bit-tech Shopping: Samsung T260HD 25.5" Widescreen LCD Monitor

• Audio - Digital Optical Out
• Audio - Line In
• Audio - Line Out
• Component Video
• Video - 15 pin High-Density D-shell (VGA)
• Video - 24 pin DVI-D
• Video - Coaxial (RF)
• Video - HDMI

Rating: 8

Time with product: 9 Months

Strengths: Large screen; 2 HDMI ports; QAM Tuner; features many media ports; Vibrant colors; Decent black levels; High-quality build; supports high resolutions as both an HDTV and a monitor.

Weaknesses: Superfluous features (SW Upgrade via USB, but unit has no USB port); missing USB; Limited color adjustment options in HDMI mode; Require additional accessories to mount unit; poor quality speakers.

Summary: This is quite an impressive HDTV/monitor which deserves 5-stars, but is ultimately held back by critical flaws. First, it is a great 26-inch monitor which delivers vibrant colors and deep black levels. There are many input and output ports for a set this small which makes it very versatile.The issues start with the menu. There are many picture adjusting functions that become unavailable in HDMI mode which poses a problem if one is using the unit as an LCD monitor via HDMI. There is a solution thankfully--edit the graphical settings via the PC's video software. Also there is an option to upgrade the software via USB in the menu, but the unit does not include a USB port--this may be Samsung using a universal firmware for both the T260 (the LCD monitor version of this unit with USB ports) and the T260HD (the HDTV/LCD monitor version being reviewed here). Lastly, the set requires an additional accessory to be installed onto the unit because it can be mounted on the wall mount.Overall, 4 out of 5.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Combine both monitor & HD TV

Weaknesses: Non so far

Summary: As monitor it is fair good. I wish the screen can be brighter. The TV HD tuner does it job well, the digital channels are very clear. I have compared this one with other brands of monitor & it seems that the Samsung is a little pricy but offers the best picture quality.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 10 Days

Strengths: Good picture on digital channels.

Weaknesses: No Picture in Picture feature. Second HDMI port on side of screen instead of back of unit making it difficult to use in tight places.

Summary: The picture is generally good on digital channels. Analog channels have a lot of static. The unit lacks the number of connections in and out to use with other devices.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 25 Days

Strengths: very good

Weaknesses: very good

Summary: T260HD 25.5" Widescreen LCD Monitor. Imagine staring at the SAMSUNG Touch of Color Series T260HD 26-inch widescreen HDTV monitor with 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. A luxurious glass-like frame with gracefully sculpted edges is fused to a rose-black bezel, giving a soft hint..