Samsung T27A950 HDTV Monitor
Sep 22nd, 2011 | By AnthonyThe T27A950 comes completely assembled so physically at least, setting up the monitor isn’t much more difficult that finding an appropriate place to set it and plugging it all in. Despite its size, this of course, is hardly a daunting task.
By design, purposed for both a computer monitor and TV we of course have some overlapping features and for example Samsung’s Smart Hub internet portal features that allows access to internet content such as video services including Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, music services and social networks. While on a television, these make for some excellent features, on a computer perhaps not as much given, well, it would just be easier on a computer, but we’ll cover that in a little bit. So, let’s first talk a bit about how the display serves as a computer monitor.
Number one, though it is unlikely to be missed: the T27A950 is big. It isn’t too big whereby it is uncomfortable on the eyes and neck, but for some it may take some time getting used too, otherwise it is a great size. The blacks are black and the colors are vibrant. The monitor however, is a TN (twisted nematic) type panel and accordingly there are ranges of color where subtleties lack definition, namely with the pastel colors. That said, color reproduction on the T27A950 is beautiful, crisp and bright.
Watching movies at full 1080p looked great. A panel with full HD specifications really make movies shine with very crisp and clear pictures. All colors were vibrant, and there were no problems with ghosting during fast action-packed scenes.
Samsung’s dynamic contrast feature helps create the mood when it comes to darker scenes by darkening the backlights in order to achieve greater contrast.
Gaming of course, is another requirement of a computer monitor. Whether or nor you’re into 3D, switching from 3D mode to 2D mode is as simple as a push of a button (and putting on the glasses). Although a 27″ monitor doesn’t sound like much for creating a 3D experience, let’s not forget, unlike a television, one sits right up close to the monitor. Of course, 2D gaming yields equally as submersive colors.
As a television, in a sense the T27A950 is a miniature, scaled back television in size and size alone. It comes with all the features of a television, including even a typical Samsung television remote and 3D glasses. Perhaps it isn’t the first choice for a movie with family in the living room, snuggling up on the sofa, but maybe more of a convenience thing especially for those with computers by their bedroom, or in a personal computing space. The set of characteristics that make a television a television are likely easier to be matched with those of a computer monitor than reverse and the limitation of the T27A950 hybrid is definitely its computer monitor half due to size. Any larger and it is unlikely to be a reasonable monitor. Still though, it isn’t too hard to imagine a situation where one is in close proximity to the display and where the display would serve as a handy auxiliary television. Personally, being a student and by that I mean to say: 1. Living in smaller accommodations, 2. Sleeping near to where I work (on the computer), and 3. One who watches little TV, I can appreciate the fact that the display doubles as both a monitor and television. However, although I do think the Smart Hub feature is incredibly cool, the T27A950′s hybrid nature does make it a little bit obsolete.