Viewsonic has been in the visual technology business for a long time now and thoroughly caters to the Inn LCD segment with yet another quality performer. The VA1716-w is a flat screen monitor that has adhered to a simple interface, functions and quality display as it prime mantra. The thin bezel provides for maximum viewing area without eating up on valuable screen size. Draped in a black frame, the 17in features a dust resistant, anti-glare screen framed in an all black body. The screen rests on a round plastic base, which is easy to attach and detach when required. The entire assembly is quite stable on the desk and gives a sturdy feel.

Below the screen frarne are the OSD and power buttons aligned linearly on the silver panel. The Power button glows blue when the device is connected. The menus are very easy to adjust and navigate through. The screen-base attachment provides for adjustments of the viewing angle in the vertical plane only. Pivot rotation and height adjustments are missing herein like most other monitors reviewed this time.

On the performance front, Viewsonic delivers a blue-ribbon display quality. On View controls for superior screen adjustability ensures that screen adjustments are
precisely made via an easy-to-use on-screen menu. OSD/power lock secures your settings that prevents changes to monitor settings and maintains an optimized image. It supports resolutions upto 1440x900 and delivers very good image details and clarity for sharp text and graphics. Easy access to the auto adjust feature provides with optimal settings for sharp and crisp displays.

A high contrast ratio of 500: 1 means that the difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the deepest black are distinct and coupled with a 250 nits brightness, meets the required quality for most on screen tasks. A wider format aspect ratio of 16:10 is designed for viewing movies or HDTV in wide format and for a richer wide screen experience. A maximum of a 12ms-to-15ms response time across the spectrum is required for gaming or viewing television and movies without ghosting or streaking; VAI716-w's 8ms response time ensures that Blitz Krieg garning is possible without that streaking effect.

PC garners will appreciate the immersive gaming action delivered by fast ClearMotiv video response. With a viewing angle of 160 degrees horizontally and vertically, the screen delivers a sufficient range of view without much colour leakage from different angles of view. We tested the monitor for the brightness, contrast, grey scale, and aspect ratio and it performed well in all aspects and produced more than satisfactory results. Grayscale tests showed even fade with sharp vivid colour displays.

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One thing to complain about is the lack of Digital Video Interface (DVI). However, contemporaneous monitors do a good job of analog to digital signal conversion and digital connections are not as important as they used to be. At ultra high resolutions though, the difference is quite evident. NeedIess to say, it meets all the standard regulatory recommendations and power saving features and is bolstered with a three year warranty. Targeted at budget conscious users with basic computing requirements, this is an easy choice for garners, home/small office users, and corporate professionals.