Samsung SyncMaster 213T: The Glass Ceiling for Enthusiast LCD
by Kristopher Kubicki on February 20, 2004 4:24 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
Samsung LCD LTM213U4-L01 Panel
The Samsung 21.3" LCD panel in the 213T has been around for some time. The actual introduction of the panel occurred back in October of 2002. However, that does not make it any less capable than other panels we have seen. The LTM213U4-L01 design is comparable to other LCD designs we have seen in smaller sizes; 2x3 CCFT backlights, 85 degree universal viewing angle, 8-bit (16.7M) color replication.
We have mentioned some other display modes in the past. AUO's modified TN mode powered the Hitachi CML174 LCD with a 16ms TrTf response time. The Dell 2001FP uses an LG Philips LCD based on an IPS derivative. Samsung's PVA, Pattern Vertical Alignment, is a derivative of the VA display mode.
For those a little more interested in the panel, we highly recommend checking out the panel datasheet which has plenty of very specific test procedures and specifications. Any aspiring electrical drafters are encouraged to check out page 22.
Our only real complaint about this panel is the start up time. Granted, the start up time does not typically come to mind as a critical purchasing decision. However, do consider whenever the monitor goes on standby, the panel completely powers down. This was an enormous annoyance to us in the lab as we constantly were waiting for the monitor to power up after going on standby.
Screen uniformity was very good. Occasionally we could spot the backlights through the TFT. We do not expect that most people would notice the difference; particularly if the screen is not a full solid dark color.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
33 Comments
View All Comments
araczynski - Friday, February 20, 2004 - link
so the bottom line is that for the serious gamer there's still no reason to get an LCD.PrinceGaz - Friday, February 20, 2004 - link
Do you have any CRT monitor reviews coming up or only LCD ones?damage75 - Friday, August 5, 2011 - link
I have been running two 213T monitors continuously for 7 years. Both displays, including the CCFL's are working perfectly. Zero dead or stuck pixels. If there is a diminished brightness, which there has to be, it is not causally visible.I think I am tempting fate by posting this ;-)
The only negative items are these:
1) I bought them when very first available - $1600.00 each.
2) After about 5 years one monitor became unable to hold it's weight. It would slump. Even after disassembly and reassembly it would not hold it's position. This "can" be corrected, but frankly at this point I can live with it.
In 2004 I blew away my colleagues with two amazing 21.3" PVA monitors (powered by a 9800XT). Here we are in 2011 and they are still running perfectly. I know I am "lucky", but it is worthwhile to post that they are still in use and still excellent monitors. I would like to thank Anand and Samsung for this outstanding purchase. Even at that very high cost, they have amortized themselves into nearly free service. The points made by Anand are true - slow response and the black level is not optimum. That has not affected my pleasure/perforamnce with using them.