Hitachi CML174 17'' LCD Plus Samsung 172T Revisted

Conclusions

Overall we were conflicted about some of the performance benchmarks on the CML174.  We were a little disappointed to verify that there were some problematic color rendering problems.  In essence, similar accuracy problems that plagued the 191T seem to occur in this display as well.  Whereas Samsung has spent several months correcting color problems on their own production facilities, will AUO do the same for Hitachi?

Our look at gaming on the CML174 was not 100% conclusive, as we still detected the type of blurring the 16ms response time was supposed to eliminate.  After a whole lot of MechWarrior 4, Max Payne and UT2003, we still concluded the CML174 blurred less on high motion objects.  Until a standardized benchmark for measuring response time becomes available, we will continue to rely on a subjective test. 

Obviously, the most deciding factor for many buyers will be the price.  The CML174 pulls ahead of the 172T costing a little more than 50USD less than the 172T on the street.  Monitors Direct offers the same unit we reviewed in black or white for 575.01 USD, free shipping plus advance placement warranty.

The hype surrounding this monitor seems to be worth it.  The CML174 and the Samsung 172T are both excellent monitors, but after thoroughly examining both we came to the conclusion that they are more like apples and oranges.  The Samsung 172T provides stronger and more vivid colors, along with great style and OSD.  The Hitachi CML174, on the other hand, has an integrated DC converter, lower response time and lower price.  We would not recommend the CML174 for graphic designers just yet because of some of the color rendition problems present. For gaming, AUO/Hitachi really did an excellent job.  It may not be the most attractive or stylish unit on the market, but it does what it says, and it does it well. 

Furthermore, we can call the CML174 unique as it is the first of its kind.  Once manufacturers like LG and Samsung see the demand created by the CML174 and other 16ms response time monitors, a competitive battle over the gaming market should ensue.  From our interview with Samsung, it looks like they are about 5 months behind, and we will not see on of their low response time units until late Q2 or early Q3.  Kudos to both Hitachi and AUO for finally opening LCD’s to gamers.

Special thanks to Hitachi Displays for providing us with a review sample of the CML174.  Many thanks also to NEC and Samsung for recently providing us with enough technical documentation to squish an elephant.