Combines TV/computer monitor functions well. Slow to change channels/modes and where's my rebate?
Written: Jan 06 '04 (Updated Dec 16 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: TV tuner. Good video quality. Picture in picture.
Cons: Slow to change channels/modes. Picture-in-picture disappears when computer reboots.
The Bottom Line: Nicely combines TV and computer monitor functions. But annoyingly, the picture-in-picture disappears when computer reboots.
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| tcchou71's Full Review: Samsung SyncMaster 150 Mp 15 in. Analog TV LCD Tel... |
I've had this product for over a year, and am mostly happy with it. The picture quality is better than my old tube TV of the same size, because the flat screen does not flicker whatsoever. The contrast ratio (1:250) is not as high as a tube, or the more expensive flat panels, but this bothers me a lot less than I thought it would. The picture-in-picture feature is wonderful, letting me watch shows while I use the computer, without having to buy a second monitor (great for a small apartment).
That said, I do have several gripes about this product:
1. The picture color is slightly green. This can be adjusted, but takes a while to get right.
2. If the computer gets rebooted, the embedded TV picture goes away too. This was hard to believe, but it's true. There's no problem if you're watching TV in normal (full screen) mode, but if you're watching TV embedded in the computer screen, the TV video goes away whenever the computer video does. You can switch the picture-in-picture back on later, but not if the computer is off or in the middle of rebooting. When I'm installing software, and having to reboot over and over, I want to kick whoever designed the thing because the TV becomes impossible to watch.
3. The TV is VERY slow to change channels or modes. The screen blanks for 1 second when you change a channel, and 3-4 seconds when you change video sources (e.g. computer to TV or back). You can't do anything during this blank period. This is a real nuisance.
4. When I bought this product I was promised a $50 manufacturer's rebate. I submitted all the forms, and never heard anything again. No acknowledgement of receipt, no notice telling me to resubmit missing forms, no rebate. This was 18 months ago.
Despite my gripes, I'm happy overall as the monitor does its main jobs well - giving me high quality computer and TV video in a small space.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 420
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Epinions.com ID:
tcchou71
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Member: Elephant Seal
Location: Baltimore, MD
Reviews written: 53
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
I'm a behavioral neuroscientist/psychologist. The giant animal in the photo is an elephant seal.
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