BenQ XL2420G and XL2720G 144Hz G-SYNC monitors
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Update: Update: BenQ no longer plans to release the XL2720G globally. News piece below initially published 7th January 2014.
To add to the list of G-SYNC enabled monitors, BenQ are releasing the XL2420G and XL2720G. These combine similar features to those found on the recent ‘Z’ models with Nvidia’s G-SYNC variable refresh rate technology. From admiring the photo below the aesthetics, fully adjustable stand and some key features (such as S-Switch to easily select presets and navigate the OSD) will be very familiar. Being a G-SYNC monitor DisplayPort will be the only display input available, although the USB 2.0 ports and headphone jack will remain usable.
Also familiar is the use of 24” and 27” TN panels. These have the same 144Hz refresh rate (although it is now an automatically adjusting 30Hz-144Hz), 1ms grey to grey response times and 1920 x 1080 resolution. There are two distinct operating modes included with the monitor; ‘G-SYNC Mode’, ‘and ‘Classic Mode’. ‘G-SYNC Mode’ enables the variable refresh rate technology to provide a low-latency, tearing and stutter free experience even if the frame rate is fluctuating below the refresh rate. Alternatively Nvidia’s ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) strobe backlight feature can be enabled in this mode instead of G-SYNC. This is designed to reduce eye movement and the motion blur that creates and is optimal where the frame rate matches the refresh rate of the monitor. Nvidia 3D Vision 1 and 2 is also supported in this mode, although this again operates independently and can’t be combined with features such as G-SYNC. In contrast to this, ‘Classic Mode’ provides an experience similar to the current ‘Z’ series with features such as ‘Blur Reduction’ (an alternative to Nvidia’s ULMB setting), ‘Low Blue Light’ and Black eQualizer.
What is particularly interesting about this so-called ‘Hybrid Engine’ design is that it allows you to use the monitor via HDMI (for games consoles, for example) or DVI as well as DisplayPort. In the G-SYNC mode the packet data transfer capabilities of DP 1.2 are required but this is the first time a manufacturer hasn’t used that as an excuse to simply abandon HDMI ports and the like altogether. Ports on this monitor include; Dual-Link DVI, 2 HDMI ports, DP 1.2, 2 USB 2.0 ports (plus upstream) and a 3.5mm headphone jack. VESA mounting (100 x 100mm) is included for alternative stands or mounting solutions.
Another feature BenQ are milking is the ‘ZeroFlicker’ feature found on many of their new monitors, for which they’ve decided to coin the term ‘RevolutionEyes’ to express the use of a flicker-free (PWM-free) backlight. Very clever, but we think ‘flicker free’ or ‘ZeroFlicker’ is more descriptive and appropriate and also less cheesy. This model has been put in low rate production, so availability is limited.