Planar PX191
Summary
Model: Planar PX191
Type: High Res LCD Screen. DICOM capable
Size / Resolution: 19 inch viewable area, 1280 x 1024 resolution (1.3 Megapixels)
Applications: General digital image viewing, operating theatre image viewing, reviewing video recordings (endoscopy etc.), small group meetings.
Typical Price: £495 (Richardson Electronics 01522 542 631)
As soon as you unpack the PX191 you can recognise that this is no ordinary monitor. Visually stunning, the monitor is a deep black throughout (although it is also available in silver). The bezel is superslim, measuring only 15mm, and features just 5 control buttons. The stand feels solid, and its oval design is both stable and functional, taking up precious little desk real estate. The look is very clean, minimalist and professional.
The looks are matched by equally high specifications. The display is very bright, and produces a crisp, sharp image at all tested resolutions. Pictures were distortion free with excellent grayscale and colour rendition in our standard tests. Testing with medical images brings out the best in this monitor, and here the DICOM calibration via the included CXTRA software provides a significant advantage in image quality. The exceptionally high contrast ration of 700:1 (most displays in this class have a ratio of 350:1 or 400:1, a few 500:1). This is complemented by a 170 degree viewing angle (i.e. it can be viewed from almost anywhere except behind the monitor!). Video performance was also excellent, and the 25ms response time ensured almost no ghosting was evident.
The PX191 offers DVI and analogue connection, and could be set up in minutes by even a complete novice. The controls are also very user friendly, and offer control of every aspect of the display. You are unlikely to need this though, as the auto setup instantly adjusts the image to the perfect settings.
The stand has a central column which allows easy adjustment. The display is very flexible, with adjustments to height, swivel (horizontal) and tilt (vertical) adjustments possible. The screen can also be changed from landscape to portrait format just by pushing on the side until it clicks into position (no need to release any fiddly catches at the back). This is perfect for viewing different images: landscape is better for AP views of the hip or images of the foot, while portrait is much better for Chest X Rays, lateral views of the hip, views of the tibia and fibula and for reading reports.
The panel has a built in VESA mount and can be easily wall mounted. With it's slim bezel, this screen is perfect for stacking (using two or more monitors side by side), and is well suited for use in the operating theatre as part of a two display stack (so orthopaedic surgeons can view both AP and lateral simultaneously at a decent size).
An important point of note is that the PX191 comes with a 3 year advanced replacement warranty as standard (some companies may try to charge you a couple of hundred pounds for this). Basically, if your monitor develops any faults, they send you a new one and documentation to arrange collection of the faulty unit (no waiting around for it to be fixed).
An exceptional screen that has set the standard for 19 inch medical displays.
Setup / Installation 5/5 Plug n Play, excellent documentation, DVI + analogue
Image Quality : Still 5/5 Superb image and colour rendition at all resolutions.
Image Quality : Video 5/5 Superb performance, sharp, accurate colour rendition.
Overall rating: Highly Recommended. Editors Choice
To read the full specifications, click here [external link]
test model kindly supplied by Planar Europe