MicroScan MX-15HW

The display

It seems that more and more products that are in the “value” segment are tagged with the “MX” abbreviation. It just so happens that many of these products are in the graphics market. While it’s true that MX is in the MicroScan 15HW’s name, what it doesn’t tell you is that the display quality is far superior to what you might expect.

ADI MX-15 HW

The ADI is far brighter than the NEC

The model we’re taking a look at is a 15” display that’s basic in features, but packs serious image quality. ADI makes a long line of LCDs but most of its products are in the 15” to 17” range. We’re talking about affordable displays that produce pro-level image quality. Our unit only comes with a standard DB15 VGA connector; but even so, the MX-15 produced some of the cleanest images we’ve seen.

Specifications

15" (15" viewable area), TFT active matrix, non-glare coated LCD panel

Max. Resolution: 1024 x 768 @75 Hz (XGA)
Pixel Pitch: 0.297 mm (H) x 0.297 mm (V)
Scanning Frequencies Horizontal: 31.25 to 60 KHz
Vertical: 50 to 75 Hz
Contrast Ratio: 350:1 (typical)
Viewing Angle: 120° (H), 120° (V)
Brightness: 250cd/m2

Input Connector: 15-pin D-sub Type
Power consumption: 22 Watts (maximum)
Power Management: EPA/Energy Star, VESA DPMS signaling method
Front panel controls: Power On/Off, Select, Adjust +/-
OSD controls: EasyscreenTM Auto Adjustment, Brightness, Contrast, Color, H/V Position, Clock Phase, OSD Position,
Multi-Languages, Factory Reset, Save & Exit
Dimensions: 15.3"(w) x 12.1"(H) x 5"(D), 9.9 lbs
Extra Features: TV-Tuner (optional)

15 inches is becoming the standard these days for LCDs while their CRT counterparts are lingering at around 19 and appearing like they’ll be moving to 21. However, the difference between CRTs and LCDs is that the LCD’s screen size is also its viewable image size. CRTs however, have been enjoying the marketing grind and because of this, their actual viewable image size is smaller (usually about 1 to 2 inches) than their published size.

Notice that the MX-15 can handle 75Hz at its native resolution. However, we noticed that text had very slight moiré at 75Hz and when we reduced the screen down to 60Hz, the moiré disappeared. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to tell the difference between 75Hz and 60Hz on an LCD as you would on a CRT.

The MX-15HW is very bright. The average contrast ratio on an LCD is 200:1, but the MX-15HW is able to output up to 350:1. We aren’t able to accurately measure the brightness but suffice to say the MX-15HW had much better brightness to contrast ratios than our reference CRT.