Samsung Goes Wide and Bright with New 17-inch TFT Monitor

November 18, 2002 -- Samsung, the world’s number one manufacturer of CRT and TFT displays, offers high-end computer users one of the most revolutionary flat-panel monitors available today: the SyncMaster 172W. Featuring one of the brightest displays on the market and a wide format aspect ratio, the SyncMaster 172W is the latest addition to Samsung’s MagicBright family of monitors, which feature three separate “brightness modes” designed specifically for PC, Internet and entertainment applications. The SyncMaster 172W is currently shipping.

“Samsung has an award-winning record of success as an innovator and leader in the global display market,” states Rey Roque, Vice President of Marketing for Samsung’s Digital Information Technology Division (DITD). “With its wide aspect ratio, dual inputs and three modes of brightness, the SyncMaster 172W showcases the power of Samsung’s ground-breaking MagicBright technology.”

Targeted to graphics professionals, motion video editors, and PC and online gamers, the SyncMaster 172W allows users to select the MagicBright mode of choice by simply pressing the MagicBright button on the front of the monitor. Samsung’s 172W produces a higher level of brightness while maintaining normal life expectancy with ultra-clear and razor-sharp images.

The first brightness mode, PC-Text, is ideal for traditional text-based computing such as world processing, spreadsheets, graphics and database applications. The PC mode features a brightness level equivalent to what users are accustomed to on traditional LCD displays.

The Internet Mode offers increased luminescence that is specifically designed for viewing streaming video or video from the Internet. As a result, users downloading video from the Internet see a brighter, more saturated color as well as sharper and crisper images when compared with video viewed on a traditional PC display.

The third -- and brightest -- mode parallels the TV viewing experience and features the highest luminescence level. This mode is designed for entertainment applications such as PC-Internet gaming, multimedia content editing, and watching TV or HDTV (if a user’s PC includes a TV tuner).

The 172W’s new wide format produces 25% more working space than XGA 4:3 display. This eliminates the need for two separate displays and allows for application tools, tools pallets and pop-up menus on the same display without interfering with the active application, document or drawing area. In addition, characters are 10% larger than a traditional 17” 4:3 SXGA display, allowing for easy viewing of text applications. Additionally, the 172W’s wide format allows users to enjoy any wide-screen (cinema) DVD movie in its original filmed format. A full 95% of all computers now ship with a DVDCD player allowing motion video to be displayed on a computer screen.

For users who demand precise color representation, the SyncMaster 172W offers a sRGB color management solution which achieves true color compatibility among various color image peripherals such as printers, scanners, projectors and camcorders. The sRGB solution allows users to preview on their screen what the final image will look like when it is printed, scanned or projected ensuring that the colors you see on your Samsung monitor are consistent with the original images -- from detailed graphics programs to Web site merchandise to printed material.

Designed for high-end graphics design applications, businesses and corporations and anyone who demands picture-perfect image quality, the 172W features a stylish sliver black cabinet and a convenient dual-hinge stand that can be folded back and used as the wall mount bracket at a total depth of only 2” flush to the wall! This built-in value add eliminates the need for users to purchase a separate VESA wall mount bracket. With an ultra-thin one-inch panel profile, height adjustment capability and a full 90-degree screen tilt, the 172W is ideal for any business, SOHO or home requirement.

The SyncMaster 172W offers users the option of using either a digital or analog interface for viewing images and text. The Digital Video Interface (DVI) ensures a shaper, cleaner image and a more accurate representation of the original video source. Since video starts out digital in a PC graphics card, the digital output is directly interfaced to the digital input of the LCD panel and always provides the optimum quality image. In addition, no end-user adjustments are required with a digital display, even when randomly changing resolutions. The 172W has an ultra-fine pixel pitch of .264 mm and offers a maximum resolution of 1280 x 768.

When used with an analog input, the SyncMaster 172W offers an easy-access, one-button auto calibration system for greater control over the on-screen image allowing for quick proportioning of screen geometry, contrast, brightness and clock-phase. The On Screen Display system features a comprehensive menu of controls, including auto adjustment, color and image size.

The SyncMaster 172W is Mac and Sun compatible, and users can receive a free MacMaster and SunMaster adaptor with the purchase of the monitor. Consumers just need to contact Samsung’s customer service representatives and verify the model and serial numbers and the adaptor will be mailed out immediately.

Samsung’s 172W meets TCO ’99 standards for low emissions and incorporate a power management system that complies with VESA, DPMS, Energy2000 and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Standards for energy efficient reduced power consumption.

For easy installation and optimum configuration, the 172W has built-in Plug and Play capability that conforms to the Video Electronics Standards Association's (VESA) Display Data Channel (DDC) Type 1/2B standards. Plug and Play automatically configures the monitor with the host computer and selects the optimum resolution and refresh rates to achieve crisp detail, bright colors and razor sharp images.

Samsung backs all of its monitors with a three-year, parts and labor warranty as well as toll-free technical support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, Samsung offers a three-year Advanced Replacement Program, three-year Repair & Return or Exchange and three-year Shuttle Exchange for hassle-free repairs.

For more information about Samsung's SyncMaster monitors, or for the name of the dealer nearest you, contact Samsung toll-free at 1-800-SAMSUNG or via the Internet at www.samsungusa.com.