[PCM2]

Yes, the TestUFO frame skipping test can be used. But actually it’s very easy to see frame skipping just based on how smooth the motion is on the main ghosting test there. Obvious juddering there from frame skipping stands out very nicely. I wouldn’t advise specifically testing for uniformity, unless you want to end up disappointing yourself. Use the monitor normally and you’ll either notice issues or you won’t. You can observe screenfills of various shades (grey levels) on MS Paint or another application if you need to.

I’m glad you enjoy the website and reviews. Be aware of how you can support that work as well.

[beavis87]

Looking for the best bang for your buck HDR400 27″ 4K IPS monitor. I’ve found that the Monoprice 27 Inch Crystalpro IPS Monitor (product code 137923) and LG 27UL600/650-W seem to fit that.

Seems the Monoprice is a recent entry and has the specs to be competitive. The “UL” series is LG’s affordable line of 27″ 4K monitors for 2019 succeeding their popular “UK” series, which aren’t HDR400 certified. Both seem to hover around the $400-445 mark. It does look like the Monoprice uses an LG panel, I wonder if they both share the same panel. What other monitors use the panel in the Monoprice? Are they within the same price-range?

Monoprice 27in CrystalPro Monitor – 4K UHD, 60Hz, DisplayHDR 400 Certified, IPS
LG 27UL650-W 27 Inch 4K UHD LED Monitor with VESA DisplayHDR 400

Alternatively, the LG 27UL600-W is the version with a different stand and cheaper but otherwise the same as the 27UL650

[PCM2]

Hi beavis87,

Until recently the LG 27UL650 was featured as a recommendation. It was replaced by the Philips 276E8VJSB as I feel it’s better value for money. However; the LG still gets a passing mention there for users who specifically want more ergonomic flexibility, some basic HDR capability and FreeSync support. Be under no illusion, however. HDR at this level (any monitor that is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified and certainly any ‘4K’ UHD monitor in this category and price) is very basic. These models don’t provide an appropriate colour gamut nor contrast capabilities to provide anything other than an ’emulation’ of HDR. That isn’t to say there’s not some enjoyment to be had. The LG does handle tone-mapping well for HDR content, so shadow detailing is significantly enhanced and appears more realistic (refer to some of our reviews of HDR models like this). And there are some pulses of brightness (albiet without local dimming) for bright content which some users enjoy.

Like the 276E8VJSB, I’ve received a lot of positive user feedback about the LG. It’s nicely calibrated and well-tuned for good 60Hz pixel responsiveness. The stand is also something people quite like in terms of its look and solid feel, especially on the ‘650’ where it’s fully adjustable. The same can’t be said for the Monoprice model. User feedback I’ve received on this model is more limited and I have no hands-on experience. But it wasn’t positive. Issues with poor calibration, very bad uniformity and weak pixel overdrive are yours to enjoy. Unfortunately the poor user posting this experience got a replacement and although the second one was a bit better in the uniformity department he was never happy overall. So I see no reason to buy that over the superior LG 27UL650. I can’t confirm the exact panel it uses, perhaps it gets some rejects that LG don’t want to use (snigger) or a different sub-variant.

[Slimboy fat]

I ended up buying a used BDM4350UC for a decent price, the model is reviewed here: https://pcmonitors.info/reviews/philips-bdm4350uc/

I’ve used for about a week and here are my amateur impressions:

-The frame skip every 2,5 seconds is not noticeable at all imo

-The colours are decent but are noticeably less vibrant than my laptop screen. I’m using the lenovo yoga s730

-The speakers cannot compete with any modern TV I’ve heard, they are not fit for listening to music but function for youtube and games where sound isn’t a major part of the experience.

-The reflections are very manageable

-The screen can become quite bright. To my eyes the contrast betwen light and dark is quite good.

-Upscaling games look better than I expected. “1440p” especially is a good alternative to 4K if the GPU cannot render games fast enough at that resolution.

I will be checking in here occasionally to answer questions.

[PCM2]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the BDM4350UC. It sounds positive overall and I’m glad the potential negatives like frame skipping or reflectiveness of the screen weren’t bothersome to you.

[Anonymous]

Hey. I’m hoping somebody can help me find a 4K TN panel with fairly good picture quality. I’m currently using the LG 27uk600 and I know it’s highly recommended, but coming from a ViewSonic XG2402 which is a 1080p TN it feels less responsive in game. I play a lot of online multiplayers such as Call of Duty, Apex and Battlefield and have been looking at the Benq EL2870u and the new Acer KG281KA. I can’t find any information or reviews on the Acer but the specs look good, any help would be appreciated.

[PCM2]

Hi,

I’ve merged your thread with this one as it’s an appropriate place.

All of the 28″ TN ‘4K’ models use a variant of the same InnoLux panel. As you can see from our comprehensive review of the BenQ EL2870U, it has some clear issues with pixel responsiveness. The same applies to any model using the panel – it’s an inherent weakness with the panel itself. In fact it has some weaknesses in pixel responsiveness that are far more pronounced than you’d typically see on 27″ ‘4K’ models. Now I haven’t reviewed the 27UK600, specifically, but from user and reviewer feedback it would seem pixel responsiveness is about as good as you’re going to get from a 60Hz ‘4K’ monitor. Input lag is low, although not quite as low as the XG2402 or EL2870U.

When you said your XG2402 felt more responsive, do you specifically mean it feels more responsive when interacting with the game world or looks more responsive (less trailing?) What frame rate are you running your games at on each model when making these observations? You’re comparing a highly responsve 144Hz monitor with a moderately responsive 60Hz model. It’s important to be clear about the exact conditions when you’re making these observations. In your original thread title (obviously lost when the thread was merged), you specifically mentioned that you game on the PS4 Pro. Is this exclusively and if so are you comparing different resolutions (and hence frame rates and performance levels) when talking about how your different monitors feel?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I game exclusively on PS4 PRO and yes different resolutions. For Example, Call of Duty is locked at 60fps and the only way I can explain it as feeling off is that I feel as if I’m seeing enemies a little later, it’s as if they are on my screen but it takes a little longer for them to show and in turn I’m not able to react.

[PCM2]

As I understand it 60fps is the target frame rate, it won’t be achieving that all the time and is less likely to do so at a higher resolution. PS4 Pro can run Call of Duty titles at 60fps solidly. I know some titles use dynamic resolution scaling to try to achieve the 60fps target (Call of Duty Black Ops 4 does this) on the PS4 Pro.

So let’s assume you are getting a pretty solid 60fps either way. You may be noticing some weaknesses in pixel responsiveness on the LG 27UK600. Have you tried adjusting the response time setting in the OSD? The bad news is that the ‘4K’ TN models are not really faster, they are slower for pixel responsiveness in some cases. At least, compared to the 27″ ‘4K’ IPS-type panels I’ve thoroughly tested, such as the Philips 276E8VJSB. They have some standout weaknesses as noted in relevant reviews (reference), although some pixel responses are faster.

[Anonymous]

I’m starting wonder if it is worth getting another 1080p monitor for now until they bring out better performing 4K monitors. My only other option in the 4K monitor market would be the Benq EW3270u, but then I’m not quite sure if the VA would be any more responsive than my current IPS. What is your opinion?

[PCM2]

So you did try the various ‘Response Time’ settings on the LG, or not? The BenQ EW3270U uses the same panel found in most other ~32″ ‘4K’ VA models. It’s certainly not a speed demon – refer to our reviews of the AOC U3277PWQU and Philips 328P6VUBREB. The Full HD route might make more sense, there are certainly some superior 60Hz models for responsiveness there (both TN and IPS) and more choice in general.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your detailed responses. I’ve done a little research comparing the AOC and Philips to the Benq and tests have shown the Benq is faster than both in response time and input lag. I have 1 last Hope in the 4K market and that is the ViewSonic XG3220 but information is scarce online. Do you know anything about this monitor?

[PCM2]

That’s not strictly true, you need to be very careful relying on potentially misleading pixel response time figures given out by various other websites. This is partly why I’m fundamentally opposed to qualititative testing of respone times – unless you’re looking at a very broad spread of grey levels (shades) out of the 255 x 255 transitions available, you’re basically looking at an incomplete jigsaw. You also need to consider overshoot levels, not just the speed of response.

The AOC U3277PWQU and Philips 328P6VUBREB both offer quite a range of pixel response time options. Generally BenQ are pretty aggressive with their overdrive using the ‘AMA High’ setting, which can help speed up some pixel responses at the expense of introducing overshoot. But it will absolutely share the same sort of standout weaknesses as other models using the same panel. Which could well be not reflected by the slim number of transitions the reviews you’ve looked at might’ve considered. There is simply no way around that, without replacing the ‘smeary’ trailing with obvious overshoot. And the same applies to the ViewSonic XG3220 which uses the same panel.

Also, I’ve asked you a certain question twice now and you have not yet answered it. So I’ll repeat this – did you try various ‘Response Time’ settings on the LG?

[Anonymous]

Sorry, yes I have tested all the override settings. Using faster makes games feel responsive but I get slight overshoot but on fast I don’t get the overshoot but it feels off it’s hard to explain exactly but I’m just not fully connected. I’m guessing you would choose the LG over the Benq and ViewSonic?

[PCM2]

Do you actually mind the slight overshoot, though? Aside from that was the responsiveness good enough? If you’re having issues with a moderately responsive 60Hz IPS model, you’re almost certainly not going to be happy with a VA alternative.

[SanguineDrone]

Hi all, looking for a new pair of workstation monitors for Davinci Resolve and Photoshop/lightroom.

I’ve been looking at a lot of reviews, but PCmonitors is the BEST, and they always look at the coating, which is often ignored!!

There was a time when I was looking for a full glossy monitor, but it looks like it simply does not exist with my other requirements 🙁

Here’s what I’m looking for in order of priority:
· 4k (would accept 5k if well priced)
· As glossy as possible!!
· sRGB and DCI-P3, doesn’t need to be 100% but should be good, above 80%
· 10-bit color depth
· HDR10 support
· 27” display, preferably thin bezels

Don’t really need high refresh rates or gsync/freesync but it’d be nice to have.
I’ll be driving it with an RTX 2070 with Displayport 1.4

I’m thinking about the BenQ PD2700U, but I read the review of the PD3200U and wasn’t impressed by the coating.

Let me know your best/cheapest recommendations! Keep in mind it’s my personal work machine so money does matter.
Thanks for your suggestions!!

[PCM2]

Hi SanguineDrone and welcome,

I appreciate the kind words and I’m glad you like our attention to detail.

Your quest is a difficult one, because nearly all 27″ ‘4K’ models I’ve come across have screen surfaces that are actually nice and light with a low haze value (so sort of semi-glossy, some might say) yet still manage to use a surface texture that’s quite grainy. The BenQ PD3200U is a good example of that – and I’m afraid the PD2700U is even worse, it’s extremely grainy and I would never recommend it to somebody even remotely sensitive to that sort of thing. The Philips 276E8VJSB is sort of the opposite in that the screen surface isn’t as light or ‘low haze’ (I’d classify it as ‘light’ but not ‘very light’) but the finish is quite smooth without obvious graininess. It certainly ticks your budget-conscious box, is 10-bit and offers a design with thin bezels. But it has no HDR10 support and the colour gamut is more restrictive than you’re after as well.

For your uses the BenQ PD2720U might be worth a look. But I’m afraid it’s far from budget-friendly and I have no idea how the screen surface is. I haven’t used that model and to be honest am waiting for a sample of the PD3220U instead. And have been for a long time – the monitor still hasn’t officially launched. And I certainly wouldn’t discount the Acer XB273K. Some would consider it overkill for your uses, but I wouldn’t. It is priced similarly to the BenQ and offers excellent calibration (including a good sRGB emulation mode), decent HDR10 output, a decent screen surface and bonuses like 144Hz and G-SYNC.

I’m not really aware of a middle ground between the likes of the 276E8VJSB and the higher-end BenQ and Acer, certainly none that I could guarantee have a nice screen surface. I know this probably isn’t what you wanted to hear as I’m quite sure the more expensive options I’ve listed will be outside of your budget consideration range.

[SanguineDrone]

Thanks for the great answer! I realize that unfortunately, I’ll have to make compromises somewhere…

That Acer XB273k is a real beast, and based on the pictures the AG coating looks acceptable. It is pretty pricey, I’m trying to stay around $1300 for a set of 2.

I’m wondering if you know of any others that might be close to what I’m looking for? I did accurately list each feature in order of how much I care. For example HDR10 is kind of a wash so I don’t really care much for it. Same goes for screen size, I would consider 24” all the way to 32” as long as it hits some other points. I could make do with 8-bit +FRC… etc…

Anyway, if there’s nothing that really fits my expectations and budget I might wait and save up some money, or hope some better semi-glossy monitors appear. I do currently have a decent monitor so I’m not dying for a new one.

Thanks!

[PCM2]

The Dell U2718Q might be worth considering. But I’ve only used one very briefly and not in good enough lighting or setup in a way that let me analyse screen surface properly. I have a feeling it was decent, but I really would need a better assessment to confirm. And Dell don’t have any review samples of it, I requested it many times over the past year. The main issue is, as you are aware, most sources do not comment on screen surface in enough detail for users to make useful judgement about how it will affect the image. No image will tell you whether a screen surface is grainy or not, unfortunately. Only if it is low haze, which was the point I was making in my initial post.

[aiven]

Hello!

I am looking for some advice since after days of research I am still undecided which monitor to choose.

Some facts for context:

• I currently have a ASUS ProArt 279Q (1440p) as main monitor and want to upgrade to 4k in minimum 32″ ideally more.
• My workstation runs on Windows10 with 4x 1080ti (GPU rendering).
• Main activity is professional (10h a day at least), using 3D softwares for key visuals, animations and video game development.
• I want more space for the UI of those softwares (Houdini, Unreal Engine, Cinema4D, etc). So I’m happy if I don’t have to upscale the interface because of 4k res.
• Color accuracy is important and I was satisfied with the current monitor I have. Factory calibration was great with Delta <2.
• I am not sure I care for HDR feature or not since I am not doing photography or capturing raw camera footage. I render my visuals and animation in Linear space but export the output in sRGB.
• I think I prefer the resolution 3840 x 2160px than 3840 x 1440px since the reason I change monitor is to have more space for 3D software interfaces.
• I sit 40-50cm from my monitor. Space on the desk doesn’t matter, I will buy a new one.
• I play sometimes but not competitive (Rust, RainbowSix…)
• I don’t know if I care for 60hz or more but why not.
• I don’t know if I care for FreeSync or Gsync but since the monitor is going to be bigger than the 27″ I have, it seems more important.
• Budget is between 700-1200€

Here is a list of monitors I selected on Amazon: https://www.amazon.fr/hz/wishlist/ls/1K7H7P8K2VG5Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref_=wl_share&linkCode=ll2&tag=recommendedmonitors04f-21&linkId=a747ecd3f56ad91012fa3b7a39a96de9

Questions:
1. Do you think 32″ doesn’t need upscale UI in Windows or I should better go for 34, 40, 43? I like the pitch I had on the 27″ @1440p but it’s not mendatory I keep the same.
2. It seems most professional monitors for artists are 32″, is that correct?
3. Can you please give your opinion on the ones I have in the wishlist?

Thank you very much for your help!

[Author]

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