monitor review | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 21 Mar 2024 13:55:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png monitor review | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 LC-Power M34-UWQHD-165-C Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/dominic-moass/lc-power-m34-uwqhd-165-c-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/dominic-moass/lc-power-m34-uwqhd-165-c-review/#respond Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:00:30 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=640075 We check out a budget ultrawide from LC-Power, with a 165Hz refresh rate

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In for review today is the M34-UWQHD-165-C from German brand LC-Power. Hitting the market at £369, but having been as low at £290 over the last few weeks, this is a budget ultrawide monitor sporting a curved VA panel, 165Hz refresh rate and 3440×1440 resolution. Today we put it through its paces and find out how it fares in our new test methodology that has just been overhauled…

Specification:

  • Display size: 34″ / 86,36 cm
  • Resolution: UWQHD / 3440 x 1440 pixels
  • Screen refresh rate: 165 Hz
  • Panel type: VA
  • Screen surface: non-glare
  • Aspect ratio: 21:9
  • Brightness: 350 (± 30) cd/m²
  • Contrast ratio: 3000:1
  • Dynamic contrast ratio: 1000000:1
  • Display colours: 16,7 M
  • Colour space: 99 % sRGB, 85 % AdobeRGB, 85 % NTSC, 85 % DCI-P3
  • Viewing angle: H: 178° / V: 178°
  • Curvature: 1500R
  • Response time: 1 ms MPRT
  • Interface: 2x HDMI 2.0 / 2x DP 1.4
  • Audio: 1x Audio out (3,5 mm jack)
  • Integrated speakers: no
  • Colours back side: black with red LED illumination
  • Dimension (without base): 809 x 364 x 124 mm
  • Dimension (with base): 809 x 511 x 256 mm
  • Dimension (retail): 902 x 480 x 177 mm
  • Swivel angle: 15°
  • Base tilt: -5°~15°
  • Height adjustment: ca. 100 mm
  • VESA mounting: 75 x 75 mm
  • Weight (product/overall): 7,86 / 10,06 kg

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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KitGuru updates monitor test methodology with Portrait Displays’ Calman Ultimate https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/dominic-moass/kitguru-updates-monitor-test-methodology-with-portrait-displays-calman-ultimate/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/dominic-moass/kitguru-updates-monitor-test-methodology-with-portrait-displays-calman-ultimate/#respond Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:07:42 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=639973 Out with the old and in with the new. On our never-ending quest to bring you the most in-depth and accurate reviews, KitGuru is updating our monitor test methodology with Portrait Display's Calman Ultimate software. This allows us to test with far greater precision and detail than ever before, so read on to find out …

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Out with the old and in with the new. On our never-ending quest to bring you the most in-depth and accurate reviews, KitGuru is updating our monitor test methodology with Portrait Display's Calman Ultimate software. This allows us to test with far greater precision and detail than ever before, so read on to find out how our monitor reviews will be changing…

For several years now, KitGuru has been using Datacolor SpyderX colorimeter units, and the included Spyder software suite, to conduct our testing for monitor reviews. While still a useful and affordable tool, we have been looking to step things up in a way that neither the Spyder software nor hardware would allow. Enter Portrait Displays, who kindly provided us with a license for Calman Ultimate, software you may be familiar with from the likes of TFTCentral and Hardware Unboxed.

 

We've also improved our hardware thanks to the X-Rite i1 Display Pro Plus colorimeter, now known as the Calibrite Display Plus. This offers significantly better low-light accuracy than the Spyder, which in turn improves report contrast ratios, while it can measure brighter displays too – up to 2000 nits, which is necessary for proper testing of HDR monitors. Not only that, but it works with OLED monitors too, something the SpyderX and even Spyder X2 units still don't officially support.

Below we outline the new areas of our testing, with a brief explanation of what the data means and the sort of results we are looking for.

SDR

First is brightness and contrast. We will measure five sets of data per monitor, reporting white luminance, black luminance and the corresponding contrast ratio from each monitor, with the brightness set at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. This allows us to see the range of brightness on offer from each screen and to ensure that the contrast ratio is consistent across the range.

For the first time, we are now able to present greyscale (or grayscale for those across the pond) measurements. This test runs through a total of 20 shades, from black to white, and measures the white balance relative to the target – which for our purposes will be 6500K/D65, as is standard for monitors.

This test gives a deltaE (specifically dE 2000) result to each shade, the lower being the better. In the example above we see excellent results with an average dE2000 of just 1.1, though results for every shade tested are also shown.

Alongside that part of the results, we find a nice visualisation of the RGB balance across the range, with an average CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) presented, with 6500K being the target. Lastly, a gamma curve is also generated, alongside an average gamma result, where 2.2 is the ideal.

Gamut relative to sRGB

With Calman Ultimate, we also have the ability for more advanced gamut testing. By default, we will be targeting the sRGB gamut which most monitors should be able to cover fully…

Gamut relative to DCI-P3

However, many wide gamut monitors now extend far beyond the sRGB colour space, so with Calman we are able to measure gamut relative to a far greater number of other colourspaces, such as DCI-P3 (as above) and Adobe RGB or Rec. 2020.

ColorChecker accuracy relative to sRGB

The same also goes for our new colour accuracy tests, using Calman's ColorChecker tool. This measures a total of 49 different colour patches and determines the accuracy of each, via a deltaE (dE2000) figure, and an average result is also provided. As a guide, Calman suggests anything below 1 is excellent, a result between 1-3 indicates some deviation, but above that is a poor result. By default, this is all done relative to the sRGB space…

ColorChecker accuracy relative to DCI-P3

But we can also show colour accuracy relative to other colourspaces, as with the DCI-P3 results shown above. Wide gamut monitors will tend to deliver more accurate results here than when shown relative to sRGB, due to the colours extending beyond the sRGB space.

HDR

For the first time in our monitor reviews, we also have the ability to properly test a screen's HDR capabilities. This includes tests similar to the ones shown above – including greyscale, gamut and colour accuracy, though with some slight differences.

Critically, Calman offers a very handy test for luminance too, where it runs through 8 different window (APL) sizes and measures the display's brightness at each one (1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% APLs). This is key for HDR testing, particularly OLED and mini-LED screens which will likely dim as the window size increases. Now we can test this precisely to see how behaviour changes depending on the window size.

All in all, our testing is set to improve significantly as we head into 2024. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Thanks to Portrait Displays for providing us with a Calman Ultimate license. You can read more on their website HERE. Special thanks also to Simon Baker from TFTCentral who kindly provided assistance with getting this new testing suite setup. You can find Simon's excellent reviews at TFTCentral HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: We look forward to presenting our first monitor review with the revamped methodology!

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KitGuru’s Guide to Buying a Gaming Monitor (2023) https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/dominic-moass/kitgurus-guide-to-buying-a-gaming-monitor-2023/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/dominic-moass/kitgurus-guide-to-buying-a-gaming-monitor-2023/#respond Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:45:18 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=637785 Looking for a gaming monitor but don't know where to start? We're here to help

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If you’re in the market for a new gaming monitor, it can be a real challenge to know exactly what you are after. With so much jargon and technical terms being thrown around left right and centre, as well as an absolute ton of monitors to choose from, we thought it was time to simplify matters and make things easier for you, the consumer. That’s why we’ve teamed up with MSI for this monitor buyer’s guide, where we break down all the key areas to think about if you’re shopping for a new screen.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:34 Screen size and resolution
01:36 Aspect ratio, curved or flat?
02:28 Different panel types
03:19 Refresh rate
04:43 Motion blur + response times
06:11 Input latency, adaptive sync
07:46 Brightness + contrast
09:56 Gamut and colour accuracy
11:06 A few other things to consider…
12:35 Closing thoughts

In the video we go over all the key areas you need to think about when looking for a new monitor. There's lots to cover, but we break down things like….

  • Which screen size is right for you?
  • The resolution
  • Aspect ratio
  • Curved or flat?
  • Different panel options – IPS, VA, TN, OLED…
  • What matters most for gaming
  • Refresh rates and eliminating motion blur
  • A monitor's response times
  • Input latency
  • Adaptive sync – G-Sync and FreeSync
  • Brightness
  • Contrast ratio
  • High Dynamic Range (HDR)
  • Colour gamut
  • Colour accuracy
  • Display inputs
  • OSD controls, settings and more…

As always, there's no ‘one size fits all' recommendations we can make, but thanks to MSI we do have good range of screens on-hand to help us put this guide together. If you are interested in any of the monitors shown in this video:

  • You can buy the MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED for £999, reduced from £1299, from Currys HERE.
  • The MSI MAG 274UPF 4K/144Hz monitor is available for £449, that's £100 off, from Currys HERE.
  • Or if you're interested in the MSI MAG 275CQRXF, we were told to expect some good deals around the Christmas period, and you can read more about it HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Thanks to MSI for sponsoring this video, and we hope it proves useful if you're shopping for a new gaming monitor!

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Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 27in 4K/144Hz HDR Monitor Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/edward-chester/asus-rog-swift-pg27uq-27in-4k-144hz-hdr-monitor-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/edward-chester/asus-rog-swift-pg27uq-27in-4k-144hz-hdr-monitor-review/#respond Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:10:37 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=378710 4K 144Hz is finally here in the form of the PG27UQ - is it worth £2229?

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The Asus PG27UQ surely has to be one of the most anticipated gaming products in recent history. First unveiled a year and a half ago, this is the first monitor to offer not just a 4K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, but true HDR with a full array local dimming backlight as well.

On paper it’s the ultimate 27-inch gaming monitor that should provide stunning image quality and competitive gaming performance. The downside? Well, aside from it having been delayed for so long, there’s the fact it costs an eye-watering £2229.

Whichever way you look at it, that’s a somewhat ludicrous figure for a 27-inch gaming monitor, no matter how good it is. But, such is the level of technology here that it’s not totally unreasonable either.

That full array local dimming backlight consists of 384 separately controlled lighting zones, plus you’ve got quantum dot technology being employed for the RGB filters and we’re sure that AU Optronics' 4K, 144Hz-capable IPS LCD panels don’t come cheap either.

The secret to unlocking such a fast frame rate for such a high resolution is not just the use of the latest LCD panels but also the arrival of the DisplayPort 1.4 standard. While graphics cards have supported this for a while (your card may need a firmware update), monitors haven’t, so this marks the arrival of a new breed.

As for the HDR side of things, high dynamic range is all about two enhancements to existing image presentation. Whereas normal video/game/image content is generally mastered for use in the sRGB colour space, using an 8-bit colour depth, and with a reference contrast of 1000:1, HDR ups the ante on all of these figures.

The HDR10 standard, which is fast becoming the main reference point for most things HDR, requires displays to handle 10-bit colour and to cover over 90% of the larger DCI-P3 colour space as well as have displays be capable of producing a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. All of which the PG27UQ is able to meet.

This should result in far richer, more vivid and realistic looking images. The proof of the pudding is in the testing, though, so lets dive in to see if can deliver.

Specifications:

  • Screen size: 27-inch, 16:9 aspect
  • Native resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
  • Refresh rate: 144Hz
  • Panel type: IPS
  • Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 native, 10,000:1 HDR
  • Brightness: 300cd/m2, 1000cd/m2 HDR
  • Response time: 4ms grey-to-grey
  • Display inputs: DisplayPort, HDMI
  • USB hub: USB 3.0, two ports
  • Tilt: Yes
  • Raise: Yes
  • Swivel: Yes
  • Pivot: Yes
  • VESA: Yes
  • Warranty: 3 years

Retail Price: £2229 (inc. VAT)

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Acer Predator XB241H 180Hz G-Sync Gaming Monitor Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/ryan-redfield/acer-predator-xb241h-180hz-g-sync-gaming-monitor-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/monitors/ryan-redfield/acer-predator-xb241h-180hz-g-sync-gaming-monitor-review/#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:22:35 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=354243 It looks to tick all the boxes, but there are some issues - read on to find out what's what!

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While every serious PC gamer might long for a 32in gaming monitor like the AOC AGON AG322QCX or HDR-capable Samsung C32HG70, the sad reality is that not everyone has the kind of cash (or desk space) required to get one of these beasts. But is this a reason to put up with an inferior gaming experience? At least on paper, the 24in Acer Predator XB241H gives you all the highlights of a ‘true’ gaming display, while eschewing the arguably frivolous extras such as RGB lighting, a USB hub or an external controller.

It offers a speedy 180Hz overclocked refresh rate paired with a zippy 1ms response time and modest 1920 x 1080 resolution, which should make for a very smooth experience no matter how intense the action gets. Especially when it’s combined with Nvidia’s proprietary, variable refresh rate G-Sync technology, though you will only get the benefits hereof if your gaming machine is sporting a graphics card from the green team.

And arguably, having it all in a compact 24in package makes the action easier to focus on – though we solidly subscribe to the “bigger is better” philosophy when it comes to displays for any kind of work or entertainment (within reason, naturally; sticking a 55in UHD telly on your desk may stretch your eyeballs further than they’re happy with).

Nor does the XB241H skimp on looks and ergonomics, coming with similar design highlights and adjustability as its more high-end Predator stalemates, such as the Z35. There is even good news for fans of 3D, as this is one of the few monitors available today that still supports Nvidia’s 3D Vision. Alas glasses were not included so unfortunately, we cannot give you our thoughts on this part of the experience.

Aside from its relatively low resolution, the only potential fly in the ointment is that image quality may suffer due to Acer’s use of a TN panel here, which usually means limited viewing angles, contrast and colour fidelity. So let’s find out if the Predator XB241H is an apex predator or merely a scavenger under another name.

Acer Predator XB241H Specs

  • Screen size: 24 inch/61 cm
  • Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 (91.8 PPI)
  • Refresh rate (Hz): 144 (native), up to 180 (overclocked)
  • Panel type: TN
  • Contrast ratio (typical): N/A
  • Brightness (cd/m²): 350
  • Response time (ms): 1 (Grey-to-Grey)
  • Bezel (colour, finish): Black, matte
  • Display inputs: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 (G-Sync)
  • Audio inputs: Headphone jack
  • USB hub: No
  • Speakers: Yes
  • Tilt: Yes
  • Height: Yes
  • Swivel: Yes
  • Pivot: Yes
  • VESA mount: Yes
  • Power (plug type, internal/external): Kettle, internal
  • Depth on desk: ~31cm
  • Weight: 6.30kg
  • Other: Nvidia G-Sync & 3D Vision

Price (retail): £364.98 inc. VAT at time of review

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AOC AGON AG271QG 165hz G-Sync Gaming Monitor Review https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/james-morris/aoc-agon-ag271qg-165hz-g-sync-gaming-monitor-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/james-morris/aoc-agon-ag271qg-165hz-g-sync-gaming-monitor-review/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2016 11:09:43 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=311875 We were impressed with our first look at AOC’s new AGON gaming screen brand, which arrived in the shape of the AG271QX. Whilst the AOC AGON AG271QG’s almost identical model name and indistinguishable external appearance makes it look like it’s the same screen with G-Sync instead of FreeSync, it actually has a markedly different specification. …

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We were impressed with our first look at AOC’s new AGON gaming screen brand, which arrived in the shape of the AG271QX. Whilst the AOC AGON AG271QG’s almost identical model name and indistinguishable external appearance makes it look like it’s the same screen with G-Sync instead of FreeSync, it actually has a markedly different specification.

For starters, where the QX top out at 144Hz, the QG can reach 165Hz But whilst that might be the feature (alongside G-Sync) that will grab the gamer’s eye to begin with, the most fundamental difference is that this is an IPS panel where the AG271QX uses TN technology. This isn’t always the most popular panel type for gaming, as it entails a slower response rate (4ms in this case versus 1ms for the TN-based AG271QX). But image quality should be superior.

Some specifications are identical, such as the 350cd/m2 brightness and 1000:1 contrast, with a 50M:1 dynamic contrast. The resolution is the same 2,560 x 1,440, too. However, IPS screens generally have better viewing angles and this one is no different, boasting 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, whilst the AG271QX can only muster 170 degrees horizontally and a meagre 160 degrees vertically (common for TN panels).

aoc-agon-ag271qg-review-on-kitguru-featured-650

The AG271QG falls behind the AG271QX when it comes to inputs, with no VGA or DVI, just HDMI and DisplayPort. There is an analog audio input and USB 3.0 hub, plus built-in speakers, although these are only rated to 2W whilst the AG271QX offers 3W. However, one of our favourite aspects of the latter is notably absent – the external Quick Switch keypad. So you will always need to resort to the screen’s buttons for adjustment in this case.

You pay a lot more for the IPS panel nonetheless, particularly with the higher frequency. Costing nearly £200 more than the AG271QX, the AG271QG is approaching £550. So let’s find out if it’s worth the extra money.

Specification:
Screen size: 27-inch, 16:9 aspect
Native resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
Refresh rate: 165Hz
Panel type: IPS
Contrast ratio: 1000:1 (typical)
Brightness: 350cd/m2
Response time: 4ms
Display inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI
USB hub: Yes
Tilt: Yes
Raise: Yes
Swivel: Yes
Other: Headphone jack, microphone jack, line audio input jack, mic audio input jack; built-in 2W speakers; NVIDIA G-Sync (30Hz -165Hz).
Retail Price: £548.99 (inc. VAT)

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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