Sony SDM-HS95P

Sony's SDM-HS95P TFT monitor is visually striking, featuring smooth curves and a graphite-toned easel stand that allows tilt adjustment. The monitor can't be raised or lowered, but it includes VESA brackets so it can be mounted to a display stand or wall.

The cable routing allows the monitor to sit on a narrow desk, and the 6kg unit takes up a paltry 44 x 42 x 15cm. The 19" screen runs at a native resolution of 1280 x 1024 with a 12ms response time, and includes a single analog VGA input. This is a limitation, as most PCs now ship with a DVI connector, which provides a slightly higher-quality image than VGA can.

The screen is designed as a multimedia display and Sony has really hit the mark. There is outstanding image quality with even tone, contrast and colour balance across the board. Photos look stunning in an array of lighting conditions, and the screen does a great job of handling moving images.

Sony claims a viewing angle of 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally, but we found the image darkened slightly when viewed from extreme angles.

A row of hidden buttons along the bottom right-hand edge allow access to the on-screen menu. While this helps maintain the monitor's clean, sleek appearance, it makes the on-screen menu difficult to use. Thankfully, the auto configuration works well, and with it the screen is a snap to setup.

The Sony unit features ClearBright technology, which is a screen coating designed to reflect ambient light to produce a brighter, clearer image than conventional LCD technology. It works effectively, and the Sony unit produces an outstanding image.

The screen is rated to operate at a temperature between 5 and 35 degrees and it remained cool while in use for testing. The TFT panel life is rated at 50,000 hours, and the screen is covered by a three year warranty. Some buyers may lament the lack of audio and DVI connectors, but the displayed image makes up for these minor shortcomings.