BenQ this week introduced a new version of its ZOWIE XL2540 ultra-fast gaming display it launched last year. The improved device carrying the XL2546 model number has the same specifications as its predecessor, including a 1920×1080 resolution and a refresh rate as high as 240 Hz, but also adds BenQ’s proprietary DyAc (Dynamic Accuracy) technology designed to make fast-motion scenes a bit more clear.

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 monitor is one of the fastest gaming displays on the market today. The unit was launched in late 2016 and now BenQ launches its improved version, the ZOWIE XL2546 with DyAc. According to a preorder page at B&H, the new model mimics nearly the specs of the predecessor, then the new display features the same 24.5” TN panel from AU Optronics with a 1920×1080 resolution (it is the only 24" FHD panel with a 240 Hz refresh rate), supports for 16.7 million (6-bit + FRC) colors, has a typical contrast ratio for mainstream screens (1000:1), as well as offers a 320 cd/m2 brightness, which is lower compared to what the XL2540 offers (400 cd/m2). For some reason, with the ZOWIE XL2546, BenQ continues to ignore AMD’s FreeSync and NVIDIA’s G-Sync dynamic refresh rate technologies.

Two main features of the ZOWIE XL2546 display are its native 240 Hz refresh rate as well as the company’s DyAc (Dynamic Accuracy) technology that enhances the display's motion clarity. The manufacturer does not explain anything about this tech, but from various media reports (e.g., this one) it appears that the DyAc is BenQ's implementation of Ultra Low Motion Blur backlight strobing. ULMB reduces motion blur by inserting a black image between each frame of video and thus reducing time each frame is displayed. Given the hardware similarities between the monitors, I'm left to ponder of BenQ could have enabled this in current monitors via a firmware update, but for some reason BenQ decided not to add it to the ZOWIE XL2540, but to launch a new display instead.

Other interesting capabilities of the ZOWIE XL2540/XL2546 are the Black eQualizer that increases the brightness of dark areas without oversaturating the bright areas, an option to quickly increase color vibrancies, a special external controller to activate different settings and profiles rapidly, as well as a light-shielding hood (which BenQ calls a way to help gamers to focus on their games).

Just like the XL2540, the XL2546 uses DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI, and DVI-DL to connect to host PCs (though it should be noted that DVI does not support a 240 Hz refresh rate). In addition, the monitor has an integrated three-port USB hub and a PSU.

BenQ plans to showcase the ZOWIE XL2546 display at DreamHack Atlanta 2017 this weekend. The company does not disclose anything regarding the price or the ETA of the new unit officially, but B&H is charging $549 for the new unit, which is $50 higher compared to its predecessor.

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Source: BenQ

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  • mobutu - Sunday, July 23, 2017 - link

    tn crap @550usd
    what a joke
  • ridic987 - Sunday, July 23, 2017 - link

    You are clearly not its target audience. Its for Esports where people don't care about image quality just about Hz.
  • damianrobertjones - Monday, July 24, 2017 - link

    You cannot realistically justify the price. Stuff like this should now be ultra cheap and we're just being ripped off. You know it, I know it, mobutu knows this and so does the oem. "It cost x to make so we'll charge... Y (starts to laugh)"
  • inighthawki - Monday, July 24, 2017 - link

    I imagine it's largely in part due to demand and [lack of] competition in the display market. They are not going to incorporate these features into low end budget displays, and the demand for these features is pretty low, which means they are not going to produce a large number of them. Nonetheless I'm sure there is a good margin, but I'd guess you're probably also underestimating the cost to develop and manufacture.
  • Lolimaster - Monday, July 24, 2017 - link

    For me I just want a 120-144Hz 2560x1440 28-32" Glossy AMVA+ monitor, is that much to ask?
  • euler007 - Tuesday, July 25, 2017 - link

    Seriously. I stopped reading about this monitor when I saw 1080p. I outfitted the execs at my office with 24" Acers G257HU, they say they can't work from their home computers anymore because it feels cramped. At this point we should be able to buy decent 1440p monitors for 200$.
  • Lolimaster - Monday, July 24, 2017 - link

    Currently running a 2003 19" usable CRT @1600x1200 100Hz.
  • BrokenCrayons - Monday, July 24, 2017 - link

    Zowie... Their marketing and branding people ought to be replaced.
  • JoeyJoJo123 - Monday, July 24, 2017 - link

    >For some reason, with the ZOWIE XL2546, BenQ continues to ignore AMD’s FreeSync and NVIDIA’s G-Sync dynamic refresh rate technologies.

    Uhhh, the XL2540 actually does support FreeSync, and I would imagine the XL2546 does also.

    https://pcmonitors.info/benq/benq-xl2540-240hz-ful...
    http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/monitors/102025-benq...
    http://techreport.com/news/30926/benq-zowie-xl2540...

    As techreport states, it doesn't advertise it, not even on BenQ's site, but it actually does support it for whatever reason.
  • Lolimaster - Tuesday, July 25, 2017 - link

    How to scam with horrid TN panels, put 144-240Hz on them marketed to gamers.

    You're getting a $120 TN quality panel "pimped" with Hz.

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