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GCN Home > 07/17/06 issue

Sony SDM-S205F

By John Breeden II, GCN Staff

Pros: Excellent color reproduction, good video
Cons: Some interlace flicker
Price: $599
Image quality: A-
Features: A
Value: B-

It was surprising that Sony’s entry in our LCD roundup looked like a fairly normal 20.1-inch display. Most Sony products have some design quirk or style that tends to set them apart from others.

But this plain-looking vanilla LCD performed quite well, especially in video-related tests. It was one of the best in the review in color stepping trials, where colors are slowly stepped down in intensity.

It avoided mistakes such as changing color hues, and was nearly perfect for every color except red, which came out a bit on the orange side. And it performed well on most video tests, although there was a large amount of interlace flicker, a notable problem in a monitor optimized for colorful video display.

The stand is excellent. It tilts forward and back and can be raised or lowered. And it also pivots into a vertical position.

At $599, it’s a touch expensive, but it could be a decent choice if your primary concern is watching videos or displaying motion onscreen.

Sony Electronics, San Diego, (877) 865-7669, www.sonystyle.com

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