LG Flatron M2280D Full HD LED TV/Monitor Review - Softpedia

5 November 2010 

LG Flatron M2280D 

LG 

By: Alex Vochin, Technology Editor 

LG Flatron M2280D Full HD LED TV/Monitor Review 

While LG's product lineup includes some of the coolest LED HDTVs and 3D TVs on the 

market, the Korean company also developed, over time, certain hybrid products, designed 

specifically for those categories of users who either can't afford a large-size display, or lack 

the space required in order to properly enjoy one. 

And, in fact, that's exactly the case with the subject of our review, namely the company's 

Flatron M2280D Full HD LED TV/Monitor, which offers a multitude of functions that will 

certainly make it a prime solution for a large category of users. 

In theory, whenever someone goes shopping for a new HDTV, the size of the room where 

the respective device will be installed is quite an important issue, at least when talking about 

an ultra wide-screen TV. 

However, there are certain cases when the available space is rather limited, and has to be 

shared with other types of displays (just think of a dorm-room for example), so you'll 

immediately see why the Flatron M2280D is an excellent all-rounder, since this thing can be 

used as a PC display, a TV set and even a multimedia player, need-be. 

And although one might believe that cramming-up so many functions into a single device 

would ultimately affect its overall level of quality and functionality, the truth of the matter is 

that the Flatron hybrid monitor from LG managed to leave us a very good impression, since 

it carries out each of these functions in an equally satisfactory manner. 

Aesthetics and design 

Overall design features 

In terms of design, the LG Flatron M2280D manages to leave a fairly OK impression, 

although its overall looks are not exactly what we'd call "award-winning" or "eye-catching". 

That thicker lower-based and curvy lines do make it a tad different from all of the other 

similar devices available out there, and the same goes for the touch-controls (shinning blue 

in the dark), located on the lower side. 

Following in the same general trend that seems to be dominating the market nowadays, 

LG's combo LED HDTV/PC monitor sports a glossy, piano-black case that's extremely 

friendly to both fingerprints and dust, a problem that, in the case of this particular device, 

might be a lot worse than in other cases, especially if you're trying out the touch-controls 

placed right on the monitor. 

Otherwise, the Flatron is quite a discrete, nice presence in just about any room, its stylish 

design and top-notch finishing making it suitable for just about any type of environment. 

Size and portability 

Talking about portability in the case of a PC monitor/TV is sort of pointless, since these are 

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not the type of devices you'll carry around with you from one location to the next on a daily 

basis, but we'll nevertheless do that, since you might actually do a bit of carrying around of 

the M2280D, given its extensive level of functionality. 

So, this thing measures 505 x 190 x 394 mm and weighs roughly 3.7 Kilos, which means 

that you probably shouldn't have too much trouble moving it between various locations, 

although we strongly suggest that you don't make a habit out of this. 

Controls 

To be perfectly honest, the control area of the LG Flatron M2280D was the single biggest 

disappointment this device had in store for us, at least as far as the touch controls placed 

right on the monitor's front side are concerned. 

Unfortunately, for some reason, the sample unit delivered to us lacked a remote control 

(probably got lost on the way), and for this reason, we had to rely solely on the 

aforementioned control elements, visibly marked on the right/lower side of the device, an 

experience that wasn't the best possible ever. 

In fact, before getting used to it, we thought that the sample was damaged, that there was 

something very wrong with the controls (Input, Menu, OK, Volume and Program switching, 

as well as On/Off buttons are available), since we simply couldn't activate the desired 

functions, as if the touch controls didn't detect our fingers when placed onto them. 

After numerous attempts, we've decided that some more drastic action is required, and 

that's when we've started tapping the buttons, instead of gently pressing the top surface. 

[IMG=21][IMG=59] 

At that point, we've started getting some reaction, and after a lengthy trial-and-error 

process, we've come up with a suitable way of accessing the desired functions, namely by 

tapping them rather hard with the thumb. 

After getting used with the controls, we were able to browse freely through the available 

menus in the OSD, which is quite well developed, letting users tweak many of the display's 

functions and features (but we'll talk a lot more on this topic within the live performance 

section of our review). 

We're quite sure that users won't come across such problems when using the remote 

control and there might have been something a tad wrong with the our sample as well, so 

it's quite possibly that most LG Flatron M2280D retail units won't have this problem. 

Connectivity 

Given the high level of versatility and multiple uses it provides, it should come as no 

surprise that LG's Flatron M2280D display packs quite a large number of connectivity 

options, all of which are located on the rear side. 

So, from right to left, the first thing we see is a slot for inserting a PCMCIA card (now this is 

something you don't see everyday in a display), located on the top side of the display. 

The rest of the connectors are concentrated in the lower/middle side of the device, starting 

with an antenna connector (used for connecting an aerial antenna's cable) and followed by 

a SCART connector, which enables users to hook up all sort of receivers to the M2280D, 

most such products still relying on this aging interface. 

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Next in line come the Component and Composite video inputs, as well as the separate 

audio-in and audio-out ports used for attaching a pair of headphones to the display, for 

private listening, or for inserting a 3.5-mm audio jack coming from some audio signal 

source, in order to take advantage of the M2280D's own speakers. 

[IMG=22][IMG=23][IMG=24] 

In the near vicinity of the aforementioned ports you'll be able to notice an SPDIF port, for 

outing digital audio to a home surround sound system, as well as an USB 2.0 port, used for 

accessing multimedia content stored onto USB storage devices, such as flash drives and 

HDDs. 

As a small side-note, we think that the placement of the USB connector way back on the 

rear side isn't exactly a great idea, given the fact that users who want to benefit from the 

monitor's extensive multimedia playback features will have to reach all the way back in 

order to connect the storage drives (if they don't want to use an USB extender or hub, that 

is). 

Next to the USB port you'll be able to notice 2 HDMI interfaces, as well as a VGA input plus 

a RS232C connector, used for control and servicing purposes. 

Strange enough, there's no DVI interface, currently the standard interface on all GPUs 

released on the market, which means that users will have to purchase an extra adapter if 

their graphics unit doesn't happen to be equipped with a HDMI output, for example. 

All in all, we'll have to admit that were pretty impressed with the number and diversity of 

connectivity options the LG Flatron M2280D comes equipped with, that will allow users to 

actually connect an absolutely huge number of devices to it. 

Tech facts 

Screen 

Screen Size - 21.5 inch; 

Technology - TFT active matrix; 

Matrix Type - TFT TN; 

Widescreen - Yes; 

Screen Resolution - 1920x1080; 

Screen Pixels - 2073600; 

Color Support - 16.7 million colors; 

Response Time - 5 ms; 

Features 

Antiglear Screen - Yes; 

Standards - Plug&Play, TCO'03, MPR-II, ISO 13406-2, Energy Star; 

Brightness - 250 cd/m2; 

Contrast - 1000:1; 

Dynamic contrast - 5000000:1; 

Max horizontal view angle - 170 degrees; 

Max vertical view angle - 170 degrees; 

Interfaces - VGA (D-Sub), DVI-D (HDCP), HDMI ,Composite video input, Component video 

input, 

SCART; 

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Audio 

Speakers - Yes; 

Speakers Power - 2x5 W; 

Headphone Jack - Yes; 

Video 

Horizontal Frequency Bandwidth (H-Sync Rate) - 30-83 Hz; 

Vertical Frequency Bandwidth (V-Sync Rate) - 56-75 Mhz; 

TV-tuner - Yes; 

Extra features 

Power Device Form Factor - internal; 

Operational Power Consumption - 35 W; 

Power Standy - 1 W. 

Real-life performance 

Setup and general operation 

Before moving on to the image quality and overall level of functionality provided by the 

display from LG, we'll have to point out that the device is fairly easy to install and get in 

operational status, although one should pay a bit of attention to that screw used for 

connecting the base support plate to the main support element (a screwdriver is required, at 

least if you're interested in getting a solid and secure fit). 

[IMG=24][IMG=25] 

After attaching the base support plate you'll have to power up the device, which shouldn't 

pose any particular problems, given the fact that LG has adopted a small (notebook-type) 

power solution for their combo device, preferring to opt for an external power-brick (albeit a 

pretty slender one, all things considered). 

[IMG=29][IMG=30] 

After you're done with this step as well, you'll have to connect the display to your video 

signal sources of choice, whether we're talking about a PC, Blu-ray player, Cable/Satellite 

receiver, games console, etc. and select from the menu the appropriate source in order to 

get the images on the display. 

[IMG=43][IMG=44][IMG=45] 

Pretty fast, easy and seamless, all things considered. 

As far as the general operation and menu navigation are concerned, we can't really say that 

we've encountered any serious problems, the M2280D from LG featuring a pretty 

user-friendly interface, that provides fast and easy access to all of the available functions, 

including the relatively numerous customization options, users being able to choose the 

display modes and tweak the various image-related settings as they see fit. 

[IMG=46][IMG=47][IMG=48] 

Another interesting detail we really want to mention here is the presence of a Disabled 

Assistance function, granting people with disabilities access to a set of features that will 

improve their overall experience when using LG's hybrid monitor. 

Display and image quality 

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First and foremost, we'll have to point out that we're dealing with in the case of the LG 

Flatron M2280D is a Full HD LED display, which means, quite obviously, that the image 

quality is expected to be very good. 

[IMG=32][IMG=33][IMG=34] 

And sure enough, the M2280D manages to deliver a great experience in from this point of 

view, the images being very crisp and clear, with vivid, powerful colors and great level of 

detail. 

Of course, users are encouraged to either choose the dedicated modes for the task at hand 

or customize the colors in order to best suit their needs, but even if you opt for the built-in 

modes, you'll be greatly rewarded. 

[IMG=35][IMG=36][IMG=37] 

We've also liked the fact that the Flatron M2280D offers some pretty wide viewing angles, 

as you can see for yourselves from the enclosed photos. 

As far as the display itself is concerned, we'll only have to say that, in our opinion, such an 

advanced and versatile solution would have deserved a slightly larger display. 

[IMG=27][IMG=28] 

Practically, while 21.5 inches should prove to be quite enough as far as the PC monitor 

function is concerned, things are a tad different in terms of TV, the display size making this 

thing a good solution for a kitchen or office TV (not even secondary TVs, placed in 

bedrooms, are so small these days). 

PC monitor function 

While we can't say that we've noticed any particular differences, in terms of image quality 

and overall behavior, between the moments when the LG Flatron M2280D was connected 

to a PC or to another video signal source , there are some small details that we'll have to 

talk about here. 

[IMG=38][IMG=39][IMG=40] 

So, first of all, since this is an all-in-one solution, users shouldn't expect the device to be 

able to deliver the same level of efficiency as dedicated devices (such as gaming-grade 

monitors or professional displays for graphics artists and photographers), but if you're a 

mainstream user looking for a good all-round performer, that will allow you to enjoy a very 

rewarding overall experience, then the Flatron M2280D should prove to be a very good 

solution. 

[IMG=41][IMG=42] 

Plus, while not particular fast in terms of refresh rates (5 ms), we must not forget that we are 

nevertheless talking about a Full HD display, absolutely great for watching 1080p video 

clips, not to mention basic, day-to-day activities, such as web-browsing and even gaming. 

TV set function 

As mentioned right from the start, one of the main selling points of the LG Flatron M2280D 

is the fact that, beside being an excellent Full HD LED Monitor, it also doubles as a LED 

HDTV, which, from a technical point of view, wasn't a particularly difficult function to 

implement, since it only involves the addition of TV tuner (in this case, a DVB-T HD tuner, 

that enables users to enjoy a wide array of cable programming and even aerial-broadcasted 

HD programs). 

[IMG=63][IMG=64] 

Setting-up the Flatron as a TV shouldn't take too much, at least not after you've completed 

the initial auto-search, which automatically identifies all of the available channels and stores 

them accordingly. 

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[IMG=65][IMG=66] 

In fact, from the point of view of the setup options, the device from LG is actually not that 

different from a basic TV set, and although it doesn't provide as many functions and tweaks 

as one of the company's dedicated HDTVs, it should prove to be good enough for most 

users. 

Browsing through the programs is also fairly easy (naturally, a lot easier when you've got a 

remote control, but it will work fairly OK also when using the touch-enabled front-side 

controls), while the device from LG also offers a very user-friendly program management 

interface (you'll require the remote for this to work properly, though). 

[IMG=67] 

Naturally, the Flatron hybrid solution will work best when HD programming is available, but 

even when that's not really the case, the results are actually pretty OK. 

Media playback function 

One of the things we particularly loved about the LG Flatron M2280D is the fact that it also 

provides a built-in media player function, that allows it to play content stored onto USB 

storage devices connected to the built-in USB 2.0 port. 

[IMG=49][IMG=50][IMG=51] 

While the level of functionality provided by this application doesn't match the one we'd come 

to expect from HD media boxes and players (such as the ones we've already reviewed on 

other occasions, coming from ACRyan or Egreat, jut to give you a couple of basic 

examples), it's actually surprisingly versatile, managing to easily play music and videos 

stored in a variety of formats (most of which are extremely widespread across the Internet), 

as well as view photos. 

In fact, with just a couple of clicks, the device will turn into a large-size digital photo frame, 

while the self-contained media players also enables you to add a musical background to 

your photos. 

[IMG=52][IMG=53][IMG=54] 

Plus, as a bonus, it also supports several subtitle file types, which should also come in 

handy in certain situations. 

[IMG=55][IMG=56][IMG=57][IMG=58] 

Also notable is the presence of a preview window, that lets users take a very quick look at 

the file they've selected, without actually leaving the browser menu. 

[IMG=60][IMG=61][IMG=62] 

All in all, we'll have to say that the media playback function represents one of the coolest 

features the LG Flatron M2280D has to offer, and, in certain cases, an actual deal-maker, 

since we're pretty sure many customers will favor the M2280D when learning that this thing 

can actually play multimedia files and display photos even in the absence of a HD media 

player of computer. 

Speakers 

Although in terms of power, the speakers installed on the LG hybrid monitor are not exactly 

what we might call fantastic (after all, we're only talking about 2x5 W speakers), the truth of 

the matter is that they'll do the job they're required to do just fine, especially since the 

Flatron M2280D delivers an extensive set of audio tweaks, letting users set the treble and 

bass levels, as well as activate and de-activate the built-in Surround X function, that sort of 

simulates (with the help of software) a surround-sound system. 

As we pretty much expected, the sound delivered by the display from LG will certainly not 

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match the most demanding users' expectations, but it's good enough for most of the 

monitor's uses, whether we're talking about watching TV, a movie on the media player or 

playing some game on the TV. 

However, if you do want to enjoy a more powerful, encompassing sound, nothing's stopping 

you from purchasing a more advanced audio system, the M2280D packing the necessary 

connectors (SPDIF, audio-out) for hooking this thing up to an external speaker system. 

Conclusions 

Overall impressions 

The LG Flatron M2280D Full HD LED TV/Monitor is, without a doubt, the most complex 

display solution we've ever had the chance of testing, the device providing a very high level 

of functionality , as it can be used both as a PC monitor and Full HD TV, while in the same 

time packing a built-in multimedia player. 

Since LG crammed up so manny different functions in this thing, the Flatron M2280D 

targets mostly the mainstream segment, although even these categories of users might 

have some trouble with such issues as the placement of the USB connector and the lack of 

a DVI interface. 

[IMG=68] 

In fact, as a final conclusion, we believe that the LG Flatron M2280D would behave 

absolutely outstanding as the display solution of choice for people who have very little room 

to place multiple displays or a larger TV, such as college students living in dorms or people 

living in a small apartment, who would benefit greatly from its enhanced level of versatility. 

The good 

- features a full HD LED display; 

- provides great image quality in almost all usage scenarios; 

- packs a built-in multimedia player; 

- features numerous built-in connectivity options (including USB for the media player); 

- slim and attractive design, easy to place anywhere around the house; 

The bad 

- fingerprint friendly, glossy paint job; 

- not very responsive touch controls; 

- USB port placed on the rear side, in a difficult to access position; 

- no DVI interface; 

- speakers are slightly under-powered; 

Sales package 

Although the contents of the sales package might actually varry from market to market, 

there are certain elements that will most likely be found in the box just about anywhere this 

thing might be sold, including here the following: 

[IMG=69] 

- LG Flatron M2280D; 

- power adapter (brick) and cable; 

- remote control; 

- user's manual. 

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LG Flatron M2280D Full HD LED TV/Monitor Review - Softpedia

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