HannsG HW223DP review

The line between computer monitor and LCD TV is getting increasingly blurry - especially as monitors increase in size, like this 22-inch widescreen HW223DP from HannsG.

Although there's no aerial input, the HW223DP can double as an entertainment display in other areas. It supports HDCP, so it can be connected to HD DVD players and any other device that plays copyrighted-protected material when it's eventually released by the major movie studios. The HW223DP can scale 1080p high definition video (sometimes referred to as 'full HD') to its slightly lower native resolution of 1,680x1,050, and also comes with an adaptor that lets you connect a component video source to its DVI input. The extra connections don't end there: also built in is a four-port USB2 hub, on the side of the monitor where the ports can be easily accessed.

The HW223DP has understated good looks suited to both home and office, with a moulded brushed-silver bezel and black stand. It can be wall mounted, but otherwise there's no flexibility in positioning: the height can't be adjusted and, unlike a few big TFTs, it can't be pivoted into portrait mode, a useful option for displaying long documents and web pages. The distance between your desktop and the bottom of the panel is only 90mm, shorter than usual, so unless you're of diminutive stature you may need a monitor stand.

Unlike the integrated speakers in most monitors, the 3W pair built-in to the HW223DP are loud, with no distortion at top volume and lots of bass. When the on-screen menu isn't in use, two of the control buttons can be used to adjust volume. The buttons are under the front of the display, but symbols clearly guide you to the button you want.

We can't fault the image quality of this display. It gave pure whites and deep, true blacks. HD movies were reproduced superbly, with detail in even the darkest areas. Images were crisp and sharp over both DVI and D-sub connections. This is also a good monitor for games. Details were smoothly rendered without any smearing of fast action.