Customer Reviews

Samsung P2770HD 27-Inch 1920x1080 5ms 16.7M LCD HDTV Monitor

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Ok, I'm one of those who always want to get a product that can be used for different purposes and Samsung P2770HD LCD TV sparked my interest. This review is for those who keep saying this is not a good PC monitor (I can tell you right now that you are WRONG). I bought this and hooked it up using HDMI. I was initially surprised the reviews are right. Text seemed blurry but I DID NOT GIVE UP because I saw tons of MENU adjustments so I played around with it. I'm telling you once you do this, you will love this monitor and get it over its 2770H (no TV tuner) brother or any other dedicated LCD monitor.

----------------------------------------------------------------
I repeat, this unit is perfect as a PC Monitor using HDMI cable!
----------------------------------------------------------------

*** Before you read on, I'm assuming you have connected this to your PC using HDMI cable and you have the LATEST video card drivers for your PC. Don't even bother with the SAMSUNG drivers yet. You don't need those at the moment. Set your resolution to 1920x1080 before starting (if your video card can support it, most does!)

Here's what you do: (and you can do this while you're PC is ON up so you can see the display change right before your eyes!)

1. Open MENU
2. Go to "Input"
3. Select "Edit Name" to open up the "Edit Name" sub menu.
4. Scroll down to "HDMI" and select it, (watch carefully)
5. Now assign "PC" or "DVI PC" to the HDMI setting and voila!!!
*** I'm not sure what this setting is for, I thought it was just to give it some "name" assignment. But somehow changing this corrected the blurry/blocky text effect.

After this, your PC display should be perfect. If text is still blurry, check if the display/resolution fills the entire screen. If not, this has to do with video card scaling option which can be easily adjusted from the video driver configuration. If you are using an ATI based video card, do these additional steps. (NVidia based video cards should also have an equivalent for this).

For WinXP
*********
1. Open up Catalyst (video card configuration tool)
2. Go to DTV or DTV (DVI) menu on the left.
3. Select sub menu "Scaling Options" and set slider to "0%" towards "Overscan"
4. Done! PICTURE IS PERFECT!!!

For Windows7/Vista
******************
1. Open up Catalyst (video card configuration tool)
2. Pull down Graphics menu
3. Select "Desktop & Displays"
4. Right click on the monitor icon at the bottom of the screen that appears.
5. Select "Configure..."
6. Change the scaling options same as the above.

Note: I'm not a MAC user so I don't know how the video configuration looks like for ATI in MAC. Probably any one of the 2 above.

Enjoy this monitor!

I can switch input sources PC/TV, turn the unit on and off and the picture is ALWAYS PERFECT.

For those who gave this unit poor reviews as a PC monitor, I'm sorry but you just gave up on one solid product that can be both a TV and a damn good PC monitor. Those who complained about dead pixels or backlight leaks (that is of course another story and you may have gotten a bad unit). Sound is reasonable for me. Just get a good external speaker (cheap) and you're done! You have 2 choices for audio out anyway (3.5mm and optical out). For it's price, this simply gives you more bang for the buck.

---------

UPDATE: I noticed that for ATI video card drivers, installing the "driver only" will not show scaling option in the settings. I recommend downloading/installing the entire catalyst software to enable this option. Because I don't have any NVidia hardware at the moment, I'm not sure if NVidia's custom driver installation will have any effect on scaling options.

Also be mindful if you're using an external HDMI switch/box. Low quality HDMI switches may show some screen artifacts so be sure to test the monitor first using a direct HDMI connection, then return the HDMI switch after you've finalized your driver settings.

I just set this TV up and am very pleased with it. I was a little worried after reading the reviews, and debated whether or not to return it to Costco for something different. I'm glad I kept this one. It is set up in a room about 15' X 15' and I find the sound to be more than adequate. I only have it turned up about half as loud as it can go. The picture quality is great--very clear. The previous reviewer said the remote did not have a "picture size" button, but my remote has one making it very easy to change the size. I also read that the tv cannot be removed from the stand once placed in there, but we removed it several times just to test it. Overall, I'm very happy with this product.

This Samsung is a nice hybrid. It works great as a computer monitor and serves admirably as an HDTV. I had purchased a 26" Samsung HDTV before this, but it did not cut it as a computer monitor. I did have a chance to compare them side-by-side, and the the 26" Samsung HDTV may have had a slight advantage as an HDTV, but not much. Both TVs have the exact same remote and the exact same on-screen menus. This unit has fewer input choices and has a stand that allows you to angle the TV. Speakers are decent and include the Samsung TruSurround, even if the box doesn't say so (it's a selectable choice in the audio options).

The only thing this TV/monitor is missing is picture-in-picture. That would make it a true hybrid, but at this price point, the features and quality are more than acceptable.

After researching alternatives, I purchased the P2770HD to replace dual four-year old HP 19" LCD (4 x 3 aspect ratio) monitors running at 1280 X 1024 resolution.

I calculated that 27" (at 1080P) was the maximum screen size that would retain the resolution quality of my previous monitors.

I'm exceptionally pleased with this unit. The size is just right for displaying two full-size windows simultaneously, side-by-side. Graphics and text are sharp and colors are great.

I was a bit apprehensive about some of the negative review comments. However, I think that negative comments (that are mixed with many positive comments), are often a result of an individual user's incorrect set-up or other factors relating to his/her unique situation.

So I moved ahead because of the many highly positive reviews and my confidence in Samsung based on previous experience. I'm glad I did.

Noting the comments about adverse effects from using HDMI connection for monitor use, I used a DVI cable. The resulting images could not be better.

My use is almost entirely as a monitor, but I concluded that the flexibility of having a hybrid unit such as this was well worth the small additional cost.

The TV function is as good as the monitor function. I can receive the local network channels in HD, without another cable box that would be required for HD reception of all other channels.

I also have a TV tuner card (standard definition) in my PC that enables me to have a small window open with, e.g., CNN playing in the corner of the screen, while in PC mode. Using the same graphics card as previously, and even in standard def, the picture is superior to what it was on my previous monitors.

The sound from the integrated, invisible speakers is just fine for both PC and TV use in my home office. There's even an equalizer function built into the monitor. I'd long been using external desktop speakers and a subwoofer with the PC. I'm happy to now be able to remove that clutter from my desk. (I didn't expect the sound to be similar to that from the multi-speaker surround system in another room, and it doesn't need to be.)

So, if you're considering this unit but are concerned about some of the negative comments, give the positive reviews more weight. You'll be glad you did.

I just purchased this monitor from Costco for use primarily as a PC monitor. It is replacing an Acer 24" monitor. I really wanted the larger size to accommodate working on multiple documents/applications at the same time. I had read the reviews on this monitor before I purchased it. Costco also had the P2770H, which is the newer version of this monitor. What sold me on this monitor was the following:

- Intended use: a PC monitor (not a HD tv).
- Diversity of signal hookups on this monitor: VGA, DVI, HDMI, Component Video, RCA, RCA & Digital audio
- Size: 27"
- Recommendation: the Costco floor personnel in the TV department told me that they use to have this monitor displayed in the TV aisle rather than the PC monitor aisle. In the TV aisle, they would broadcast signal and Dvd pictures through it. It was not uncommon that customers would rate this monitor's picture as better than many of the other monitors. This satisfied my need to occasionally watch DVDs or videos on my computer.

I initially hooked this monitor up using the VGA connection to see how it would look. It was actually very good - much better than my 24" Acer that it was replacing. Text was brilliant, smooth, and clear. Very impressive.

I decided to add a dedicated video card to my Windows 7 PC to add HDMI support (my integrated video card on my motherboard did not support a HDMI connection). I added the Galaxy GeForce GT 430 in my PCI-Express slot. I then hooked up this monitor to the HDMI connection on my new video card. After installation, I observed what many have seen using the HDMI connection: text was not clear and smooth like on the VGA connection. I then proceeded to implement the following suggestion from one of the Amazon reviewers to improve the appearance of text on this monitor when hooked up to HDMI. It worked like a charm! It was also easy and quick: you can see the change occur right before your eyes - no need to Log Off or reboot. I am including these instructions for your reference and convenience at the bottom of my post in quotation marks.

Enjoy this monitor -- it is a real beauty! I have been using it for 4-5 days now and I am very impressed by its brilliance, clarity, & color. Also, if you have not yet noticed the difference between a 24" and 27" monitor, it is significant. Even my 9-year old daughter said, "This is much bigger!" It really is much bigger. I love it!

Oh, if you did not know...this monitor includes its own remote control -- a nice bonus. Using the Menu key on the remote, you can access all of the monitor's settings and adjustments from the comfort of your chair without having to touch the monitor itself.

Instructions from other Amazon reviewer regarding monitor adjustments to improve text appearance using HDMI:

"----------------------------------------------------------------
I repeat, this unit is perfect as a PC Monitor using HDMI cable!
----------------------------------------------------------------

*** Before you read on, I'm assuming you have connected this to your PC using HDMI cable and you have the LATEST video card drivers for your PC. Don't even bother with the SAMSUNG drivers yet. You don't need those at the moment. Set your resolution to 1920x1080 before starting (if your video card can support it, most does!)

Here's what you do: (and you can do this while you're PC is ON up so you can see the display change right before your eyes!)

1. Open MENU
2. Go to "Input"
3. Select "Edit Name" to open up the "Edit Name" sub menu.
4. Scroll down to "HDMI" and select it, (watch carefully)
5. Now assign "PC" or "DVI PC" to the HDMI setting and voila!!!
*** I'm not sure what this setting is for, I thought it was just to give it some "name" assignment. But somehow changing this corrected the blurry/blocky text effect.

After this, your PC display should be perfect. If text is still blurry, check if the display/resolution fills the entire screen. If not, this has to do with video card scaling option which can be easily adjusted from the video driver configuration. If you are using an ATI based video card, do these additional steps. (NVidia based video cards should also have an equivalent for this)."

I bought this TV to use as a monitor with a Mac Mini (2009). It works very well. I realize that an IPS monitor would have better color resolution and viewing angle but at ~1/3 the price the P2770HD was worth consideration. Initially I set it up with an HDMI connection and HATED it.

With HDMI the screen was blocky with poor color and luminance control. Not quite like an interlaced picture but more like a scaling error. This is just my impression. The price was too good for me to just return it without another chance so I bought a VGA cable to try that connection. Night and day difference in a good way.

The image is now great with the VGA connection. Sharp and clear it even acts like a monitor and goes to sleep when there is no signal present, wakes when the signal resumes!

Maybe I expected too much from the HDMI connection but under VGA I couldn't be happier.

I have not evaluated it as a TV.

I bought this product to use as both a tv and a computer monitor. Its the only one I found that has every hookup i could wish for and 1080p resolution in a 27 inch frame. As a computer monitor, it is simply outstanding. I have it hooked up to my 15" macbook pro via a dvi cable and text is crisp, and colors are bright. As a tv it also performs admirably. The size of the tv is a good size for a smaller room such as a dorm room or home office. Some people complain about the speakers in this monitor but to me they are not an issue. Any thin monitor today will not have high fidelity audio coming out of it. The only complaint is the lack of an adjustable base and no picture in picture. Other than that, a great value at $400.

I bought this Samsung unit from Amazon to serve as a monitor. While a beautiful unit, it is suitable as a television, not as a monitor. It's a great TV because:
1. The P2770HD is attractive, with a wide, elegantly sculpted bezel. It's hard to appreciate the quality finish from the photos; when I bought the unit, Amazon displayed the P2770HD with the wrong photo; the correct photo is displayed at the time this review is being written.
2. The P2770HD offers a wide variety of signal inputs and outputs, making it very flexible as a target for video signals.
3. The quality of its construction and packaging are excellent--though the design and content of the user's manual and on-screen display (OSD) are clumsy and poorly translated.

I made the mistake to let the highly-rated and prominently-placed review from "Tech Junkie" influence my decision. Contrary to Tech Junkie's assertion, P2770HD is a poor monitor because:
1. To enjoy even reasonable text rendering, you have to hack the OSD settings. With an HDMI input from my Gateway i3 desktop with Intel graphics, the monitor displayed serious overscan. "Tech Junkie" explained that assigning "PC" as the "name" of the video source on the Samsung unit would help address these problems. This hack did improve the text quality, but it clearly reveals a serious design flaw in the Samsung that suggests other flaws are present.
2. The bezel is *very* wide. The attractive bezel is suitable for a TV mounted on or against a wall, but not for a free-standing monitor where minimum bezel width is ideal.
3. The back panel connections face outward, which is reasonable because there are so many. This is fine for a TV against a wall and the cabling panel is not visible, but unattractive in a free-standing monitor. (I compare my current ASUS monitor for which the cables rise vertically into overhanging connectors not visible from the back.)
4. The unit displays a large "no signal" banner when there is no HDMI output from my PC. I expected the screen to go dark and the monitor to fall into power-saving mode. It does not.

Because of these design flaws/compromises, this Samsung unit is not suitable as a PC monitor. If I had wanted a 27-inch TV, it may possibly have been a great choice. Because I don't need a TV, I returned it today.

I am disappointed that Samsung, which normally delivers products of excellent quality, has tried to market the P2770HD as a monitor. Amazon should have been more careful to document the unit with accurate photos and descriptions. I regret that I have wasted my time and their money.

This is one stunning monitor, it took me about 20 minutes to get it all working correctly, had to tell my laptop I was sending the video to a LCD TV, once that happened I was able to set the screen resolution to the highest setting for the monitor. My laptop has a HDMI out and that is how it is connected, I hooked up a real nice set of speakers (Logitech) and the remote control adjusts the volume and turns the set on/off.
FYI:
If the picture does not fill the screen then your screen resolution is not set high enough, your video card may need the newest driver to set it higher, I downloaded the latest driver from Intel. In Windows 7 you should have an option on your taskbar next to the clock for hidden icons, one of these should be for your video card, that is where you tell it your sending the signal to an LCD TV, once you do that the monitor on the laptop should turn off.
After you have done that you will still need to change your display setting to the highest available.

I bought this Monitor after mine started to go bad and the DVI input on it completly died. Old monitor was a Dell Perfect Sharp 24" IPS LCD. I went with this Samsung after i listened to people that a TN LCD had a faster refresh rate and was better for gaming and the off axis viewing difference was negligable..... going from an IPS to a TN, i feel they are wrong... IPS is FAR superior to a TN, and i wish i woulda saved up some money a lil longer and gone with an IPS display, but oh well...

As for this monitor, while the screen is rather nice and quite large, i think it makes a better TV then a monitor. Lack of any height adjustments, no tilt and no swivel makes this kinda hard on a person for a desktop. That is my biggest complaint, as my old Dell i could tilt, swivel, pivot, flip to portrait and adjust height to my hearts content, while this one is in one position and one position only. granted the 8 years ago that old dell cost me $1200 and this cost me just under $350 i should expect a lil downgrade in features. Also i think on a screen this size the 1920x1080 isnt quite high enough for a PC and when sitting this close to it... i woulda prefered a lil higher resolution, but that could just be me.

I know im a lil rough on this monitor, but the screen really is quite nice, in some websites if the background color is a lil different in color then the usual black or white, i can notice the off axis shading. But its really not that bad, and more of that is cuz of how my desk is set up and the monitor sits on a lil shelf on my desk. Half-Life 2 looks pretty amazing on this screen, and Beta testing Rift looks quite awesome too. I'm using the VGA plug since this didnt come with a DVI cable (i will be changing that tho), and text looks just fine to me.

So in conclusion

Pro: price, size of screen, screen does look quite nice, comes with a remote.

Con: TN just doesnt quite measure up to an IPS screen, complete lack or ergonomic controls, 1080p resolution might be a lil low for a PC and a screen of this size.

I think this is better suited as a TV with the option of hooking up a PC, then as a PC Monitor with TV inputs.