Sony PVM-A170 User Manual

The Sony PVM-A170 is a 17-inch professional OLED monitor designed for use in broadcast, production, and critical viewing environments. This review will delve into its features, performance, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Features:

• OLED Panel: The PVM-A170 boasts a TRIMASTER EL™ OLED panel, known for its exceptional image quality. Unlike traditional LCD displays, OLED pixels can switch completely off, resulting in superior black levels, high contrast ratios, and wide viewing angles.
• High-Resolution Display: With a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, the PVM-A170 delivers sharp and detailed visuals, suitable for evaluating high-definition content.
• Versatile Connectivity: The monitor offers a good range of input options, including 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI (x2), HDMI, and composite connections. This allows for compatibility with various video sources, from standard-definition to high-definition signals.
• Portable Design: Despite its professional-grade features, the PVM-A170 remains relatively compact and lightweight. The slim profile and detachable handle make it easy to transport between shoots or editing suites.
• Advanced Monitoring Tools: The PVM-A170 includes built-in waveform and vectorscope displays, valuable tools for video professionals to assess signal levels and color accuracy.

Performance:

Users consistently praise the PVM-A170 for its exceptional image quality. The OLED panel delivers deep blacks, accurate colors, and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for critical viewing tasks like color grading and editing. The monitor’s high contrast ratio ensures excellent clarity in both bright and dark scenes.

Potential Drawbacks:

While the PVM-A170 is an excellent monitor, there are a few points to consider:

• Cost: Being a professional-grade monitor, the PVM-A170 comes with a premium price tag.
• Burn-in Risk: Like all OLED displays, the PVM-A170 is susceptible to image burn-in if static elements are displayed for extended periods. However, Sony has implemented features to mitigate this risk.
• Limited Resolution: The PVM-A170 offers a Full HD resolution, which might not be ideal for those working with 4K content. While suitable for many applications, some users may prefer a higher resolution display for futureproofing.

Conclusion:

The Sony PVM-A170 is a high-performance OLED monitor well-suited for professional broadcast, production, and critical viewing applications. Its exceptional image quality, versatile connectivity options, and portable design make it a valuable tool for video professionals. However, the high price tag and potential for burn-in should be considered before purchase. If you prioritize superior image quality and portability for professional use, the Sony PVM-A170 is a compelling option. If budget is a major concern or 4K resolution is essential, exploring alternative monitors might be necessary.