Philips BDM4037UW 40in 4K Curved Monitor Review

1. Introduction2. Philips BDM4037U3. On Screen Display Menu System4. Philips BDM4037U Analysis5. Closing Thoughts6. View All Pages

Let nobody try to convince you otherwise: size matters. Bigger is usually better, even with smartphones, but it's particularly true with monitors. So the Philips BDM4037U promises a huge experience with its gigantic 40in diagonal and 4K resolution. But that’s not all – it’s a curved screen as well.

The Philips BDM4037U cuts few corners (and that’s not a pun about the curvy surface). From the stylishly minimal stand to the specification, this is a distinctly high-end display. The TFT technology used is VA, so it has the potential for great image quality. Although the stated brightness is a fairly normal 300cd/m2, the contrast is 4,000:1, with a ludicrous 20,000,000:1 in SmartContrast mode (a dynamic system that varies backlight brightness to extend the range). So this should be good for viewing images and video.

However, this isn’t a display particularly aimed at gaming, more general entertainment. As with many VA screens, the response rate is just 4ms grey-to-grey, which isn’t terrible but won’t do you any favours next to a 1ms screen with latency-reducing enhancements. The maximum refresh is also 60Hz, with no overdriven option or adaptive sync functionality. If you’re a serious gamer, this probably isn’t the massive 4K screen for you.

There’s a reasonable selection of inputs including twin DisplayPort 1.2a, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 (both with MHL support), but also legacy VGA, although not DVI. A USB 3.0 hub is built in with a quartet of downstream ports, and there is both an analog audio input and a headphone output, although all of these are on the back of the unit so not quite as convenient as side-placed ports. There are also precious few adjustments available – no swivel, no height alteration and just a little tilt.

Can the screen quality deliver on the promise of the dimensions? Let’s find out if Philips is ahead of the curve.

Specification:
Screen size: 40-inch, 16:9 aspect
Native resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Panel type: VA
Contrast ratio: 4000:1 (typical)
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Response time: 4ms
Display inputs: 2 x HDMI (one HDMI 2.0 only, one HDMI 1.4, both MHL compatible), 2 x DisplayPort 1.2a, D-Sub
USB hub: Yes
Tilt: Yes
Raise: No
Swivel: No
Other: No
Retail Price: £596.28 inc vat

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