Philips 170B6CB LCD Monitor

An introduction to the Philips 170B6CB LCD Monitor

The 170B6CB is categorised by the Philips range of "Perfect Panel" displays and is based on Zero Tolerance for defects in the manufacturing process. Philips will replace the LCD even if it has one defective pixel and this warranty of replacement is covered for one full year. Besides, the business and professional monitors cover three years warranty for any other manufacturing defect.

Philips 170B6CB LCD Monitor

Perfect Panel

What does perfect panel mean?

Have Philips come up with a perfect panel? I was certainly very curious when I read about their claim and wanted to find out what they really meant.

Pixel and sub pixel defects appear on the screen in different ways. There are two categories of pixel defects:

• Bright dot defects are sub-pixels that stand out on the screen when the monitor displays a dark pattern.

• Black dot defects are sub-pixels that stand out on the screen when the monitor displays a light pattern.

Some observe dead pixel policies and replace the defective LCD if they have certain numbers and yet, there are some who without questions asked replace them even if there is only one dead pixel. Now that is what the consumer wants, and that includes you and me!

Philips were first to come up with Zero Bright Dot policy in 2001, which boosted the confidence of consumers in their products. Now they have come up with Perfect Panel guarantee not just for a few days after purchase but for one full year from the date of purchase, again an industry first. These policies prove beyond any doubt that Philips maintains a very stringent quality control system at the manufacturing facility. The dot- defect free display is compliant to ISO 13406-2 Class 1, the reason I mention this standard is simply because this gives credence to what Philips claims and is not just a marketing ploy to sell the product on some false claim.

The good news for us, the consumers is that Philips is offering Tier I products at Tier II price levels.

I was in the market to replace my aging Philips 15" LCD monitor that is in use at the office. It was difficult not to go for a Perfect Panel with Zero defect policy in manufacturing, especially when it was available at a very competitive price. In the following paragraphs I will try my best to help you make an informed decision.

Features and Connectivity

Features of the 170B6CB monitor

This monitor comes with dual connectivity option, the VGA (Analogue) and DVI (Digital), the monitor is bundled with a VGA cable but not DVI. I prefer DVI as it does give you a better image compared to VGA.

The power supply is embedded into the panel and therefore this unit does not need additional space for the power adaptor to be placed on the desk, a space saving design in the truest sense of the word.

Another great feature on this monitor is the USB 2.0 connection on the left of the monitor, one can even connect a hub if need be for multiple connections. USB A-B cable is supplied with the monitor. Once the cable is hooked up from the computer to the monitor a port becomes available for hooking up any peripheral device without having to reach at the back of the computer - this port certainly would come in handy.

The monitor has audio inputs and appropriate cables included with the monitor. The signal is fed to drive the built-in speakers and the headphone jack, which when used mutes the output from the front panel speakers. A headphone socket of 3.5 mm is provided on the panel

I had reviewed the Philips 170S5FB earlier and had covered some of the features in detail, which also apply to this new model. If you so desire, you may use this link: http://www.pcreview.co.uk/articles/Consumer-Advice/LCD_vs_CRT/

I had also done a review on "How to choose flat panel display" entitled "Hardcore gamers and movie buffs delight!" which has general information applicable to all flat panel displays and you can check the article by following the link here: http://www.pcreview.co.uk/reviews/Monitors/Philips_170S5FB_LCD_Monitor/