The first thing you notice about this display is its 28in size.

Not simply the physical dimensions of the screen, but also the enlarged type and icons.

It has the same 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution as a 24in monitor, so the individual pixels are much bigger.

We were pleased to see that, unlike with some other large-screen displays, the grid lines between the pixels were almost invisible, keeping images smooth and text easy to read.

If your eyesight isn’t great, then this monitor could make things a whole lot easier for you.

Fitted with a pair of video inputs, the HG281DJ can accept analogue video via the standard VGA port and digital connections via HDMI.

It will also accept high-definition analogue component video via an adapter, which is good news if you want to use the display for gaming on an original model Xbox 360.

At 500cd/m2, this is a very bright screen, so you can make full use of its TV-like proportions for watching HD video in well-lit rooms without difficulty.

Contrast levels could be better – there’s some noticeable backlight bleeding in dark scenes – but overall the HD281DJ acquits itself rather well for a TN panel and is capable of delivering vivid, saturated colours beyond our expectations.

However, one major omission is the lack of flexible scaling options for 16:9 and 4:3 inputs, meaning you’ll have to rely on your PC graphics card for that.

Externally, the casing is robust and well made, if a little uninspiring, with a bezel that’s rather thick by today’s standards. The power switch and menu controls are mounted vertically down the right-hand edge of the case, making them rather frustrating to use as you can’t read the labels and look at the screen simultaneously.

If you’re in the market for a large screen, the HG281DJ is a decent quality display that won’t break the bank.