The Brilliance 150p2 is the first LCD display we've seen with both integrated power and an interchangeable base. A multimedia base, with integrated speakers, is available which you can swap for the existing stand.
Certainly one of the slimmest panels around, the 150p2 is an altogether leaner looking display than its predecessor, the 150p. Gone is the brick-like base that housed the power supply, which is now integrated into the panel itself. In its place is an extremely elegant stand.
Power and data cables route through an opening in the stand and plug in parallel to the rear of the panel. This arrangement is ideal if you plan to wall-mount the panel. As well as a D-SUB connector there's a DVI-D (a digital only version of DVI) socket.
The stand is adjustable for height and the panel can rotate through 90 degrees to provide a portrait display. Portrait Displays' Pivot software is included. Generally speaking the problem with using flat panels in portrait mode is the poor vertical angle of view (which, in portrait mode becomes the horizontal angle of view).
The OSD is thoroughly functional and straightforward, and should be something you're only likely to use on rare occasions. There's a one-touch dedicated auto adjust button, and one of the menu selectors doubles as a brightness control. The buttons themselves are slim silver strips that complement the panel's clean edges.
The Brilliance is aptly named as far as picture quality is concerned. On the default settings text is crisp, sharp and very legible and colours are well saturated without being garish. There is good tonal separation well into both the highlight and shadow areas and the overall colour balance is quite natural looking.
CONTACT: Philips
0800 169 8430
www.pcstuff.philips.com
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