Customer Reviews

LG M237WD-PM 23-Inch Class Widescreen Multi-Function LCD Monitor/TV (Gloss Black)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this item and delivery was fast from California... The items box is very small and well packaged. I save all my item boxes for at least a year, in case I need to sell or ship an item back.

I read the 4 previous reviews that were here prior to purchasing this item, so I knew its faults like weak speaker output. But I wanted the item for my bedroom TV viewing (where i use low volume or headphones), and also to use it as a Computer Monitor for my 2nd desktop computer. This way I can switch from the HDTV over to the monitor (at HD quality 1920x1200 coming from a connected HD4770 - HD quality computer video card), then connect to HULU online and catch up on my missed TV episodes, or scan the web, or play video games. This thing is just great. I've got another HDTV in the living room and the ATSC tuner in this thing picks up more channels that any other HD tuner that I used, whether it be in an HDTV or an HD tuner card for the computer (both internal & external - and I've went through about all of them).

The main thing for me is picture quality... and this thing has it. It is just GREAT! It blows away my other HD set in the living room. Also the specs were not really covered properly by either amazon or the manufacture on its website. It says it only has an ATSC tuner, but it has 3 tuners. It will collect HD, QAM, and NTSC, but it only has 1 catv input (that's always the trouble with these things, never enough of something). I guess you could connect this thing into a dual-tuner system, like a TIVO HD tuner and have it made. But it does have a lot of other connections on the rear for inputs, and I manage with that.

When I go in to edit/delete TV channel, there are 4 sections for channels, so it must have 4 tuners: DTV (ATSC), CADTV (cable HD(higher QAM), CATV (cable, original (QAM), TV (NTSC).

One thing about the remote, is there are not a lot of options on it. I like what my other hdtv remote has, it allows me to press SKIP (for 30 sec intervals), so if I am watching a channel and a commercial comes on I press SKIP 4 times, then go channel surfing, and when the 4x30sec ends, it automatically goes back to my program... I like that feature, but its not on this LG. But it does have a favorites button.

Now as for the volume deficiency my solution to this was to by a cheap, yet high quality, portable powered speaker system (battery/usb powered) that has a 3.5mm input/usb connections. This allows me to plug my powered speaker (FiiO - S9) into the LG HDTV headphone jack (I read where 1 reviewer said the was no audio out jacks, but there is.. a headphone jack). Then when I use the LGs remote control I can adjust the volume output and quality coming out of the FiiO (because its plugged in to the headphone jack). I purchased my FiiO-S9 on ebay for $[...], but now I see that amazon has it cheaper here:

http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-S9-Portable-Speaker-Players/dp/B002L4AEA4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1255467577&sr=8-4

Plus now I have a very nice powered speaker system that runs on 4 AA batteries. I can take it anywhere, (in the car, camping, etc) plug-in mp3 players, guitars, or whatever I want into it.

I guess 1 star could be taken off for the speakers, but not by me cause I found an easy solution to fix the problem

buy 1 of these TVs & I think you will enjoy it, I am.

I hope this helps clear some things up

One must be mindful of the fact that the M237WD-PM is a dual-use monitor: computer and HDTV. It appears to me that even "professional" reviewers on the Internet forget that very important fact and are, as a consequence, at once, inappropriately critical of some of the monitor's features and performance while expecting the monitor to perform in a manner beyond the scope of its design. The second important fact that appears to elude reviewers is that, at 23 inches, the monitor is a so-called kitchen/bedroom or personal monitor.

Take for instance a critique here that notes the protruding connector at the base of the screen, which renders an unattractive image when the monitor is hung on a wall. Who hangs a computer monitor on a wall? If one desires a 23-inch HDTV - to hang on a wall - I would suggest a dedicated unit, which is likely to be less expensive and have fewer internal components/circuits subject to failure.

Consider too, the universal complaint that focuses on the quantity and quality of the sound. As a dual use monitor, my M237WD-PM is setting atop my desk, next to my dedicated computer monitor (LG L227WTG), approximately 26 inches from my face. At that distance, how much volume does one need? One can also avail oneself of headphones if need be. In response to the critique that the monitor does not contain any audio output jacks (apart from the headphone jack), few televisions, as a matter of design, have audio outputs of any consequence, if at all. Why not? Because they are not designed to incorporate the speakers, pre-amps/amps necessary to push audio to ears whose locus is the back row of a theater. That task is relegated to receivers. If one requires such audio, one simply splits off the audio from the antenna/cable leads and routes it accordingly. For example, if a DVD recorder/player is used, one routes the cable to the TV from the recorder/player as usual and also uses the DVD recorder/player's audio outputs to route the audio signal to any speaker system desired. Of course, a receiver does all of this automatically, with or without a DVD or VCR unit.

As far as audio quality is concerned, some time back I responded to a reviewer who criticized the Logitech S-220 2.1 speaker system ($30 give or take and a VERY good system that can be plugged into the headphone jack of the M237WD-PM). That reviewer was disappointed that the Logitech was not as good as his Bose stereo speaker system!? In the case of the M237WD-PM, I find the quality adequate (and fully adjustable) at my distance; with headphones - even better. Perhaps my expectations are deficient or my tastes stultified but I do not expect a 23-inch monitor to house all of the necessary speakers, amps, and equalizers to produce concert-quality sound. In a word, I find the quantity and quality of the sound most satisfactory.

Before going any further, I would suggest that anyone considering this, or any other LCD monitor, first familiarize oneself with LCD monitor terminology and features, if only to determine what monitor most suits one's needs. Go to [...] to view all of the features and specifications of the M237WD-PM. Google, e.g., to find info on LCD monitors, specifications, functions in general. I mention this because the "Product Description" found in Amazon is inaccurate and/or misleading depending on one's assumptions. For example, Amazon states that the monitor has a 2 ms refresh rate. The M237WD-PM has a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a response time of 5 ms. A 60 Hz refresh rate means that the image is "redrawn" 60 times per second. A simplified definition of response time is that it is the time it takes one pixel to go from black to white to black again. Long response times, say above 8 ms, tend to produce noticeable ghosting (blurred or fuzzy images) primarily in fast moving objects. My primary monitor (L227WTG) has a response time of 2 ms, great for my gaming efforts). Another potentially confusing notation is "Gloss Black." In the case of the M237WD-PM, Amazon is referring to the plastic frame around the screen - v. the screen itself, which is matte. This is important because screens come in two flavors: matte and gloss. Most screens are considered anti-glare but matte screens have a dull finish that eliminates a good deal of reflection if one is in a bright room infused with reflective/shiny or white objects. Gloss screens are just that - glossy/shiny and are quite reflective. Think of a mirror that is clear (gloss) v. one that is fogged (matte). The difference shows up in color rendering. Gloss screens display colors in more depth, richness, and accuracy than do matte screens. Is that important? Arguably, only if one is involved with photo editing or otherwise demands the most accurate color rendering. My L227WTG has a gloss screen for my computing needs; the M237WD-PM has a matte screen - which is most adequate for TV viewing.

Again, it is good to familiarize oneself with LCD terminology and then apply that to specific monitors under consideration. If nothing else, be sure to determine if the monitor is compatible with the computer and/or receiver/DVD/etc. to which it will be connected. By the way, out of the box the M237WD-PM comes with a Sub-D (a.k.a. VGA) cable but no DVI-D cable. The latter comes in either single link or dual link. One's options are dictated by one's gfx card. Remember, this is a dual function monitor: computer/TV. It has to be wed to the DVD/receiver/cable/satellite AND the computer.
Regarding the video, it's great and very highly adjustable. Nuff said!

Hope this helps.

Just bought this set at amazon.
Wow I'm impressed! Very crisp image, clear menus, lots of inputs, just enough sound quality and great looks.

Works wonderful with my netbook using the PC connection. Full 1920x1080 instantly!
Worked well too using a DVI-D to HDMI adaptor as a second monitor for my desktop computer. It has the DVI-D input but I currently don't have the cable.

Image is outstanding... Deep blacks and intense whites. It's on par to my 32" XBR6 Sony LCD. I'm very happy to have chosen this set instead a plain LCD monitor I wanted. It worth the extra $100.

As a TV using cable input, digital channels look great and regular channels look very good.

Still need to check a Full HDMI video source (not a PC).

I bought this strictly to use as a TV in my bedroom to replace my old 20" Toshiba set.
First of all you can't buy any regular TV set, (even an LG) that comes with a 3yr. mfg. warranty.
The picture is impressive, it's better than all the 22"-24" HDTV - HDTV/Monitor sets I checked out*.
Initially I found the sound to be "tinny" as some people have commented on.
After trying several different audio settings I find this setting the most pleasing to my ears:
Menu>Audio:
Auto Volume:On
Sound Mode:Cinema(User)
SRS TruSurround XT:Off
Treble=2
Bass=99
I also read a review where the person complained that the blue power indicator was distracting.
It can be turned off:
Menu>Options>Power Indicator: Off
The light will only go on for a few seconds when you turn the set on.

* Samsung, Toshiba, Viewsonic, RCA, Sceptre, Insignia, Viore, Coby

First off I'd like to say That I've owned this TV/monitor for around two months. What can I say? It's amazing. I went from a 27-inch standard definition TV to a 23-inch glorious HDTV. I don't miss the larger size, the immense jump in detail of the picture is... I'm at a loss for words. I'm using this TV/monitor as, well, a TV for now. The only use it gets as a TV is being hooked up to my PlayStation 3, which is what the 27-inch TV was being used for. I fully intend on exploiting the ability to be used as a monitor, when I buy a computer capable of HDMI output (It has two HDMI inputs.). As for the lone front speaker, yes it is weak in a sense of limited variety of output. But I'm honestly afraid to turn it up anywhere past 25 for fear of being too loud. Mind you, it goes to 100 and normally stays on 15 or lower. The wall mounting capability is VESA 75, meaning it has the 75mm by 75mm pattern in the back, nothing else. Last thing I can think of is changing input, I read a couple reviews on a couple sites that said it was slow, possibly cumbersome. That's just too picky, I switch between HDMI for my PS3 and AV for my PS2 on a regular basis. You don't even have to get up, the switch is made with the remote. Price-wise it was $250 for me, which is rather unfortunate because I see now that it's $240. Two months will do that, there's also a version of this TV/monitor that is just a computer monitor. It's cheaper, but has no remote or speaker to speak of. So if you plan to use that as a gaming TV I'd recommend getting this TV instead. You won't notice the drop in contrast ratio. You will notice the ability to hit the power button from across the room though.

This has great pic and brillant color. have in bedroom and has plenty of volume

The monitor not only is from LG, a good reliable company, but it also comes at a great price! The picture quality is excellent! It has composite, component, 2 HDMI, DVI, and VGA inputs. Also has a tv tuner built in. If you're looking for a nice sized monitor/tv at a great price, this is the product for you.

I wanted a good quality 22 to 24 inch LCD HDTV and the highly reviewed, discount priced LG M237WD Monitor/HDTV seemed a best buy. Except for poor sound and lack of a Program Guide or an on-screen summary of the current program being viewed, I am happy with this product. The picture quality is excellent and the DTV tuner picks up stations better than my converter box. A minimal display of current program title, channel, time, and DTV format displays by pressing the Enter button. The remote lacks a Signal Strength button, but a simple Bad-Normal-Good signal bar is displayed during Manual Scan. To address the poor sound, I bought a moderately priced pair of amplified Hercules XPS 2.0 30 Multimedia Speakers providing clean 80 to 20,000 hz sound at 6 watts RMS per channel connected to the LG M237WD headphone jack. The speakers have a treble control but no bass control. To avoid a boomy speaker sound, I adjusted the TV bass level to a value of 16 to 20 out of 100 for each of the 5 sound options. I now enjoy both a great visual AND audio HDTV viewing experience.

I am currently writing my review on this huge monitor I just bought. I cannot believe how beautiful this picture is. It was very easy to setup. The sound isn't as bad as people make it out to be. I have my mac mini and my ps3 hooked up to this thing and it is incredible. Switching between devices is a breeze. The ps3 looks awesome and remote is simple but has a lot of functionality. I would recommend this product to anyone. The three year warranty is not bad either.

had this monitor for around 6 months. works GREAT with my core i-7 and bluray player in desktop. plays blurays great for 60hz and the sound is not bad either. use it as my computer speakers. i want to get 2 more for a three monitor setup. once you go with a computer monitor this size you cant go back to anything smaller. i would definitely recommend this for someone who is useing it for what its supposed to be used for a comkputer monitor. tv tuner works good too though so it would work good for a small room. have a 42 in tv in my room where the computer is so no reason to use this as a television. great monitor!