For those of you looking to purchase an inexpensive LCD monitor, which delivers a decent overall performance and value, the V7 Videoseven delivers an affordable passive matrix display.
Originally turned off by the company as the name to me was unknown, I did some research and posted some of the materials that I found helpful about this European company within the review.
Manufactures Description
V7 Videoseven offers one of the fastest 17"LC-Display with the V7 W17PS of the innovative Entertainment Line. Key applications for this model are games, videos and multimedia presentations due to the super-fast response time of 8ms and the high brightness. Beside of these excellent specifications for home entertainment the V7 W17PS is also perfectly equipped for daily office use. The model is also available in silver-black design as V7 E17PS.
V7 - the brand
The worldwide product portfolio includes LC displays, LCD TVs and projectors. Customer satisfaction is the main focus of V7. Therefore, all V7 products contain high quality components and offer excellent service packages. The V7 monitors and displays are marketed Europe-wide by Ingram Micro Pan Europe GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Ingram Micro Europe, based in Dornach near Munich. The V7 products are locally marketed and distributed by Ingram Micro subsidiaries in 14 European countries
*Brand Information & Description available at manufactures homepage
Quality
I have found that the quality of this particular model of monitor is alright considering its price point. The monitor’s quality can sometimes be described as a bit hazy or blurry, as the passive matrix display does not deliver the quality ascertained from an active matrix display.
Keep in mind that most LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors have a higher burnout rate than regular monitors, meaning the actual monitor will fail because of heat, humidity, dust, or normal wear & tear.
Clarity
Referring to the pictures quality the clarity of the V7 Videoseven has proved average at best, with just standard images that can offend the eye if used for extended periods of time. I can not comfortably use this monitor for extended hours without worrying about headaches, eyestrain, or blurry vision. Usage of this has been fairly good as the monitor has some decent images for videos, gaming, and daily usage of writing.
Usage
I have used this monitor out on several tasks and the test results are in.
Games
For gaming, the monitor has a lower refresh rate, than an active matrix display, games do not come in as clear or graphically sound as they could. Rest assured that my video card has little to do with this as I am comparing this monitor to my Samsung SyncMaster 171v TFT Monitor on the same PC with the same games. Simply unplugging the monitor & switching between them to determine quality of picture. I can honestly say I noticed a stronger crisp image in the active matrix display over the V7’s passive display.
DVD’s & Videos
Using a DVD program and a few of my favorite films, I simply watched and noted the quality & clarity of each film. During this test I noticed very little difference between my higher quality monitor and the V7 Videoseven. Basically if your watching a DVD or Video image mpg, jpg. etc.. the quality difference is slightly favored to the active matrix display.
Typing/Everyday
I use a computer almost everyday, if not at work, while I get home. I would recommend the V7 Videoseven over an old bulky type monitor. I can not comfortably use this monitor for extended hours without suffering some sort of eyestrain or headache. However this could just be my "classical conditioning" to my active matrix monitor that I have been using for the last 5 years.
Hardware/Software
Installation of the monitor could not have been easier as the software drivers we included on Compact Disk, and updates were available at V7 Website. Although the monitor itself was automatically detected by windows software, I still highly recommend installing the monitor’s driver to ensure that all features, modes, and picture will work correctly on your computer.
Buttons that are included for usage and tweaking of the monitor picture are: Contrast, Color, Language, OSD Controls, Position, Clock phase, and Sharpness.
Videoseven E17PS
Operating System Compatibility: PC
Connectors: 15pin D-sub: 1
Color: White
Display Features
• Monitor Type Flat Panel LCD (Passive Matrix)
• Size 17 inch
• Contrast Ratio 400:1
• Aspect Ratio 5:4
• Max. Resolution 1280 x 1024
• Brightness 370 cd/m?
• Response Time 8 ms
• Dot Pitch 0.264 mm
• Color Depth 24-bit (16.7M Colors)
• Viewable Picture Size 17 in.
• Resolutions supported 1024 x 768 • 1280 x 1024 • 640 x 480 • 800 x 600
• Synchronization Range - Vertical 56 - 76 Hz
• Synchronization Range - Horizontal 30 - 82 kHz
• Max. Viewing Angle - Horizontal 160
• Max. Viewing Angle - Vertical 120
• Audio Output Speaker(s)
-The display (projector) technology is a TFT passive matrix with ImageMax resolution of 1280 x 1024 Dot pitch 0.264 mm. Includes a color support 24-bit (16.7 million colors) along with a Image brightness 250 Display (projector), image contrast ratio 400:1, and a Max vertical view angle 120 Max horizontal view angle 160. Max sync rate (V x H) 82 Hz x 76 KHz.
Dimensions
Height 15.47 in.
Width 15.04 in.
Depth 8.27 in.
Weight 7.16 lb.
Lightweight, easy to move, and a space saver to boot, which adds up to a decent overall design for this flat panel monitor.
Manufactures Warranty
3 Year warranty
Currently the best way to receive service for you monitor is to go to the manufactures website at http://www.videoseven.com there you can find a link for technical support, numbers to call, and service information.
Passive Matrix Display
Type of LCD screen display that contains a series of wires that criss-cross each other. At the intersection of each wire contains a single LCD element that allows light to be passed through. A passive-matrix display does not provide the same quality as an active-matrix display can.
Final Thoughts
Depending on what you are looking to use the monitor for, or how important a higher resolution/quality is to you as the user would sway the recommendation of this monitor either way. I like the fact that the price point is under $60 online and is readily available for purchase, but I am not impressed overall with the quality or clarity of the V7 Videoseven
The monitor does deliver a solid performance if one is considering the price to product ratio. One could easily go out and spend $400 on a monitor and be equally satisfied with the purchase of this less expensive monitor.
My experience has led me to refer home users, small business, and light PC users to this particular monitor. Lighter users will not suffer the eye strain and headaches, and business can reap the benefits of getting a decent monitor for a fantastic price.
I could not recommend heavy users, gamers, or higher end users to purchase such a monitor as the clarity, quality, and lower refresh rates of this passive matrix display may lead to eye strain, headaches, and aggravation.
Overall the monitor has a fantastic price point, fairly good quality, and after researching the company a decent brand name.
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