ProView PL576Ws 15.4" Widescreen LCD Display

Well, I picked up a ProView PL576Ws 15.4″ widescreen LCD display from Staples tonight. It is probably the cheapest HDTV monitors avaialable at the sub $300 USD level. I brought it home, plagged it in and noticed that while it supports 1280×800 and a few “standard” resolutions, it does not support native 720p (1280×720) HD resolution. I am somewhat dissapointed in this. For a monitor that can certainly display resolution-wise 1280×720, it has no native support for this resolution dispite it being billed as a “widescreen” monitor (it’s “Ws” in the model name denotes it’s widescreen capabilities).

My intent was (is?) to use this as a secondary monitor in my HTPC system which will run MythTV on SuSE. The real monitor is a home theater projector which supports native 720p resolution. This monitor would be used to configure and use the machine during average usage when using the projector would not be suitable or unwanted (mostly to save bulb life). The problem is that since this monitor does not do native 720p, I cannot simply switch between the two displays and have the same, unchanged settings on my MythTV HTPC system.

I think I’ll be taking this monitor back regardless since it had three dead pixels but weather or not I exchange or get a refund is still to be determined…

Product Specifications
DisplayType LCD
Diagonal Screen Size 15.4″
Maximum Resolution 1280 x 800
Image Max H-View Angle 140°
Image Max V-View Angle 120°
Image Contrast Ratio 400:1
Image Brightness 250 cd/m2 (typ)
On Screen Controls Brightness, Contrast ,H Position, V Position, H Size, Phase, Color Select , Auto Adjustment, Reset, Language, Exit
Input Signal RGB 15 pin D-Sub analog, H/V Separated (TTL), composite sync, sync on screen
Ports/Connectors 15 pin mini D-sub, separate Sync, TTL Compatible, AC 100-240 Volt 50/60Hz Adapter
Speakers Two 2 Watt speakers
Other features Widescreen
Compatibility PC/MAC
Regulatory Compliance CSA, TUV/GS, UL, CE, VCCI-II, FCC-B, CUL, MPRII, TCO95/99
Power Consumption <35 Watt
Dimensions 13.46″H x 13.66″W x 5.12″D
Weight 10.66 lbs

If only it did 720p….

Anyone know of an LCD monitor in the $200 – $300 that is widescreen and does 720p? This is the only one that I have seen that comes close.

If I could solve the problem with both displays being different yet displaying the same thing, I’d have a better idea as to what I would do. One other thing that bugs me is that it only has RGB in, no DVI or HDMI. Again, a shortcoming for a monitor that boasts “widescreen” capabilities. Right now, I’m undecided but will have to decide soon as I only have a few days to return it. Besides the lack of 720p support, this is a great little monitor.

Hm… decisions, decisions….

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