Cornea Systems CT1700 CT1702 17" TFT Flat Panel Monitor
Written: Jun 29 '02 (Updated Jun 29 '02)
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Pros: THIN THIN THIN! Nice color! CT1702 has built-in TV Tuner
Cons: MUST use packaged video cable, viewing angle limited, tinny speakers
The Bottom Line: Cornea Systems CT1700 CT1702 17" TFT Flat Panel Monitors are great for those with little space. CT1702 was my choice because of built-in TV
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| alexmd's Full Review: Cornea CT 1700 17 inch LCD Monitor |
Introduction:
When it comes to computer and other video displays, today's consumers can choose between two basic technologies: (1) the standard cathode ray tube (CRT) -- similar to a picture tube in a television; and (2) flat panel TFT (thin film transistor) displays, also known as LCD or active- (or passive) matrix displays.
Flat panel display monitors, once only found on laptops, are now becoming increasingly popular as stand-alone displays on new systems, and as upgrades to existing systems. They offer two HUGE advantages over their traditional CRT counterparts: (1) size -- well, actually DEPTH -- a flat panel display is only a few inches thick, compared with 10 or more inches for a CRT monitor; and (2) weight -- the Cornea Systems CT1700 CT1702 17" TFT Flat Panel Monitors weigh less than 13 pounds, versus over 40 pounds for a similar-sized CRT monitor. This means that you can place a flat panel display in places that a CRT just wouldn't fit.
For the most part, flat panel displays offer viewing quality that is at least on par with, and often better than CRTs under most situations. Flat panel displays are generally flicker- and glare-free, and are truly flat -- features that contribute to less eye strain.
In general, disadvantages of flat panel displays include cost (significantly more than a similar-sized CRT monitor), optimal viewing angle (have you ever noticed that it can be hard to see a laptop's screen when you are not directly in front of it?) and brightness (flat panels are hard to see when outdoors on bright days, but generally do well in most indoor lighting settings).
Cornea Systems CT1700 / CT1702 17" TFT Flat Panel Monitor
Technical Specifications
(From Manufacturer's Website)
I am loath to cut and paste reams of technical data here, but some readers might like to have some of these details:
• 17" (17" Viewable) Multi-Function LCD Monitor
-- CRT monitors are measured based on the diagonal size of their picture tube, not all of which is visible -- a 17" CRT monitor might have 15 or 16 viewable inches; flat panel displays are measured according to the diagonal size of their display -- 17" is always 17".
• 1280 x 1024 Max Resolution
• Built-in Multimedia Speakers
• VSA Standard Wall Mount
• Wide Viewing Angle
The Cornea Systems CT1702 17" TFT Flat Panel Monitor ALSO adds TV capability:
• NTSC, S-Video, TV Tuner, Built-in RCA Video & Audio, S-Video, Antenna Connector, DVI-D
Appearance
This is one snazzy-looking monitor. I was most impressed by how light and thin it was. It is truly a monitor that you could put right on your desk -- no, not your computer desk, your REAL desk! The CT1700 is standard computer beige, while the CT1702 is a nifty black-and-silver. The next impressive thing is that you can hang this monitor on the wall, like a picture! This is great for people like me who have very little space, or who desire a less obtrusive look.
Functionality
The monitor supports Windows®95/98/2000, Mac, Unix, and OS/2 compatibles (basically just about any type of computer). Installation is easy -- the CD rom and instructions are all you need. It comes with a laptop-like transformer (I.e. a power cord that plugs into a standard 3-prong outlet, connected to a transformer box, which then runs into a smaller wire that plugs into the monitor itself). The monitor connects to the computer via a standard VGA 15 pin cord (included). If you opt for the Cornea Systems CT1702 17" with TV, you get more I/O plugs for cable, video, DVD, etc.
I ran into my first problems once the monitor was installed, up and running.
First, the monitor looked like it was out of focus. I tried to adjust them using the on-screen controls, and finally had to resort to the Cornea Systems' website(http://www.corneasystems.com/). There I learned that this problem occurs if you are using any kind of extension cable to extend the reach of the video cable that comes with the monitor. I removed my extension cable, and the display improved. However, I was no longer able to position the monitor where I wanted it.
Second, even after fixing the focus problem, there was a subtle "checkerboard" appearance of lighter and darker areas of the screen. Again, I tried to make adjustments, but turned to the website. There I learned that in order to have the best appearance, you MUST operate the monitor at its "native" resolution -- in this case 1280 x 1024 pixels & 60 or 75Hz. I made the adjustments, and the problem went away, but I now had a Windows desktop that was much larger than I wanted, with text that was much smaller than I could comfortably read. After fiddling with the on-screen controls and with Windows settings, I finally came to a workable compromise.
Since I have the Cornea Systems CT1702 17" TFT Flat Panel Monitor with TV, I then connected the monitor to my cable-TV cable. This is NOT easy to do because the jack on the back of the monitor is positioned in such a way as to make it difficult to screw the cable on. However, once it was connected, the monitor made a REALLY NEAT TV. Like I said before, the viewing angle is narrower than for a CRT-type TV, but colors, contrast, and picture were great.
The real treat with this monitor is watching DVD, or other digital inputs. I popped a DVD into my computer and was stunned by the clarity and vibrancy of the images.
As for sound, the on-board speakers are what you would expect from on-board speakers -- tinny. I didn't buy the monitor because of the speakers, and neither should you. If you have the Cornea Systems CT1700 (Monitor ONLY), you should use standalone computer speakers. If you have the Cornea Systems CT1702 (Monitor & TV Tuner), you have the option of using EITHER your computer's speakers (for computer-based sounds or computer-based DVD) OR your stereo (it has a stereo-out jack).
Summary
The Cornea Systems CT1700 CT1702 17" TFT Flat Panel Monitors are functionally identical except for the TV-tuner and black-and-silver case of the CT1702. After considering both, I opted for the CT1702. For an extra hundred dollars or so, you get a snazzier case, and a replacement for your TV. A great space saver for people in small apartments.
The monitors work well as far as picture quality, however they are not as versatile as you would like. The work best at a "native" resolution that might not be for everyone.
The sound from the onboard speakers is tinny, but what would you expect?
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 650
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
alexmd
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Member: Alexander
Location: North Carolina, USA
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Medical Professional in NC, USA.
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