Following hot on the heels of the Sony CPD-L181A TFT monitor, the Taxan Crystalvision is another large TFT monitor, this time weighing in at a screen size of 17".

As we all know, an extra inch is very desirable whatever it is we're talking about but in this case the smaller screen is not overly noticeable unless you put the two monitors side by side. Something else we all know is that size DOESN'T matter and it's personality that counts, and the 775's personality is improved no end by the inclusion of both a USB hub, a microphone and speakers, all built into the monitor.

The design of the Taxan keeps the video cables nicely out of reach by implementing a similar design to the Sony CPD-L181A, by keeping the main video cable behind a plastic protective cover, although the Sony does go the whole way by keeping the power cable out of reach as well. It does work well with the USB connectors in the base stand so they are accessible all the time with just a little common sense when positioning the monitor.

When Windows boots up for the first time, it detects a plug and play monitor and just needs the Floppy disk that Taxan supply to set up the unit exactly to its specifications. Those specifications are quite impressive with a maximum resolution of 1280x1024 @ 75Hz which is very usable on the screen size. The image quality is very clear, aided I'm sure by the fact it's a 0.264mm pixel pitch.

You are helped even further in getting the best picture possible by the addition of an 'Auto Button' which sets the display settings on the screen for you. We had only limited success with this feature; it didn't set up the screen quite as well as it could. This didn't prove to be too much of a problem though, because the monitor controls are very extensive indeed, with just about every adjustment you can think of, so we were able to get the picture how we liked it in no time at all.

We ran our Displaymate tests again and weren't disappointed with the results; the Crystalvision 775 passed our entire test flawlessly without any discernable problems at all. The image quality is very pleasing on the eye and you can stare at the screen all day without feeling any strain or having focusing problems.

The Crystalvision 775 is a very impressive all-in-one solution, which eliminates the need for additional clutter on the desk such as speakers and a microphone (if you're that way inclined). The USB hub is a great addition, with the facility to add up to four USB devices and being easily accessible though the unit as a whole being intelligently designed.

Monitor
Taxan Crystalvision 775

Recommended Retail Price
£1,799

Warranty
3 Years (Backlight 1Yr)

Height x width x depth (inc stand)
435 x 441 x 195

Weight (kg)
7.9

Screen Size (in)
17

Visable Screen Size (in)
17

Tube Type
TFT

Pitch size (mm)
0.264

Maximum Resolution @ Refresh Rate
1280 x 1024 @ 75Hz

Displaymate Test Result
34/34