Samsung SyncMaster 2053BW
While the two previous models from Samsung can be viewed as business-class products, the SyncMaster 2053BW is rather a home-oriented monitor as it has a fast matrix and a shiny glossy case.
Well, speed is the only difference from the previous models, actually. The specified response time of 2 milliseconds (GtG) surely indicates an RTC-enabled matrix. Otherwise, the parameters are similar to those of the 2043 series including the viewing angles which are measured using the “honest” method (by the contrast ratio reduction to 10:1). It means no breakthroughs, though. Yes, the viewing angles are somewhat better but the image still gets darker when viewed from below.
The SyncMaster 2053BW is beautiful. It has a black glossy plastic case (but the LCD matrix is matte, which is good because glossy matrixes are more of a trouble than pleasure), an elegant round stand, a stripe of translucent acryl along the bottom edge. The only worry for the user is that you have to clean this monitor often and handle it carefully because dust and scratches are just too visible on the glossy surface.
The default stand is inserted into a groove in the monitor’s case. I have already seen a similar screw-less fastening mechanism but it was less handy in the 32 series. It is easier to insert the stand in the new 53 series and you feel the moment of its fixing in place better.
The stand allows to adjust the tilt of the screen only. Moreover, you cannot tilt it forward. If you want a more functional stand, you can replace the default one with a VESA-compatible mount. There are fastening holes for that at the back panel.
The connectors can be found in a recess of the monitor’s back panel: analog D-Sub and digital DVI-D.
The monitor has ordinary (not touch-sensitive) buttons placed at the bottom edge of the case, below the decorative stripe of acryl. Alas, this is one of the worst locations for control buttons I’ve ever seen. This stripe gets in the way and you have to fumble for the buttons somewhere behind it. The labels on the stripe are hard to read under dim lighting. When I turned the monitor on for the first time, I thought there might have been shining labels here.
The manufacturer tried to do something like that with the label for the Power button. The blue LED of the Power indicator is shining downward, along the acryl stripe, highlighting its edges.
The selection of controls is traditional for Samsung. Quick access is provided to switching between the inputs and MagicBright modes (the latter button can be reassigned as in the latest models from Samsung), to the brightness setting, to the automatic adjustment of analog signal.
The menu is standard, too. It is clear and handy. Additional settings include MagicColor (increases color saturation), ColorEffect (produces a discolored or toned image), and interpolation mode for non-native resolutions (for 16:10 and 4:3 formats).
Besides, the monitor offers you the control over its response time compensation mechanism. It provides three modes rather than the typical On/Off option. I’ll discuss them below.
