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The 1.3-megapixel webcam shouldn’t be relied on for detailed photos, but it is more than adequate for video chats and quick snapshots to e-mail. The speakers are among the strongest I’ve heard from an integrated audio solution. Helped by the subwoofer and SRS TruSurround XT technology, they are incredibly rich in bass and treble tones and sound clear even with the volume cranked up.

Between the speakers lies a touch-sensitive control panel with red backlighting and a power switch that glows blue (on) or amber (standby). The panel contains a sliding bar that controls speaker volume and can be used to cycle through the on-screen display (OSD) menu screens. Five additional buttons are used to select the input source, adjust the subwoofer bass level, and enter the OSD to manipulate image settings such as color temperature, brightness, contrast, and saturation levels.

The Splendid Video button lets you choose one of five image presets optimized for Standard, Theater, Game, Night View, and Scenery viewing modes, and a Sound hot key toggles through five audio presets, including Standard, Fighting Game, Strategic Game, Theater, and Music modes. You can also use the built-in equalizer to create your own custom sound. If you’re into mood lighting, each preset audio mode has a corresponding color, illuminated by a long, thin LED strip nestled between the lower screen bezel and the control panel.

Rear-accessible connectivity ports abound. In addition to the usual analog and DVI inputs, the PG221 offers S-Video, composite, and component video ports, with audio ports for all three input types. There’s also an upstream USB port, audio-in and microphone jacks, and a plug for the subwoofer cable. All connections are hidden behind a removable silver panel. Along the left-hand side of the panel are three USB ports, another set of conveniently placed microphone/headphone jacks, and a button that activates the surround-sound audio feature.