Panasonic PanaSyncPro P70

Launched towards the end of last year, the PanaSync/Pro P70 offers a viewable diagonal screen size of 16in, and is coated with an anti-glare, anti-static coating that helps to improve contrast when used in office conditions where ambient lighting could cause problems. The case design is not particularly stunning, but is attractive enough in an understated way that it won't distract users.

The monitor's very flat FST tube, which has a 0.25mm dot pitch, can be driven by either the 15-pin D-Sub or BNC connectors, and is capable of handling a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 at 75Hz.

That refresh rate rises to a maximum of 88Hz at the more usable resolution (for a screen of this size) of 1280 x 1024. To aid installation, the PanaSync/Pro P70 is compliant with the VESA DDC1 and DDC2b Plug and Play standards, which should ensure that the monitor is automatically configured when attached to a suitable PC.

Should you need to adjust the image shown on the monitor, a selection of buttons beneath the screen allows you to do so. Panasonic's menu design is not the best out of all the monitors reviewed here, but it's good enough that you don't have to concentrate too hard in order to find the function you require.

There is quite a range of functions to choose from, too, including Moire compensation, colour temperature adjustment and image rotation.

A total of 21 pre-sets is available for those users wishing to customise the display settings.

With certification that includes the all-important TCO'95 standard for ergonomics and emissions, the PanaSync/Pro P70 monitor comes with a manual and the obligatory signal connector.

VERDICT:

The flat screen tends to reduce reflection, resulting in good contrast and therefore good colour vibrancy. Focus was good too, but a convergence control would have been useful.

Score: 8.