NEC AccuSync 24WMCX 24″ 1080p LCD Monitor Review

The NEC AccuSync 24WMCX is a very good example of hybrid computer monitor - HDTV set. The 24″ 1080p LCD Monitor, as a hybrid, can handle a computer’s 16 x 10, WUXGA, 1920 x 1200 and an HDTV’s 16 x 9, 1080p signals. For those people who are minimalist, who love space, this device is perfect for you.

Of course, this technology doesn’t come easy. Most LCD hybrids usually compromise one side for the other. What usually happens is that the computer side of the set dominates over the TV side. This set is no exception to that. The AccuSync 24WMCX shines when used as a computer monitor, but dims when used as an HDTV set.

In addition, the AccuSync 24WMCX doesn’t come in with a TV tuner, neither NTSC nor ATSC. So if you want to watch broadcast TV, you will need to plug into a cable or satellite set-top box.

Physically, the NEC AccuSync is just a black square bezelled box sitting in its matching black stand. The Power and Control buttons are located in the middle of the frame at the bottom. The 14 pound set has a 3.4 inch deep monitor can be rotated backwards or forwards from its center. However, that is all it can do. It can’t be moved from side to side. It also does not rotate vertically on its stand into portrait mode. If you want more flexibility, you can detach the stand and mount the monitor on an articulating arm.

A connection panel is located at the back and supplies users with one HDMI input, one DVI-D, one VGA (15 pin D-Sub), and one Component (Pr, Pb, Y with RCA stereo audio). You might have a bit of a hard time connecting your cables because of the placement of the connection panel which is directly above where the stand attaches to the monitor.

Also included in the sets connection panel is a headphone mini-jack and an SPDIF coaxial digital Audio Output. NEC also included speakers into the unit.

Just a quick note on setting up this set. A tricky point to remember in adjusting computer monitor/HDTV hybrids is that you are not only dealing with the monitor but also with the video card in your computer. Calibrating a hybrid entails an expanded routine in comparison to setting up a regular HDTV.

With the NEC AccuSync, you can adjust the monitor’s Contrast, Brightness, and Colors with your mouse through the desktop. None of the fuss and muss of fumbling with buttons. It even provides a set of test patterns that you can display while you are tweaking.

As for this set’s performance, again we have to take note that this set is a hybrid. We are dealing with a computer monitor and an HDTV. As a computer monitor, the AccuSync is just wonderful. Maybe this is due to the fact that you can fine tune Color, Brightness, and Contrast to your taste.

You can easily make those subtle adjustments that elevate a satisfactory display to a superior one.

As an HDTV however, you can probably squeeze out a good picture out of it after tweaking some of its settings. But its never perfect and probably not good enough when compared to single purpose LCD’s out there. You can never feel that the image had the proper mix of colors or the right balance of saturation, brightness, and contrast.

Finally, the monitor’s integrated speakers are not great, but they perform well enough that you wouldn’t need to add separate speakers to a cramped workspace. Of course, if you are serious about your computer’s audio, you probably already have an off board speaker system.

Though remember that if you will be playing content from a device that is not hooked into your computer, like a Blu-ray player, you should run your audio through an A/V receiver. Your ears will thank you for the upgrade.

In conclusion, the NEC’s AccuSync 24WMCX performs admirably as a computer monitor. But as an HDTV, you might like to get those built with HDTV as its main purpose.

Sources:
http://www.hdtvsolutions.com
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk
http://www.ciao-shopping.nl