[PCM2]

What simple demonstrations like Minecraft or Test UFO do is isolate just a few shades moving against each other, helping isolate specific weaknesses in pixel responsiveness. In the case of the VG34VQL1B and what is shown here, the issue is overshoot. In this case these weaknesses do not just occur for very specific transitions, but rather affect broader shade level ranges. That means that they are present and can be readily observed in the more complex scenes you describe. I know I haven’t reviewed the ASUS, specifically, but note that we use more complex scenes than that in our own reviews and they clearly highlight the sort of weaknesses being discussed here with other models. Whether or not you, personally, would notice those weaknesses is entirely subjective.

The issue with overshoot is that it can stand out in such an obvious way that it draws in the eye, even in more complex scenes. Significant weaknesses which cause ‘smeary’ trailing can also do this, not only standing out in isolation but adding significant perceived blur to scenes involving such weaknesses. The fact that I’ve received some positive feedback on the VG34VQL1B as well as the sort of negative points posted here, suggesting that not everybody finds the overshoot bothersome. You can also get used to it and because it doesn’t affect all transitions, you won’t be constantly seeing it either. I can say from years of experience with the Dell S2716DG that strong overshoot is something it’s possible to get used to to an extent and can learn to accept. So I do feel giving the VG34VQL1B a go might be worth it for you, if you like it then you’ve saved yourself a lot of money compared to going for the 34GN850.

[PCM2]

Some further thoughts on the VG34VQL1B (non-gaming) have been shared here by forum user brownc. And impressions shared by uncia here, including some very interesting observations related to colour output on VA models.

[SergioS]

I received the Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B a few days ago, and I must say I’m a little disappointed.
No pixel or blb issues, the colors are good and everything looks fine when the images don’t move too much, but when things start to move the problems are there.
Green gosthing (which I had questioned in a previous post) is there, it makes itself felt and accompanies me in many situations. Sometimes it appears and remains fixed for at least one second, so that it can be observed without being questioned. And in general, ghosting accompanies all fast movements, in practically all the games that I have tested. Definitely annoying. My previous monitor (Samsung 24FG73) never gave me these problems.

I updated the monitor driver, I calibrated it, I changed the OD values, I connected a high quality dp cable (the one supplied was short for my workstation), but without being able to eliminate or mitigate the problem. To be sure of my perceptions, I also did another test: I put my laptop (Asus Rog Strix GL703GM-E5016T, 17 “fhd IPS 144hz) side by side with the Asus Tuf and I ran the same games and movies. : all doubts have been confirmed (and color rendering is better on the laptop too!).

I’ve never made Amazon returns, and sometimes reading customer reviews it seemed to me that some people do it casually. But this time I am thinking very seriously about it, and about switching to LG ultragear. If the Asus were not classified as “gaming” (and it didn’t cost what it costs), it might not be justified to return it, but so …

[PCM2]

That’s very unfortunate to see. I assume you tried lower response time settings as well? Did you notice this ‘green ghosting’ (overshoot) much outside of gaming? For example when watching video content, if you do that? And when gaming at a static 144Hz (no VRR)? If you’re genuinely unhappy you have a right to return the monitor and it isn’t something you should feel guilty about – Amazon are usually accommodating as well.

[SergioS]

The green shadow also pops up when I scroll down this page, right around your black PC Monitors logo. Limiting fps (the games all run between 80 and 120) doesn’t seem acceptable to me as the monitor is sold for 165hz, and given how much I paid for my 3070.
Thanks for your reply, always very fast 🙂

[PCM2]

Usually overshoot is intensified at lower refresh rates, which I why I wanted to know whether the observations were tied to that. But if you observe it on the desktop and you have the monitor set to 165Hz (or 144Hz) then it isn’t just something that you’re noticing at lower refresh rates. Did you try reducing the response time (‘Overdrive’) setting? From what has been suggested by others, including rudemario earlier on this thread, even the lowest settings there cause this overshoot issue.

Given the strong contrast and format of the monitor I feel it would be tempting to recommend it for those using it primarily for watching video content, which is why I was curious whether you notice any issues when watching said content. But if it is readily observed even when watching lower frame rate content on platforms such as Netflix then that could really limit the appeal. I’ve received some feedback from a user by email who really enjoys watching movie content on it, but he admitted his old monitor had a lot of overshoot and it’s something he’s grown used to. So tough to judge based on that. I’m also noticing that those reporting overshoot issues seem to be using Nvidia GPUs, whereas those using AMD GPUs seem not to notice such things.

[SergioS]

well … I’m more and more confused. If I decrease the overdrive, the green shadow is greatly reduced, but the drag effect is still there. I tried to view a film through amazon prime: I must say it looks better on my 15 year old Sony.
I think I’ll go with the ips.

yes, about Nvidia, a buyer on Amazon Italy released this review: “… I tried to make it work in compatible Gsync mode (remember that it is a freesync monitor and it is not on the official list of Nvidia), but with poor success …: In many cases there are episodes of flickering … I also tried to change the range with CRU but there was no way to make it go decently …
A shame because in my opinion it is very valid in terms of color … I recommend it if you have an AMD gpu to take advantage of freesync or if you are not interested in this function … With Nvidia gpu you will have problems …
My final decision was to return and focus on another model … ”

Thanks again for your help

[uncia]

It really is a shame to hear this, Sergio. I’ve found the contrast and color reproduction quite good. There is a little backlight bleed, but far less than with previous VA monitors I’ve used. VA bloom occurs when viewing off angle, but it’s also not that bad and no worse than the horrible way IPS glow turns black into gray when viewed off angle. I do think the GPU must make all the difference. I’m running an anemic RX 560. Yet I have no issue with the green/purple shadow a lot of users have noticed. Some blurring and ghosting occurs in certain circumstances. That’s common with VA panels. It’s just every so often that I notice this. The pixel responsiveness of the Asus is really quite good for a VA monitor. It’s not like LG’s Nano IPS panels, but it’s a step above the other ultrawide VA monitors. Here’s hoping Asus looks into this and is able to update the firmware to correct for the issues people are noticing. Perhaps it’s something Nvidia will have to work on as well.

Good luck finding a monitor that works for you, Sergio.

[SergioS]

Hi Uncia
thanks for the wishes. A LG ultrawide (34gn850) has arrived a couple of days ago, and I am completely satisfied. Perhaps the Asus I received had some problems (we know they are not all the same). Anyway – without being able to argue technically – my feeling is that for gaming at 21: 9 and in UWQHD there is no alternative to ips. Yes, that’s right, they cost a madness; but also the asus was not cheap, and when one does a madness one might as well do it to the end.
Really a lot of thanks to this site for assisting me on this path

[PCM2]

Glad you’re happy with the 34GN850, seeing for yourself was certainly the best way to know for sure it was the right choice for you.

[Minibjorn]

Greeting all, I’m going to resurrect this thread a little…

Has anyone worked out the panel used in the Dell S3422DWG? Its performance looks really good, granted… based on one review so far (RTINGS), and its black uniformity is unlike what we have seen from other 34″ VA panels, that I can recall.

But for the life of me I cannot find anyone who has accessed the service menu and worked out what panel it’s using… Rtings don’t open monitors like TfT does and Dell won’t tell.

[PCM2]

The 3000:1 static contrast ratio, 144Hz vs. 165Hz, 1800R curve and the subpixel structure all suggested to me it’s likely a Samsung SVA panel. But now they’ve dropped LCD production entirely, it’s possible it is CSOT or (less likely) AUO. This model was launched or underwent late-stage development during the transition period. Existing Samsung panels and CELLS are still heavily stockpiled so could still be used here. But CSOT works closely with Samsung now and has essentially taken over their VA monitor technology. I’ll see if I can do some digging and find out. The pixel response weaknesses for darker shades looks pretty typical for such a panel, even though this one does appear relatively well-tuned and that does certainly help. Remember that there is a large gap between 0% and 20% grey and even 20% increments between measurements. So don’t think it’s only a ‘few transitions’ where weaknesses are present here. They may well be less widespread than on for example the CU34G2X, but you can’t really say from this data.

The dark uniformity does seem rather good based on RTINGS sample, but you’d definitely need more data to drawn any conclusions from that. These models generally use CELLS with custom backlights included rather than complete panels, too. And this particular backlight unit and how everything is housed together might be pretty good in this case. I agree that this sort of dark uniformity is good to see and it will be interesting to see if this is a broader trend with the S3422DWG. What I find slightly less encouraging is the gamma tracking and Dell’s continued reluctance to include different gamma modes or sRGB emulation on their gaming monitors. Gamma behaviour isn’t too crazy on RTINGS sample, but is certainly off-base and I don’t like this lack of flexibility myself. It isn’t something RTINGS covers, but VRR flickering as observed on other VA UltraWides is still ‘a thing’ in this case according to user feedback.

[Minibjorn]

TCL CSOT did claim that they had generally improved the panels they took over from Samsung to manufacture, so it’s certainly possible that this is simply a “Samsung” panel made by them.

Yes I absolutely agree and hope other outlets will review this monitor so we can have more data, I also asked Rtings they they had anyway (service menu) to confirm the panel used in their unit. I also think that all AUO’s current gen 34″ UW VA panels are 8 Bit native without Dithering but I’m not 100% certain on that info.

Regarding gamma control and sRGB mode, with unlocked colour and brightness control, please… f#¤k yes, that’s an annoyance of everyone I talk to that are into monitors, how is this still not standardized features.
I understand that there is a matter of cost in there, but come one…

[Author]

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