The European Commission has fined seven international groups of companies a total of € 1,470,515,000 for participating in either one or both of two distinct cartels in the sector of cathode ray tubes ("CRT"). For almost ten years, between 1996 and 2006, these companies fixed prices, shared markets, allocated customers between themselves and restricted their output.

One cartel concerned colour picture tubes used for televisions and the other one colour display tubes used in computer monitors. The cartels operated worldwide. The infringements found by the Commission therefore cover the entire European Economic Area (EEA). Chunghwa, LG Electronics, Philips and Samsung SDI participated in both cartels, while Panasonic, Toshiba, MTPD (currently a Panasonic subsidiary) and Technicolor (formerly Thomson) participated only in the cartel for television tubes. Chunghwa received full immunity from fines under the Commission's 2006 Leniency Notice for the two cartels, as it was the first to reveal their existence to the Commission. Other companies received reductions of their fines for their cooperation in the investigation under the Commission's leniency programme.

In addition to the U2413 mentioned earlier today, Dell China has made available another UltraSharp series widescreen monitor, the U2713H. Seen below, this 27-inch model makes use of an AH-IPS panel and offers 99% Adobe RGB coverage, a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, a 6 ms GTG response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort inputs, and a four-port USB 3.0 hub.

The U2713H has a stand enabling height, tilt, swivel and rotate adjustments and costs 8,999 yuan (~ $1,445 / ~ 1,104).

Courtesy of Dell's Chinese website we now have full, official details on the latest UltraSharp monitor on the block, the 24-inch U2413. This new model features an AH-IPS panel, LED backlighting, a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, a 6 ms (GTG) response time, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (2,000,000:1 DCR), DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort connectors, plus a built-in 4-port USB 3.0 hub.

The UltraSharp U2413 also has a stand allowing for height, tilt, swivel and rotate adjustment, and is backed by a three-year warranty. The listed price tag is 5,499 yuan (~ $883 / €675).

3D gaming or viewing is a full-on experience, and full immersion is key to making players part of the on-screen action. That's why MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips monitors, today introduced the new Philips Gioco 278G4 3D display with Ambiglow: the innovative Philips technology that delivers a truly immersive Gaming experience.

Ambiglow: excitement intensified

The Philips Ambiglow technology in this iconic 27-inch LCD monitor works by casting a halo of light matching the image on the surrounding wall. This visually enlarges the screen image and intensifies the viewing experience.The high-speed processor analyses incoming image content and adapts colour and brightness of the emitted light to match the image.

Sharp unveiled the much awaited proof of pudding for the IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) LCD panel technology. IGZO acts as a superior substrate material to amorphous silicon, thanks to higher electron mobility, and lets you achieve either higher pixel density, or faster response times. Sharp chose the former, and launched the PN-K321. This 32-inch professional desktop/workstation monitor packs a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. To draw those many pixels from its source, it relies on DisplayPort, although HDMI is also available. It is priced at the equivalent of US $5,500, and could be unveiled stateside at CES 2013 (January).

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the MultiSync MD211C2 and MD211C3 medical-grade displays for diagnostic imaging in healthcare organizations. The MD211C2 and MD211C3 are on display at Radiological Society of North America's 2012 Expo (Booth No. 7520) today through November 29 at the McCormick Place in Chicago.

These 2- and 3-megapixel medical diagnostic displays are designed to meet the needs of healthcare facilities requiring consistent and accurate medical imaging using Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). MultiSync MD Series models are factory calibrated to the DICOM grayscale function for luminance and include a new, smaller front sensor to maintain a calibrated brightness as well as an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on existing lighting conditions. The all-digital connectors, including DisplayPort and a new two-port USB hub, enable advanced connectivity for any type of workstation.

Dell unveiled the 21.5-inch E2213H widescreen, and 17-inch E1713S square monitors. The two pack LED-backlit TN-film LCD panels, and a basic feature-set. The E2213H features 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 160° H/V viewing angles, 5 ms response time, 250 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and inputs that include DVI and D-Sub. The E1713S, on the other hand, features 1280 x 1024 pixels resolution, most other features remain the same, except it lacks DVI display inputs. The two are priced under $150.

Iiyama announced the ProLite T2234MC 21.5-inch monitor with multi-touch. Designed primarily for kiosks and public PCs, the monitor features a durable bezel and screen surface, that's compliant with IP54 standard. Helping its kiosk credentials is its IPS panel, which provides 178° horizontal and 178° vertical viewing angles, which lets you tilt the screen 90° without worrying about visibility in all angles, and LED backlit illumination that features low power draw.

The monitor features 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 8 ms response time, 1000:1 static and mega-contrast, 225 cd/m² maximum brightness, and display inputs that include D-Sub (VGA) and DVI. Measuring 517.5 x 219 x 351.5 mm (WxDxH), it weighs about 7.2 kg. Slated for mid-December, and backed by a 3-year warranty, the ProLite T2234MC from Iiyama is priced around 89,800¥ (about US $1100).

AOC, worldwide leader in monitor display technology, announces the retail availability of the i2367fh, a virtually borderless 23-inch monitor that is perfect for both workstations and gaming setups. The display's Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology and 50,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio provide enhanced picture quality, higher definition, better color accuracy and greater light transmission. Blu-ray players, game consoles and other devices connect effortlessly through the integrated HDMI port, and the built-in speakers eliminate the need for external audio.

The 23-inch IPS display has a 2 mm bezel that gives the monitor a sleek, borderless appearance. The monitor's artistic design also features a metallic hook-shaped stand that allows for two different setup modes of viewing - as a photo frame style without a base or a standard function stand. The AOC i2367fh is available now for $199 at B & H Photo and Amazon.com.

AOC Europe has now introduced a couple of new Professional Series widescreen monitors, the 24-inch e2460Phu and m2460Phu. Both models feature a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000,000:1, 250 cd/m2 brightness, a built-in 4-port USB hub, and D-Sub, DVI and HDMI inputs.

The e2460Phu has a TN panel with a 2 ms response time and price tag of €249 while the m2460Phu uses an MVA panel (5 ms response time) and costs €269. Both are backed by a three-year warranty.

LG Electronics has now announced that in Europe its newly-released 29-inch monitor, the EA93, will bear a price tag of €599 (~ $764). Set to ship in the EU at the end of this month, LG's display features an IPS panel, a native resolution of 2560 x 1080 pixels, a 5 ms (GtG) response time, 300 cd/m2 brightness, a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1, two built-in 7 W speakers, a three-port USB 3.0 hub, and DVI, HDMI (x 2) and DisplayPort inputs.

Japanese display maker Iiyama announced the ProLite E2080HSD, a 20-inch LED-backlit LCD monitor that promises as much as 36 percent lower power draw compared to other monitors in the market. Under typical usage, the monitor draws 16W, but the EcoMode feature can reduce that draw by a further 15% by tweaking its settings. The monitor embeds a TN-film panel, with a native resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels, 80°/85° H/V viewing angles, 250 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 static and mega-contrast, 5 ms response time, and display inputs that include DVI and D-Sub. The monitor integrates 2W stereo speakers. Measuring 478.0 x 204.5 x 351.0 mm (WxDxH), it weighs about 3.2 kg. Slated for November 19, it is expected to be priced at 12,800 JPY (US $159.5).

Following on LG's footsteps, Dell has introduced its own 29-inch monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio, the UltraSharp U2913WM. This new UltraSharp model features an IPS panel, LED backlighting, a native resolution of 2560 x 1080 pixels, a 99% Adobe RGB coverage, a 5 ms response time, D-Sub, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity, a three-port USB 3.0 hub, and a stand allowing for height, tilt and swivel adjustment.

The UltraSharp U2913WM has started selling in Australia for AUD662.20 (~ USD 687.80).

Acer launches the H6 Series LED-backlit monitors, featuring a built-in Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) that directly synchronizes and displays content from any MHL supported mobile devices. This single connection allows users to extend the audio and visual enjoyment for a larger display, as well as easy mobile device control.

The H6 Series comes in two sizes: 21.5-inch (H226HQL) and 23-inch (H236HL), with both models featuring 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution and an IPS wide viewing angel panel that can achieve up to 178 degrees, enabling users to view the monitor from different positions without compromising clear imagery and rich details.Image courtesy of yesky.com

Japanese display maker Mitsubishi Electric unveiled a pair of new DiamondCrysta Wide series 23-inch LCD monitors, the RDT234WX-Z and RDT234WX-3D (pictured in that order), enhanced for display input from smartphones and mobile devices. Both displays feature 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and as low as 3.2 ms (GTG) response time. While the RDT234WX-Z features 350 cd/m² brightness 178° viewing angles on both axes, and 5000:1 static contrast ratio; the RDT234WX-3D features 240 cd/m² brightness, 8000:1 static contrast ratio, 178° viewing angles, and includes stereoscopic 3D glasses. Both monitors need dual-link DVI to perform optimally, though HDMI and D-Sub are supported, while limiting refresh-rate.

BenQ announced the 21.5-inch GW2260HM and 27-inch GW2760HM, a pair of LED-backlit LCD monitors with vertical alignment (VA) panels. Both feature 1920 x 1080 pixels native resolution, 178° vertical and 178° horizontal viewing angles, 250 cd/m² brightness, mega-contrast, and 4 ms response time. Both models are no more than 16 mm-thick, and feature DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI display inputs. 2W stereo speakers come standard. The GW2260HM and GW2760HM from BenQ are priced at €189, and €259, respectively.

5:4 isn't dead yet, with Eizo announcing a new 17-inch monitor for productivity applications, using the latest consumer monitor technologies. The FlexScan S1703-T from Eizo uses an LED-backlit LCD panel, which draws no more than 9W in typical usage. The monitor features 1280 x 1024 pixels resolution, 170° horizontal and 160° vertical viewing angle range, 250 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 static and dynamic mega-contrast, and 5 ms response time. It's also one of the few monitors in its size category to feature DVI connectors, with HDCP compliance. Its feature-set includes Auto EcoView, which adjusts brightness to match ambient lighting conditions, and 2W stereo speakers with headphone jacks. Measuring 367 x 188 x 384 mm, it weighs 4.4 kg. It is slated for November 22.

LG Electronics (LG) today announced the launch of its EA93 UltraWide Monitor, the world's first to boast a 21:9 aspect ratio. The 29-inch screen offers ample screen real estate, a 4-Screen Split feature and 100 percent sRGB color space expression to provide better multitasking and multimedia capabilities. Designed for maximizing productivity, the monitor employs an IPS display to produce lifelike colors, making it an impressive addition to the home, office or studio.

"LG is always working to expand the definition of what technology is and how it can contribute to productivity and convenience. Whether it's for work, watching movies, playing games or anything else in between, the UltraWide Monitor enhances the multitasking and multimedia experience," said J.J. Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the IT Business Unit at the LG Home Entertainment Company. "The cinematic proportions, diverse color range and all-around functionality of the UltraWide Monitor clearly demonstrate an ongoing commitment to innovation."

Wortmann AG has expanded its monitor offering by releasing a new 22-inch model, the Terra LED 2230W Greenline Plus. Seen below, this business-oriented display has a white chassis, a native resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels, a 5 ms response time, a dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000,000:1, 250 cd/m2 brightness, plus D-Sub and DVI inputs.

The 2230W is backed by a three-year warranty and costs €199.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today its new 19-inch AccuSync AS192WM desktop monitor. This LED-backlit model is suited for small-to-medium-sized business users looking for an environmentally conscious model.

The widescreen AS192WM offers a 33 percent reduction in power consumption due to the elimination of its predecessor's CCFL backlight. Mercury-free LED backlighting improves energy efficiency and allows for a near 20 percent reduction in weight, while enabling easy transport and wall mounting capabilities. The AS192WM is compliant with the latest regulations, including ENERGY STAR 6.0 and TCO 6.0, is EPEAT Silver rated, and includes ECO Mode and carbon footprint meter tools.

AOC has just announced the European arrival of its latest widescreen monitor, the d2757Ph. This 27-inch model features an IPS panel, LED backlighting, and uses Film-type Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology to allow 3D viewing via polarized glasses (the display's bundle includes a pair of 3D glasses, and 3D clip-on glasses).

AOC's monitor also has a 10.6 mm profile, a slim frame, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 5 ms response time, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (20,000,000:1 DCR), plus one D-Sub and two HDMI inputs. The d2757Ph is backed by a three-year warranty and costs €279.

Dell introduced the E2013H, an energy-efficient 20-inch LED-backlit LCD monitor. With a standby power draw of less than 0.5W, the monitor draws no more than 14W under typical usage. It features 1600 x 900 pixels resolution, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, 170° (H) 160° (V) viewing angles, 1000:1 static contrast ratio, and 5 ms response time. Display inputs include DVI-I and D-Sub. Measuring 163.5 x 478.8 x 366.9 mm, it weighs about 3.4 kg. Its stand allows for basic tilt adjustments. Expect it to be priced around $100.

Philips has now unveiled a new widescreen monitor featuring ErgoSensor technology, the 23-inch 231P4QRYES. Made to 'promote a healthier and productive workplace', the ErgoSensor lowers power consumption (it turns the monitor off when the user is away) and provides feedback on how to sit in an ergonomic position at the PC while also offering time break advice.

ErgoSensor aside, Philips' display has an IPS panel, W-LED backlighting, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 7 ms (GtG) response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio (20,000,000:1 SmartContrast), D-Sub, DVI and DisplayPort inputs, a built-in four-port USB hub, two 1.5 W speakers, and a stand allowing for height, pivot, swivel and tilt adjustment. The 231P4QRYES has a recommended price tag of €249.

Acer is currently making the final arrangements for the retail release of a new S Series monitor, the 27-inch S275HLbmii. This model features a slim casing with a Zero Frame design, a glossy black bezel, an asymmetrical stand, an IPS panel with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, LED backlighting, a 6 ms response time, a dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1, and one D-Sub plus two HDMI connectors.

The S275HLbmii is backed by a three-year warranty and can be found (on pre-order) priced at £213.38 (~ $344 / €265).

LG Electronics (LG) introduced its Touch 10 monitor (model: ET83), optimized for use with Windows 8, which was launched by Microsoft last week. Whereas conventional touchscreens enable two-finger dragging, scrolling and pinching, LG's 23-inch Touch 10 monitor allows all ten fingers to be used simultaneously. The Touch 10 monitor is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy an enhanced touch computing experience without having to upgrade their entire PC.

"This is a compelling new product that re-imagines the touch experience and shows that LG is an industry leader in developing the next generation of touch monitor products," said J.J. Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the IT Business Unit at the LG Home Entertainment Company. "Smartphones and tablets have already proven that consumers are ready to fully embrace touch features. Our 10-point touchscreen takes it one step further by exponentially expanding the range of interactive possibilities. We believe this technology will excite and inspire software developers and users alike."