LG's 27'' TV/Monitor: Digital tuner, Full HD and HDMI for £350

Anybody looking for an extra television, or a monitor that can stand in as a TV from time to time should take a seriously look at this screen from LG. The M2794D is full of interesting features, including a built-in digital tuner, HDMI, DVI, VGA and two SCART inputs and is a Full HD display.

LG M2794D     E-buyer  284.99  Pixmania.co.uk  306.65  Pixplace UK  367.53              Compare prices

Could it even replace your regular TV then? We don't think so, and here's why: the panel inside this monitor uses TN technology and has a 5 ms response time. That means it has narrow viewing angles, especially from above and below. To see even, accurate colours, you need to sit right in front of it and be quite a long way back--around two metres. LCD screens intended for extended use as TVs use alternative panel technologies: either IPS (LG and Philips) or VA (Sony, Sharp, Samsung ...) which are much better in this regard, and more responsive.

The M2794D's second big problem is that, for the time being, no computer monitor has managed to do a decent job of upscaling and performing image correction on an SD source. Ideally, you should use a HD source like a Blu-ray player or an Xbox 360 or PS3.

Having said that, this monitor comes at a very attractive price. It's not at all expensive for a 27'' screen, but with so many other inputs and the chance to connect a games console, DVD player or a computer--or to kit out a spare bedroom with an inexpensive TV--then it's a very strong offer indeed.

> Product Survey: 23'' to 28'' LCD Monitors