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>> Hi everyone. This is Eric Franklin from CNET.com. And today I'm going to invade CNET's own David Katzmaier's space as I take a look at the Samsung SyncMaster P2370HD. The reason I say this is that the Samsung is pretty much just a TV. I mean, it has a TV tuner, one HDMI port, VGA, DVI, component, composite, and a coaxial connection for an antenna or cable TV. What all these connections have in common is that they're all connections usually found only on HDTVs. I previously looked at the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370, which looked like a thinner, sleeker version of Samsung's P2370. The P2370HD, on the other hand, looks more like its stockier brother. The neck is made up of transparent glass. However, the bluish crystals found on the P2370 and XL2370 are nowhere to be seen. The lack of these bluish crystals diminishes the aesthetic uniqueness of the display. Even with its wide, oval shaped foot stand, the display wobbles and slides considerably when knocked from the sides, but never felt too unstable. Unfortunately, the screen height isn't adjustable, and there isn't a screen rotation or pivot option for portrait mode. The capability to tilt the screen back 25 degrees is its only ergonomic option. Pressing your finger against the bottom, right-hand corner of the bezel brings up the hidden onscreen display button array. The options function very much like a typical Samsung HDTV. The picture options include controls for brightness, contrast, and sharpness. And there's control for color temperature. Audio options for the built-in speakers include true surround, which simulates having a 5.1 or more surround sound system. We used the Samsung's entertainment preset to check out some hi-def movies. We found that the Samsung's image looked natural and bright without being too bright. We looked at games and noticed no signs of input lag, or any streaking or ghosting during fast movement. Also, games looked bright with colors that popped. We turned the built-in speakers to their highest volume without hearing any signs of distortion in the sound. The 23-inch Samsung SyncMaster P2370HD is essentially a small, HDTV that can double as a monitor. It has all the TV connections you'd expect and even comes with a fully functioning remote control. It can be found at major online stores for about 315 bucks. This is about $25.00 more than the comparable LG Flatron M237WD, which has many of the same connections, including an extra HDMI port. While both monitors are great buys, your choice will depend mostly on what's more important to you. If features are paramount, get the LG for its extra HDMI port and S-video connection. However, the Samsung has better overall performance in movies and HDTV. Once again, this has been Eric Franklin with a First Look at the Samsung SyncMaster P2370HD.
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