Some monitors follow the pack; others blaze a trail. As the world's first flat-face, Invar shadow-mask monitor, the Hitachi CM771 does the latter. Unlike aperture-grille monitors, which require periodic adjustment of convergence settings, the AU$1,285 CM771 has a specially shaped reflection yoke, which, according to Hitachi, is better able to hold its convergence settings. (We were unable to test how often you'll need to adjust the settings.)

The company also claims that the CM771's Hitachi-manufactured ErgoFlat tube has a 0.22mm horizontal dot pitch and is 10 percent brighter than the average flat-face picture tube. Moreover, the ErgoFlat is a short-neck tube, so the monitor itself has a depth of only 17.7 inches.

Our test results showed the CM771 to have superior sharpness and brightness. Of the six monitors tested, the CM771 displayed the most legible 6.8- and 7.5-point text at 1,600x1,200. Our horizontal line resolution tests showed a finely detailed image, even at the highest resolutions. Meanwhile, the additional brightness was evident in our grey-scale tests, in which the CM771 displayed an exceptional range of tonal shades, from a dead-of-night black to an almost-too-bright white.

The CM771's multibutton control system is also the best we've seen. Five buttons on the front of the monitor provide access to the onscreen controls, and they're much easier to navigate than the controls on many other monitors.

We were wowed by the performance of the Hitachi CM771, especially at 1,280x1,024 and 1,600x1,200. If image sharpness and brightness are more important than conveniences such as a built-in microphone or extra USB ports, this monitor should be your top choice.

Hitachi CM771
Company: Hitachi
Ph: 1800 032 689; Fax: 02 9888 4188
Price: AU$1,285.
Rating: 4 Star