Samsung 245T
Posted 08/26/08 at 02:00:00 PM by David Murphy
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It’s no secret that the expensive Samsung 245T hosts an S-PVA panel beneath its slim black exterior. But this display’s performance is certainly worth the price. The 245T offers a stunning picture for its class, trumping our longtime favorite 24-inch panel, Dell’s 2407WFP, and even its latest rev, the 2408WFP.
This isn't a perfect display, but it wins the fight.
This 1920x1200 display boasts a 97-percent color gamut and the effect is clear. The 245T dishes out notably vibrant blues, reds, and greens, and its color saturation remains strong at even very light levels. To us, the display’s colors feel just right: crisp and bold without any hint of oversaturation. But even if you disagree, the monitor comes with a number of preset options for tweaking the coloration to your exact preferences. We found success using the Mild preset, as Normal made images appear drab and Brilliant made our images look like a supernova.
We were equally impressed by the 245T’s range of grayscales. The display is able to reproduce more details as its darker grayscales turn to black than any other monitor we’ve ever tested. Its light grayscales are similarly expansive. The 245T’s healthy grayscale range translates into superior detail on high-definition images and movies.
Our criticisms of this monitor are few, but strong: We dislike the 245T’s optional dynamic contrast feature, as it treated us to a healthy dose of image fades whenever our movie of choice, V for Vendetta, switched between scenes of varying brightness. Nor did we like the 245T’s lack of single-button contrast adjustments. You can adjust the monitor’s brightness, but not the contrast, without having to traverse a number of OCD screens.
The 245T supports just about any input connection you might use, including VGA, DVI, component, and HDMI. You can swivel, tilt, and raise the monitor at your leisure, and even flip the whole panel to portrait mode. Five included USB ports sweeten the deal, but we don’t need any more convincing. With features as strong as its picture, the Samsung 245T is the monitor to beat in its size class.
Samsung 245T
Samson
Impressive array of inputs; 97% color gamut; crisp and bold colors, and sharp grayscales. An excellent monitor.
Son of Sam
We don't like the dynamic contrast feature; no single-button contrast adjustment buttons.
Specifications
| Samsung 245T | |
|---|---|
| Viewable Area | 24" |
| Native Resolution | 1920x1200 |
| Inputs | VGA, DVI, HDMI, S-Video, Component |
| Panel Type | S-PVA |
was gonna buy but thanks for the reviews
Submitted by kingodonus on Sat, 09/05/2009 - 4:06pm
was gonna buy but thanks for the reviews, maybe not worth the price tag or picture not as reviewed anymore..
Submitted by trl288 on Thu, 07/30/2009 - 3:39pm
So I wanted to buy one of these but the comments scared me. After calling customer service they informed me that ALL Samsung displays are now made with TN panels. Maybe the recession? Either way looks like this review was before the switch. You guys should put a notice up. Guess I'm not buying a Samsung.
Submitted by riddy727 on Fri, 01/23/2009 - 9:46pm
I just spent 670 bucks for this monitor based on the review from maximum pc oct issue and now I find out it has a TN panel. If this is true, I want to sue suamung. I don't care what they say about "subject to change" crap. If this is true MPC, put Samung in the Dog Pound please. I'm no lawyer, but this sounds illegal and I'm pissed. Oh well, buyer beware and screw Samsung!!!
Submitted by Ilissill on Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:16pm
Please wait for a Samsung Agent to respond.
You are now chatting with 'Nathan T'
Nathan T: Hello, I am a Samsung Technical Support representative. How may I assist you today?
Mo: Hello, can you please tell me the panel type that you are using on your 245T monitor?
Mo: That are currently being sold in your stores (amazon.com) etc
Mo: sold in stores, rather
Nathan T: I'm sorry, I do not have information about the panel type used on the monitors. I suggest you contact our tier 2 support at 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864) from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST for further information.
Nathan T: I can assist you in technical issues.
Mo: This will become a technical issue if the panel has been replaced with a cheaper model.
Mo: Every review site says that the monitor uses a S-PVA panel, but that does not appear to be the case.
Mo: which alters my performance
Mo: it changes the monitors bit depth
Mo: I noticed this statement on your official spec site. "Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notification."
Nathan T: Would you mind holding a few minutes while I gather the required information on your request?
Mo: Do you feel that is ethical and fair?
Mo: sure
Nathan T: Thanks.
Nathan T: Thanks for holding.
Mo: Not a problem
Nathan T: The monitor uses a-si TFT/TN Panel type.
Submitted by Ilissill on Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:26pm
Submitted by ichthyMike on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 10:33am
The review begins, "It’s no secret that the expensive Samsung 245T hosts an S-PVA panel beneath its slim black exterior." But this seems to be untrue. According to Samsung's own spec sheet for this monitor at http://www.samsung.com/us/pdf/C0700962_245_275T_1sheet_final_LR.pdf , its panel type is "a-si TFT/TN" (i.e., amorphous Silicon thin-film transistor/twisted nematic). I did a live chat with "Matt," a Samsung tech rep, who checked and confirmed to me that the panel type information on the spec sheet is correct. He was (oddly) unable to confirm the monitor's bit depth - 6-bit or 8-bit, though the specs claim 16.7 million colors, consistent with 256x256x256 or 8-bit. Now, from reading MaximumPC's (Oct-08 p. 44) "Understanding the Technology" feature on flat panels, I know that TN-type panels are "the most inexpensive and commonly used" type of TFT, with only "a 6-bit color depth," and that "These panels feature inferior viewing angles and lower color fidelity than S-IPS or S-PVA panels." <p>Now, this just doesn't sound like the Samsung 245T! Its viewing angle is 178 degrees, both horizontally and vertically; and many reviewers rave about its color fidelity. Did MaximumPC err in stating that the 245T is an S-PVA panel? Did Samsung switch to a cheaper type of panel under the same model number, since MaximumPC's review?? If it's really a cheapo twisted nematic panel, how does it manage the amazing viewing angle, color depth, impressive grayscales and color gamut???
Submitted by Ilissill on Mon, 01/05/2009 - 10:28am
Do you recommend that I purchase the 30 inch Gateway XHD3000 or this Samsung 245T? The sole purpose of this monitor will be for gaming. It sounds like you have some reservations about the monitor. I know that some companies send professional reviewers a tweaked model of the product that is sold to the consumer. I want to make certain that the Samsung 245T that is sold to the average person is an outstanding gaming monitor worth the price.
Thanks
Submitted by Hooterman on Wed, 11/19/2008 - 8:30am
I got this monitor. It is absolutely gorgeous. A simply stunning picture. Left4Dead and Far Cry 2 look incredible on this screen. And I have no audible buzz or noise coming from mine, so either that issue has been fixed or it just doesn't affect them all.
Submitted by tehR0XX0Rz on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 12:33pm
This runs about $650; why did they leave out the price?
Does the monitor make a buzzing sound?
Submitted by zodi on Tue, 08/26/2008 - 3:23pm
I think I missed this in my technology dictionary somewhere?
Submitted by Pureoverclocking on Tue, 08/26/2008 - 11:22am
i have this and is perfect. BeWare That This Has a Buzz may piss you off.
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