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s27a850

Best monitors of 2011

We saw some pretty cool monitor innovations in 2011. A new panel technology debuted, the thinnest panel yet was revealed, as was a monitor that functioned fully, without requiring a physical connection to a PC.

Going into 2011, we'll likely continue to see thinner monitors with more power baked into them, cheaper IPS monitors, more monitors that are completely self-sufficient (no PC required, necessarily), and be on the lookout for DisplayPort to finally take off in a big way.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Right now now it's time to take a look back at 2011 and the most impressive monitors that came through CNET Labs. … Read more

Samsung SyncMaster S27A850D review: Are we impressed by its new panel tech?

For those of us without disposable incomes, spending more than a couple hundred dollars on a monitor requires a little justification. When it comes to expensive monitors, there's usually a professional justification, as pro graphics artists require precise image clarity and the more expensive monitors are more likely to be suited to the task.

The S27A850D is decently priced for a professional monitor of its size. It's also the first full-size display to use Samsung's Plane Line Switching (PLS) panel tech, which offers brighter screens at a lower cost of power. The level of performance is about on par with a high-end In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel like what the Dell UltraSharp U2711 houses.

But does the S27A850D offer enough in performance and features to really make it a good investment?

Check out the full review to find out.

More reviews can be easily accessed from the monitor hub. … Read more

Samsung shows off new 2011 monitors

SAN FRANCISCO--Samsung showed off its 2011 monitor lineup and I definitely came away impressed. From movies, to gaming, to professional needs and business, Samsung is swinging a large swath in a very wide arc, but based on my time with its offerings, I can say it is not slipping on quality.

Movies on monitors have never looked this good

There's probably not a better Blu-ray movie than "Avatar" for showing off a high-end HDTV. Samsung obviously knows this, and upon walking into the company's PR office meeting room, those lovable blue ThunderCats, as rendered on the T27A950, immediately caught my eye.

The 27-inch, 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution T27A950 is Samsung's high-end HDTV/monitor hybrid, optimized for HD movie playback. The monitor uses a Twisted Nematic (TN) panel, and while its TN roots are apparent thanks to its narrow viewing angles, when viewed straight on the movie looked stunningly impressive, with very deep blacks and vibrant color.

Samsung used its highest-quality TN panel for the T27A950 and credits its great movie playback performance to a combination of panel tech, optimizations made by Samsung engineers, and its use of Ultra Clear Panel technology. … Read more