LCD monitors can be split into two species: those that are bang on for image quality straight out of the box, and those that need a little TLC to bring out their best. The problem is, the need for a spot of fettling is usually symptomatic of underlying flaws. So it is with this 17in from Hyundai.

Make no mistake, this is by no means a poor display. A quick glance at the specification list reveals an up-to-the-minute panel boasting the latest 12ms fast pixel response technology, strong on-paper viewing angles and competitive contrast and brightness. As is so often the case with LCD displays, however, the quoted specifications don’t tell the whole story. Take the impressive brightness rating of 300cd/m2, for instance. At full reheat, this is a retina-searing monitor, yet it also lacks detail and looks extremely washed out. Ramping up the contrast setting brings lost colours and subtlety back, but you’re then left with a display that’s bright rather than scorching. Viewing angles, likewise, fall short of the near-perfection now set by the very best LCD monitors.

What’s more, panel pedants will no doubt note the slightly cool and blue colour temperature. Although a full range of colour adjustments is available via the OSD menu in VGA mode, Hyundai has made them off-limits for DVI connectivity. You’ll have to tweak your Windows display driver or use third party software if you prefer a warmer setting. Making matters worse, colour accuracy isn’t a strong point either. We noted pronounced banding in our colour gradient test.

We have no complaints with the 12ms pixel response claim. The dark and moody visuals of Doom 3 are the toughest test of pixel response we know, and the Q17+ passes with flying colours. This is a seriously nippy screen. Fast-paced film sequences also benefit, though at 17in in girth, there’s not enough screen real estate for comfortable movie watching.

We like the sturdy double-hinged chassis. It’s not as slick as the Samsung SyncMaster 172x, and lacks rotation for portrait document editing, but it does enable easy wall mounting. That said, we’re less smitten with the integrated speakers. They’re a weedy waste of space, and sum up our general apathy towards this monitor.