Samsung SyncMaster 213T: The Glass Ceiling for Enthusiast LCD
by Kristopher Kubicki on February 20, 2004 4:24 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
Benchmark Analysis
We were very impressed with the black levels on this LCD. Even though glare was much higher compared to the 2001FP, darks were much crisper on the 213T. We did not get that "washed out" look typical when looking at an LCD. Granted, for all the positive things we can say about the darks, the colors themselves posed a slight problem. This was expected from our gaming and ColorVision Spyder tests/calibration. Our primary color patterns picked a bluish hint to the color spectrum from the monitor. As a result, reds on the chart were less vibrant.
Even at 1600x1200, the LCD did a fairly good job of not streaking on the VGA connector. Of course, streaking was not even present on the DVI connection, but it is important to know if you do not have an available DVI connector.
Overall, the subjective analysis was very favorable. We were critical about the color differences in our test patterns, but realize that color replication was light years ahead of some of the other monitors we have tested in the past (the Hitachi CML174 comes to mind). If you are in the market for an LCD, there is no reason to discourage a purchase due to minor color calibration issues on the 213T since all LCDs are inherently color flawed to some degree.
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.