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We tested the 2D elements of the ASUS VG278HE via a high end Core i7 Precision laptop featuring Quadro 4000M discrete graphics and a desktop system powered by a GTX670 graphics card. We then moved the ASUS VG278HE to a desktop powered GTX680 system for 3D testing results.
We measured the Gamut out of the box in sRGB mode and the VG278HE returned a reading of 2.18 which is very good. We manually adjusted the gamma to 1.8 and the panel returned a reading of 1.79.
Colour response across the panel was above average, with a 1.2% red cast across the image area. We wouldn't class the screen to exhibit outstanding image quality. It measured 95.9% of the sRGB colour gamut after it was calibrated which is again, very good. The image can be tweaked easily via the onscreen menu systems and the contrast levels are particularly noteworthy. Unlike some other 3D screens we have tested, there is detail in both the highlight and shadow areas of the images.
Viewing angles are above average, although not outstanding, a potential issue with most TN panels. We measured around 169 degrees horizontally and 161 degrees vertically.
Black Definition is much better than the VG23AH monitor which we reviewed in August. There is shift in the corners, particularly on the left side with our review sample. This will be noticeable to the naked eye if you are an observant user. The outer edges registered around 18 percent shift with around 8 percent in the center area of the screen. I did notice this with my bluray copy of Alien and SunShine. We also recorded a distracting patch just below mid way point, offset to the right.
This pooling is not easily noticeable to the naked eye, although if you are the kind of person who spots ‘clouding' on an LCD television then you might find this slightly distracting.
White purity delivered a below average result and there is a a 10-15 percent shift across most of the panel, with several areas darker than we would like to see. Again this may not be detrimental under specific conditions, although we did notice it in several bright outdoor scenes with bluray content and even when playing some games. The corners varied up to around 25%, particularly the top left area. There are several darker patches in the center of the screen, just above and below the mid way point.
Uniformity is also below average and bleeding is apparent in the corners of the panel.
We tested a handful of games with this monitor and 3D performance was superb. Games looked really smooth and by locking the vsync there was little to no tearing visible. I would love to say I noticed an improved gaming experience switching between 120hz and 144hz, but sadly this was not noticeable to my eyes. I could see absolutely no difference between 120hz and 144hz with any game that I tested. That said, for 3D gaming and looking past the 144hz claims, this is a top notch screen and one that worked tremendously well.
When playing games in 2D, I was unfortunately less impressed. There are many better quality screens for this price, particularly if you have no interest in 3D gaming. The black definition is far from the best in this price sector and I noticed some ‘clouding' with specific engines.
Power consumption of the VG278HE is relatively good, demanding around 60 watts when calibrated.
