BenQ Zowie XL2735 eSports Gaming Monitor Announced

July 18th 2016

Some basic information about this monitor was announced a few weeks ago by BenQ Zowie, but the screen has now also appeared on the BenQ.com website. The webpage states: "XL-series features the premiere monitors for PC e-Sports, fine-tuned to guarantee the smoothest and responsive experience, and the clearest images to arm you for competition."

The screen itself is 27" in size and features a 2560 x 1440 resolution TN Film panel. DL-DVI, 2x HDMI and DisplayPort video connections are available along with a headphone and mic jack. The other spec doesn't seem to be listed yet but expect the familiar 1000:1 contrast ratio, 170/160 viewing angles, 16.7m colour depth and sRGB gamut. Although not listed on their website, we anticipate this new model will just be an update to the XL2730Z and so will offer a 1ms G2G response time, FreeSync support and an integrated Blur Reduction mode as well.

One of the key new features being promoted on this model is their exclusive new "DyAc" (Dynamic Accuracy) technology. This is designed to "maintain remarkable clarity during in-game movement that achieves a smoother experience, enabling players to swiftly capture and hit the targets." Obviously you may want to take the marketing images (above) and video with a pinch of salt, but it does sound and interesting technology and one we'd like to test when we have chance.

Another new feature they've added is the "shield", which is a nicely adjustable side hood attachment for the screen designed to help you focus on the screen and gaming and avoid distractions. The familiar S-switch device makes a return on this screen allowing you to easily switch between settings, now featuring built in memory as well, and the Black eQualizer setting is also available to boost gamma in darker areas of your content. The stand is fully adjustable allowing you to reach a comfortable position for your gaming needs. As ever, the screen is flicker free and features blue light filters also.

No word on price or release date yet.

Source: BenQ

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AOC AGON AG241QG and AG241QX Gaming Monitors

July 18th 2016

AOC have announced the first 24" range (23.8" in size) monitors in their new AGON line-up of gaming screens. The AG241QG and AG241QX feature 2560 x 1440 resolution 23.8" TN Film panels, with a whole host of features aimed at a gaming audience. There are two flavours offered here. Firstly there is the G model with NVIDIA G-sync, 165Hz refresh rate and support for ULMB blur reduction as well. Then there's the X model with slightly lower 144Hz refresh rate and support for Adaptive Sync (FreeSync) instead. Both have a 1ms G2G response time from the TN Film panels for great gaming experience. AOC also talk about the low input lag in their press material which shows they have a focus on providing low lag for gaming which is good news.

Thanks to the AOC Ergo Dial Base of the AG241QG and AG241QX, users can always adjust their screen to their personal needs to ensure enduring stamina for long gaming sessions. These functions are height-adjustment, combined with a scale to set the preferred level, as well as tilt and swivel options. Both models feature a flicker free backlight, and the X model also has additional blur light filter options for eye care. The AOC 'Shadow Control' feature provides quick contrast adjustment for a better view of pinpointed areas, not jeopardising the already well-balanced screen areas. The AOC 'Settings KeyPad' is perfect for comfortably switching between various image settings. Saving presets and instantly activating them when needed has never been easier. The AG241QG features DisplayPort and HDMI inputs while the X model also has D-sub and DVI available

Spec wise the panels offer a 2560 x 1440 resolution, 1ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 170/160 viewing angles, 16.7m colour depth and sRGB colour space.

The AOC AGON AG241QX will be available in August 2016 for an MSRP of £389 and the AOC AGON AG241QG for an MSRP of £519 in September 2016.

Source: AOC AG241QG and AG241QX

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Acer Predator Z301C with 30" Curved VA Panel and 200Hz Refresh

July 18th 2016

Acer have recently announced the release of a new 30" ultra-wide model in their Z1 gaming monitor series. The Predator Z301C model offers a 2560 x 1080 resolution and a curved format (1800R curvature). The VA panel being used supports up to 200Hz refresh rate which we believe to be achieved without the need for overclocking, using one of AU Optronics' new AMVA panels (M300DVR01.0 most likely). Whether the VA panel can offer response times fast enough to make this 200Hz refresh rate practical, and whether you can power a screen with this resolution at that kind of refresh rate reliably is another question of course. NVIDIA G-sync is also provided to support dynamic refresh rates.

In other specs the screen offers a 4ms G2G response time, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 100% sRGB coverage and 178/178 viewing angles. Tilt, height (120mm) and swivel adjustments are expected to be offered from the stand and given the NVIDIA G-sync module we would expect to see DisplayPort and HDMI inputs provided. There are also 2x 7W DTS speakers included. The design looks to be similar to that of the Z35 we have already reviewed.

No word on price or release date yet but we know the expected panel should be in mass production now from AUO. Probably 2 - 3 months we would predict before the screen is released. We will update this news piece if we get any further information from Acer as well.

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Update: AU Optronics Continue to Push Panel Development

June 22nd 2016

Periodically we try to bring you news on the panels in production or planning from the key panel manufacturers. Knowing what panels they are working on can give us some early insight into the type of monitors we might expect to see later on once they are adopted by the manufacturers. The dates provided below are the expected dates for production of the panels themselves, so there's normally a good few months before we then see news of any monitors making use of them, and then a few more months lag before any screens are actually available. Still, it gives us a nice indication of developments we might see this year.

Earlier this month we brought you information about the LG.Display and Samsung panel roadmaps, and now we have some information from AU Optronics as well.

As a brief intro summary, AUO continue to invest in several key areas. Of particular interest are the new gaming panels they are developing, with Full HD (1920 x 1080) options reaching up to 240Hz native refresh rate later this year and QHD (2560 x 1440) reaching the same 240Hz refresh rate during 2017. We will also see the emergence of 4K resolution 144Hz refresh rate panels by 2017 as well.

In addition to there are further developments with VA technology curved panels, now pushing the refresh rates up to 200Hz native and with resolutions up to 3440 x 1440. New panel sizes and formats will also be introduced.

Finally, an investment in 4K and 5K resolution screens for a variety of uses continues to be a focus with various options being considered.

Here's some of the specifics and highlights:

Full HD panels with 240Hz refresh rate - two gaming panels are in production offering 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution and a massive 240Hz refresh rate. They are available in 25" and 27" sizes and are TN Film technology. The 25" panel (M250HTN01.2) should be in production during June and the 27" (M270HTN02.3) will follow in August. The 25" sector is a new venture for AUO as well, as they've not produced panels in this size before. The 25" panel could well be the panel featured in the recently announced Asus ROG Swift PG258Q which was showcased at Computex. It remains to be confirmed, but that was advertised as having a 240Hz refresh rate and so the spec fits.

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Curved VA panels with up to 200Hz refresh rate - these are planned in various sizes, offering curved formats (1800R curvature) and VA panel technology.

Going in to production in June/July is the largest size, which is a 35" 21:9 aspect ratio panel with 3440 x 1440 resolution. This will have options for a 100Hz (M350QVR01.0) and 200Hz refresh rate (M350QVR01.1) apparently. Back in January we had information about this 35" panel which was listed with a 144Hz refresh rate, but it looks like AUO have now pushed this refresh rate even higher up to 200Hz. With a 3440 x 1440 res and that high refresh rate, DP 1.2 will not be sufficient but it remains to be seen how this screen will be connected.

In the same 35" size is another curved (2000R) VA panel but this time with a 2560 x 1080 resolution and 200Hz refresh rate (M350DVR01.2). This should go in to production during June to complement the existing 144Hz version (M350DVR01.0) already used in various screens such as the Acer Predator Z35.

Then there's a new 31.5" sized 16:9 aspect ratio panel scheduled for some time in Q4, with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. This is the first 31.5" sized panel we've seen mentioned by AUO up until now and will also mark the first high refresh rate VA panel we've seen in this size and resolution.

The planned 30" widescreen 2560 x 1080, VA technology, 21:9 aspect ratio panel (M300DVR01.0) has also now gone in to production and the spec has been updated slightly now with a 1800R curvature (instead of 2000R expected before) and a boost in the refresh rate from 144Hz to 200Hz.

Finally there's a 27" 16:9 aspect ratio VA panel also in the planning phase (no date or part number yet) with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. Again the first VA panel of this size and resolution we've seen with high refresh rate.

In fact there's been very few high refresh rate VA panels ever released, only really the 23.5" 1920 x 1080 resolution 120Hz VA panel from Sharp (as featured in the Eizo Foris FG2421 back in late 2013), and more recently the 35" 2560 x 1080 resolution 144Hz native VA panel from AUO as featured in a few screens including the Acer Predator Z35 early in 2016.

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More 4K and 5K options - AUO will also invest in more high resolution panels with 4K (ultra HD 3840 x 2160) and 5K (5120 x 2880) options available. A new line of 32" sized 'value' panels are expected to go in to production in November 2016 based on TN Film and/or VA panel technology with 4K resolutions (no part numbers yet). At some point in late 2016 the 144Hz refresh rate 27" size AHVA (IPS-type) 4K panel showcased recently at Computex is expected to go in to mass production as well which is bound to attract some attention for gamers (again no part number yet). Finally a new 32" sized AHVA (IPS-type) panel with 5K resolution is expected to go in to production in Feb 2017 with Adobe RGB colour space and will be aimed at higher end use and graphic application (part number not known).

We have updated our panel parts database with all this new information as well where available

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Dell UP3017 Information Appears Online

June 21st 2016

Don't confuse this with the eagerly anticipated UP3017Q! That is Dell's exciting OLED based model with 4K resolution. The UP3017 was a model we saw teased during May via an accidental information leak on their website. This new screen is the new 30" model in their range, which looks to be a replacement for the U3014 from a few years ago. The actual product page has now appeared on Dell's China website so we know a little more about it now.

As we anticipated back in May, the new UP3017 is aimed at professional uses and is based on a 2560 x 1600 resolution IPS panel. As the 'UP' product name suggested, this screen features a wide gamut LED backlight system and so offers a colour space covering 99% Adobe RGB. The screen comes factory calibrated with a dE <2 and also offers hardware calibration using Dell's calibration software and a compatible calibration tool.

In other specs the screen has a 6ms G2G (fast) / 8ms G2G (normal) response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles, 1.07 billion colour depth and 16:10 aspect ratio. There are DisplayPort, Mini DP, DP out and 2x HDMI connections offered along with a 4 port USB 3.0 hub. The usual full range of tilt, height, swivel and rotate adjustments are offered from the stand and a KVM and PiP/PbP function are also supported by the display.

No word on UK or US pricing or release yet but we'd expect it to appear on more regional Dell webpages in the near future along with further information.

Source: Dell China

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AOC AGON AG271QG with 165Hz IPS Panel and G-sync

June 21st 2016

AOC have recently announced their latest AGON gaming series monitor. The AG271QG is a 27" screen based on a 2560 x 1440 resolution IPS-type (AHVA) panel. The screen boasts a 165Hz maximum refresh rate and NVIDIA G-sync support, putting it as a direct rival to popular screens like the Acer Predator XB271HU and Asus ROG Swift PG279Q. In other specs the screen offers a 4ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness and 178/178 viewing angles. DisplayPort and HDMI inputs are provided along with 4x USB 3.0 ports, and the stand has a full range of tilt, height, swivel and rotate adjustments. There are 2W integrated stereo speakers and AOC also promote the flicker free backlight. The screen doesn't look like it will support NVIDIA ULMB blur reduction though as it's not mentioned on the product page or spec sheet.

The AOC AGON AG271QG premium gaming monitor, specially designed for enthusiastic gamers, will hit stores in July 2016 for an MSRP of £639.

Source: AOC

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Update: New Panels Planned from LG.Display and Samsung

June 8th 2016

Periodically we try to bring you news on the panels in production or planning from the key panel manufacturers. Knowing what panels they are working on can give us some early insight into the type of monitors we might expect to see later on once they are adopted by the manufacturers. The dates provided below are the expected dates for production of the panels themselves, so there's normally a good few months before we then see news of any monitors making use of them, and then a few more months lag before any screens are actually available. Still, it gives us a nice indication of developments we might see this year:

Of note from LG.Display, other than the 144Hz 34" panels discussed in our other news article below:

A new 31.5" IPS panel (part number tbc) with "8K4K" resolution of 7680 x 4320. This has a 280 ppi and spec wise it offers a 14ms G2G response time, 1300:1 contrast ratio, 178/178 viewing angles and 400 cd/m2 brightness. It is not expected to go in to production until Q1 2017.



27" LM270WR5 IPS panel with 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD resolution. This panel is expected to go in to production around October time and will offer a borderless design (Neoblade III). It will offer a 14ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles and Adobe RGB colour gamut.



The 31.5" LM315WR1 IPS panel we saw mention of before, but now we have some further specs for this panel which is expected to go in to production around Q4 2016. We now know it will offer a 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD resolution, 14ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles and sRGB colour gamut. This panel is a borderless design (Neoblade III) as well.

Of note from Samsung are the following:

LTM240CL07 panel. This is a 24" PLS (IPS-type) technology module, with 1920 x 1200 resolution. This particular panel has a wide gamut Adobe RGB colour space coverage, and Samsung also list it with a "retardation pol" option. This is similar to the old A-TW polarizer made popular by LG.Display quite some years ago, and designed to help minimise IPS-glow on dark content. You don't see those used very often so it's interesting to see it listed as an option.



There is also a 23.6" VA technology panel planned for later this year. The LSM236HP02 (revision tbc) will by a 1800R curved screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution. The 60Hz version of this panel should be in production now as of April 16, with a 144Hz refresh rate version also planned for production from July 16.



The LTM270HP02 is a 27" VA technology panel with 1920 x 1080 resolution. This is a 1880R curved panel with 144Hz refresh rate support. It was scheduled to go in to production in May 16.



The LSM290DP01 panel comes in two versions, one 60Hz and the other 144Hz. This is a rather unusual 29" mega wide panel with VA technology. The resolution is listed as "FHD+" which we believe to be 3840 x 1080, with a 32:9 aspect ratio. The 60Hz version of the panel is 3000R cuvred, while the 144Hz version is 1800R curved.



The LTM340YP03 we knew about before, but not by part name. This is a 34" 1800R curved ultra-wide screen with 3440 x 1440 resolution. It's based on VA panel technology and will offer a 3 side frame less design and refresh rate support of 100Hz. We know LG.Display are pushing their 34" 1440p IPS panels up to 144Hz, so perhaps this will change with Samsung by the time it goes in to production, currently planned for September 2016. On the other hand, maybe they've not been able to drive response times low enough on the VA technology to make anything more than 100Hz practical.



There are two versions of the LTM315HP01 panel now in production since April 16. These are 31.5" in size, VA panel technology, 1800R curved and have a rather low 1920 x 1080 resolution for this screen size. There are 60Hz and 144Hz versions available. Another panel (part number tbc) in this size and format but with 2560 x 1440 resolution is planned for Sept 16, with VA technology and 144Hz refresh rate support.



Just to make the distinction as well, we are talking about LG.Display and Samsung as a panel manufacturers here, not Samsung and LG as a monitor manufacturers. Once panels go in to mass production it's usually 2 - 3 months before we see them picked up by any monitor manufacturer, and then another couple of months usually before those monitors are widely available to buy.

We have updated our panel parts database with all this new information as well.

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LG.Display to Produce 144Hz IPS Panels Including 34" 1440p

June 8th 2016

LG.Display look to be finally investing in development of high refresh rate IPS panels. We've seen the odd panel mentioned in their roadmaps in the last couple of years but never seen anything go in to final production, or at least be adopted by any monitor manufacturer. Meanwhile rival panel manufacturer AU Optronics have been developing their equivalent AHVA IPS-type technology with high refresh rate for a while now, resulting in the World's first 27" 2560 x 1440 IPS-type panel with 144Hz refresh rate back in Feb 2015 in the form of the Acer Predator XB270HU. Further models in this size have followed from Asus, Eizo and others. More recently AUO have developed a prototype 27" 144Hz IPS-type panel with 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD resolution, which was shown off at this year's Computex in an Asus display prototype. So it's about time LG.Display joined in the high refresh rate IPS market!

Perhaps the most interesting panel is planned for Q1 production 2017 at the moment. This is a new version of the LM340UW3 panel (revision tbc). This is a 34" curved ultra-wide IPS panel (1900R curvature) with a 3440 x 1440 resolution. It will offer a 144Hz refresh rate as well! Current 34" widescreen displays are making use of a native 60Hz IPS panel from LG.Display, overclocked in some cases to 100Hz maximum where a G-sync module is added to the screen. With the arrival of this 144Hz native panel we assume it will also need to use DisplayPort v1.3 connectivity but this will allow refresh rates to be significantly improved in this sector. With a native support of 144Hz we may also see some screens paired with blur reduction backlights which would be welcome in the 34" space as well. Nothing else staggering from the current listed spec which is updated in our panel parts database.

Additionally there is a 2560 x 1080 resolution IPS panel of this same size (34" ultra-wide, curved, 3800R curvature) planned for production a little sooner, in August 2016. The LM340UW1 (revision tbc).

Just to make the distinction as well, we are talking about LG.Display as a panel manufacturer here, not LG as a monitor manufacturer. Once panels go in to mass production it's usually 2 - 3 months before we see them picked up by a monitor manufacturer, and then another couple of months usually before those monitors are widely available to buy. So although it's exciting news that we will see some 34" 3440 x 1440 IPS panels at 144Hz eventually, it won't be until mid 2017 by the look of it - at least based on these LG.Display panels.

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Acer XR382CQK with 37.5" Curved Ultrawide IPS Panel

June 2nd 2016

Acer are set to release an interesting new format screen in their range in the near future, with a bit of information starting to appear online. The XR382CQK is a whopping 37.5" in size, and is an ultra wide format. The aspect ratio is an unusual 2:4:1, with a 3840 x 1600 resolution. It's a curved IPS panel as well, with 2300R curvature. Acer say that it will offer adaptive-sync support as well for gaming needs.

Based on the limited information available at the moment we expect the screen to be based on LG.Display's new LM375QW1 panel which would also offer 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, sRGB gamut, 178/178 viewing angles and is expected to go in to production in Sept 2016. With that in mind, we would expect to see this screen released towards the end of the year at best. Given the use of FreeSync we would expect multiple inputs to be offered, but refresh rate will be limited to 60Hz, maybe 75Hz if we're lucky.

More info as we get it.

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Asus Prototype - The First 4K 144Hz Monitor with DP 1.3

June 1st 2016

At this years Computex event Asus have showcased an exciting new prototype screen. There's very little information available yet or course as it's only in prototype stage, but the screen is based on a 4K 27" panel and supports refresh rates up to 144Hz. We expect by "4k" they mean Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution here by the way (now confirmed). This would be the first official sighting of a 4K screen with high refresh rate and is also the first we've seen based on the DisplayPort 1.3 standard. This new DP interface allows for increased bandwidth throughput, allowing 4K @ 144Hz to finally become a possibility. DP 1.2 has insufficient bandwidth to support this and so we've been waiting for DP 1.3 to be adopted by graphics card and monitor manufacturers to overcome this.

The prototype is based on a TN Film IPS-type technology panel (AU Optronics AHVA), but remember this is a very early proof of concept. Asus will be limited by the panels available as well don't forget and so the choice of available panels and technologies will improve over time as 4K @ 144Hz becomes possible. No word on any other features like FreeSync or G-sync at this stage, and we suspect this was more a case of trying to show 4K @144Hz with DP 1.3 was possible.

More info as we get it.

Update 1/6/16 - this video from the Computex event confirms that this prototype is actually IPS technology (AHVA from AU Optronics) instead of being TN Film, so that's exciting news. It also confirms out suspicion that the resolution is 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD and confirms that the refresh rate is indeed 144Hz. The spec sheet also says it will offer tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustments from the stand.

Update 7/6/16: Linked to this, AU Optronics have announced at the same time that their Ultra HD 4k AHVA (IPS-type) panel is being shown off at Computex, meaning that it must be their panel being used in the Asus prototype.

Source: Overclock3d.net

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Acer Predator X34P Updated Model Coming Soon

June 1st 2016





We're not sure where the original source of this information is from, but thanks to a user on Reddit we have some news of what appears to be an update to the popular Predator X34 monitor showcased at Computex 2016. The new Predator X34P offers a similar spec to its predecessor from what we know so far. It features a curved 34" panel with 3440 x 1440 resolution. An IPS panel is used again and NVIDIA G-sync is supported. The spec card shown here lists a 100Hz refresh rate and although some of the comments suggest this is a "native" support, we still believe that it is based on an overclocking feature given that there is (as far as we know) no 34" IPS panel with >60Hz produced. Whether Acer have done something to guarantee this 100Hz or not we don't know.

We can tell a few differences from the photos above. There is now a joystick on the back left (when viewed from behind) for controlling the OSD, instead of the buttons on the bottom right hand edge of the screen. Acer have moved the 4x USB ports to be located a little further away from the video connections and there also appears to be a side to side swivel function added - from the silver ring section on the stand. The back of the screen is now finished in a matte black plastic instead of the glossy finish of the older X34 model.

An Acer rep apparently estimated a Q4 release date, but no price was known at this time.

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Asus ROG Swift PG258Q with 240Hz and G-sync

June 1st 2016

It's been a busy week for Asus at the Computex event! As well as announcing the new ROG Swift PG248Q, they've also now announced a slightly bigger 24.5" display, the ROG Swift PG258Q. This screen will be based on a 1920 x 1080 resolution TN Film panel as well, offering a 1ms G2G response time and support for NVIDIA G-sync. Asus have boosted the refresh rate even more on this model up to a whopping 240Hz using an overclocking function (see update below). Whether or not this provides any practical or useable benefits remains to be seen but it's an impressive sounding spec.

This model is based on ROG's new Armor Titanium and Plasma Copper colour scheme like the ROG Swift PG348Q we've tested, and has built-in ROG light effects on its stand to add ambience to gaming set-ups. In addition, Swift PG258Q features ASUS GamePlus in-game enhancements and ASUS GameVisual technology for optimized gaming visuals. We expect to see DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI ports offered, and the screen is likely to be flicker free as with most of Asus' new models. We also anticipate the inclusion of ULMB given the high refresh rate and G-sync support, although likely only up to 120Hz.

Further information, pricing and availability are unknown at this time but we will update this news piece when we hear more.

Update 8/6/16 - Asus have informed us that the 240Hz refresh rate is not through overclocking. We are waiting for more information from them on how this is achieved and how it works exactly.

Source: Asus

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Asus Showcase New Monitors at Computex 2016

June 1st 2016

Asus have showcased further interesting monitors at this years Computex event in addition to the gaming models covered already on this news page. These include:

ASUS Designo Curve MX34VQ (pictured above) is a 34-inch curved monitor with a frameless 1800R curvature 3440 x 1440 ultra-wide QHD panel. In addition, MX34VQ features 8-Watt stereo speakers incorporating Harman Kardon and ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, as well as a Qi wireless charging pad on its stand for Qi-enabled devices.

ASUS Designo MX27UC is an elegant UHD (3840 x 2160) monitor with USB Type-C connectivity. The USB 3.1 Type-C port can be used for data transmission and power delivery, and functions as an alternate DisplayPort input. It has an IPS-type panel and a wide 100% sRGB colour gamut. It has classic lines, an ultra-slim 1.25cm profile, a stylish sundial-inspired stand, and a metallic Icicle Gold finish. ASUS SonicMaster audio, incorporating ICEpower, Bang & Olufsen technology, gives Designo MX27UC crystal-clear sound.

The 32-inch ASUS ProArt 5K UHD (model number not listed) professional monitor provides stunning 5120 x 2880 resolution images through as single DisplayPort connection. Designed for graphics professionals, it has a wide colour gamut with 100% Rec. 709, 99.5% Adobe RGB and 95% DCI-P3 color-space support. The ASUS ProArt PA27AQ monitor features a 2560 x 1440 WQHD panel with a 100% sRGB gamut. With a frameless design on all four sides, it is ideal for multi-display setups. Both ProArt monitors feature the exclusive ASUS ProArt Calibration Technology, which includes colour accuracy tuning and uniformity compensation for easy monitor calibration. It offers overall data mapping, correlation and calibration, and saves all colour parameter profiles on the display’s internal scaler IC chip instead of the PC (hardware calibration), so users do not have to recalibrate settings whenever the display is hooked up to different computers.

The new 15.6-inch ASUS ZenView portable monitor features its own foldable smart case. It can also be propped up by inserting a pen into the little hole in the corner of the monitor so that it becomes a stand. The case has a super-narrow frame design that does not intrude on the display, and is just 8mm thin.

Information on prices and release dates for all these models are not known at this time.

Source: Asus

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Acer BM320 For Professional Users

June 1st 2016

Acer have just announced their new BM320 monitor, a 32" screen designed for professional users. This new screen features an Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution and a backlight system for professional-grade requirements. The BM320 supports 100% Adobe RGB colour gamut, while video editors and directors can work with confidence as it covers 100% of the Rec. 709 colour gamut and 90% of DCI-P3. The BM320 supports 10-bit colour depth, which provides 64 times more colour depth over conventional 8-bit monitors, and every unit is factory pre-tuned and tested to ensure a Delta E<2 colour accuracy. It comes with Uniformity Compensation to help reduce uneven brightness and colour fluctuations across the screen.

The BM320 features a sleek ZeroFrame design which virtually eliminates the screen’s bezel for a seamless visual experience when multiple displays are put together. In addition, Acer’s ErgoStand lets users tilt, swivel, pivot or adjust the height of the monitor with ease, ensuring that they find the perfect viewing position effortlessly.

No further information yet on specs, price or availability.

Source: Acer

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Asus ROG Swift PG248Q with 180Hz and G-sync

May 31st 2016

At Computex 2016, Asus have yesterday showcased a new monitor in their popular ROG Swift gaming range. The new PG248Q is 24" in size and offers an impressive spec for gaming needs. There is a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 1ms G2G response time, 180Hz overclockable refresh rate and support for NVIDIA G-sync. The new screen is based on a TN Film panel. The Swift PG248Q also boasts ASUS-exclusive GamePlus including crosshair, timer, FPS counter, Display Alignment and GameVisual technologies for six preset display modes.

There's very little additional information about this screen but we expect to see DisplayPort and HDMI connections offered along with some USB 3.0 ports. The stand should offer tilt, height, swivel and rotate functions in line with the 27" ROG Swift models already available. We expect the screen will be flicker free also, and should offer ULMB support given the presence of G-sync and a suitable refresh rate. No word on pricing or availability yet.

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AOC AGON AG271QX Gaming Display With FreeSync

May 19th 2016

AOC have announced their new Premium line of gaming monitors, the AGON series. The first model to be released from this new range is the 27" AG271QX, powered by a 2560 x 1440 resolution TN Film panel with 1ms G2G response time and 144Hz refresh rate. The AG271QX is also compatible with AMD FreeSync (30 - 144Hz range). In other specs the screen offers 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 170/160 viewing angles, 16.7m colour depth and a standard sRGB gamut.

Derived from ancient Greek, AGON stands for competition, clash and antagonism. These are the strong characteristics that AOC, a market-leading display manufacturer claims for their upcoming gaming monitor line-up. The AGON series has been created to deliver the utmost gaming features and outstanding designs to the vast community of professional and hardcore gamers.

With a focus on the demands of gamers the screen also has a low input lag mode. The AOC Low Input Lag mode disables picture post-processing on the monitor’s electronics and, therefore, accelerates the command pass-through from mouse, keyboard and gamepad to result in immediate actions. Additionally the AOC Shadow Control enables gamers to quickly adjust contrast in overly dark or bright areas without sacrificing the quality of well-balanced areas across the rest of the screen similar to technologies we've seen before like BenQ's Black eQualizer for example.

Gamers would also want perfect ergonomics and to be able to rely on convenient features to adjust their monitor. The AOC AGON ergonomic base provides plenty of comfort when enabling adjustments of height, tilt and swivel, and is accurately marked by a scale, so gamers can always jump back to their preferred settings. What is more, the stand is equipped with a carry-handle for easy transportation of the monitor for example to and from eSports events. When not using the headset, there is a practical holder at the side of the display to hook it over. Even more comfort is delivered by the eye-protecting AOC Flicker-Free Technology and the AOC Low Blue Light mode, both reducing eye strain, discomfort and fatigue during long gaming sessions. Monitor settings are key features when it comes to individuality, and they need to be easily accessible. Adjustable gaming presets will grant gamers exactly that. AOC has not just implemented changeable Game Mode Presets, but also added the AOC QuickSwitch Controller, enabling the user to switch effortlessly between modes and adjust brightness, contrast and other gaming features. There are D-sub, DVI, 2x HDMI and 1x DisplayPort connections provided along with a 4 port USB 3.0 hub.

The AOC AGON AG271QX premium gaming monitor, clearly addressing competitive gamers, will be available in June 2016 for an MSRP of £479.

We know that AOC will be offering other AGON series screens (10 in total initially) in sizes from 24" to 35" with a range of flat and curved models, refresh rates of 144Hz and above (presumably overclocked) and resolutions from Full HD up to Ultra HD 4k offered. There will be some with FreeSync support like the 27" model covered above, and others with G-sync. Some will be TN Film based while others are IPS, and so it seems AOC are making a concerted effort to release some interesting new displays to compete with the likes of Asus and Acer who have been pushing the boundaries in recent times.

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NEC E245WMi with 24 Inch IPS Panel for Business Users

May 19th 2016

NEC recently announced their new E series screen, the 24 inch E245WMi, aimed primarily at business users. The screen features an AH-IPS panel with 1920 x 1200 resolution (fairly rare nowadays),6ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles and a standard sRGB gamut.

The E245WMi offers a full range of DisplayPort, DVI-D and VGA connections and the stand has tilt, height, swivel and rotate adjustments also. There's an ambient light sensor also built in along with 2x 1W stereo speakers.

“More and more businesses tell us they want displays allowing for flexibility in their employees’ work spaces,” said Kevin Christopherson, Director of Product Marketing for Desktop Displays at NEC Display Solutions. “The E245WMi-BK display is an affordable, eco-friendly model built to enrich people’s work experience and position them to deliver greater results.”

The E245WMi-BK will be available in May 2016 at an estimated street price of $319 USD.

Source: NEC

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AOC Q2781PQ with 4-side Borderless IPS Panel

May 19th 2016