| Samsung SyncMaster 245BW Widescreen LCD Monitor |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Monitor | HDTV | |
| Written by Ronald Tibbetts - Edited by Olin Coles | |
| Tuesday, 29 April 2008 | |
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Page 8 of 8
Final Thoughts: SynchMaster WidescreenThe choice is fairly simple in the 24" display segment at the moment. Those with tight budgets will put up with the relatively poor viewing angles, mediocre contrast and colors that TN panels classically suffer from, likely without notice. Those who need it will want a more vibrant but not necessarily more accurate PVA model, or something based on the latest IPS panel technology that offer a little more color accuracy. But unless needed for graphics or media professionals that demand seriously tight color control, odds are the SAMSUNG 245BW with its attractive price point will suit the vast majority of users. 
For those that don't want or need all the "extras" that manufacturers like to include with their monitors (i.e. webcams, speakers, and USB ports) and just want a monitor for its intended use, the SAMSUNG 245BW is a solid choice in big-screen displays. SAMSUNG 245BW Monitor ConclusionThe retail package is typical for a consumer brand, and is little more than a box that displays minimal content or images of the product within and could easily be confused with other SAMSUNG products. The included MagicBright and MagicTuneTM software make out of the box calibration simple, and gives end-users an easy to use interface controlled from within Windows. The piano-black finish on the bezel surrounding the display gives the otherwise plain cabinet a little aesthetic appeal. The high-gloss is attractive, and aside from the inevitable fingerprint or two it does cause a glare effect that reflects what's on the screen. SAMSUNG uses their standard cabinet design on the 245BW, and the 4-way adjustable stand, accommodate for easy viewing set-up, with the added feature of pivoting the display. There were zero dead/stuck pixels on the sample we reviewed, and from the research we've done this seems to be the norm rather than the exception of the 245BW. We must mention the backlight bleed problem, though it is apparent on a black screen, has little impact on images during normal use. The advertised contrast ratios of the 245BW don't fall that close to real-world numbers; however, uncelebrated color accuracy is superb with an average Delta E of 2.24. And during subjective evaluation between other 24" TN monitors the 245BW appeared to have the best color in the group. Value is where the 245BW really shines. SAMSUNG has given the 245BW an MSRP of $499, a little too steep for a no-frills display; even with a 24" screen. However, with a little price searching it's possible to find better deals on the 245BW, and with better deals to be had at local brick-and-mortar stores. Presently, NewEgg is offering the Samsung 245BW for $299.99 shipped after rebate. Considering the price point there's not much to dislike about the SAMSUNG 245BW that isn't forgivable. Built with TN panel technology the 245BW doesn't bring any real advancement as much as it sets a precedent in the current market - a 24" screen that sell for less than $500. This is impressive, as buyers can now afford a big-screen display for a price close to that of most 22" screens. Pros:
+ Affordable 24" Widescreen Cons:
- Inaccurate Advertised Contrast Ratio Ratings:
Final Score: 9.05 out of 10.Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.
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