REVIEW: Samsung 245B Part 13

Although in theory the Samsung 245B achieves a very good colour accuracy– as illustrated in the diagram below – we cannot recommend this LCD for graphics artists whose activities extend beyond the realms of occasional hobby work. For users who do not calibrate their monitors, the sRGB display in the factory settings, in Text mode (better grey levels) or in the more contrast-rich Internet mode (992:1, 150 cd/m²) are still sufficient.

However, if you wish to calibrate particular colour and brightness values, you should purchase another monitor – in this regard, the SyncMaster 245B is not up to the task. However, the monitor was not build for graphics work. In spite of this, we will be supplied with a second test model as soon as one is available, in order to test this problem once more and establish that it was not a one-off.

Representation of the RGB correction curve of the graphics card after calibration. The closer the three coloured lines are to the 45° axis, the fewer colours need to be abandoned in order to correctly calibrate the graphics card, and the more complete the colour gradients (clock the illustration for enlarged view).

At the end of our measurements, we compared the Samsung 245B with the UGRA Standard for Graphics Monitors. Here, as expected, the 24-inch monitor, intended as it is for office and gaming use, cuts no ice. The colour deviations in terms of grey tones and the intense colour tones at the edge of the colour space stand out. However, the ISO-Coated printing colour space is well covered, at 90 percent. You can download the full UGRA report here.

Conclusion image quality

The Samsung 245B offers a very good image quality for office and games applications with very rich colours, good contrast values and generally clean colour gradients thanks to the MagicColor function. Despite the size of the monitor, the viewing angles are no more problematic than on other TN models and are satisfactory overall. Together with its subjectively very good illumination, this means that the SyncMaster 245B fulfil all the criteria of the average discerning home user.

However, the monitor is not suitable for regular graphics work or applications where colour is critical. Although the sRGB and ISO Coated colour spaces are well covered, the grey level display in the standard profiles is not ideal because of the gamma value, which is too high. Since our test model could not be calibrated reliably, only limited improvements are possible here.

Responsiveness

With a fast response time of 5 ms thanks to its TN panel, the Samsung 245B holds the record for the fastest response time in the 4-inch class at the moment. Thus, the LCD monitor is well-equipped with the basics for fast-paced action games, but it cannot keep up with the fastest 22- and 19-inch models such as the Dell E228WFP or the ViewSonic VX922.

If you pay close attention to dark edges for fast, fluid movements, minimal streaking effects can still be seen. Neither does the SyncMaster 245B achieve the best possible results in the PixPerAn streaking test program.

Scene from "Serious Sam 2"

The motion blur is present as in every current LCD display, but seldom appears strongly, e.g. in fast-paced driving through San Andreas in the action game GTA. Shooters run smoothly, without any noticeable lags. For reasons of time, we did not measure for a possible input lag in the SyncMaster 245B, but we will perform this test when retesting the second test model.

Detail from "GTA San Andreas": the usual LCD motion blur is strongest here, but usually remains limited.

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