Flat screen debuted by Samsung

Samsung Electronics today launched what it claims to be the world’s first flat-screen CRT monitor. The Korean manufacturer unveiled the SyncMaster IFT monitor, with a Dynaflat tube, in two models – 17" SM700IFT and 19" SM900IFT. According to Samsung, what makes them different is that they are not curved in the horizontal plane like traditional competitors’ flat screens. It said the Dynaflat tube is completely flat and therefore distortion free. It also claimed 86 per cent light transmission rate, compared to most manufacturers’ 53 per cent. The products were part of a launch of five large screen monitors. It also included two TFT additions – the SyncMaster 700TFT and SM800TFT 18.1" – and the SM9000SL 19" CRT monitor. Terry Hughes, group product manager, said Samsung had taken a sample of 52 UK graphic design agencies to assess problems in the market. He said today’s products had been introduced following the results: "The majority of those surveyed said they were currently using a 19" and above screen, but were working within the limits of their current monitor. That means putting up with distortion or brightness, or working in the centre of the screen." The research also revealed 96 per cent of those asked were using a Macintosh. 28 per cent said image quality was a more important aspect than price. ®