Convergence seems to be one of the strategies chosen by some manufacturers of LCD HDTV sets in order to sell more units during this very difficult economic period, when the purchasing power of average customers has seriously decreased. And a very good example of this trend comes from ViewSonic, which has just introduced the N2201w, a 22-inch LCD TV that features a built-in DVD player.

According to the company, this device has been especially designed to be placed in areas where the available space is scarce, as for example in an attic, a dorm room or perhaps a smaller apartment. Since it provides DVD playback right out of the box, it allows users to instantly turn it into an all-entertainment machine, without the need to find some extra space for an additional player.

The display offers users a 1680x1050 pixel resolution (close to 1080i), a fairly OK response time, of around 5 ms, 1000:1 contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. The N2201w features multiple inputs, including ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital TV tuner and HDMI, for connecting to high-definition video and gaming consoles, camcorders, cable or satellite boxes and digital media players. A PC input is also provided in order to connect computer sources.

Practically, this product is designed (and priced) especially for those first-time LCD users who are just now making the transition from analog to digital TVs. As Steve Woo, vice president and general manager of VTV North America Consumer Electronics Division, ViewSonic, puts it, "the N2201w's dual functionality provides customers convenience and value by adding a digital television to their home that will compliment any room. We are committed to offering affordable TV options – large and small – to keep everyone tuned in after the digital transition."

And since we've mentioned pricing, it's important to know that the N2201w is quite an affordable product, selling for around $429 (street price, not MSRP), which will most likely turn it into a prime choice for many customers.


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