. The monitors with a .31mm images; some people don't. The Seiko Differences in image quality also dot pitch showed fuzziness at the edges and Sony displays, which both rated high depend upon the display's color repro­ of text characters. in our image quality tests, have a dark duction capabilities, as well as the extent Another feature may help you predict quality. This does not appeal to everyone. of image distortion and screen flickering. image quality: the persistence of your Since the differences in image quality Better image quality usually means a monitor's phosphors. Short persistence aren't great, the design and accessibility higher price. Only you can balance one results in duller images, long persistence of a monitor's controls take on more against the other when making a buying can cause a glowing effect, or a glare importance. For example, every monitor decision. Bear in mind, however, that problem caused by excessively sharp we tested includes a tilt and swivel base. the differences aren't dramatic. All of contrast. With this in mind, medium per­ Yet, the range of motion and ease of the 15 monitors we tested produce a sistence is ideal. maneuvering these bases varied among good image. the monitors. (See the Ergonomics Per­ One of the best indicators of a moni­ Refresh Rate formance Test.) tor's image quality is dot pitch-the size The vertical refresh rate is another Here again, the differences among the of the pixels on the screen. Of the 15 arbiter of image quality. At 56Hz, screen monitors may not be crucial. Under monitors we tested, the two with the images will show a noticeable flickering most circumstances, you should be able best image quality, the Seiko and Sony or pulsing-particularly when you look to shift any of these monitors into a good units, both have a dot pitch of .25 mil­ at the screen with your peripheral vision. viewing position. limeters (mm). The finer the dots, the This flickering can cause eye strain over Monitor controls, however, are anoth­ sharper the image. Both the Seiko and long periods of time. er matter. Stretching around to the side Sony monitors use Trinitron tube tech­ At 60Hz, the flickering is less notice­ or back of your monitor to access a con­ nology to get these diminutive dots. able. But if you work in a room with flu­ trol knob can be a dangerous maneu­ The next best dot pitch measurement orescent lighting and your software pro­ ver-especially if the monitor is on a in the group is .28mm. Monitors with gram uses a white background, you can shelf above your desk. We've seen peo­ this dot pitch measurement, such as the still see the screen flickering from the ple fall off swivel chairs as they groped NEC 3D and the Princeton Ultra 14, per­ corner of your eye. At 72Hz there is no for the on/off switch. formed as well as those with the .25mm screen flicker, which is one of the rea- Controls you use frequently should be

402 DECEMBER 1990, PC SouiKES being sent, it's automatically compatible may not have 800 by 600 drivers. In this. As of this writing, the development with software running at 800 by 600 res­ case, upgrade the program, or ask your tool kits are en route to software manu­ olution. A vast majority of graphics or graphics board manufacturer or soft­ facturers; in three to six months many CAD I CAM programs now have an 800 ware publisher for the driver to your applications programs will have built-in by 600 driver for most video boards on video card. VESA drivers. Adoption of this standard the market. Quite a few graphics board manufac­ should end most of the awkwardness You can also get compatibility through turers have on-line bulletin boards with over compatibility, even in the case of Microsoft Windows 3.0, which has its libraries of drivers. Such a service allows Extended VGA. own set of 800 by 600 drivers for both you to download the driver you need, video boards and software. Windows install it, and be running in 800 by 600 Display Differences even has Super VGA drivers for some mode quickly. Although all the monitors we tested here older character-based programs. For In June, the VESAcommittee adopted support 800 by 600 resolution, they don't example, you can run Microsoft Word another standard, called the Super VGA all provide the same image quality. The in 800 by 600 mode through Windows, BIOS Extension. This standard specifies shape and size of each monitor's cathode even though Microsoft has not written the software calls necessary to run in ray tube, the difference in electronics, such a driver for use in a straight DOS 800 by 600 mode and beyond. This stan­ the dot pitch, and the scan rates create environment. dard allows applications programmers to variations in the image. If you're using software that you write one driver that works with any Monitors such as the NEC MultiSync haven't updated in two or more years, it VESA video card. 3D, Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG, and

PRICE DIFFERENCES The deciding factor between choosing one PC product VGA-compatible categories vary greatly, depending on over another is often price. Such is the case when shop­ the mail-order vendor and· the specific product's offerings. ping for a monitor. After all, a monitor can be the most When you're shopping in the direct channel, keep in expensive component of your video system. And it may mind that while a monitor's price may be low, other sys­ be the most valuable, since its display quality can affect tems may have a more pleasing display quality or better your productivity. ergonomics. We investigated prices for the three classes of VGA­ For example, the NEC MultiSync 3D, Seiko CM 1450, compatible monitors: VGA monitors with 640- by 480- and Sony CPD- 1304 MultiScan HG all cost more than pixel resolution; fixed-sync monitors with resolutions as $600 by mail, and each proved to be a praiseworthy great as 800 by 600 pixels; and multiscanning monitors, performer in our Image Quality tests. The Mitsuba 71 OVH many of which provide 1,024- by 768-pixel resolution. costs much less than these three monitors-$450 list and {See the chart, "Average Costs."} about $375 by mail-but it did not perform as well in Overall, we found monitor mail-order prices to be Image Quality. These facts, however, are not to suggest roughly 40 percent off list prices. The price differences that the more expensive the monitor the better the prod­ between the three VGA categories are small. For exam­ uct. Look at the Relisys RE-1520: It costs $995 list and ple, the average mail-order price of a VG.A monitor is $425 by mail and it received the lowest score in our $320; for a fixed-sync, $41 0; and for a multiscanning Image Quality test. monitor, $450. While you can save $130 buying a 640 by 480 VGA Average Costs monitor versus a multiscanning display, this is no bar­ Prices listed are averages based on a random sampling gain. Given the changing market for monitors, VGA of mail-order companies and monitor manufacturers. monitors will soon be outdated. To get the most for your Prices are for 14-inch monitors. money, you should buy a Super VGA monitor capable of Mail­ 800- by 600-pixel resolution. In fact, you may want to go List Order the extra step and buy a monitor supporting 1,024- by Price Price 7 68-pixel resolution. It will offer extra assurance that you 640 by 480 VGA monitors $535 $320 won't be left behind as this resolution becomes better 800 by 600 Super VGA monitors $676 $410 supported and more standardized. Multisconning monitors $746 $453 You'll find that monitor prices within each of the three

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBER 1990 401 on the front of the monitor. These lasts one year. The Aarnazing monitor, about the major video cards, and may be include brightness, contrast, vertical however, only has a three-month warran­ able to help you out in a pinch. Unfortu­ positioning, and horizontal positioning. ty from its manufacturer. Sony gives you nately, few monitor manuals are up to And naturally the more controls the a year of free parts on its monitor, but the task of providing understandable monitor has, the better you can adjust only 90 days of free labor. answers to common problems. the screen image to suit your own On the other hand, one-third of the If you are buying the monitor for your viewing taste. manufacturers represented in this office, you should also look into the costs, Buyer's Guide offer two-year warranties. availability, and benefits of an extended At Your Service In some cases, mail-order suppliers will warranty and on-site service plan. One other differentiating characteristic tack additional time onto a manufactur­ Return shipping and replacement of of monitors is their degree of service er's warranty, so you should hunt monitors that are dead on arrival and support. Under ideal circumstances, around for these special deals while (DOA) are usually the responsibility of this may never come into play. But when you're doing your shopping. the mail-order vendor. Monitors are something goes wrong you'll wish this Although a monitor requires no setup sensitive equipment, so their DOA rate factor had been a crucial part of your and is as easy to install as plugging it in, is higher than with other types of PC buying decision. it's good to have toll-free support. Mon­ equipment. Make sure to get a copy of The typical warranty on parts and labor itor manufacturers will often know a lot your supplier's policy.

THE RIGHT COMBINATION A key to getting your new Super VGA monitor to work in vides hardware support for your computer's CPU. The tip-top form is teaming it with the right graphics card. You 8514/A supports various commands but is unable to do must make sure your graphics card has enough memory separate programmable computations. Also, 8514/A on-board to support the resolution modes you'll be run­ chips are incompatible with VGA-only software pro­ ning. And if speed is needed, you'll want to consider your grams. If you are considering an 8514/A graphics card, graphics board chips. make sure it has either VGA or coprocessor chips. The resolution and number of colors your graphics card Graphics boards with separate graphics processors can produce are dependent on the amount of memory it provide the most expensive and high-powered approach has. For exar:nple, to display an image with 256 colors at to a video system. The most common graphics coproces­ 800- by 600-pixel resolution, you need 1 byte of memory sor is the Texas Instruments 340x0 series, which supports to define the colors of each of the 480,000 pixels on­ Tl's TIGA standard. These graphics cards take the work screen. That means you need 480,000 bytes of memory away from the CPU and handle many of the necessary on your graphics card. graphics functions, such as line drawing, figure filling, Most standard VGA cards have only 256K of memory and color changes. The CPU is then free to perform other and cannot display such an image; at least 512K is need­ functions, such as reading and writing to disk, which ed. Some graphics cards that support resolutions greater greatly enhances system speed. than 1,024 by 7 68 pixels have more than 1MB of memo­ The two drawbacks to this type of graphics card are ry. To take advantage of the most recent high resolution price-some cost in excess of $1,000-and the need for video systems, make sure you have at least 512K of mem­ special drivers for your applications to work with the ory on your graphics card. You should also consider your board. Drivers to many of the popular software packages, graphics board's chip configuration; it affects the speed of especially AutoCAD and most desktop publishing pack­ your system as well as software compatibility. ages, are included with these graphics cards. However, The chip sets on VGA and Super VGA cards are not many less popular programs will probably not run with a intelligent: They simply send the image in the card's mem­ coprocessor unless, as is often the case, the coprocessor ory to the monitor. While this process is straightforward, board also has a VGA chip set for software compatibility. these cards slow down your system, since they rely on the You'll most likely find that a graphics card with 512K of computer's CPU to do the calculations necessary to draw memory gives you enough bang for the buck to do your lines and fill in boxes on the screen. On the plus side, day-to-day graphics work. However, if you use graphics­ VGA and Super VGA graphics cards are inexpensive, intensive applications such as AutoCAD in resolution costing less than $200. modes of 1,024 by 7 68 or greater, you should spend the The 8514/A graphics card uses a chip set that pro- extra money for a coprocessor card.

PC SOURCES, DECEMBER 1990 403 OVERVIEW

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: THE RESOLUTION DEBATE POINT/M.G. Besides, the larger type on Super VGA displays is more Plain and simple, Super VGA's 800- by 600-pixel resolu­ readable than the skinny little characters the higher reso­ tion is an already outdated technology. Monitors support­ lution monitors produce. I don't care what the specs say; ing 1,024 by 768 resolution are readily available, and my eyes tell me that 800- by 600-pixel resolution offers look at the NEC 50: It supports 1,280 by 1,024 resolu­ clearer text and more readable graphics screens than tion. 1,024 by 768. Give it a try with Microsoft Windows 3.0 COUNTERPOINT/ J.D. and you'll see what I mean. Most of us don't need or want to be on the cutting edge of computing technology. Thanks to VESA, 800- by 600- POINT/M.G. pixel resolution is now a video standard, which means I've used Microsoft Windows 3.0 and other graphics pro­ you don't have to worry about installing a separate soft­ grams at 1,024- by 768-pixel resolution. The smaller text ware driver for every software application you run. In is not that bad. In addition you can easily change charac­ addition, Super VGA monitors are inexpensive and readily ter size with Windows' customizable on-screen fonts. But available. what's really great about 1,024 by 768 resolution is that you can fit much more of a file on the screen at a time. POINT/M.G. COUNTERPOINT I J.D. But the cost differential between monitors supporting The 1,024 by 7 68 resolution lets you see more text on 1,024 by 768 resolution and those with 800 by 600 res­ the screen at a time, but you need a larger olution is decreasing every day. Buying an 800 by 600 monitor-say, 19 inches diagonally-to take advan­ Super VGA monitor is like buying depreciated property. tage of that. And those cost thousands of dollars. That You should spend the extra money to buy a 1,024 by leads us back to the point that 1,024 by 768 resolution 768 monitor, and run it in 800 by 600 mode until the monitors are just too expensive. video standards catch up. You'll be surprised how quickly that happens. POINT/M.G. Buy the lower resolution monitor and your video system But you'll need 1,024 by 768 resolution to preview a full will decrease in value-fast. A 1,024 by 768 resolution page of a document in word processors like WordPerfect. monitor will hold its value for at least a couple of years The extra resolution allows all the fine print on the page to longer than an 800 by 600 system. And, 1,024- by 768- be read. In 800 by 600 mode, you'd have to zoom in on pixel resolution isn't cutting-edge technology. This resolu­ the page to see what it says. tion has been out for quite a while. COUNTERPOINT/ J.D. COUNTERPOINT/ J.D. Keep that magnifying glass handy. You'll need it to exam­ My experience tells me to buy when the prices are ine both the full-page screen and some of these hair-split­ low-you'll save money in the long run. That's why my ting points. The fact is that 1,024 by 768 is too fine a res­ computer is a 20MHz, not a 33MHz system, and my olution to see easily on a 14-inch monitor. I'll stick with monitor is 800 by 600 Super VGA. 800 by 600 resolution.

It's not unusual to wait for weeks levels leak from its sides. consider one of the Super VGA multi­ while a DOA monitor is being repaired Currently, there is no definitive scien­ scanning monitors reviewed; you will or replaced. The best mail-order vendors tific evidence that these rays are harm­ likely keep one longer than you would a will promise to send you a replacement ful. If you're worried about radiation, lower resolution monitor, especially as unit as soon as the broken monitor is consider one of the new low-emission 1,024 by 768 resolution becomes more received. In such cases, a replacement monitors from companies such as accepted. should arrive on your doorstep within 48 Sigma Designs Inc. of Fremont, Califor­ hours. nia (415-770-0100). joe Devlin is a principal of Armadillo One of the best precautions is to sit at Associates, a benchmarking and testing Health Risks least 28 inches from the monitor screen, organization with offices in jersey City, There has been a lot of press recently since radiation dissipates with distance. New jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylva­ about the health risks posed by radiation Monitors typically have a long life­ nia. john Bell is a freelance writer who emitted from video display units. A small span, so weigh your buying decision lives in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Marc amount of radiation is transmitted from carefully. If you're looking for a long­ Greenfield is a technical consultant with the front of a monitor; slightly higher term investment in the monitor arena, offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

404 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOUilCES PERFORMANCE TESTS

VIDEO MODES Extending Beyond Super VGA

ll 15 of the monitors in this Eleven of the monitors support res­ EGA graphics card- they emulate Buyer's guide have a common olutions higher than the 800 by 600 these modes through VGA instead. bond: They support 640 by 480 Super VGA resolution at which they Autoscanning- a monitor's ability to AVGA and 800 by 600 Super VGA were tested. (Only the Magnavox, NEC automatically connect with several scan­ with equal aplomb. This bond MultiSync 2A, TVM, and Taxan moni­ ning frequencies in a specific range-is aside, however, the monitors are easily tors do not support the higher resolu­ another factor considered in ourVideo distinguished in the video mode arena; tion.) All of the units are compatible Modes tests. some support higher or lower resolu­ with IBM's interlaced 1,024-by-768 Every video mode requires a specific tions than others, and some also have 8514/A video mode. horizontal scanning rate, measured in auto scanning capabilities. Interlacing provides an inexpensive kilohertz (KHz). This rate represents the While all the monitors support VGA means of increasing the resolution of a amount of time the unit's electron beam and Super VGA resolution modes, the graphics card or monitor. An interlacing takes to sweep from left to right across TVM SuperSync 2A+, NEC MultiSync scheme scans every other line on the the monitor screen to display one line of 2A, and Magnavox 7CM320 support screen on each refresh pass. While this an image. only these modes. If you alre~dy own a allows higher resolution, it also causes When it reaches the end of the line, VGA or Super VGA graphics card and screen flickering which you may find the beam returns to the left side of the are content to work within these con­ annoying. (See sidebar, "Interlaced vs. screen, drops down one dot and traces fines, one of these three monitors will fit Non-Interlaced.") another line of the image, and so on. The your bill. But if your resolution aspira­ The Relisys, Seiko, and Sony moni­ horizontal scanning rate for VGA, for tions extend further, consider other tors are the only units reviewed that instance, is 31.5KHz; for 800 by 600 units besides these. reach beyond interlaced 8514/A video Super VGA, it's 35.2KHz. Five of the monitors tested-the Mit­ mode. These monitors include the The monitors we tested have horizon­ subishi AUM 1381A, NEC 3D, expensive circuitry required to achieve tal scanning rates as low as 15.75KHz Princeton Ultra 14, Taxan MultiVision 1,024 by 768 Super VGA resolutions and as high as 50KHz. Although they 770Plus, and 1W Casper TM-5156H­ without resorting to the cost-saving can all scan at VGA and Super VGA fre­ are directly compatible with CGA, EGA, interlacing technique. quencies, most of the products go and other older digital graphics cards. None ofthese monitors, however, is beyond that range and display even If you work in a large office that has a directly compatible with a CGA or higher video resolutions. mixture of systems The monitors with­ with digital graphics out autoscanning rec­ cards as well as newer VIDEO MODES ognize discrete fre- analog VGA and Relisys RE-1520 8.2 quencies. The NEC Super VGA cards, Seiko CM 1450 8.2 MultiSync 2A, for consider one of these Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG 8.2 example, scans at VGA monitors; they ensure Mitsubishi AUM 1381 A 8.1 and Super VGA fre- compatibility with the NEC MultiSync 3D 8.1 quencies only. different standards. Princeton Ultra 14 8.1 An autoscanning Note, however, that Taxon MulhVision 770Pius 7.1 monitor offers more you can run software Aamazing CM 614285 6.3 designed for one of CTX Super VGA 5468 6.3 ates at any frequency the older standards on TW Casper TM-5156H 5.4 within its rated range any VGA or Super Mitsuba 710VH 4.5 that a video board VGA monitor without Tatung CM-1498X 4.5 pumps out. Although using an old graphics TVM SuperSync 2A+ 4.5 these monitors are gen­ Magnavox 7CM320 3.5 card. Almost every erally higher-priced NEC MultiSync 2A 3.5 VGA and Super VGA than fixed frequency graphics card can 0 4 6 7 8 9 10 units, you can find them emulate MDA, CGA, A score of 10 represents best performance. at good bargains in the or EGA resolutions. mail-order channel.

PC SOURCES, DECEMBER 1990 409 PERFORMANCE TESTS

IMAGE QUALITY Mitsuba Shines Beyond Its Price

hat makes the image quality The NEC 3D, Princeton Ultra 14, 1W ter and one on the bottom-right of the of one monitor better than CasperTM-5156H, and Seiko units pro­ screen. The Aamazing CM 61428S, Mit­ that of another? The answer duced the crispest text of all the moni­ suba, Seiko, and Sony monitors each pro­ Wisn't simple. When shopping tors, earning the highest scores in our duced an exact 1:1 ratio of these two mea­ by mail, one way to judge convergence test. Convergence is the surements, and therefore had no image image quality is to look at the monitor's monitor's ability to focus the three pri­ distortion. The other monitors turned dot pitch. The smaller the dot pitch the mary colors, which generate an image, the squares into slightly elongated sharper the image. However, you should onto a single point. The NEC MultiSync rectangles. also consider several other factors affect­ 2A and Relisys received low conver­ Most monitor screens are slightly ing image quality including conver­ gence scores, producing slightly blurred curved, which means they generate gence, distortion, bowing, screen flicker, characters with a hint of a rainbow at rounded rather than straight edges on the and glare coating. their bottoms or sides. periphery of the screen-an effect called Not surprisingly, the three most Flickering is another important ele­ bowing. The Seiko and Sony monitors, expensive monitors we tested-the Sony ment of image quality. Although you may however, take advantage of a new technol­ CPD-1304, Seiko CM1450, and NEC not notice your screen's flicker, it can ogy that virtually eliminates bowing. MultiSync 3D- received the highest cause eye strain after some time. To test Their cylinder-shaped screens curve at image quality scores. Furthermore, flickering, we ran Wmdows 3.0 against an the top and bottom, but are absolutely most of the lower-priced monitors all-white screen created with PC Paint­ straight on the right and left. received lower image quality scores. brush. (Flickering is more apparent when To judge contrast and brightness, we There were, however, two exceptions: viewing an image on a white back­ created a white box and set it against a the Relisys RE-1520 and Mitsuba 710VH. ground.) Six of the monitors tested black background. We then judged which Costing about $425 by mail, the scored a 10, the highest possible rating; screen provided the best contrast Relisys monitor is moderately priced. Yet yet the Sony in particular produced the between light and dark. The NEC 3D, it received the lowest image quality least amount of flicker. Sony, Seiko, and Magnavox 7CM320 score of the bunch. The Mitsuba moni­ To test monitor distortion, we created monitors all produced a paper-white cen­ tor, on the other hand, offered better a 60- by 60-pixel grid of squares with PC ter square and a flat-black background. image quality than you might expect Paintbrush, then used a ruler to measure A final image quality test measured with its low mail-order price of $375. the width of a square in the screen's cen- how accurately each monitor rendered We equipped each the colors of a photo­ Super VGA monitor graph. Our image with a ZyMOS Rendi­ IMAGE QUALITY showed a white ferry tion lie graphics card, NEC MultiSync 30 boat passing under a and all tests were run in Seiko CM 1450 9.5 stone bridge. The 800 by 600 Super VGA Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG 9.5 NEC 3D and Tatung mode. From the DOS Magnavax 7CM320 8.9 CM-1498X received C: prompt, we adjusted Princeton Ultra 14 8.7 the highest scores in each monitor's bright­ Aamazing CM 614285 8.5 this test. The NEC 3D ness until the screen Mitsuba 710VH 8.1 produced an image background faded to NEC MultiSync 2A 8.1 that made us feel as if black, and then we Taxon MultiVisian 770Pius 8.0 we were looking adjusted the contrast TVM SuperSync 2A+ 7.7 through a window at controls until characters Mitsubishi AUM 1381 A ------7.4 the actual scene. · were sharp with no dis­ CTX Super VGA 5468 The Tatung moni­ Tatung CM-1498X cernible glow or fuzzi­ tor produced a more TW Casper TM-5156H ------7.3 ness. We did not use the ------7.1 brilliant image and Relisys RE-1520 ------7.3 monitors' brightness or revealed more detail contrast controls for any 0------·6.6 4 6 7 8 9 10 than the 3D-more of the subsequent A score of 10 represents best performance. like a slide than a image quality tests. color print.

PC SOURCES, DECEMBER 1990 411 PERFORMANCE TESTS

ERGONOMICS Tilt, Swivel, and Control

e commonly talk about "work­ maximum of 180 degrees, with the 7CM320, Princeton, Seiko CM1450, ing at our computers," but in exception of the Princeton monitor-th e Tatung CM-1498X, and TVM SuperSync truth we largely work at our champion of rotation with a swivel range 2A+ monitors have the on/off switch on Wmonitors-staring at those 14- of 270 degrees. Such flexibility is need­ the side wall, making it difficult to push inch screens sometimes until ed, however, because many of the or flick if your desktop is crowded or the our eyes blur. So the design of a monitor Princeton's controls are placed out of monitor is at the limit of your reach. matters a great deal; it must be flexible reach on the back of the unit. However, if you routinely turn on both and able to adjust to each of our needs. The position of the monitor's controls your computer and monitor by hitting a If monitor manufacturers have paid for features such as brightness and con­ switch on a power strip you won't care attention to ergonomics, the strain of trast also affected the ergonomic ratings. where the on/off switch is located. long hours "at our computers" can be Monitors with controls on the front While testing the monitors, we set up reduced considerably. earned the highest scores. our computers on the floor and put the A primary ergonomic consideration is We also gave higher scores for dials monitors on a shelf above the desktop. a monitor's ability to tilt and swivel into that you can control with the flip of a fin­ This proved difficult to do with the Mit­ a position in which it can be viewed eas­ ger versus knobs that you must grab or suba, Mitsubishi AUM 1381A, Relisys, ily. Monitors that stick at an angle point­ controls that you must adjust with a and 1W Casper monitors, which come ing over your head or at your knees can screwdriver. When all these factors were with short video and power cables. If you cause back and neck strain, or torture considered, the Relisys RE-1520, which plan to put your monitor on top of your your eyes with glare. has a full complement of controls on its computer, the length of your video cable Each of the 15 monitors we reviewed front, took top honors with a score of 9.2. or power cord is not an issue. But if you come with a tilt and swivel base, but not A monitor's on/off switch is used so use the kind of arrangement we did, pay all responded as if they did. 1W Casper's often we rated its placement separately. close attention to the length of the cable TM-5156H, for example, tended to wob­ Most monitors have the on/off switch provided. ble and creak when bumped, and was on the front where it's easy to reach. The With the exception of the Seiko unit, next to impossible to tilt up or down. manufacturers of the Mitsuba 710VH all 15 monitors include a detachable More flexible were the Sony CPD-1304 and 1W Casper units have colored the power cord; about half also provide a MultiScan HG, Princeton Ultra 14, and on/off switch a bright orange, making it detachable video cord. This approach Aamazing CM 61428S monitors, which even easier to locate. The Magnavox lets you easily replace a cable that is too shifted into differ- short or damaged. On ent viewing positions the other hand, you smoothly and easily. ERGONOMICS don't have to worry How far you can CTX Super VGA 5468 7.5 about a permanently rotate a monitor from Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG 7.1 attached video cable left to right is also Mitsubishi AUM 1381A 7.0 getting loose at the important when two Princeton Ultra 14 7.0 monitor end of the people are working at Aamazing CM 614285 6.9 connection. the same computer, or Mitsuba 710VH 6.9 In the final analysis, if you have to reach NEC MultiSync 30 6.9 ergonomics depend on controls on the side or Seiko CM 1450 6.8 back of the monitor. Magnavox 7CM320 6.7 and biases. Take a About half of the units NEC MultiSync 2A 6.7 close look at how we tested proved to be Relisys RE-1520 6.5 weighted each factor adequate for routine, Taxan MulhVision 770Pius 6.5 and then, if need be, TW Casper TM-5414 5.9 single-user viewing, adjust those weights in Tatung CM-1498X 5.4 rotating approximately your mind as you eval­ TVM SuperSync 2A+ 5.4 90 degrees through uate monitors. On the the horizontal plane. 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 whole, ergonomics The remaining moni- A score of 10 represents best performance. should take a back seat tors can rotate to a to image quality.

PC SOURCES, DECEMBER 1990 413 PERFORMANCE TESTS

CONNECTORS Connect with NEC and Taxan

monitor's cable connectors may standard), which means you can attach a reach your monitor in one of three ways; seem to be a secondary buying VCR or television tuner to the monitor each monitor accommodates some or all concern-one that takes a back without any special modifications. NTSC of these methods. Aseat to more important issues signals are used to bring feeds from a With the VGA standard, two separate such as image quality and video videodisk into multimedia applications. wires in the video cable are dedicated for resolution modes. But if your monitor's These additional types of connectors, horizontal and vertical synchronization cables don't work with your graphics however, are gradually fading away as signals. (These signals instruct the mon­ card, your new video system won't work the industry standardizes on the 15-pin itor where to place the colors on the either, plain and simple. D-shell. But for now, expect to see mon­ screen.) This communication method is All of the Super VGA monitors we test­ itors sporting more than one kind of con­ called "sync on external separate," since ed include a common 15-pin, mini-D shell nection-like BNC-to support high-end the synchronization signals are on differ­ connector (so called because it is shaped applications. ent wires and are separate from the red, like a sideways letter D) at the end of the When considering connections, you blue, and green wires (which tell the video cable. This connector plugs into might also want to ask your mail-order monitor liow much red, blue, and green any VGA or Super VGA graphics card. supplier if the monitor's cables are per­ should be in the image). All VGA and Older EGA, CGA, and MDA graphics manently attached to the unit or not. Super VGA connectors use the sync on cards require a 9-pin D-shell connector. Opinions vary as to which of these external separate method. The Mitsubishi AUM 1381A, NEC Mul­ approaches is better. An attached cable The older, not-as-common IBM PGC ti Sync 3D, Princeton Ultra 14, Taxan means you don't have to worry about graphics standard places horizontal and MultiVision 770Plus, and TW Casper losing it, but if it gets damaged, you'll vertical synchronization signals on the TM-5156H accept digital output from 9- have to send the cable and the monitor same wire, though also a different one pin connectors. To accomplish this feat, back for repair. from the red, blue, and green wires. This these monitors have internal circuitry If you're buying monitors for a corpo­ communications method is called "sync that understands the digital signals older rate environment that uses many types of on external composite." cards generate, as well as the analog sig­ graphics cards, you should make sure Last, the older Macintosh II video nals that VGA cards generate. your monitor can accept the signals from graphics cards place the two sync signals You'll need a convention block (often these varying devices. on the same wire as the green signal. included with the monitor) to connect Signals sent from the graphics card This method is appropriately called one of these five moni- "sync on green." tors directly to an older All the monitors we graphics card. The CONNECTORS tested support "sync block plugs into the NEC MultiSync 30 9.0 on external separate," back of the monitor's Taxon MultiVision nOPius 9.0 the VGA standard. 15-pin VGA connector, Mitsubishi AUM 1381 A 8.0 The NEC MultiSync allowing the graphics Princeton Ultra 14 8.0 3D, Sony CPD-1304 card's 9-pin connector Relisys RE-1520 7.0 MultiScan HG, and to plug into the back of Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG 7.0 Relisys RE-1520 mon­ your monitor. Aamazing CM 614285 5.0 itors support all three Some monitors have CTX Super VGA 5468 5.0 methods. The Prince­ more than one connec­ Magnavox 7CM320 5.0 ton and Casper units tor; multiple connectors Mitsuba 710VH 5.0 also support "sync on allow the unit to sup­ NEC MultiSync 2A 5.0 green," so you can use port high-end graphics Seiko CM 1450 5.0 these two monitors Talung CM-1498X 5.0 cards used with CAD, with the older Mac II TVM SuperSync 2A+ 5.0 multimedia, and other graphics cards. The TW Casper TM-5156H 5.0 applications. For exam­ Taxan supports "sync ple, the Mitsubishi unit 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 on external compos- has a BNC connector A score of 10 represents best performance. ite" as well as "sync on for video input (NTSC external separate."

PC SOURCES, DECEMBER 1990 415 PERFORMANCE TESTS

SERVICE AND SUPPORT The Right Questions to Ask

nee you've chosen the Super from three months for the Aamazing risk of receiving a dead-on-arrival (DOA) VGA monitor that best suits your CM 61428S to 24 months for the Mag­ monitor, or one with some defect mak­ feature criteria and pocketbook, navox 7CM320, NEC MultiSync 2A and ing it less than 100 percent satisfactory. 0you must next look carefully at 3D, Princeton Ultra 14, and TVM Super­ For this reason, suppliers should pro­ the extent and quality of vendor Sync 2A+ units. All the other products vide a policy regarding DOA or other­ support. Your new monitor may cost you have a 12-month warranty. Note that wise defective equipment. At a mini­ unnecessary frustration, and even more warranty periods may be different for mum, they should quickly replace the money, if your supplier's sales, shipping, parts and labor; be sure to ask your sup­ damaged monitor for free and pay the and support policies are inadequate. plier the exact time period for each. return shipping costs. The support and service information Some mail-order houses adhere only Most vendors will replace the product in our Test Results chart was obtained to the manufacturer's support policies, with a new one, but few, other than from a survey sent to each monitor man­ but others add value, extending the war­ Aamazing and TW Casper, will pay the ufacturer. Although you can buy some ranty period or offering more technical shipping charges both ways for the monitors direct from the manufacturer, support. When you're comparing mail­ replacement monitor. your source will most likely be a mail­ order houses, ask about additional sup­ Aamazing, Princeton, and TW Casper order house, so the type and amount of port services. are the only companies that offer a support you receive may vary from our Though all the suppliers have num­ money-back guarantee, an important ratings. In fact, monitor manufacturer bers that you can call for technical sup­ policy to have in cases where the prod­ Relisys stressed that its support and ser­ port, only six offer toll-free numbers: uct doesn't meet its advertised vice differs according to its dealers' poli­ CTX, Mitsubishi, NEC (for both the 2A claims-or your expectations. cies, so the company couldn't supply and 3D), Princeton, Tatung, and TVM. If Also, be sure to ask your mail-order information for all of our categories. In you log a lot of overtime or weekend supplier about a restocking fee should these cases, we used a "D" for Dealer hours, you may want to ask about tech­ you need to return equipment. Option in the Test Results chart. nical support after hours and in different If your monitor needs to be repaired, Because mail-order houses offer dif­ time zones. you will have to return it by mail or UPS ferent support and service policies, we No matter how reputable the monitor to get service in most cases. Depending rated the 15 Super VGA monitors strictly supplier, or how well-constructed and on the supplier, you will return it to the on their respective manufacturer's war­ packed the product, you always run the mail-order house or directly to the mon- ranty and technical sup- itor manufacturer. port policy. The addi- If you're buying a tional data provided in SERVICE AND SUPPORT number of monitors the Test Results chart NEC MultiSync 2A for your company, is informational, and NEC MultiSync 30 6.8 you should look into does not figure into the Princeton Ultra 14 6.8 extended warranties overall Service and TVM SuperSync 2A+ 6.8 and on-site service Support rating. You can CTX Super VGA 5468 5.7 and maintenance use this information to Mitsubishi AUM 1381A 5.7 plans. Again, availabil­ get some good back­ Tatung CM-1498X 5.7 ity and options vary ground on the right Magnavax 7CM320 2.3 from vendor to ven­ questions to ask when Mitsuba 710VH -1.1 dor. Of the monitor shopping for your mon- Relisys RE-1520 -1.1 manufacturers we sur­ itor by mail. Seika CM 1450 -1.1 veyed, only Mit­ Monitors with the Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG -1.1 subishi, NEC, and Taxon MultiVisian 770Pius -1.1 longest warranty peri­ Taxan offer on-site TW Casper TM-5156H -1.1 od and toll-free techni­ warranties. NEC and Aamazing CM 614285 10.3 cal support earned the Taxan also provide highest scores for Ser- 0 4 5 6 7 9 10 both extended war­ vice and Support. War- A score of 10 represents best performance. ranties and mainte­ ranty periods varied nance contracts.

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBER 1990 417 ,I PRODUCT PROFILES

Super VGA Summaries

hen comparing the 15 Super VGA monitors in the manufacturers' support and warranty offerings. We've also this Buyer's Guide, use our Product Profiles for given list and mail-order prices. The mail price is an average an up-close look at each of them. Each profile based on a random sampling of mail-order vendors. summarizes the monitor's strengths and weak­ Under the Resolutions Supported specification, we've listed nesses, allowing you to eliminate quickly those either "Multiscanning" or "800 by 600:' Although all these mon­ products that don't meet your selection criteria. itors are multiscanning in a sense-since they will run in either The bar graph that accompanies each profile shows the VGA or Super VGA modes-we've reserved that term for mon­ monitor's Performance Test results. Each bar summarizes the itors that also run EGA and CGA, or go up the scale to 1,024- different benchmarks we considered to compile that catego­ by 768-pixel resolution. ry's overall score. For example, the Image Quality bar in each The product photos give you an idea of what your new mon­ graph is an overall score comprising eight tests, including itor will look like. You can get a glimpse of ergonomic features screen flickering, distortion, and convergence. (For details on such as tilt and swivel stand and control placement. these and other benchmarks, see the Test Results chart.) If you decide you want to look beyond the 15 Super VGA Under the photograph at the right, each profile also includes monitors profiled here, peruse the Features Chart in the back basic buying information, such as manufacturers' names, of the Buyer's Guide. It includes additional Super VGA mon­ addresses, and phone numbers. You11 find the important prod­ itors, along with their vital statistics, to get you started on your uct specifications listed here, such as dot pitch, screen size, and buying mission.

Aamazing CM 61428S t $639list price and about $386 mail order, the Aamazing CM 61428S is a moder­ Aately priced Super VGA monitor. Like most of the monitors tested, it provides an autoscanning feature that can adjust to input from any analog graphics card running 640-by-480 VGA, 800-by-600 Super VGA, or 1,024-by-768 8514/A interlaced modes. Although its glare coating could use some improvement, and subtle color changes were hard to perceive, the display quality of the Aamazing monitor otherwise rivaled that of the more Aamazing CM 614285 expensive units. VIDEO MODES :::::::::::::6.~3 The ergonomics IMAGE QUAUTY : .. 8.5 of the unit are above ERGONOMICS average. The con­ Aamazing Technology CONNECTORS 5.0 :===~6.9 trast and brightness 5980 Lakeshore Dr. SERVICE AND SUPPORT I 0.3 dials are on the front Cypress, CA 90630 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 panel next to the 714-826-9680 A score of 10 represents best performance. on/ off switch. All Mail-Order Price: $386 other controls (hori­ List Price: $639 zontal and vertical centering and size, and a text switch used for changing the dis­ Dot Pitch: 28mm play to an amber or green text mode) are tucked out of the way in an indentation Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches on the bottom front ledge of the monitor. Placing the controls like this keeps them Case Dimensions (HWD): 14.0 by 13.4 by from being accidentally knocked out of position, but it also means a little groping 14.9 inches Resolutions Supported: Multiscanning is required should you need to set them. Shipping Information: UPS ground In service and support, the Aamazing monitor received the lowest score; its Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, parts and labor manufacturer offers only three months of free warranty.

420 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES PRODUCT PROFILES

CTX Super VGA 5468 f ergonomics are critical in your buying decision, you11 want to look at the CIX Super IVGA 5468 monitor-it received the highest ergonomic rating of any monitor we test­ ed. However, be sure to check the monitor's display. The CIX unit did not score well in our image quality tests. Its display suffers from screen flicker, sizable distortion of similar objects placed center screen and in the periphery, and noticeable bowing at the sides of the screen. Image quality was good, however, when the display was generating readable black print appearing CTX Super VGA 5468 on a paper-white VIDEO MODES 6.3 background and IMAGE QUALITY 7.3 showing subtle color ERGONOMICS 7.5 shading variations. CTX International, Inc. CONNECTORS 5.0 On the plus side, 161 Commerce Way SERVICE AND SUPPORT 5.7 all of the controls you Walnut, CA 91789 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 need are easy to 714-595-6146 A score of 10 represents best performance. reach on the front of Mail-Order Price: $464 the unit. Our only List Price: $549 complaint about the controls is the monitor lacks a horizontal size adjustment. Dot Pitch: .28mm The crx monitor provides thorough documentation- an advantage, since many Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 13.5 inches monitor manuals are three-page documents listing little more than product specifica­ Case Dimensions (HWD): 14.8 by 14.1 by 14.1in ches tions. CIX's 22-page manual covers all the basics, such as how to attach the monitor Resolutions Supported: Mul~scanning to your graphics card and what to do if adjustments are needed. Shipping Information: UPS ground The CIX Super VGA 5468 automatically adjusts to any analog graphics card request­ Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, ports ing 640-by-480 VGA, 800-by-600 Super VGA, or 1,024-by-768 8514/ A interlaced modes. and labor Magnavox 7CM320 he Magnavox 7CM320, at $391 by mail and $799 list, is one of the few monitors Twe tested with a resolution that):ops out at 800 by 600 pixels. Make sure you'll be content sticking with this relatively modest resolution before you pick up the phone to order your new monitor. The Magnavox unit has good image quality, but lower than average ergonomics. All of the controls are located on the sides of the monitor: The on/off switch is on the right side; verti­ cal and horizontal Magnavox 7CM320 position controls and VIDEO MODES 3.5 brightness and con­ IMAGE QUALITY 8.9 trast dials are on the ERGONOMICS 6.7 left side. The Mag­ CONNECTORS 5.0 navox monitor lacks Magnavox SERVICE AND SUPPORT - 2.3 vertical and horizon­ One Philips Dr. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 tal size controls. Knoxville, TN 37914 A score of 10 represents best performance. If you don't adjust 615-521-4316 controls once they Mail-Order Price: $391 are set, and routinely turn on your computer and monitor by flipping a switch on a List Price: $799 power strip, you won't care about the Magnavox's control placement But if your desk Dot Pitch: .28mm is too crowded to reach the side of a monitor, take heed. Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 13 inches Case Dimensions (HWD): 14.0 by 14.0 by If you're looking for a monitor with a lengthy warranty, the Magnavox 7CM320 15.5 inches is one of the few tested units that offers a two-year free warranty period as part of Resolutions Supported: 800 by600 its service and support offerings. Toll-free technical support, however, is not available Shipping Information: Dealer option from the manufacturer. Manufacturer's Warranty: Twoy ears, ports andlabor 422 D ECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES PRODUCT PROFILES

Mitsuba 710VH he Mitsuba 710VH is a Super VGA bargain. Its $378 mail-order price makes it one Tof the least expensive monitors, and most of its ratings are top-notch. For exam­ ple, it can handle the same 640-by-480 VGA, 800-by-600 Super VGA, and 1,024-by- 768 interlaced 8514/A resolutions as most of the higher-priced monitors. It does not support 1,024-by-768 non-interlaced mode, but the monitors that do cost much more. Mitsuba's monitor performed admirably in our image quality tests. It uses the same fine .28mm dot pitch as many of the Mitsuba 710VH higher-priced moni­ VIDEO MODES tors. As a result, the IMAGE QUAUTY 8.1 images the Mitsuba Mitsuba Corp. 6.9 ERGONOMICS produces are crisp 1925 Wright Ave. CONNECTORS ~~~~~~4~-~5:::::5.0 and well-formed. La Verne, CA 91750 SERVICE AND SUPPORT - 1. 1 Our tests found no 800-648-7822 0 1 2 3 4 s 6 7 8 9 10 distortion, minimal A Kore of 10 represents best performance. Mail-Order Price: $378 bowing, and good List Price: $450 brightness and con­ Dot Pitch: .28mm trast. The only area in which the Mitsuba 710VH monitor falls short is in its Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches ability to accurately render subtle color variations. Case Dimensions (HWD): 12.2 by 14.1 The ergonomics of the Mitsuba are also first-rate. On the monitor's front panel by 14.8 inches you'll find brightness and contrast dials as well as the on/off switch, which is bright Resolutions Supported: Multisconning Shipping Information: UPS ground orange so you won't confuse it with any other switch. However, the vertical and hor­ Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, ports izontal positioning and vertical size knobs are inconveniently located on the back and labor of the unit. Also, unlike most other monitors, there is no horizontal size control. Mitsubishi AUM 1381A his Mitsubishi unit offers a bewildering number of options. For example, it is the Tonly monitor tested that provides three separate video inputs. These include the usual VGA input, a BNC connector for accepting shielded coaxial cable, and a TTL input that can accept digital input from a monochrome, CGA, or EGA graphics card. While the front panel of the monitor is simplicity itself- here you'll find the bright­ ness and contrast dials and the on/off switch- the number of controls on the back is daunting. There are switches labeled Mltsublshl AUM 1381A Analog (Video, TTL), VIDEO MODES Color (8, 16, Auto), Mitsubishi Electronics America IMAGE QUAUTY :===~·8.17.4 Scan (Over, Under), 991 Knox St. and Vertical Scan (Nor, Torrance, CA 90502 CONNECTORSERGONOMICS 8.0 Auto). Next to these 213-515-3993 SERVICE AND SUPPORT ;;;;;;;~:7:·:0:~5.7 are knobs for adjust­ Mail-Order Price: $4 93 012345 6 7 8 9 10 ing color, tint, and List Price: $889 A score of 10 represents best performance. vertical and horizon- Dot Pitch: .31 mm tal position and size. Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches More annoying is the video cable, which is short (47.5 inches) and slight. Fortu­ Case Dimensions (HWD): 12:5 by 14.2 nately, it is the plug-in variety, so you can easily replace it. by 15.0 inches Resolutions Supported: Multisconning The Mitsubishi monitor's image quality is not particularly impressive. Part of the Shipping Information: UPS ground problem is its coarse .31mm dot pitch; this creates a grainier image and affects the Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, ports monitor's ability to generate subtle color shade variations. The AUM 1381A also has and labor noticeable bowing on the sides of the screen. Also, the monitor showed markedly distorted objects in our image quality tests. 424 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES PRODUCT PROFILES

NEC MultiSync 2A EC's line of MultiSync monitors is so popular, the brand name MultiSync is mis­ Ntakenly but commonly applied to any multiscanning monitor. This can cause con­ fusion in the case of the NEC MultiSync 2A, because the 2A accepts input only from VGA and 8()().by-600 Super VGA cards. Consequently, it does not support digital EGA or CGA graphics cards, nor those with a 1,024- by 768-pixel resolution. This limitation, however, is not necessarily a disadvantage. If you already own a VGA graphics card and want to stick NEC MultiSync 2A with it, or if you don't VIDEO MODES 3.5 need more than an IMAGE QUAUTY 8.1 800- by 600-pixel res­ NEC Technologies, Inc. ERGONOMICS 6.7 olution, the 2A's $470 1255 Michael Dr. CONNECTORS 5.0 mail-order price rep­ Wood Dale, IL 60191 SERVICE AND SUPPORT 6.8 resents a better deal 800-826-2255 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 than the $645 mail­ A score of 10 represents best performance. Mail-Order Price: $4 70 order price tag of List Price: $799 NEC's MultiSync 3D Dot Pitch: .31 mm monitor, which supports more video modes than its cousin, the MultiSync 2A. Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches Overall, the test scores for the 2A are good, but not extraordinary. The image qual­ Case Dimensions (HWD): 14.3 by 14.0 by ity tests in particular produced mixed results. The monitor's screen exhibits little 16.0 inches Resolutions Supported: 800 by 600 distortion or flicker, but its .31mm dot pitch results in coarse images, especially when Shipping Information: Dealer option trying to display subtle colors and fine lines. Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, labor; two All five of the monitor's thumb-wheel controls, as well as the on/off switch, are years, parts conveniently located on the unit's bottom-front frame. NEC MultiSync 30 t $1,049list price and about $645 by mail, the NEC MultiSync 3D is expensive; Abut you can't expect a name-brand product as good as this to come cheap. Unlike the 2A, the MultiSync 3D supports both digital TIL and analog VGA input. Adapters included with the unit support the Apple Macintosh II video card. The monitor's horizontal scan range of 15. 75KHz to 38KHz is impressive, but falls short at the high end of the resolution scale-only supporting 1,024 by 768 pixels in IBM 8514/Ainter­ laced mode. But use NEC MultiSync 3D the 3D with any VIDEO MODES graphics card that IMAGE QUAUTY ------8.1 pumps out resolu­ NEC Technologies, Inc. ERGONOMICS ------9.5 tions of 1,024 by 768 1255 Michael Dr. ------6.9 interlaced or below Wood Dale, IL 60191 CONNECTORS ~;;;;;;~~=~9:.0 SERVICE AND SUPPORT ~ 6.8 and it will automati­ 800-826-2255 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 cally adjust to the A score of 10 represents best performance. Mail-Order Price: $64 5 input it's receiving. List Price: $1,049 The MultiSync 3D Dot Pitch: .28 mm has one of the best displays of any monitor tested. Images are sharp and clear with only Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches a slight bowing. Moreover, there is virtually no screen flicker. Case Dimensions (HWD): 14.3 by 14.0 by Its tilt and swivel base is a little stiff and its 90-degree maximum rotation is limiting, 16.0 inches Resolutions Supported: Multiscanning but otherwise the ergonomics of the NEC MultiSync 3D monitor are excellent. The Shipping Information: Dealer option contrast and brightness dials are conveniently located on the front of the monitor, Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, labor; two next to the on/ off switch. Other controls are located in a flip-down front panel and years, parts are easy to adjust. 426 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES PRODUCT PROFILES

Princeton Ultra 14 hat separates the Princeton Ultra 14 from the pack is its being one of the few Wmonitors tested that accepts both digital and analog input with equal aplomb. The monitor's scan rate can reach as high as the interlaced 1,024- by 768-pixel res­ olution that IBM's 85141/A standard requires, and as low as the old digital CGA format. Set the analog/digital button into analog mode and you can connect to any VGA or Super VGA graphics card. Set the switch to digital and you can plug the monitor into a CGA or EGA card. Both 9- Princeton Ultra 14 and 15-pin cables are VIDEO MODES 8.1 provided with the IMAGE QUAUTY 8.7 monitor, and they ERGONOMICS 7.0 will meet almost any Princeton Graphic Systems CONNECTORS 8.0 cabling needs. 11 00 Northmeadow Pkwy., Suite 1SO SERVICE AND SUPPORT 6.8 The Ultra 14 mon­ Roswell, GA 30076 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 itor also earned high 800-221-1490 A score of 10 represents best performance. ratings in the service Mail-Order Price: $556 and support category. List Price: $899 Princeton offers a full two years of free warranty and toll-free technical support. Dot Pitch: .28 mm Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches Ergonomics of the Princeton Ultra 14 are below par. Its long (7 4 inches) detach­ Case Dimensions (HWD): 13.0 by 13.7 by able video cable is a plus, as is a tilt and swivel stand that can rotate 270 degrees. But 15.5 inches you will need all that rotation because the Ultra 14's controls are located on the side Resolutions Supported: Multisconning or back of the unit. Shipping Information: Dealer option The Ultra 14 is one of the few monitors we tested that offers a text button for Manufacturer's Warranty: Two years, parts switching easily into a high-resolution text mode. and labor Relisys RE-1520 ith a screen measuring 15 inches diagonally, the RE-1520 is the largest monitor Wwe tested. Despite its big screen, however, the monitor still sports a list price of $995 and a moderate mail-order price of about $425. Unfortunately, you'll have to make some sacrifices for paying that price. For exam­ ple, unlike most of the monitors tested, the RE-1520 has a crude .31mm dot pitch. You can easily see the difference between a 14-inch monitor with a .31mm dot pitch and one with a .28mm pitch: The Rellsys RE-1520 .31mm dot pitch cre­ VIDEO MODES ates grainy-looking IMAGE QUAUTY ------8.2 images. Increase the Relisys ERGONOMICS -----·6-6 monitor size to 15 320 Milpitas Blvd. CONNECTORS ------6.5 inches and the grain­ Milpitas, CA 95035 SERVICE AND SUPPORT ------7.0- 1. 1 iness is all the more 408-945-9000 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 apparent. The RE- A score of 10 represents best performance. Mail-Order Price: $4 25 1520 display also List Price: S99 5 shows a sizable dis- Dot Pitch: .31 mm tortion of images, bowing at the screen's corners and flickering. Not surprisingly, Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 15 inches the RE-1520 received the lowest image quality score of the tested monitors. Case Dimensions (HWD): 15.6 by 14.8 On the plus side, the RE-1520 is one of three monitors that supports 1,024- by 768- by 16.3 inches pixel resolution in a non-interlaced mode. Brightness and contrast dials and the Resolutions Supported: Multiscanning Shipping Information: Dealer option on/ off switch are located on the front left where you can reach them easily. A panel Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, parts on the front right opens, giving you access to horizontal and vertical size and cen­ and labor tering knobs.

428 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES PRODUCT PROFILES

Seiko CM1450 hile the Sony MultiScan HG monitor received the highest ratings of the 15 Wproducts we tested, Seiko's CM1450 took a close second. Both monitors earned the same top scores in the video modes and image quality tests. If you're deciding between the two, you should note that the Seiko monitor costs less than the Sony unit. However, the Seiko monitor has a few rough ergonomic edges you may want to avoid-the on/off switch is on the side of the unit, for one. The Sony and Seiko monitors perform Selko CM1450 similarly because they VIDEO MODES ------8.2 both use the same Seiko Instruments U.S.A., Inc. IMAGE QUAUTY ------9.5 superb SonyTrinitron 1130 Ringwood Court ERGONOMICS CRT tube. This tube San Jose, CA 95131 CONNECTORS :==~~6.85.0 offers the finest dot 800-888-0817 SERVICE AND SUPPORT - 1. 1 pitch (.25mm) and its Mail-Order Price: $678 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 screen is much flatter A score of 10 represents best performonce. List Price: $999 than other CRT Dot Pitch: .25 mm s:reens. The end result Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches is a display remarkably free of distortion, bowing, and flicker. As good as the Trinitron Case Dimensions (HWD): 13.1 by 13.8 CRT tube is, it's not for everyone. We found a dark quality to it that did not accurately by 15.7 inches Resolutions Supported: Multiscanning depict the photograph of a boating scene used in testing. Shipping Information: Dealer option The Seiko unit does have some disadvantages. It has a strange glare coating that Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, ports stretches images vertically; and, all of its controls are inconveniently located on the and labor sides and back of the machine. It also falls short in the service and support depart­ ment: There is a one-year warranty period, but no toll-free technical support. Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG he Sony MultiScan HG is the most expensive monitor we tested, but it also Treceived the highest scores. While the Seiko CM1450 is almost as good and less expensive than the Sony, the Sony offers a couple of advantages that warrant its extra cost and make it the leader of the pack: It has a better glare coating, and simpler controls located on the front and side panels instead of on the back. Uke the Seiko CM1450, Sony's monitor uses the Sony Trinitron CRT tube. Not only does this tube offer the finest dot pitch Sony CPD-1304 MultiScan HG (.25mm) of any prod­ uct we tested, its IMAGE QUAUTY 9.5 VIDEO MODES screen area is also the ERGONOMICS ~§§§§§§§~~8~.2~7.1 flattest. All the other Sony Corporation CONNECTORS 7.0 monitors have a SERVICE AND SUPPORT - 1. 1 655 River Oaks Pkwy. screen curved both San Jose, CA 95134 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 horizontally and verti­ 800-222-7 669 A score of 10 represent$ best performance. cally. This slightly Mail-Order Price: $682 convex shape causes List Price: $1,149 bowing and distortion, which increases near the sides of the monitors' screens. Dot Pitch: .25mm The Trinitron tube, on the other hand, eliminates distortion and bowing. However, Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches in our tests using a photograph of a boating scene as an image, the Trinitron tube Case Dimensions (HWD): 13.7 by 13.9 by had a dark quality that did not accurately depict the image. 16.2 inches The Seiko and Sony monitors, as well as the Relisys RE-1520, support 640-by-480 Resolutions Supported: Multiscanning Shipping Information: Dealer option VGA through 1,024-by-768 8514/A (non-interlaced and interlaced) resolution. These Manufacturer's Warranty: 90 days, labor; one monitors do not, however, support lower resolution digital standards. year, ports 430 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES PRODUCT PROFILES

Tatung CM-1498X he Tatung CM-1498X is stuck in a time warp. On one hand, it seems common Tenough: it's moderately priced and supports 640-by-480 VGA, 800-by-600 Super VGA, and 1,024-by-768 8514/A interlaced resolutions. On the other hand, though, the ergonomics of the Tatung monitor belong to yesterday. The unit has an array of dials and controls scattered on the front, sides, and back. You have to use different dials according to which video mode you're working under. Most monitors pro­ vide a single control Tatung CM·1498X to perform each func­ VIDEO MODES 4.5 tion, regardless of IMAGE QUAUTY 7.3 the video mode. For ERGONOMICS 5.4 example, the same Tatung Company of America, Inc. CONNECTORS 5.0 horizontal positioning 28SO El Presidio St. SERVICE AND SUPPORT 5.7 Long Beach, CA 9081 0 dial is used to switch 0 1 2 3 4 s 6 7 8 9 10 among VGA, Super 800-827-2850 A score of 10 represents best performance. VGA, and 8514/A res- Mail-Order Price: $448 olutions. With its List Price: $799 assortment of dials, the Tatung monitor proves more difficult to use. Dot Pitch: .28 mm Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches On the monitor's front panel you will find dials labeled "Horizontal Phase 4,5;" Case Dimensions (HWD): 12.5 by 14.4 by "Horizontal Phase 1,2,3;" and "Horizontal Width 4,5." (We used the 4,5 dials to 15.7 inches adjust 800- by 600-pixel resolution.) Separate dials for each video mode allow you Resolutions Supported: Multiscanning to customize settings for each mode and then switch between modes without Shipping Information: Dealer option adjusting dials. While this is a plus, monitors like the NEC MultiSync 3D achieve Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, parts the same goal in more elegant ways. and labor Taxan MultiVision 770Pius axan's MultiVision 770Plus is well suited to environments with a mix of older dig­ Tital graphics cards and today's VGA and Super VGA cards. Although it does not support 1,024- by 768-pixel resolution, the Taxan monitor is one of four units tested that supports past standards, accepting both digital input from CGA and EGA cards and analog input from VGA and Super VGA devices. The MultiVision 770Plus uses a relatively coarse .31mm dot pitch that causes some visible granu­ larity in finely ren­ Taxan MultiVIslon 770Pius dered drawings. VIDEO MODES ------· 7.1 There is also notice­ IMAGE QUAUTY ------8.0 able bowing and dis­ ERGONOMICS ------6.5 tortion. However, the Taxon USA Corporation CONNECTORS ------· 9.0 monitor produces 161 Nortech Pkwy. SERVICE AND SUPPORT - 1. 1 good colors and con­ ~r-~~~,-~~~~~ San Jose, CA 9S 134 0 1 2 3 4 s 6 7 8 9 10 trast between dark 800-829-2641 A score of 10 represents best performance. and light areas. Mail-Order Price: $653 The on/off switch List Price: $895 and brightness and contrast dials are conveniently located on the front panel of the Dot Pitch: .31 mm monitor. The back panel includes more dials, switches, and screw holes than any Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches monitor we tested. The vertical and horizontal position knobs, the vertical size knobs, Case Dimensions (HWD): 14.1 by 12.2 by and the button that switches the single input port between analog and digital modes 16.0 inches are easy to locate and use. But using the 16 sunken controls, each of which must be Resolutions Supported: Multiscanning adjusted with a screwdriver, proves more difficult. You'll most likely set these con­ Shipping Information: UPS ground Manufacturer's W!Jrranty: One year, parts trols only once, since most are used for fine tuning or in digitat mode only. and Iabar 432 D ECEMBEil 1990, PC SouRcEs PRODUCT PROFILES

TVM SuperSync 2A+ f you need a monitor that can accept input from either a 1,024-by-768 8514/A graph­ Iics card or a digital signal from an old EGA card, the TVM SuperSync 2A+ won't fit your bill. It is one of only three monitors of the fifteen reviewed that supports only 640 by 480 VGA and 800 by 600 Super VGA resolutions. (The NEC MultiSync 2A and Magnavox 7CM320 units are the other two.) The SuperSync 2A+ is well-built and, unlike most of the tested monitors, includes a two-year warranty and toll-free techni­ IVM SuperSync 2A+ cal support from its VIDEO MODES 4.5 manufacturer. Other­ IMAGE QUAUTY 7.7 wise, the SuperSync TVM Professional Monitor Corp. 1109 West 9th St. ERGONOMICS 5.4 2A+ offers few fea­ Upland, CA 91786 CONNECTORS 5.0 tures to distinguish it SERVICE AND SUPPORT 6.8 714-985-4788 from the monitor i · 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 masses. Although it Mail-Order Price: $368 A score of 10 represents best performance. uses the same fine List Price: $695 .28mm dot pitch that Dot Pitch: .28mm Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches many of the more expensive monitors do, the overall image quality this unit pro­ Case Dimensions (HWD): 16.3 by 17.9 by duces is still average. 19.3 inches In the ergonomics ratings, the SuperSync 2A+ monitor did not receive high Resolutions Supported: 800 by 600 scores. Its knobs and dials are inconveniently located on the sides of the monitor. Shipping Information: UPS ground The vertical position knob is in back of the SuperSync 2A+ and is tiny and hard to Manufacturer's Warranty: Two years, ports grasp. The horizontal position screw is inconveniently sunk into the case, and lobar requiring a screwdriver to adjust it. TW Casper TM-5156H The 1W Casper TM-5156H is a study in contrasts. Listing at $400 and with a mail- 1 order price of $356, it is the least expensive of the 15 monitors tested. Neverthe­ less, it supports 640-by-480 VGA, 800-by-600 Super VGA, and 1,024-by-768 8514/A interlaced video modes. This is strong performance for your dollar, but on the down­ side, the Casper TM-5156H is among the few monitors that sticks to the coarse .31mm dot pitch. The result is one of the lowest overall image quality scores received by the units we tested. Contrasts are evi- IW Casper IM-5156H dent in the area of VIDEO MODES 5.4 ergonomics too. IMAGE QUAUTY 7.1 Brightness and con­ ERGONOMICS 5.9 trast dials are easy to TW Casper CONNECTORS 5.0 reach on the front of 47430 Seabridge Dr. SERVICE AND SUPPORT - 1. 1 the monitor. The Fremont, CA 94538 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 on/off switch is also 415-770-8500 A score of 10 represents best performance. on the front panel Mail-Order Price: $356 and colored a bright List Price: $400 orange for easy identification. However, you'll need a screwdriver to adjust the hor­ Dot Pitch: .31mm izontal hold, vertical size, and horizontal phase controls sunk into the back of the Diagonal Screen Dimensions: 14 inches unit. In addition, you'll have to flip a switch in the back of the monitor whenever you Case Dimensions (HWD): 17.0 by 17.5 by 18.0 inches want to switch between 8514/A and 800 by 600 modes. Resolutions Supported: Multisconning Another ergonomic annoyance: The TM-5156H's short, 38-inch video cable is per­ Shipping Information: UPS ground manently attached to the back of the monitor. Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, parts and labor The unit has a one-year warranty, but no toll-free technical support. 434 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES TEST RESULTS Monitor Ratings Up-Close

The Test Results chart details each of our Performance Tests. We evaluated 15 top Super VGA monitors sold through the mail-order channel on the basis of the following five tests: Video Modes, Image Quality, Ergonomics, Connectors, and Service and Support. The chart below shows the features and benchmarks that we considered within each of these Perfor- mance Tests. The chart also lists the weight assigned to each category and the scoring results. To estab­ lish an overall score in each Performance Test, we used a formula to calculate a raw number for each result. Then, we multiplied this number by its corresponding weight and compared it with other monitor results to get the overall score. Some test categories have weights of zero. In these cases, the results were not factored into the overall scores and are listed only for their informational value. Many of the Service and Sup­ port categories, for example, have weights of zero. The information in this test area was provided

CTX Best Aamazing Super VGA Magnavax Mitsuba Mitsubishi Weight S1ore CM 614285 5468 7CM320 710VH AUM 1381A

VIDEO MODES CGA(15.75KHz No No No No Yes horiz. scan rote) Score 1 10 0 0 I 0 0 10 i EGA (2 2KHz horiz. sca n rote) No No No No Yes Score 1 10 0 0 0 0 10

VGA (640 x 480 color) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Score 1 10 10 10 10 10 10

Super VGA video mode Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (800 X600 ) Score 2 10 10 10 10 10 10 An interlacing scheme 85 14/A interlaced Yes Yes No Yes Yes refreshes every other line of a monitor's display, causing a (1 ,024 X 768 ) noticeable screen flicker. Score 1 10 10 10 0 10 10 Some monitors support both interlaced and non-interlaced 1,024 x 768 non·interlaced No No No No No operation. Score 2 10 0 0 0 0 0

Maximum resolution 1,024x768 1,024 X768 1,024 X768 800 X600 1,024 X768 1,024 X768 Score 1 10 9 9 8 9 9

Autoscann ing Yes Yes No No Yes Score 2 10 10 10 0 0 10

Vertical scanning ronge (Hz) 0 N/A 45·90 50·90 56/60/ 70 56/87 45·90

Horizontal scan ning 0 N/A 31.5·38.0 28·38 31.5/35.2 31.5/35.2/35.5 15.6·38.0 ro nge (KHz )

N/A=Not Applicable Video Modes Score 8.2 6.3 6.3 3.5 4.5 8.1 D=Dealer Option

440 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES by the monitor manufacturers. Although you can buy some of these monitors directly from their manufacturers, you will most likely buy from a mail-order vendor. Consequently, the service and support offerings your monitor carries will most likely be different from those listed here. Looking at this section, however, will give you an idea of the different service and support policies available. You'll also get some good background on the right questions to ask when shopping by mail. Remember that your new Super VGA monitor may cost you unneeded frustration-and possibly more money-if your supplier's service and support policies are inadequate. We've spotlighted some of the test categories with accompanying callouts. They indicate the significance of that particular test, and highlight important information you'll need when making your monitor buying decision.

Sony Taxon NEC NEC Prin

VIDEO MODES No Yes Yes No No No No Yes No No CGA (15.75KHz horiz. scon rote) 0 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 Score

No Yes Yes No No No No No EGA (22KHz horiz. scan rote) 0 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 Score

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes VGA (640 x 480 color) 10 10 10 10 10 lO 10 10 10 10 Score

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Super VGA videom ode (800 X 600) lO 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Score

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes 8514/ Aint erlaced (1 ,024 X 768) 0 10 10 lO 10 10 10 0 0 10 Score

No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No 1,024 x 768 non-interlaced 0 0 0 10 10 10 0 0 0 Score

800 X600 1,024 X768 1,024 X7 68 1,024 X768 1,024 X768 1,024 X768 1,024 X768 800 X600 1,024 X768 1,024 X768 Maximum resolution 8 9 9 10 10 lO 9 8 9 9 Score

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Autoscanning 0 10 10 10 10 10 0 10 0 10 Score

56/ 60/ 70 5G-90 45-120 50-80 57-90 50-87 56/ 87 50-90 50-90 50-70 Vertical scanning range( Hz)

31.5/35.0 15.75-38.00 15-36 30-50 31 -50 28-50 31.5/35.5 15-73 31. 5-35.2 15.5-35.0 Horizontal scanning range (KHz)

3.5 8.1 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.2 4.5 7.1 4.5 5.4 Video Modes Score

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBER 1990 441 TEST RESULTS

CTX Best Aamazing Super VGA Magnavax Mitsuba Mitsubishi Weight Score CM 61428S 5468 7CM320 710VH AUM 1381A ------

The smaller the dot pikh, the ' sharper the screen image. The Dot pitch (mm) 0 0.25 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.31 Sony and the Seiko monitors have the best dot pikh Convergence I 10 8 7 8 8 7

measures, since they both use ! the high-quality Sony Trinitron Glare cooling I 10 7 6 7 7 8 CRT tube. Screen flicker 2 10 8 6 7 8 9 Distortion 1.00 1.00 0.93 0.97 1.00 0.90 Score 2 10.0 10.0 9.31 9.72 10.0 9.00 Bowing 2 10 9 7 9 9 6 Brightness and contrast 2 10 9 8 10 8 7 Color saturation and hues 2 10 9 8 10 6 6 Photo realistic quality 2 10 7 6 9 8 7

Image Quality Score 9.5 8.5 7.3 8.9 8.1 7.4

I I TILT AND SWIVEL BASE Swivel bose 2 10 10 9 10 9 9 strength/steadiness Horizontal range (in degrees) 270 90 90 180 180 180 2 10 3.3 3.3 6.6 6.6 6.6 Ease of turn and tilt 2 10 9.5 7 7 9 9

CONTROLS Position of on/ off switch Front Front Side Front Front Score 2 10 8 8 7 10 9 The best monitors have most of their controls placed up Easy access to 2 9.2 5.3 8.3 4.3 7 6.8 front for easy access. Most all other switches monitors have controls for brightness, contrast, and Ease of adjustment 2 10 4 9 8 9 9 vertical and horizontal CABLES position. Some units also have vertical and horizontal Coble sturdiness 2 10 7 8 8 7 7 size controls. Video cable built-in 0 N/A Built-in Built-in Built-in Built-in Detachable or detachable Screwslot or 0 N/A Screw Screw Screw Thumb Screw thumbscrew on connector length of video cable (inches) 74 52.0 56.5 60.0 46.0 47.5 Score 2 10 7.0 7.6 8.1 6.2 6.4

OTHER ERGONOMIC FEATURES Documentation 2 10 8 10 4 2 7 Monitor's casing strength 2 10 9 9.5 7.5 8 10 Footprint 2 10 9 8 9 10 4

1 N/ A=Not Applicable Ergonomics Score 7.5 6.9 7.5 6.7 6.9 7.0 D=Deoler Option 442 DECEMBER 1990, PC SOUIKES Sony Taxon NEC NE( Princeton Relisys Seiko CPD-1304 Tatung MultiVision TVM TW Casper MultiSync 2A MultiSync 3D Ultra 14 RE-1520 CM14SO MultiScan HG CM-1498X 770Pius SuperSync 2A+ TM-S156H

------. - - ~ IMAGE QUALITY - - 0.31 0.28 0.28 0.31 0.25 0.25 0.28 0.31 0.28 0.31 Dot pitch (mm) 10 10 6 10 10 Convergence 9 8 10 8 Glore cooling 10 10 10 10 10 10 Screen fl icker 0.89 0.97 0.95 0.90 1.00 1.00 0.90 0.90 0.92 0.94 Distortion 8.95 9.74 9.50 9.00 10.0 10.0 9.01 9.06 9.20 9.40 s,ore 8 4 10 10 Bowing 10 6 10 10 8 4 Brightness and.c ontrast 8 10 10 Color saturation and hues 10 6 10 Photo realistic quality

8.1 9.5 8.7 6.6 9.5 9.5 7.3 8.0 7.7 7.1 Image Quality s,ore

ERGONOMICS TILT AND SWIVEL BASE 10 9 8 8 Swivel bose strength/ steadiness 90 90 270 180 90 90 90 180 90 180 Horizontal range (in degrees) 3.3 3.3 10 6.6 3.3 3.3 3.3 6.6 3.3 6.6 10 10 8 9 Ease of turn and tilt CONTROLS Front Front Side Front Side Front Side Front Side Front Position of on/ off switch 9 9 4 9 5 9 6 8 6 10 s,ore 7.7 5.8 9.2 4.8 6.2 4.7 5.8 3.5 Easy access to all otherswitc hes 10 10 10 9 Ease of adjustment CABLES 10 10 Coble sturdiness Built-in Built·in Detachable Detachable Detachable Detachable Built·in Detachable Built-in Built-in Video cable built-in or detachable Screw Screw Screw Screw Thumb Thumb Screw Thumb Thumb Thumb Screw slot or thumbscrew on connector 67.0 69.5 74.0 49.5 72.8 64.5 61.0 58.0 57.0 37.5 length of video cable (inches) 9.1 9.34 10.0 6.7 9.8 8.7 8.2 7.8 7.7 5.1 s,ore

CABLES 10 10 Documentation 7.5 7.5 8.5 8 7.5 Monitor's casings trength 10 Footprint

6.7 6.9 7.0 6.5 6.8 7.1 5.4 6.5 5.4 5.9 Ergonomi(S s,ore

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBEI< 1990 443 TEST RESULTS

CTX Best Aomozing Super VGA Mognovox Mitsubo Mitsubishi Weight Score CM 61428S 5468 7CM320 710VH AUM 1381A

I I' Analog RGB Yes Yes I Yes Yes I Yes Score 4 10 10 10 10 10 10 Only monitors with a digital connector are compatible Digital No No No No Yes with an EGA or CGA video Score 2 10 0 0 0 0 0 board. Composite No No No No Yes Score I 10 0 0 0 0 10 ~ RGB SYNCINPUTS I •I On green No No No No No Score I 10 0 0 0 0 I 0 I External composite No No No No No

Score I 10 0 0 0 0 0 I

External separate Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Score I 10 10 10 10 10 10

Connectors Score 9.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 8.0

I I • I '' I ' Free warranty period (months) 3.0 12.0 24.0 12.0 12.0 Score I 24 1.25 5.0 10.0 5.0 5.0

Toll-free technical support No Yes No No Yes

Score 2 10 0 10 I 0 0 I 10 I Surcharge for 0 N/A No No No No No credit cord purchase . I

Repair by moil 0 N/A Yes Yes No Yes Yes I Restocking fee charged 0 N/A No Yes ' No No No Shipping paid toand from 0 N/A Yes No No No No Since some aspects of image quality are subjective, it's Money-bock guarantee 0 N/A Yes No No No No good to know that you can get your money back with no Vendor pays to ship 0 N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes No questions asked if the monitor DOA monitor doesn't meet your expectations. Vendor ships bock somew ay 0 N/A Yes No No Yes No

I On-site warranty provided 0 N/A No No No No Yes

Extended wa rranty available 0 N/A Yes No No No No

Maintenance contracts 0 N/A No No Yes No No available

N/A=Not Applicable Service and Support Score 6.8 0.3 5.7 2.3 1.1 5.7 D=Dealer Option

444 D ECEMBEH 1990, PC SOUHCES Sony Taxon NEC NEC Princeton Relisys Seiko CPD-1304 Tatung MultiVision TVM TW Casper MultiSync2A MultiSync3D Ultra 14 RE-1520 CM14SO MultiScan HG CM-1498X 770Pius SuperSync 2A+ TM·S1 S6H

CONNECTORS Yes Anolog RGB 10 S(ore

No Digitol 0 S(ore

No Composite 0 S(ore

RGB SYNC INPUTS

No No No No No No On green 0 0 0 0 0 0 S(ore

No No No Yes No External composite 0 0 0 10 0 S(ore

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes External separate 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 S(ore

s.o 8.0 7.0 s.o 7.0 s.o 9.0 s.o Connedors S(ore

SERVICE AND SUPPORT 24.0 24.0 24 .0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 24.0 12.0 Free worrontyperiod (months) 10.0 10.0 10.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 10.0 5.0 S(ore

Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes No Toll-free technica l support 10 10 0 0 0 10 0 10 0 S(ore

No No 0 No No N/A Surcharge for credit cord purchase

Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Repoir by moil

No No No No No No No Restocking fee charged

No No No No No No No Yes Shipping poid to ond from

No No No No Yes Money-bock guarantee

Yes No No Yes Yes Vendor poys to ship DOA monitor

Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Vendor ships bock some woy

Yes No No Yes No No On-site warranty provided

Yes Yes No No Yes No No Extended worronty ovoiloble

Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Mointenonce contracts ovoiloble

6.8 6.8 6.8 1.1 5.7 1.1 6.8 1.1 Servi(e and Support S(ore

,

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBER 1990 445 FEATURES CHART The Wide-Angle View

The chart below lists the features of Super VGA monitors when you look at prices to factor in the cost of a video that can handle an 800- by 600-pixel resolution and conform adapter board capable of running a Super VGA mon­ to the VESA standard. All the monitors will support the nor­ itor-about $210 by mail. The telephone numbers and hours mal VGA mode, which is 640 by 480 pixels. Monitors listed are listed for sales and support-in that order. If only one as "Multiscan" will, in addition, support up to 1,024 by 768 number is listed, it's for both. The shipping charges shown pixels; about half of them will also run in EGA and CGA reflect delivery to New York City. When an entry reads mode. Every monitor listed here is available by mail order "dealer option," it means the shipping method and cost are at prices lower than the retail prices shown. Remember determined by individual dealers.

Company Address Model Name Base Diagonal Case Weight Cables Resolutions Shipping Method Warranty Sales Phone/hrs Model Screen Dimensions (pounds) Supported Cost to ship to Support Phone/hrs Price Dimensions (inches) New York City

Aamazing 5980 lakeshore Drive CM61428SVGA $639 14" 14.0 X 13.4 X 14.9 32 Power, Multiscan UPS ground, One year, ports and labor Technology Cypress CA 90630 analog $15.96 714-826-9680/8:30-5 PST

Acer 401 Charcot Avenue Acer View 33 · $745 14" 13.4x 14.0x lS.O 29 Power, Multiscan Dealer option One year, ports and Iabar San Jose CA 95151 analog 408-922-0333/8-6 PST 800-638-2237/8-6 PST

ADl Systems 2121 Ringwood Avenue DMC-2304 $659 14" 14.0x 14.6x 14.0 27 Power, Multiscan UPS ground, Two years, ports and labor Son Jose CA 95131 analog $12 800-232-8282/9-5 PST 408-944-0100/9-5 PST

AOC 10991 N.W. Airworld Drive CM325 $599 14" ]8.3 X ]8.1 X ]8.4 33 Power, Multis

AST Research 1621 SAlton Parkway AST Super VGA $795 14" 12.2x 14.1 x 14.2 31 Power, Multiscan Dealer option One year, ports and labor P.O. Box 196S8 analog Irvine CA 92713 714-727-4141/8-5 PST 714-727-6160/7:30-4 PST

AT&T 1Speedwell Avenue AT&T CRT 329D $749 14" 13.0 X 13.6 X 15.0 29 Power, 800x600 Dealer option One year, ports and lobar Harristown NJ 07960 analog 800-241-1212/8-6 EST available with equipment

Comtek 1739 N.W. 16th Street Sunshine Ultra $430 14" 16.0 X 14.6 X ]6.0 31 Power, 800x600 UPS ground, One year, ports and labor Solutions, Oklahoma City OK 73106 VGA, CM-7 analog $20.60 Inc. 800-767 -0668/9-7CST

Cordata 1055 West Victoria Street CMC-141AD $631 14" 12.5 X 14.5 X 15.5 28 Power, Multiscan UPS ground, One year, ports and lobar Technologies, Compton CA 90220 analog $20.60 Inc. 800-233-3602/8-5 PST 800-255-8216/8-5 PST.

PC SOURCES, D ECEMBER 1990 451 FEATURES CHART

Company Address Model Name Base Diagonal Case Weight Cables Resolutions Shipping Method Warranty Sales Phone/hrs Model Screen - Dimensions (pounds) Supported Cost to ship to Support Phone/hrs Price Dimensions (inches) New York City

Proteus 377 Route 17 South MOVP1 $495 14" 14.6 X 13.2 X 14.9 31 Power, 800x600 UPS ground, One yeor, ports and labor Te

Qume 500 Yosemite Drive QM835 $649 14" 12.5 X 13.5 X 14.0 24 Power, 800x600 UPS ground, One year, ports and labor Milpitas CA 95035 QM850 $859 14" 14.5 X 14.2 X 14:2 32 analog Multiscan $12.50 800·4 57-4447/7:30-5 PST

Rehsys 320 Milpitas Boulevard RE-1520 $995 15" 15.6x 14.8x 16.3 33 Power, Multiscan Dealer option One year, ports and labor Milpitas CA 95035 analog 408-945-9000/8-5 PST

Somsung 3655 North First Street Sync Moster 3 $699 14" 14.2x 13.0x 14.8 25 Power, Multiscan UPS ground, One year, ports and labor Information Son Jose CA 95111 analog N/C Systems 408-434-5400/7·5 PST America, Inc. 800-446-0262/7-5 PST

Samtron 14251 E. Firestone Boulevard SC431VS $675 14" 14.1x 13.9x 14.6 25 Power, 800x600 UPS ground, One year, ports and labor Suite 101 analog $13.80 La Mirada, CA 90638 213-802-8425/8:30-5:30 PST 714-522-1282/8-5 PST

Seiko 1130 Ringwood Court CM1450 $999 14" 13.1 X 13.8 X 15.7 33 Power, Multiscan Dealer option One year, ports and labor Instruments Son Jose CA 95131 analog USA Inc. 800-888-0817 /8· 5 PST 408-922-5900/8-5 PST

Sony 655 River Oaks Parkway CPD-1304 $1,149 14" 13.7 X 13.9 X 16.2 27 Power, Mult~can Dealer option 90 days, Iabar Son Jose CA 95134 analog One year, parts 800-222-0878/8-5 PST

Tatung 2850 El Presidio Street CM-1498X $799 14" 12.5x 14.4x 15.7 28 Power, Multiscan Dealer option One year, parts and labor Company of lang Beach CA 9081 0 analog America, Inc. 800-827-2850/7:30-5:30 PST 800-827-2850/7:30-5:30 PST

Taxon USA 161 Nortech Parkway MultiVisian $895 14" 14.1 X 12.2 X 16.0 31 Power, Multiscan UPS ground, One year, ports and labor Corporation Son Jose CA 95134 770Pius analog $16.59 800-829-2641/8·5 PST 408-945-8400/8·5 PST

TVM 1109 West 9th Street SuperSync 2A+ $695 14" 16.3 X 17.9 X 19.3 28 Power, 800x600 UPS ground, Two years, parts and lobor Professional Upland CA 91786 analog $15 Monitor 714-985-4788/8·5 PST Corporation

TW Casper 47 430 Seabridge Drive TM-5156H $400 14" 17.0x 17.5x 18.0 30 Power, Multiscan UPS ground, One year, parts and labor Fremont CA 94538 analog N/C 415-770-8500/8:30-5 PST

Ve

Wyse 3471 North First Street Wy-660 $749 14" 13.3 X 14.1 X 14.5 30 Power, Multiscan Dealer option One year, parts and labor Te

454 D ECEMBER 1990, PC SOURCES