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Acer XB273U NV 170Hz WQHD IPS model with ‘Eyesafe’ certification

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The combination of 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) and high refresh rate is something of a sweet spot for many users. Accessible, not too demanding and a broad range of models available. The Acer XB273U NV (XB273U NVbmiiprzx) offers this in IPS flavour. As a member of the Predator series it has the usual ‘gameresque’ aesthetic with quite sharp-looking lines. The stand base is powder-coated metal for a solid feel, with a tripod design. The bottom bezel is matte black plastic with a central sensor unit. This facilitates what Acer calls ‘VisionCare 4.0’, which allows the monitor to react to ambient room lighting and adjust the monitor’s brightness and colour temperature to match – something referred to as ‘LightSense’ and ‘ColorSense’. It’s a bit like BenQ’s B.I.+ feature which we’ve tested on several models now. It also includes a proximity sensor or ‘ProxiSense’ (very creative) which will allow the screen to dim or turn off is nobody is using it. The top and side bezels are the usual sleek dual-stage design, with a slim panel border that’s flush with the rest of the screen. Plus a slender hard plastic outer component. The OSD is controlled by pressable buttons and a joystick at the rear of the monitor, towards the right side as viewed from the front.

Integrated sensor suite

The monitor has a 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) IPS-type panel, with 170Hz refresh rate supported via internal overclocking. Believed to be the Innolux M270KCJ K7E, more specifically. Adaptive-Sync is supported, including Nvidia’s ‘G-SYNC Compatible Mode’ and AMD FreeSync (48 – 170Hz VRR range assumed, with LFC). Although current information is limited, we expect to see a light matte anti-glare, 1000:1 static contrast ratio and 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles. The monitor supports true 8-bit colour and is factory calibrated with a DeltaE <1. The flicker-free WLED backlight offers a luminance level of 400 cd/m²+ and a 95% DCI-P3 colour space coverage. The monitor is one of the first to be certified as 'Eyesafe' by TÜV Rheinland. In addition to being flicker-free, the backlight has its blue light peak shifted to less energetic wavelengths. Some will find this beneficial in terms of viewing comfort and is a benefit that’s passively enjoyed without affecting colour output. We expect Acer will include their usual Low Blue Light (LBL) settings as well. These do affect colour balance, but they minimise blue light output of all wavelengths. This can be even more effective at creating a relaxing viewing environment before bed.

Other noteworthy aspects include VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification and a claimed 1ms grey to grey response time (approach with caution). The monitor will respond to HDR10 content and can put its generous colour gamut to good use whilst 10-bit colour processing is used (with the aid of GPU dithering). It doesn’t require particularly high luminance levels by HDR standards or demand local dimming, however. The included stand offers tilt, height, swivel and possibly pivot adjustment (90° rotation into portrait). It attaches centrally with a quick-release mechanism and can be replaced by an alternative VESA 100 solution if preferred. The monitor includes a border of ‘LightSense’ RGB LEDs surrounding the central region at the rear. These respond to audio passed through the monitor or the content on the screen (‘AdaptiveLight’), with additional lighting effects available as well. An integrated wireless transmitter allows monitors with this technology to communicate with each another and synchronise their lighting effects. The ports include; 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, DP 1.4 (or DP 1.2a+ with HDR feature set), a 3.5mm headphone jack and 4 USB 3.0 ports (plus 1 upstream port). 2 USB ports face downwards whilst 2 are located at the left side, when viewed from in front.

LightSense RGB LED lighting feature included

Further information can be found on this product page. The monitor is listed for ~$550 USD (£500).

Acer XB273U NV