Mirror, Mirror: Hannspree adds two new HDTVs …with a catch
August 13, 2009 by Derek
Notice something odd about the picture? Well, it isn’t your eyes: This is Hannspree’s two new LCD TVs bound for the UK, the 25-inch ST251 (left, £269/$449) and the 28-inch ST-281 (right, £329/$549).
You noticed that the ST251 is a true 16:9 set, but the ST281 packs 1920×1200 pixels into its unusual 16:10 aspect ratio — while limiting PC mode to only 1280×1024 pixels. It’s a weird decision that may put some buyers off.
If you’re picky about your aspect ratio (and some HD fanatics really are), 16:10 may be a big difference, but the fact remains: filling the screen with 16:9 stuff will involve some stretching, cropping, and/or black bars, but it will feature their exclusive 10,000:1 X-Contrast dynamic contrast ratio, so the pic will be pretty nice indeed.
Not big enough for your appetite? Hannspree is swearing even bigger TVs will come out later in the year.
