Samsung SyncMaster XL2370

The Samsung SyncMaster XL2370 is Samsung’s first attempt at a consumer LED-backlit PC monitor. We reviewed this lovely new Samsung monitor back in January to see how it compares to previous CCFL-backlit offerings from Samsung and others. We have recently got ahold of the lovely XL2370 once again and have tested it more thoroughly. The review now looks at image quality aspects such as contrast, brightness and colour reproduction in more depth. We see if we can substantiate Samsung’s contrast and brightness claims through our own testing and look at some advantages of edge-lit LED backlighting that many reviewers often overlook.

Technical Details

•LED Backlight - The XL2370-1 features a LED edge-lit backlight that yields a brighter screen, yet requires less energy than a typical CCFL backlight.

•Samsung Touch of Color gray finish that appears to be a rich, liquid black in ambient light, and reveals a charcoal gray gradation in brighter light

•Eco-Friendly - Unlike a CCFL backlight, the LED backlight contains no halogen, mercury, or lead.

•Ultra-Slim Design - Front, back or sideways, our ultra-slim 70 series monitor is a stunning addition to any room.

•Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio - 5,000,000:1 means images are clearer, more vivid, and more likely to move you to the edge of your seat.

•Additionally the Touch of Color process eliminates the use of spray paints and harmful VOCs.

Features and Specifications

Earlier this year, I took a look at the Samsung SyncMaster P2370 23-inch LCD. This seems to have a nearly identical model number as the XL2370, but it should be noted that despite some of their similarities, these are two distinctly different models.

For starters, the P2370 doesn’t get any LED backlighting and the XL2370 does. Among some of the other highlights on this LCD monitor include the following.

•Size and Resolution: 23-inch @ 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p full HD)

•Brightness: 250 cd/m2 (+ LED backlight)

•Response Time: 2ms (G2G)

•Contrast Ratio: Mega DCR (5M:1)

•Viewing Angle: 170-degree (H), 160-degree (V)

•Power Consumption: 28W typical, <1.3w>

•Special Features: MagicBright3, MagicWizard, MagicTune, SafeMode, ToC Stand

•Cabinet Color: Charcoal gray

•Mac Compatibility: Yes

•Weight: 3.6kg (product), 5.5kg (shipment)

•Stand: Simple tilt

Aside from the contrast ratio that seems to be grounded in marketing hyperbole rather than actual improved performance, the specs look pretty standard for a monitor of this type.

Performance

We tested the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370 with its DVI connection. The display posted a composite score of 96 on CNET Labs' DisplayMate-based performance tests, besting the P2370, the SP2309's 90, but coming in just under the Dell G2410's 97. The P2370 got nearly perfect scores in our color test and the color tracking error that hampered the P2370's score failed to rear its head here. In our Dark Screen test, clouding or backlight bleed through was noticeable on the top and especially the bottom middle edge of the screen.