With LCD monitor sales slowing down and profits narrowing, makers have been pushing products with more functionality
With the growth of LCD monitor sales slowing down and profits narrowing, makers have been pushing products with more functionality to remain competitive, with Sony, Sharp and BenQ among the makers that are offering multifunction monitors (MFMs).
Sony's 19-inch MFM (MFM-HT95) is a multimedia display launched earlier this month that features a bass speaker and two side-speakers. The product integrates functions of a TV and PC monitor, and allows users to watch TV while using the monitor via picture-in-picture (PIP) support. Also, a built-in light sensor can automatically adjust the brightness of the panel according to the ambient indoor lighting.
Sharp also launched 20- 23- and 26-inch MFMs with a widescreen 16:9 ratio. The MFM has TV functionality and support resolutions up to 1,366x768. The company will also roll out a 32-inch model soon.
In addition, BenQ has launched its first 17-inch MFM (FP72V) in Europe (pictured). The MFM features a light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the monitor based on the ambient lighting in the room and a timer that automatically lowers the brightness and contrast after a prescribed period of time. There is also a durable built-in protective film that helps safeguard the screen from scrapes and scratches. The MFM was introduced at Computex 2005.
With the growth of LCD monitor sales slowing down and profits narrowing, makers have been pushing products with more functionality to remain competitive, with Sony, Sharp and BenQ among the makers that are offering multifunction monitors (MFMs).
Sony's 19-inch MFM (MFM-HT95) is a multimedia display launched earlier this month that features a bass speaker and two side-speakers. The product integrates functions of a TV and PC monitor, and allows users to watch TV while using the monitor via picture-in-picture (PIP) support. Also, a built-in light sensor can automatically adjust the brightness of the panel according to the ambient indoor lighting.
Sharp also launched 20- 23- and 26-inch MFMs with a widescreen 16:9 ratio. The MFM has TV functionality and support resolutions up to 1,366x768. The company will also roll out a 32-inch model soon.
In addition, BenQ has launched its first 17-inch MFM (FP72V) in Europe (pictured). The MFM features a light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the monitor based on the ambient lighting in the room and a timer that automatically lowers the brightness and contrast after a prescribed period of time. There is also a durable built-in protective film that helps safeguard the screen from scrapes and scratches. The MFM was introduced at Computex 2005.