ViewSonic rolls out PC/TV hybrid LCDs

ViewSonic on Thursday launched a major overhaul of its LCDs, beginning with the introduction of a new line of personal HDTVs that also serve as computer displays. The Diamani DUO's 19-inch NX1932w and 22-inch NX2232w are full-fledged HDTVs with HDMI input for pure digital signals as well as an integrated ATSC HD tuner and a built-in, 10W speaker system. VGA input and the option of a DVI-to-HDMI adapter, however, turn the displays into full computer monitors. This gives students and apartment dwellers an opportunity to connect their game consoles or TV service without investing in a second display, ViewSonic says.

Each display reaches the native resolution of its computer-only equivalent, peaking at 1440x900 for the 19-inch screen and 1680x1050 for the 22-inch model. Both claim dynamic contrast ratios up to 2,400:1 and a pixel response time of 5ms. Besides their digital inputs, the two LCDs also share component video-in, RCA, and S-video to address analog sources. Both ship immediately at prices of $349 for the NX1932w and $399 for the NX2232w.