Hitachi America Ltd., added a high contrast 20.1-inch flat panel LCD display to its line of high performance monitors. The CML200B, due in mid-November, provides a display area with a native resolution of 1600 x 1200.

Targeted to graphics, imaging and CAD/CAM/CAE pros, as well as for general business users, the monitor purportedly provides distortion-free images at viewing angles of 170 degrees in both horizontal and vertical directions. The US$1,599 CML200B offers a full 20.1-inch viewing area (408 x 306 mm) and has a pixel pitch of .255 mm. It also features 250-nit brightness and a 500:1 contrast ratio. With its extended life backlight, the CML200B has an average backlight life of greater than 50,000 hours, according to the folks at Hitachi.

The CML200B sports analog and digital (DVI-D) inputs, side-mounted detachable speakers, an integrated microphone, a headphone jack, and a Kensington Security Port. It's Mac compatible, though, depending on your model, you may need a separate adapter. There's an auto-adjust function for quick picture adjustments. The CML200B is designed to allow wall-mounting with third party mounting arms.