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The good news continues when it comes to using the T220HD as a television. Analogue channels are perfectly acceptable, with a minimum of the noise you often get when watching standard definition content on an LCD monitor. With digital TV, the main challenge was realising there is a separate D.menu button above the volume and channel controls to set this up, which is somewhat counter-intuitive at best. Still, Samsung's tuner made the best of the channels, and channel guides were simple but attractive and responsive. Best of all, they allow you to continue viewing the channel you were on while accessing them - unlike Sky.

As far as the speakers go, we weren't expecting too much and that's exactly what we got. Turning Auto Volume on increases the volume to very decent levels, although this does introduce a little distortion. Aside from this, you can forget about bass, and gunshots literally sound like someone popping caps. Still, the speakers do an adequate job for daytime TV.

In terms of image quality, this is the first TN-based 22in LCD TV monitor I would actually consider owning myself, although obviously it doesn't support full high definition. Apart from the lack of adjustability and a very slow wake time from standby, we're left with a display that wins on almost every count - offering a classy design, good image quality, loads of connectivity, passable sound and a great remote. There's only one factor missing from this list; good value for money.

Believe it or not, the T220HD's bigger, 1,920 x 1,200 24in brother can actually be had for around the same price. Though the former does seem to use a slightly superior panel, it's difficult to ignore the extra inches and resolution the Samsung SyncMaster T240HD provides.

Verdict

An impressive showing for a TN panel that, combined with its good looks, wealth of connections and clever design, makes the Samsung SyncMaster T220HD one of the better LCD TV monitors we've come across. But with its 24in sibling available at the same price and LG's M2294D for £100 less, it's not an instant buy.

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