AOC's 2230Fm HD3 display / media player combo gets reviewed

AOC did a stellar job of knocking off some rust and catching our eyes with the downright stylish 2230Fm, and the inclusion of a self-sustaining media player was also worthy of a closer look. Thankfully, the kind folks over at Gear Diary managed to get ahold of one such unit and put it through the paces, and in the end, it seems as if more positives were noticed than negatives. As an LCD, it was viewed as top notch; visuals were crystal clear, colors were sharp and accurate and ghosting was non-existent. The built-in audio and slideshow players were lackluster at best, but the integrated video player did a phenomenal job of handling a myriad formats and making things look right at home on the 22-inch panel. Granted, we still wonder who will actually use said media player if this gets connected to your home computer anyway, but for those who've conjured up a plan, hit the read link for the full review before buying blind.

[icepop4who @ Jul 21st 2008 7:30AM]

A LCD monitor with a stripped OS that does only media playback? I don't know, but something is missing here. If you use media from your PC, then use your PC. If you wanna use your TV, then why do you need to pay extra for that fabulous screen? If you want to use it as a monitor, why do you need to pay extra (a lot extra) for that half baked OS. Does it have a harddrive and/or stream media? NO

Too many wrong combinations all in place. But hey, at least it's sexy.

[neofolklore @ Jul 21st 2008 7:52AM]

LENS FLARE.

makes any picture look professional.

[BradS @ Jul 21st 2008 8:55AM]

This would make an excellent kiosk-type display where you need to show a looping video or slide show. No need to hook up a PC just to do some simple media presentation.

If it had an Ethernet port (wired or wireless) to be able to push out media to a group of them over the network or have them display something on an open share, it would be even better.

[icepop4who @ Jul 21st 2008 12:36PM]

Excellent idea, but this product is targeted for home users. How many times do you put on a show at home?

Like the review, this is just an expensive digital photo frame. If you got the cash, then nothing is too expensive.

[newmiracle @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:11PM]

Personally I disagree with you guys. I think this is useful. Most of it depends on your computer setup, though. What if you want to watch a movie and your computer isn't on? Alot of us nerds have a computer on all the time, so maybe that doesn't even apply. But if you don't- wouldn't it be easier just pop a stick into the monitor? It'd certainly be alot quicker than booting up your computer. Also, this could replace alot of HTPC setups people may have. If all you want to do is watch movies that you download- why not just have this? The size would be the obvious answer- but not everyone has a large living space. You could have this in a smaller room, watch all your media on it and not have to worry about having a computer in your media setup.

Plus, on top of all this- you have a 22" with a 10,000 contrast ratio and HDMI. So it's not like they're using gimmicks to sell junk- these features are at the very least, 'just a bonus'.

I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I think it's great. I may wind up getting one at some point.

[hara @ Oct 14th 2008 2:11PM]

I bought this monitor this week, one word that describes it is 'AWESOME'

Pros

1. if yor pc is not booting coz of a virus attack or coz of some hardware prob, and still you want to play media content from your usb or mem card, then this monitor would definitely save you.

2. 22inch, 20000:1 contrast ratio makes display quality like never before.

3. The built-in speaker is 3W, which is obviously very low, but enough for a silent room.

4. controls are good and easy after you get used to it.


Improvements needed

1. would hav been better if thy had included tv tuner

2. speakers quality must be improved