ZOWIE XL2731K TN 165Hz DyAc™ 27 Inch Gaming Monitor for Esports

Since everyone is unique, and have different vision conditions and sensation on color and brightness. Thus, The cause of the discomfort to everyone may be very different. Even if the monitor has the same settings and displays the same image, some people may feel uncomfortable, while others may not. Following are a few tips, and we suggest you can try to adjust to alleviate the discomfort condition:

The optimized performance of the "DyAc" or "Blur Reduction"  function is when your system could support the refresh rate above 100Hz and stably output above 100 fps. If you want to enable this function, we suggest that your system should be able to support 100Hz above and output more than 100 fps stably.

Sorry, you won’t be able to. This feature requires hardware, firmware, and software to work so only compatible models with the software can make use of this feature.

Please contact our RMA department through our website ( ZOWIE site > Support > Contact > RMA ) ; or you can send us a message on our global Facebook / Twitter @ZOWIE by BenQ

DyAc is optimized when the input video refresh rate is above 100Hz.

Please make sure that your console/game can support over 100Hz  and output more than 100 fps stably. The higher refresh rate will provide better DyAc performance.

The default color mode is "FPS1" mode, which is fine-tuned for scenes in CS:GO. 

*in some regions, the default color is set to "ECO" mode to meet the regulatory requirements.

*For XL-X models, "FPS1" mode is fine-tuned for CS2.
 

If your preference is far from those preset settings, you may try the “Standard" mode color first and further customize it to your preferred settings.

We highly encourage you to contact us on social media if you need further assistance.

These features are not compatible. 

When the DyAc / DyAc+ / DyAc 2 function is on, the FreeSync Premium / Adaptive-Sync will be disabled; or  DyAc / DyAc+ / DyAc 2 will be disabled when FreeSync Premium / Adaptive-Sync is enabled.

We do not recommend using 3rd party switchers or adapters as not all of them have been tested and there could be a compatibility issue, especially when different cable differ in specifications and quality. Please feel free to contact our online service team for more assistance.

Please refer to the video at the link below for detailed instructions for updating firmware with a USB flash drive.

Please refer to the following video for a step by step tutorial that shows you how to enable VRR on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S for ZOWIE monitors:

This is normal behavior when the DyAc  function, which uses blacklight control technology to reduce the motion blur of the monitor, is enabled. If you can see flickering or moving scanning lines: it comes from the camera sensor and the monitor having a different scanning frequency.

The line direction could be horizontal or vertical, this is typically related to the camera direction (placing the camera vertically or horizontally) or how the camera sensor behavior is designed.

Profile to Go is a S Switch-related function on selected XL series models which allows you to save your preferred monitor display settings and apply them to a different monitor of the same model. 

DyAc+ is based on this same technology (DyAc) and through panel optimization (with little faster panel response), provides gamers with a different option for actions such as spray control.

That is Overdrive/Response Time Compensation (RTC) function in RL/XL series. This technology is based on applying an over-voltage to the liquid crystals to motivate them into their orientation faster. We will usually quote a "grey to grey" (G2G) response time figure on displays using this technology since they are normally the fastest transitions available.

On ZOWIE website, we didn’t show response time to XL2546S and XL2546K as well as all our XL & RL series.

There is always a trade off between overdriving the panel to make it faster which results in bad display quality. XL series fully leverage the panel fast response, but also considering an optimized setting for the overall experience. It is suggested that you can check other user's sharing on website, or test it by yourself in person which would be ideal.

All ZOWIE monitors are mercury free.

XL Setting to Share is proprietary ZOWIE software for select models that allows users to share their display color settings as a profile. This software also allows you to download compatible display settings from other users and save your settings "to go" on a USB drive.

XL Setting to Share can be downloaded from the following page as a full program and requires no installation. 

You can watch this video to learn more about how XL Setting to Share works.

Please refer to the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) models listed below.

Sorry, the Display Pilot software has been phased out and we do not update it any longer.

Currently, only XL2540 & XL2740 are listed as G-Sync Compatible monitors.

For the latest G-Sync Compatible monitor list, please visit NVIDIA's website for the latest update.

 

But if your ZOWIE monitor has Adaptive-Sync / FreeSync Premium function, you can still enable the VRR feature with NVIDIA graphic cards.

Learn more about Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync Premium / G-Sync Compatible / Adaptive-Sync):

This feature is only available on XL2546X, XL2586X, XL2546X+, XL2566X+, XL2411K, XL2436K, XL2546K, XL2540K, XL2540KE, XL2566K, XL2731K, XL2746K.

If your monitor is not listed above, we're sorry that you won't be able to use it because this feature requires hardware support that’s only available with these models. The feature does not work when connected to an incompatible model.  

 

The software can be downloaded from the following page and requires no installation.

This monitor has a VESA standard mount with 100mm pattern, allowing the installation of a wall mount or arm bracket. Please use M4x10mm screws and possible wall mount adapter accessory when doing the installation. Please check with the wall mount/arm kit vendor or check with ZOWIE RMA for further assistance if any.

The minimum refresh rate of enabling DyAc is 100hz. Higher refresh rate will provide a better DyAc performance.

All ZOWIE monitors support 100V~240V.

There is no standard input lag measurement in the industry, so we don’t list input lag numbers to avoid confusion. This model uses TN panel with fast response, we not only fine-tuned it to maximize its panel capability but also considering an overall smooth experience. We don’t sacrifice the overall experience for highlighting any specific spec number.

No, this monitor does not have a built-in speaker.

Please refer to the compatible model list below.

NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible works only via DisplayPort 1.2 or later version. 

AMD FreeSync Premium works with HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 or later version.

Learn more about Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync Premium / G-Sync Compatible / Adaptive-Sync)

Models that support FreeSync (Premium) function should be G-Sync Compatible.Users may try the settings on the graphic card, but there will be no guarantee from BenQ.

Learn more about Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync Premium / G-Sync Compatible / Adaptive-Sync)

Please check the following:

1. Power on your monitor, switch to the input source which you want to keep.

2. Go to 'Menu' in the OSD, select 'Save' >> 'Save Settings' >> 'Yes'.

3. Power off and on your monitor to see if the input source keeps.

This is normal behavior, much like making major changes to the graphics settings of a game. When FreeSync Premium is enabled or disabled with a game running, some games will be affected because graphics settings need to be reset for the change to take effect.

If the power LED is on or there is a beep sound:

Please check the followings:

1. Press the monitor's OSD control keys or 5-way controller and check the Input
    options to see if DisplayPort is selectable. If DisplayPort is not selectable,
    please ensure the DisplayPort cable is properly connected to both devices.

2. If the DisplayPort option is selectable but no signal appears on the screen,
    unplug the cable and plug it back in to allow the monitor to re-detect the
    connection.

3. If the issue persists, try connecting the monitor using HDMI to confirm that
    the monitor functions correctly, then attempt the DisplayPort connection again.

4. Ensure you have updated to the latest graphics card driver and motherboard
    BIOS version. If you cannot update the driver while connected via DisplayPort
    due to no signal, switch connections to HDMI if possible.

5. If possible, test the monitor with multiple devices using DisplayPort and verify
    that at least one device shows a signal. Trying different DisplayPort cables and
    cross-testing the cable with other devices may also help.

6. If the problem occurs suddenly after normal DisplayPort usage, use HDMI to
    ensure that DisplayPort is set to a resolution and refresh rate supported by the
    monitor.

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the monitor may need inspection. Please contact our customer service team for further assistance.

Please refer to the following steps:

1. Unplug and reconnect the S Switch. Then, make sure it is connected to the monitor properly.
2. Reset the monitor by using "Reset All" in the "System" section of the main menu in the OSD.
3. Try to recreate the conditions that cause random colors when using an S Switch. If you are not sure what those conditions are, you can press the 1/2/3 buttons repeatedly to test functionality. 
4. If the problem persists, please contact us (ZOWIE website: contact/RMA ) for more assistance.

For new K series monitors, the way to save settings via the S Switch has been changed. If Gamer1 is selected, the customized display setting is only saved in the monitor.

Any custom resolution/Hz setting may damage your monitor due to out of the operation range different from what the monitor has been designed for, and it may make your monitor out of warranty accordingly.

Please check the following steps:

 

A. Models with 144/165Hz:

1. For the newer models only with HDMI / DP port, please use a HDMI 1.4 / 2.0 cable or DP 1.2a cable that came with the monitor.
2. For the older models with DVI / DP port, please use a DVI-Dual Link cable or DP 1.2a that came with the monitor.
3. Make sure to update to the latest graphics card driver version.

 

B. Models with 240/280Hz:

1. Make sure to use an HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.2a cable.
2. If an HDMI 2.0 cable is used, make sure to connect to the correct HDMI 2.0 port.
3. If a DP 1.2a cable is used, make sure to use the one bundled by BenQ.
4. Make sure to update to the latest graphics card driver version.
5.  Make sure that your graphics card supports 240Hz.

 

C. Models with 360/400Hz:

1. Make sure to use a DP 1.4 cable that comes with the monitor.
2. Make sure to update to the latest graphics card driver version.
3. Make sure that your graphics card supports 360Hz.

 

D. Models with 540Hz:

1. Make sure to use the DP 1.4/HDMI 2.1 cable that came with the monitor.
2. Make sure to update to the latest graphics card driver version.
3. Make sure you are running Windows 11 and that it is up to date.   (Please note that Windows 10 has a limit of 500Hz.)
4. Make sure that your graphics card supports 540Hz.

 

If you are running Win 10, follow this: Setting > System > Display > Advanced Display Settings > Display Adapter Properties.

Then click the “Monitor” tab, choose your preferred resolution and 144/165/240/360Hz refresh rate from the “Screen Refresh Rate” list, and click “OK.”

If you are running Win 11, follow this: Setting > System > Display > Advanced Display > Display information > Choose a refresh rate. Then choose your 144/165/240/360/540Hz refresh rate.

Or you can do the setting via the GPU control panel;

If it is NVIDIA GPU, please open the NVIDIA control panel, and then head to “Change Resolution” tab under the “Display” option, and then choose your preferred resolution under “PC (not Ultra HD, HD, SD)”, and choose “144/165/240/360/540Hz” under “refresh rate” option.

This video will guide you on how to export logs from ZOWIE XL Setting to Share.

Please follow these steps:

1. Ensure that the cables are directly connected from your PC to the monitor.
    Avoid using splitters or adapters to prevent compatibility issues.

2. Reset your monitor through the menu: System > Reset > Reset All > YES.

3. Verify that the ECO Setting is set to OFF: System > ECO Setting > OFF.
    (Note: Enabling ECO Setting disables the DDC/CI function.)

4. Confirm that the DDC/CI setting is set to ON: System > Other Setting > DDC/CI
    > ON. This protocol is essential for communication between the PC and monitor.
    (Note: XL-X models have this ON by default.)

5. Check if your XL Setting to Share software is the latest version: Run XL Setting to
    Share > Settings > Software Updates > Check Update.

6. Update your Graphics Card drivers to the latest version.

7. Ensure that the XL Setting to Share (.exe) file is unzipped and not running inside
    a zipped file.

 

If the software still doesn’t detect your XL monitor after completing the above steps, please contact our customer service team for further assistance.

To help our engineers investigate the issue effectively, please provide Log files. To export logs, navigate to Settings > Basic Settings > Technical Support > Export Logs within the software.