ViewSonic's 22-inch N2201w LCD TV packs inbuilt DVD player, TV tuner

We still haven't been able to shake the ViewSonic dragon from our memory, but we're attempting to move on with our lives by directing our attention (however briefly) to the N2201w. This so-called "3-in-1" LCD TV packs a 22-inch 1,680 x 1,050 resolution panel, a 5-millisecond response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a built-in NTSC / ATSC / QAM TV tuner. You'll also find an integrated DVD player and an HDMI port, and just to prove it really is multifaceted, there's a PC input to boot. No telling if the picture quality is anything to write home about, but the $429 price tag sure is palatable.

[Via CEPro]

[Homeboy @ Sep 24th 2008 8:45AM]

Since when do LCD TVs not come with a built in TV tuner?

[Lax G @ Sep 24th 2008 8:54AM]

thats exactly what i thought

[tom @ Sep 24th 2008 8:55AM]

It has been quite a while. My Sony Bravia LCD (2 years old) did not have one, I picked it because it was cheaper and I am gonna use a digital box anyway.

[lnx @ Sep 24th 2008 8:57AM]

No. Damn. Sense.

[Darth Lord @ Sep 24th 2008 8:58AM]

I am hoping that it comes with a remote control as well..and maybe even several different types of input ports

[Homeboy @ Sep 24th 2008 9:08AM]

tom: I guess that what you bought was an LCD monitor and not an actual TV. The characteristics of a TV is that it comes with a tuner as well as a dedicated remote for the screen allow you to change channels and fiddle with settings.

[tom @ Sep 24th 2008 9:45AM]

The TV i got was a Sony Bravia U series, it comes with HDMI, RGB, s-video. It has a universal remote to change channel on the cable box.

[kempcross @ Sep 24th 2008 11:41AM]

Homeboy, unless you're 2 years old, you should remember that HD tv's (LCDs, Plasma, etc), recently only came with an ATSC/NTSC tuner. The QAM tuner was only incorporated in high-end models. In the past 2 years or so, however, you're right, most HD TV's now come with a QAM tuner.

[John @ Sep 24th 2008 9:12AM]

I think this is actually a 3 in 1 monitor. Searching for 'N2201w' gives you a few results for TV, but also a bunch for monitor, and if it was a TV it would make no damn sense to go around proudly proclaiming that it has a friggin TV tuner in it.

[nxp3 @ Sep 24th 2008 9:56AM]

Come on...not even 1080, what's the point with hdmi connection then. No excuse for any tv not to be 1080 nowaday.

[Danny H. @ Sep 24th 2008 9:57AM]

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/lcdtv/N2201w/index.htm

[Evan @ Sep 24th 2008 10:29AM]

Crap:
- 16:10 aspect ratio
- Not full HD resolution
- Cheap-ass TN panel
- Less than 100% color gamut
- Plays outdated standard definition DVDs

[pAT @ Sep 24th 2008 10:44AM]

Dear Lord Evan! How DO you stand those outdated DVDs?!? Thank GOD you've apparently thrown them all in the trash for the vastly superior Blu-Ray format.

When I watch DVDs now (or, I should say, when I'm forced at gunpoint to watch DVDs) they literally make my eyes bleed! I don't know how people watched those things in the before-times all those months ago. Besides, Blu-Ray conveniently prevents you from watching any of those antiquated teliovisual programs and talkies from, say, 4 or more years ago. And, on top of that, I LOVE rebuilding my video collection every couple of years. Keeps me on my toes! Of course, at 2+ years, Blu-Ray's getting a bit long in the tooth. Please God! Bring us a new, superior format!!!

[Mr. Ford @ Sep 24th 2008 11:14AM]

I mean come on, who really sits close enough to a 22" screen to tell the difference between 1080 and 720. The pixel density at a normal viewing distance (3-5 ft), even with 480p source material, is so high that you can't tell a difference. Sony's XEL1 is only 960x540 and it sells for over 2k. It's only an 11" screen and it has about the best pic I have ever seen.
If you guys will notice, the review touts this device as a 3 in 1 monitor. The resolution is 16:10 because most people prefer the extra screen height when using a computer monitor. The tv tuner is an added feature to what is essentially a computer monitor with a built in dvd player.
As far as having a crap, outdated SD dvd player, how much bitching would be done if it was $800 because it had a built in blu-ray.

[fred @ Sep 24th 2008 10:42AM]

resolution is too low.
my 15"laptop is that resolution!

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Sep 24th 2008 11:50AM]

Doesn't sound like the DVD player can be used as a DVD drive... seems like it would have been easy to implement.

[Janice @ Sep 24th 2008 1:09PM]

Hey all, I'm interested in buying this TV primarily to function as a TV and not a monitor, does anyone think that's a good idea or bad idea?

[Janice (again) @ Sep 24th 2008 3:11PM]

I have just purchased this tv and when I receive it and try it out I will post what I think about it here for anyone who is wondering. =)

[Janice @ Sep 29th 2008 10:56PM]

Just got this TV and it's picture quality is pretty darn good! However on sound I was not impressed but I did hook it up to my surround sound so all is well. I recommend this tv, the price is good and the quality is GREAT!

[Wenke @ Sep 24th 2008 1:32PM]

I'm thinking this would be great for hanging in my kitchen. The PC input makes it even easier to hook up to a MythTV frontend.

The kids don't worry too much about HD resolutions and color gamuts when they watch SpongeBob with their cereal...

[Bad Beaver @ Sep 24th 2008 2:27PM]

Kind of nice for all the countless applications of rather smallish TVs. Kitchens, dens, trailers... and if your mom decides to put one in the bathroom you can now bring in your own special interest DVDs.

[Backlin @ Sep 24th 2008 9:00PM]

You mean I can bring my NRA DVDs into the bathroom to watch???

I need one of these! ;)

[Jim @ Sep 24th 2008 3:23PM]

When will they put a PVR built in. DVD is fine, but I have my collection on a HD now, so along with a built in PVR include the ability to transfer via USB or network DIVX files.

[djstix @ Sep 24th 2008 9:32PM]

PC Input is RGB, Why no DVI? It has HDMI so I guess I can use that with an adapter?

[sumsika @ Oct 18th 2008 8:48AM]

I'm interested in buying this TV primarily to function as a TV and not a monitor
but i buy from here ): http://www.buycheaphdtvs.com