CTL 220UW

The CTL 220UW ($375.70 list) may not be the most stylish 22 inch LCD around, and extra features are scarce on this 1,680 by 1,050 wide screen display. It does deliver solid image quality, however, and is covered by a nice three year warranty.

Encased in a nondescript black cabinet with a wide lower bezel housing a pair of speakers, the 220UW is a rather plain looking monitor. The panel sits atop a rigid oval base that provides forward and backward tilt maneuverability but lacks support for height, swivel, or pivot adjustments.

There are two video inputs (DVI and analog) at the rear of the display, along with an audio port for the integrated front firing speakers.

As with the ViewSonic VX2255wmb, these 2W speakers are adequate for low volume applications, but they lack the power needed to play loud music or movie soundtracks without subjecting the listener to an earful of distortion. The digital input is HDCP compliant, so you'll be able to view copy protected content such as HD DVD or Blue-ray movies.

Analog and DVI inputs are mounted at the rear of the display, as is an audio jack for the speakers. All necessary cables and a printed user guide are included in the box. The five function buttons (including the power switch) centered on the lower bezel are black with black labeling, a poor choice for identification purposes.

Got 20/20 vision but still had a hard time reading the labels in a brightly lit room. The on screen display is pretty straightforward and easy to navigate, allowing you to change the usual array of settings, including screen position, clock and phase, color temperature, and luminance.

The 220UW doesn't include a utility such as HP's My Display software, which ships with the HP w2007 monitor that lets you make these adjustments using your keyboard and mouse.