Exclusive Preview: BenQ H200 LCD TV By : Robin Ang Category : Monitor(http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/cat.php?id=5) Approved by : Jimmy Tang Approved on : Monday, 11th November, 2002 Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars
The BenQ H200
When one thinks about big screen television, they will have an image of the bulky CRT or rear projection television or perhaps even the plasma screen television that is fast becoming a common sight in major electronic stores. However, what happens when you construct a television out of LCD technology and then add in many extras that staves off the competition? You get the BenQ H200 LCD TV.
The BenQ H200 is not just a high quality LCD television, which supports Progressive Scan video inputs but is also a handy device for general display – it can accept RGB analog signals. In other words, you are free to connect a personal computer or a laptop to it and then use it to conduct your presentations (PowerPoint presentation along with a video clip if you so desire). Alternatively, you can hang it on a wall and use it as a public display of artwork or relevant company information.
These are just a few reasons why the BenQ H200 is an excellent product. Read on to find out more about its capabilities.
1. The BenQ H200 LCD TV
2. Remote Control
3. Power Adapter
4. Power Cord
5. AAA Alkaline Batteries x 2
6. RGB D-Sub Cable
7. Composite Video Cable
8. S-Video Cable
The BenQ H200 has a silver gray chrome color combo.
Staying true to its heritage as a display device, it comes with a high-tech dark gray silver chrome finish that will appeal to many and disappoint few. It will look stylish in any home or public setting.
Here is a look at the monitor's back.
The LCD panel is protected from the outside environment with a plastic acrylic sheet. Though we understand that this is a protective measure; we find that the acrylic sheet is too reflective (more on this later).
Buttons are relatively large and offers immediate access to common functions.
The buttons found on the monitor is relatively big and thus accessible to many. Much like other LCD products from BenQ, they have wisely assigned these buttons to common functions like channels, volume controls, input selection and menu options. However, one function that we feel is solely missing is a "Menu Exit" button. As it stands, we will have to wait for the on screen display (OSD) to timeout (you can instruct the OSD to time out in 5 seconds).
The monitor stand though made of plastic is reinforced with a metal plate at the bottom
A blue power indicator lamp intersects the button array in front of the monitor - indicates several modes of operation. For example, it stays lit when the monitor's DPMS function is turned on and not when it is turned off. It also looks rather cool in the dark.
The speakers are limited in their range and bass response.
Some might find the speakers sexually suggestive (bulbous); we believe it is just an attempt by engineers to enhance the quality of the speakers by allocating space for it. Though we applaud their efforts, they cannot quite match the quality of mid-range off the shelf audio equipment. Though dialogue came out clear and bright, left and right positioned sounds can be differentiated; ambient music and sound effects came out strained and localized. Correspondingly, you will not get that bass boost that only a dedicated subwoofer will provide. On a belatedly note, we would have preferred that the speakers be placed at the side of the LCD instead for a more streamlined appearance.
Reduce the sight of clutter with a back cover.
At the back of the monitor, you will find several connectors - 75ohm TV antenna, Composite Video, S-video, Component Video, RGB, PC Audio and AV Audio inputs. At the front of the monitor, you can plug in your favorite headphones when you do not wish to disturb anyone.
If the remote control backlit, it would have been useful in darkened rooms.
The BenQ H200 comes with a remote controller that controls all the functions of the monitor whether in PC or Video mode. We find it comprehensive and intuitive; direct access to many useful functions without the need to wade through menus. A good example would be the "Aspect" button (more on this in the video test section). However, it is rather unfortunate the remote controller did not have a backlit function. This would have been useful when viewing movies in a darkened room.
Here is a handy handlebar for transport.
Video Terminologies Explained
At this point in time, it will be advisable to have a basic understanding of some of the video terminologies that will be discussed in this article.
What is Composite Video (RCA)?
Composite Video inputs (RCA) is widely supported by many audio/visual companies.
This socket (Cinch) is used for transmitting composite video signals (CVBS). In this method of connection, the color and the brightness signals are transmitted on the same cable. In certain circumstances, this can lead to problems with the picture, such as 'Moire' patterns.
What is S-Video?
The S-Video Input provides a superior picture than RCA.
This method of connection transmits the brightness signal (Y signal) and color signal (C signal) separately. This mini DIN plug, also known as the Hosiden plug will yield a better picture quality than composite video using a single RCA jack.
What is Component Video?
Component Video Inputs offers the highest video quality possible.
This method of transmitting pictures produces the highest quality possible as the video signal is split into its Y (brightness), Pb/Cb and Pr/Cr (blue minus brightness, red minus brightness respectively) components. This signal can be sent as "Interlaced" or "Progressive scan". The connecting cables used are the same as RCA cables. DVD sources are normally comprised of Y, Cb and Cr components while HDTV sources use Y, Pb and Pr terminologies. Although the connector is the same for either DVD or HDTV sources, non-HDTV compatible TVs cannot accept Y, Pb and Pr signals as HDTV signals contain a wider color palette and would require a TV with the capabiity to display it.
What is an Interlaced picture?
The conventional video/TV signal is "Interlaced"; in other words, pictures comprising odd and even lines are built up alternately. As a result, you might see feathering or combing effects along the edges of fast moving objects.
What is Progressive Scan?
Here, each frame (around 50 to 60 per second depending on the LCD TV system) is built up as a complete picture (i.e. odd and even lines together). Flickering is reduced to levels similar to those of true 100Hz CRT TV sets. In theory, this form of signal together with Component Video produces studio quality pictures.
Our Findings
If you need a very good reason to justify your purchase of the H200, it will be its ability to accept progressive scan signals via its Component Input sockets (Y, Cb/Pb, Cr/Pr). Additionally it is HDTV ready (480p; 720p; 1080i). Just plug it in and you are ready to go. This is something you will be hard put to find from other LCD television or LCD/TV hybrid.
Video Modes and Video Quality Checks:-
The Philips DVDR 890 was used in this test and it is capable of transmitting progressive scan or interlaced video signals via Component Video, S-Video and Composite RCA outputs. As such, we used each connector in turn to establish how the H200 handles each mode.
We proceeded to playback two DVD movies, namely "The Matrix" and "Men in Black". This is in addition to two DTS sample discs. The sample discs contains several scenes from Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan, for example.
This is what we found:-
1. Custom Memory Slots For Picture Parameters
We noticed that picture settings like brightness and contrast, and so on are saved for each video mode. Be it PC, TV, Component, S-Video and Composite Video modes. This makes it easy to switch between modes without losing setting preferences.
2. Aspect Ratio
This is adjustable from the remote control and the OSD. It allows for three modes:-
Anamorphic - This mode is suitable for HDTV signals or DVD titles marked with "Squeeze" or "Anamorphic"; you will lose a little bit of information of both sides and a little bit of the picture will be cropped from each side.
HDTV - This mode is suitable for HDTV signals that directly translate 4:3 material to 16:9 format.
Fill Screen - any input signal will be scaled to fit the 4:3 aspect ratio.
However, there isn't a widescreen (16:9) option. As such, you will lose image details at the side of the picture for DVD materials encoded with a "letterbox widescreen format" – detracts the user from a true movie viewing experience.
3. Wide Viewing Angle
The user will be able to see images without any of the dimming effects from any corner of the room with a relatively wide viewing angle (80/80 ; 80/80).
4. Contrast, Brightness and Sharpness
The H200 allows a multitude of options for adjusting contrast, brightness and sharpness. For example, you can adjust the gamma, backlight, black level, brightness, video filter and contrast settings for an optimum picture. This is further boosted by a brightness rating of 500 nits and a contrast ratio of 500:1. We have never seen a rating so high for a 20-inch LCD panel before. This was made possible with AU Optronics who is an affiliated display panel OEM with BenQ.
5. Slightly Coarse Pictures
In some scenes, especially darker scenes, the picture quality is not as smooth as we would like. In essence, it looks rough and thus unnatural. Choosing the "smooth" video filter did help but not completely eliminate this problem (at the cost of sharpness).
6. Inaccuracies in Color Reproduction
At standard settings, the pictures look a little blue while warmer preset color settings introduces a reddish hue to facial tones. However, this can be compensated with tweaks aplenty for color temperature or color saturation via the advanced menu option page.
7. Color Depth and True Black
The H200 suffers from the same inherent weaknesses in LCD technology. The color depth is not as deep as a CRT television and true black will not be represented well. What we get is a close approximation. In other words, the colors reproduced will not be as vivid or as vibrant as high quality CRT televisions.
8. High Reflectivity from the Acrylic Plastic Sheet Covering
You can practically use the acrylic plastic sheet as a mirror. This introduces unnecessary reflections, which degrades visual fidelity. Removing it or placing it with another material of a lower reflectivity would be ideal. Perhaps BenQ should consider using an anti-reflective coating like those found on CRT monitors.
9. S-Video and Composite Video Inputs Vs Component Video
We are not surprised that the picture quality of S-Video and Composite Video is not as sharp or colors not as accurate, when compared to component video inputs ("Interlaced" or "Progressive"). We also noticed picture artifacts - very small red/green/blue dots that line the edges of moving objects when using any of the given connectors.
10. Feathering (Interlaced Vs Progressive)
As expected, we noticed feathering (combing effects) along the edges of characters or objects in fast moving scenes when we used the interlaced picture option. This is significantly reduced when we switched it to component inputs with the progressive picture option enabled. However, subtle feathering effects can still be seen in certain recordings.
11 SRS Lab’s WOW thing
Enabling SRS Lab's WOW thing (a virtual sound spatialization technique) did help in significantly widening the soundstage. This works well for movies and television programs. However, it might have an impact on music reproduction from an audio CD. Some audiophiles might find the use of such audio techniques unacceptable. In certain cases, it might even introduce audio anomalies – a result of WOW audio processing on top of other standards like Dolby Surround for example. However, if it's just for stereo enhancement, the WOW option would come in pretty handy.
Summary :-
Generally, the picture quality is good and clarity is there. Most consumers will not have anything bad to say about it. With numerous tweaks for color, brightness and contrast, the user will be able to customize picture quality till he/she is fully satisfied. Furthermore, this LCD panel has the highest contrast (500:1) and brightness (500 nit) ratings we have ever seen for a 20-inch LCD panel.
However, there are a few things that BenQ could improve on. For one, the plastic acrylic sheet is too reflective. Removing it or replacing it with something non-reflective would have been a big plus.
The image reproduced feels slightly coarse, something like rough wallpaper; BenQ might want to improve on this via some tweaks to the LCD panel or perhaps an improved "smoothening" algorithm.
The H200 much like other LCD panels has the same limitations in terms of color depth and true black representation. As such, top-end CRT televisions are superior in this aspect.
Finally, an option to display 16:9 materials in its non-cropped state would have been nice. Though, users will see black borders (the LCD TV have an aspect ratio of 4:3), the user should have been given the flexibility to view wide-screen movies in all its glory and splendor.
Television and PC modes
Television Mode :-
The H200 LCD TV like any high-end television comes with many functions that the couch potato will surely love.
Just plug in your cable/tv antenna co-axial cable to the 75ohm ANT input.
1. It has the ability to tune up to 107 channels. This should be sufficient for local terrestrial and cable television channels. Channels can be added via auto scan channel scanning or erased via the OSD.
2. It includes support for two TV audio systems. This includes Nicam Stereo and MTS. You can turn them on/off or to select between alternative language tracks.
3. The BenQ has a 3 Dimensional Y/C separation circuit that works when the color system is set to NTSC 60Hz/3.58MHz in TV mode and Video mode. It is used to remove flickering and color bleeding.
4. It includes a closed caption decoder and V-chip capability. "Closed Caption" is a system that allows conversations, narration, and sound effects in TV programs and home videos to be viewed as captions (text) on the TV screen. The V-chip (not the one that was put into Eric Cartman's head) allows TV programs to be restricted based on FCC data (subject to the relevant broadcast system used). This can be controlled via MPAA ratings or TV Parental Guidelines. The MPAA rating is restricted by age and TV Parental Guidelines are restricted by age and content.
Finally, the BenQ H200 LCD TV does not come with a Teletext decoder.
PC Mode :-
Plug in your computer or laptop here for presentation purposes.
We will skip with the customary DisplayMate test for the H200 even though it can accept RGB signals from a PC. This is primarily because the H200 is designed as an LCD HDTV and not really an LCD monitor/television hybrid. This can be shown by the fact that the pixel pitch is too big (0.51mm x 0.51mm) and bright to be comfortable for office work like word processing. Additionally, much like any HDTV out there, it comes with a native optimum resolution of 800x600 (though it can go up to a resolution of 1024x768, graphics and fonts will not be as sharp). It is hardly high enough if it was a true LCD monitor.
We managed to find only one dead pixel in the unit that is sent to us. This is a good indication of the quality checks conducted by BenQ.
If viewed from a relatively comfortable distance, the H200 is excellent as a tool for presentations or as a display of artwork or general public information. You could even use it as a Webtv (a complementary combination of netsurfing superimposed with television programs) with a dedicated set top box.
Additionally, if you find flicker or any visual anomalies in the picture, you can use the auto-calibration function that is accessible from the OSD or the remote control.
Conclusion
The BenQ H200 LCD TV is a high-end high definition television whose owners will be the envy of many. Featuring a flat screen, a relatively thin profile, not to mention that it can be mounted on the wall, means that it will be the center of any home or office.
Additionally, it is HDTV ready and accepts DTV formats (via outboard tuner), including 1080i, 729p and 480p. It supports "Interlaced" and "Progressive Scan" signals as well. This is established in tests we conducted with a Progressive Scan DVD recorder/player (Philips DVDR 890). Progressive Scan Component Video signals are considered the best connection available in the consumer space right now.
In terms of television operations, it can tune up to 107 channels and supports TV audio systems like Nicam Stereo and MTS. It can also decode closed captioning content and has an integrated V-chip for controlling access to objectionable content. Furthermore, with a very high brightness rating (500 nit) and contrast ratio (500:1) for a 20.1-inch LCD panel, you will be assured of a bright and clear display.
With the ability to accept RGB signals, the LCD panel can be connected to a personal computer or laptop for the purpose of presentation or the public display of artwork or information. However, the LCD panel is not that suitable for close viewing like word processing for example. This is largely because the dot pitch is too big (0.51mm x 0.51mm) and the display is too bright. However, we would have preferred the reflective acrylic sheet to be removed or replaced with another material.
In terms of image quality, pictures are generally sharp (enhanced by the multitude of options to tweak image quality) and we cannot detect any obvious anomalies except that there is a lack of color depth and true black are not accurately represented.
Though BenQ tried to enhance the speaker's quality with SRS Lab's WOW thing technology, consumers will be better off with any mid-range audio equipment they can get off from the shelves.
In spite of this, the BenQ H200 LCD TV (retailing in Singapore at S$2,999) does what it purports to do rather well. Depending on individual expectations, most consumers might not mind the caveats and would appreciate the product for its functionality and versatility.
LCD TV RESOURCES, REVIEWS AND BUYING TIPS
LCD TVs features high brightness with long-life fluorescent backlight. With high resolution and a flicker-free, full color (16.7 million) TFT active matrix LCD, these monitors display crisp pictures enhanced by a non-glare screen and wide viewing angle.
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The BenQ H200 has a silver gray chrome color combo.
Here is a look at the monitor's back.
Buttons are relatively large and offers immediate access to common functions.
The monitor stand though made of plastic is reinforced with a metal plate at the bottom
The speakers are limited in their range and bass response.
Reduce the sight of clutter with a back cover.
If the remote control backlit, it would have been useful in darkened rooms.
Here is a handy handlebar for transport.
Composite Video inputs (RCA) is widely supported by many audio/visual companies.
The S-Video Input provides a superior picture than RCA.
Component Video Inputs offers the highest video quality possible.
Just plug in your cable/tv antenna co-axial cable to the 75ohm ANT input.
Plug in your computer or laptop here for presentation purposes.
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