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LAS VEGAS -- It's finally here: an LCD fast enough to render video images without annoying artifacts, introduced at Comdex by Planar.

The Planar PX171M is the first of a new generation of LCDs making that promise. It claims a pixel response rate of 16 ms, roughly the equivalent of 60 frames per second, or about double the response of most modern LCDs. The Planar will begin shipping in mid- to late December and is expected to sell at an estimated street price of $589.

Late in October, Hitachi America also introduced a 16 ms 17-inch LCD, the CML174. The Hitachi began shipping last week at $699. BenQ is also expected to introduce a very fast response series of monitors during Comdex here this week.

At 16 ms, an LCD could render video and games without the ghosting and streaking so common in slower LCDs. That makes an LCD a very strong candidate for watching video, long the Achilles Heel of flatscreens designed for PCs.

Last month, Planar also introduced the Video-Ex, an accessory product equipped with a TV tuner that can turn an LCD into a television set without need of a computer. The $99 product is a direct competitor to Viewsonic's Next Vision TV tuner accessory.

Appealing Appearance

There's a pattern here. LCDs have long had a huge advantage over CRT screens in the looks department. They look great on a desktop, but they are also very appealing to many people as television sets. High quality LCD television sets are relatively expensive, however.

Computer LCDs are less costly, depending on screen size, but haven't been a great alternative, even with products like the ViewSonic's NextVision, because of their slowish pixel response rates.

However, manufacturers are clearly betting that consumers might well go for a multi-purpose LCD and a tuner box as a television alternative if they can get good quality imagery.

Pretty Picture Makers

The PX171M features SXGA (1280X1024) resolution, incorporates analog and digital (DVI) inputs, and can be pivoted for either portrait or landscape viewing.

Last week the company introduced its PL family of LCDs, which have included two versions that are 19 and 20.1 inches and have very quick 25 ms response times. Both of these monitors included analog and digital inputs. They also include integrated stereo speakers.