The expectations before test
If you search a LCD monitor able to work at the120 Hz frequency, you’ll see that these monitors are still rare on the market. In fact less than a dozen models are available on the market, and the prices exclude high-end normal users. These displays are particularly very fast and used by the most passionate players. Another thing are the lovers of 3D movies which are migrating to a TV or projector.
However, the Acer GN245HQ monitor brings a major innovation, comparing with its predecessors and concurrence. Is the integration of the infrared transmitter synchronized with active 3D glasses and the presence of an HDMI 1.4. This is another advantage because is compatible with Blu-ray technology and 3D with the PlayStation 3 from Sony. This gadget really needs a review and a test.
However, the Acer GN245HQ monitor brings a major innovation, comparing with its predecessors and concurrence. Is the integration of the infrared transmitter synchronized with active 3D glasses and the presence of an HDMI 1.4. This is another advantage because is compatible with Blu-ray technology and 3D with the PlayStation 3 from Sony. This gadget really needs a review and a test.
The reality
Beyond its LED technology backlight, the case of Acer GN245HQ remains relatively solid. Its design and finish is clear made for a high-end display. At the first view, the black mats plastic offers a good impression. In fact all the assembly is made with good quality (no cracking and no play in the joints). We have just a single regrets, too often, the absence of a level sophisticated enough to adjust the height of the display in the front of eyes.
Good speed and great in 3D mode
On the 3D mode and at high-frequency forcing (120 Hz), the GN245HQ is a highly reactive monitor. At this point, Acer has made a perfect match. In fact, this new monitor is one of the most responsive we’ve tested so far for our reviews. Its LCD make a round trip between white and black in just 6 ms, without any side effect reverse ghosting at a frequency of 120 Hz. In tests the fast-moving images are very clear, and afterimages are invisible to the eye – almost our test was not able to detect it.
This made the effect of 3D crosstalk active to be very shallow. Because is directly related to the responsiveness of the display, this problem often affects duplication in TVs and LCD monitors up to 120 Hz, in some scenes. Compared with our 3D test patterns, the crosstalk is well below shows what we’ve seen on some LCD TVs. In the movies, just few scenes are affected by this problem. Indeed, this monitor is a good surprise.
This made the effect of 3D crosstalk active to be very shallow. Because is directly related to the responsiveness of the display, this problem often affects duplication in TVs and LCD monitors up to 120 Hz, in some scenes. Compared with our 3D test patterns, the crosstalk is well below shows what we’ve seen on some LCD TVs. In the movies, just few scenes are affected by this problem. Indeed, this monitor is a good surprise.
Low light provided by LED backlight
If you are in search of perfection of display quality, the display Twisted Nematic (TN) of GN245HQ is no very powerful. If you choose the factory settings, the composition of the different levels of gray is a little bit chaotic and color fidelity is not very good. Anyway, if you decide to calibrate the optical probe, the provided results are much better. After calibration, the colors are very good and grays levels are better controlled. This display has a good potential, provided they can be calibrated.Maybe was a problem just with the display tested by us. Another thing, the contrast ratio is very correct, close to a 000:1 value before and after calibration (the luminosity was between 225 and 127 cd / m²).
Anyway, the real weak point of this monitor is that its LED backlight is not able to provide enough light for 3D effects. In our tests, the average brightness of the display was about 229 cd / m² (247 cd / m² in the center of the image). If you add the attenuation induced by the active 3D glasses, some scenes in video games and 3D movies will become too dark. Our conclusion is that the fluorescent backlight tube is therefore more suitable because it can provide much more light (300 or up to 400 cd / m², in some cases).
It works like a 3D TV
A good idea at this monitor was the integration of 3D IR emitter and the addition of an HDMI 1.4 port which allows this monitor to can be used as 3D TV. Indeed this device is compatible with all video players using the HDMI 1.4 standard connector to broadcast 3D signal. Normally it can run with all the Blu-rays present on the market, and even with the PlayStation 3 for Blu-ray and some games compatible with 3D technology. We tested Acer GN245HQ with a classic blu-ray using 3D, and we found that it worked perfectly: the monitor is able to detect automatically the video source Blu-ray and 3D displays automatically in 1080p, like a TV. The 3D film is so well done.
Acer GN245HQ is a good monitor but some functions are missing to be more advanced, comparing with 3D televisions. For example the settings of the space between the two images and the recognition of some most unusual 3D formats. Another thing: the 3D side-by-side or top-and bottom is not supported natively by the monitor.
The power consumption is high
One of defects of this model made by Acer is its power consumption in standby. Almost all LCD / LED monitors consume less than 0.1 W in stand by mode. However, GN245HQ consuming is about 1.7 W in stand by (2.5 W, and even in the first minutes of sleep). In the normal use, the values of consuming are returning to more normal levels: about 27 W running (with peaks at maximum 32 W).
The test and review conclusions
Acer GN245HQ is successful monitor in terms of responsiveness and 3D functions. Comparing with our previous tested models, this is the fastest on the market. However, some weak points must force you to calibrate it. The colors are displayed accurately after the calibration, and the brightness of its LED backlight is a little weak in some cases in 3D. Anyway, our conclusion is: For about 480 euros and with a pair of Nvidia 3D glasses provided, this monitor it is an excellent choice for all game players.
Positive points (pros)
* Wireless transmitter integrated for 3D technology;* A very good response time in tests;
* HDMI 1.4a port as default;
* The speakers are integrated
Negative points (cons)
* The design of the foot is not well done;Technical specifications and features
| Diagonal (inches) | 23,6 |
| Panel technology | Digital + film |
| Backlight | LED |
| Image size | 16:09 |
| Map resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Appearance | NC |
| Frequency | 120 Hz |
| Brightness (cd/m2) | 300 |
| Dynamic Contrast (1) | 100000000 |
| Response Time | 2 ms |
| Viewing angle H (°) | 170 |
| V viewing angle (°) | 160 |
| Card Reader | No |
| Power | Integrated |
| Wall Mount | Vesa 100 x 100 mm |
| Touch | No |
| Foot | |
| Pivot function | Yes |
| Height adjustment | No |
| Front / back tilt | No |
| Sound | |
| Number of speakers | 2 |
| Subwoofer integrated | No |
| Power (Watts) | 2 x 2 W |