BenQ SW320 Flagship Photographer Monitor with HDR

December 15th 2016

BenQ have recently announced their new flagship SW320 photographer monitor, a 31.5-inch ultra HD display with class-leading colour performance and High Dynamic Range (HDR) capability. Spanning a wide colour gamut covering 99% of Adobe RGB and 100% of sRGB, Rec. 709, and the digital cinema industry’s DCI-P3 colour space, SW320’s true 10-bit IPS panel and advanced 14-bit lookup table (LUT) deliver spectacular colour quality with precise ≤2 Delta E values.

“SW320 represents the pinnacle of BenQ colour-critical display technology,” said Conway Lee, President of BenQ Corporation. “This wide colour gamut HDR monitor takes professional imaging to new heights, fulfilling the demanding and exacting requirements of photography enthusiasts.”

Spec wise the screen supports a 3840 x 2160 resolution, 5ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles and 1.07b colour depth. The screen uses an IPS-type panel. It offers tilt, swivel, rotate and height adjustments from the stand and there is also an integrated card reader and 2x USB 3.0 ports.

Finished in a minimalist bezel and adjustable stand design engineered to reduce reflection, SW320 provides comprehensive connectivity, including a media card reader, USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 2.0a, and DisplayPort / mini DisplayPort 1.4 supporting Mac Thunderbolt output. Interestingly this seems to be the first screen launched featuring DisplayPort 1.4 connectivity. The refresh rate is listed as 60Hz only before anyone gets excited about the additional bandwidth capability of DP 1.4. PiP and PbP are supported as well.

Some key features discussed in the press release:

The SW320 supports HDR signals through both its HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.

The SW320 can be hardware calibrated with a colorimeter and Palette Master Element calibration software for professional work.

For an authentic and consistent viewing experience, SW320 achieves immaculate brightness uniformity through an additional uniformity correction feature which works across the entire screen via a meticulous fine-tuning process of hundreds of sub-regions with high-precision apparatus.

GamutDuo Mode allows simultaneous side-by-side display of content in two different colour spaces, such as Adobe RGB and sRGB. Photos can also be viewed in a black and white film effect, with three presets for photo previews prior to post-processing adjustments.

The unique “Hotkey Puck” remote control enables instant switching between colour modes and image settings, and the included detachable shading hood works in both portrait and landscape orientations to block ambient light and glare for superb colour accuracy.

No word on release date or price but expect this to be expensive given its target market.

Source: BenQ (screen spec)

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Philips 328P6VJEB Display with 31.5" UltraHD Panel

November 3rd 2016

Philips have announced a new display that combines 'UltraClear' 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution with the extra-wide colour gamut of 'UltraColor' technology and advanced Vertical Alignment (VA) technology for super-high contrast. The expansive 31.5-inch 328P6VJEB display gives users plenty of room to spread out and enjoy vivid, detailed reproduction in Ultra High Definition. With versatile connectivity and MHL support, it’s also designed to be supremely easy to connect and enjoy.

“This new Philips Monitors display was developed with professional users such as graphics designers, CAD engineers and finance experts in mind,” comments Artem Khomenko, Product Manager Philips monitors Europe at MMD. “These are people for whom accurate and vivid on-screen reproduction of fine detail is key to staying productive and effective at work. The combination of advanced colour and resolution technologies makes this display a great fit for professional users looking for extra colour accuracy and resolution at a highly affordable price point.”

The screen is 31.5" in size and offers a 3840 x 2160 resolution VA technology panel. In other specs it offers 4ms G2G response time, 3000:1 static contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles and 1.07b colour depth. UltraColor technology offers support for wide gamut content, covering 95% of the NTSC gamut as opposed to the typical 72% that sRGB backlights deliver. There are built in 2x 3W stereo speakers, an audio input, headphone jack, PiP and PbP support and a 4 port USB 3.0 hub. Connectivity wise there are VGA, DL-DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0 (with MHL) offered. The stand supports tilt, height, swivel and pivot adjustments.

The new Philips 328P6VJEB display, with an RRP of £ 599.00 GBP, will be available at the end of October.

Source: Philips

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LG UltraFine 4K and 5K Displays Designed for Mac Users

November 3rd 2016

LG Electronics (LG) is introducing two new displays designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with the newest MacBook and MacBook Pro models. The new UltraFine 27-inch 5K display and its 21.5-inch 4K display from LG are ideal for creating an expanded work space in the home or office and the perfect complement for MacBook and MacBook Pro users who desire expansive, high-quality resolution at all times.

27-Inch UltraFine 5K Monitor with Thunderbolt 3

Designed and optimized for the new MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 running macOS 10.12 and later, the stunning 27-inch UltraFine 5K display appeals to a range of creatives, including video and photography professionals. With a breathtaking resolution of 5120 x 2880 and 218 pixels per inch (ppi), the colour reproduction capabilities of the UltraFine 5K display allow it to cover 99 percent of the P3 colour space. What’s more, the monitor’s advanced IPS display technology minimizes colour shift and colour loss from any viewing angle, ensuring that users see the original content as it was meant to be seen.

As the world’s first 5K display with Thunderbolt 3, LG’s UltraFine 5K display has the capability to receive and transfer 5K video, audio and data from the new MacBook Pro while simultaneously charging it through a single Thunderbolt 3 cable. The UltraFine 5K display features three downstream USB Type-C ports for additional connectivity and power with compatible accessories. Seamless macOS integration enables brightness and volume control like built-in display without the need for physical buttons on the display.

The front-facing camera and microphone works with FaceTime and high fidelity integrated speakers enhanced by LG’s Rich Bass feature completes the multimedia experience while a height and tilt-adjustable stand maximizes user comfort.

21.5-Inch UltraFine 4K Monitor

With a density of 219ppi that gives this display the ability to present sharp 4K resolution (4096 x 2304) image quality, the UltraFine 4K display is the perfect companion for the MacBook while also supporting the new MacBook Pro. The 21.5-inch model covers 99 percent of the P3 spectrum, boasting vibrant brightness levels and an IPS panel capable of providing more uniform colour expression. Featuring USB Type-C connectivity for video, data and power over a single cable and Mac OS integration for display control, the LG UltraFine 4K display offers three downstream USB Type-C slots, a high-quality Rich Bass Speaker and an adjustable stand for enhanced ergonomics.

“We are excited to be introducing two highly advanced displays capable of meeting the needs of even the most demanding Mac users,” said Brian Kwon, president of LG Home Entertainment Company “Not only do these UltraFine displays offer stunning picture quality, they will usher in a new age of connectivity, helping creative users achieve optimal efficiency in their homes, studios or offices.”

The LG 21.5-inch UltraFine 4K display will be available starting in November and is listed on Apple's website at $699.99. The LG 27-inch UltraFine 5K model will be available in early December starting in the United States and is listed at $1299.95. Please visit www.apple.com for more information on LG UltraFine displays and details on pre-ordering the 21.5-inch 4K monitor.

Source: LG

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Eizo EV2780 with USB Type-C Connectivity

November 3rd 2016

Eizo have recently announced the release of the 27-inch FlexScan EV2780, its first monitor with a USB Type-C terminal. With USB Type-C, a single cable transmits video, audio, and USB signals and supports a super speed transfer rate of up to 5 Gbps between the FlexScan EV2780 and connected devices. In addition, the FlexScan EV2780 can supply up to 30 watts of power for recharging notebook PCs and other devices via one USB Type-C cable, eliminating the need for separate power cables.

The flexibility of a USB Type-C terminal makes the FlexScan EV2780 versatile for both conventional offices as well as the increasing number of “free address” offices where employees move around – usually with their notebook PCs – to collaborate with other employees as needed rather than work from an assigned space. The cabinet is essentially bezel-less with a frame that is just 1 mm in width (with additional black inner panel border). This minimalist design combined with a fully-flat surface makes for seamless viewing. The cabinet is available in black or white with cable colours to match. The FlexScan EV2780 features picture-by-picture capability and numerous ergonomic and energy-saving features that make it ideal for business environments such as trading rooms, control rooms, and back offices.

The screen offers a 27" size with 2560 x 1440 resolution IPS panel. It also offers 5ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles and sRGB gamut. A built-in sensor called Auto EcoView automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness in accordance with the ambient brightness to trim power usage while reducing eye fatigue. A preset mode called “Paper” mode reduces blue light for more comfortable viewing. DisplayPort and HDMI inputs are offered and there are also 2x 1W stereo speakers and a headphone jack provided. The stand offers a full range of tilt, height, swivel and rotate adjustments.

Newly-developed EIZO proprietary software called Screen InStyle lets users assign a preset mode to applications and adjust the circadian dimming and power settings. The settings can be applied to all monitors in a multi-monitor setup eliminating the need to adjust each monitor manually. A server app for Screen InStyle allows an administrator to control the settings of all EV2780 units in an installation from a central location. This is especially helpful for enterprises that want to ensure all units are adjusted properly and the power-save settings are activated.

Source: Eizo

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Eizo EV2456 and EV2451 Released for Business Users

November 3rd 2016

EIZO recently announced the release of The 24.1-inch FlexScan EV2456 and 23.8-inch FlexScan EV2451 monitors for business environments such as trading rooms, back offices and control rooms. These monitors feature a frameless design around all four sides. In addition, they come with Eizo’s newest and most advanced ergonomic stand to maximize viewing comfort offering tilt, height, swivel and rotate adjustments. The bezel sizes are 1 mm on the sides and top and 4.6 mm on the bottom for both models, although keep in mind there will be some black inner panel border too. The surface is flat from edge to edge for virtually borderless viewing in dual or multi-screen environments. Even with this slim bottom bezel the monitors include electrostatic switches on the front of the screen for navigating the on-screen display menu.

The EV2456 is a 24" 1920 x 1200 model while the EV2451 is 23.8" with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Both have IPS panels. The specs also offer a 5ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, sRGB gamut, 178/178 viewing angles. The EV2456 has a 350 cd/m2 max brightness while the EV2451 has 250 cd/m2. Both offer DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D and VGA connections along with a 2 port USB 3.0 hub. 2x 1W stereo speakers and a headphone jack are also available. The screens are available in white and black colours.

Eizo's EcoView technologies are offered including an ambient light sensor which can be handy for office environments with changing ambient light. Newly-developed EIZO proprietary software called Screen InStyle lets users adjust the colour, circadian dimming, and power settings of the FlexScan EV2456 and EV2451. The settings can be applied to all monitors in a multi-monitor setup eliminating the need to adjust each monitor manually. A server application for Screen InStyle allows an administrator to control the settings of compatible monitors in an installation from a central location. This is especially helpful for enterprises that want to ensure all units are adjusted properly and the power-save settings are activated.

Source: Eizo

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LG.Display Panel Development Update October 2016

October 20th 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 in the future.

LG.Display are focusing some of their panel development efforts on high end requirements, investing in large panels which support 8K resolutions and also HDR as a new development. There are also continued developments in the ultra-wide market, with high refresh rates for gaming. They are also interested in expanding their borderless "neo-blade" panels, reducing the panel borders even further and introducing 3 and 4-side borderless designs in a wide range of panel sizes.

8K panel - We already knew about their 31.5" sized IPS panel which showed up on roadmaps back in June. As a re-cap, and with a bit of new information, this will offer a massive 7680 x 4320 ("8K") resolution, delivering 280 PPI. It also provides a 4-side borderless design and the spec boasts a 1300:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles, 10-bit colour depth and 100% Adobe RGB gamut coverage. This panel is expected to go in to production in March 2017.



HDR development - We are now starting to see HDR (High Dynamic Range) appear in panel roadmaps, which is something that's been around a little while now in the TV space. LG.Display are planning a commercial panel which is 27" in size and Ultra HD Premium certified. This will offer a 3840 x 2160 resolution IPS panel (163 PPI), 400 (typ) - 1000 cd/m2 (peak) brightness, Adobe RGB gamut and 10-bit colour depth. This 27" commercial panel is expected to go in to production in May 2017. In the consumer market there is also a planned 31.5" sized panel with HDR. This is a 3840 x 2160 resolution IPS panel (140 PPI) with 4-side borderless design, 350 - 550 cd/m2 brightness, 8-bit+FRC colour depth and sRGB gamut. This 31.5" consumer panel is expected to go in to production in February 2017.



High refresh rate Ultra-wides - Away from those high end requirements LG.Display are also investing further in curved ultra-wide IPS panels. Of note is the planned 37.5" sized panel following on from those already available today, such as that used in the impressive LG 38UC99 display. These 37.5" panels offer a 3840 x 1600 resolution and 24:10 aspect ratio. While current panels are limited to 75Hz maximum refresh rate, a 144Hz compatible version is planned for Q4 2017 (so a long way away yet). This is expected to offer a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 8-bit+FRC colour depth, sRGB gamut and 2300R curvature. 3840 x 1600 @ 144Hz will require bandwidth support beyond current DisplayPort 1.2 interfaces which will be a large reason for the delay in production for another year. At least it is planned!

Unfortunately it also appears from the latest roadmap that the planned 34" IPS panel at 3440 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate may be delayed a little. We originally had this down for production in Q1 2017 but it looks like it might have been pushed back to Q3 2017 now. Again this delay is likely due to complications with utilising more modern DisplayPort interfaces than 1.2. As a reminder, this panel will offer 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 8-bit+FRC colour depth, sRGB gamut and 1900R curvature. It has a 3-side borderless design as well. Lower refresh rate versions are of course already available and widely used in the 34" market. The delay is with the hotly anticipated 144Hz refresh rate version. The 34" 2560 x 1080 resolution IPS panel at 144Hz refresh rate is already in production now thankfully, supporting FreeSync, and we believe already used in the LG 34UC79G (review coming soon when we receive a unit). LG.Display are also planning to combine this panel with G-sync for 144Hz support which will apparently go in to development in January 2017. These 34" IPS panels offer a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 8-bit colour depth, sRGB gamut and 3800R curvature. They also have a 3-side borderless design as well.

Just to make the distinction as well, we are talking about LG.Display as a panel manufacturers 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 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 where possible although part numbers are not known in many cases.

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Sharp Showcase 27" Prototype with 8K Res, HDR, 120Hz

October 20th 2016

At this years CEATEC event in Japan, Sharp showcased a new prototype display with some very impressive specs. The screen is based on Sharp's own IGZO technology (IPS-type) and offers a 27" screen size with 7680 x 4320 ("8K") resolution which delivers 326 PPI (pixels per inch). 8K has 4 times as many pixels as 4K and 16 times more than Full HD. This screen also supports 120Hz refresh rate at 8K resolution and has support for 10-bit colour depth, wide colour gamut and HDR (High Dynamic Range), including a 1000 cd/m2 peak brightness capability.

Photos from the event suggest that the screen is being powered via 8x DisplayPort cables, which goes to show the kind of bandwidth required to run this resolution, refresh rate and with HDR. The screen was also showcased at IFA 2016 earlier this year but with a black chassis colour, where it was confirmed 16z HDMI ports were being used instead. We're not sure which is required, but that's pretty irrelevant anyway.

Being a prototype, it's probably more about experimenting with what might be possible in the future. Don't expect to see this kind of screen appear for retail any time soon, if ever. If it did, no doubt the price tag would be very high!

Source: PCwatch

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BenQ EX3200R with 144Hz VA Panel and FreeSync

October 3rd 2016

BenQ are about to release an interesting new display, their EX3200R. This screen is 31.5" in size and features a VA (believed to be a Samsung SVA) panel offering a high refresh rate of 144Hz. Despite the large screen size, the EX3200R only has a 1920 x 1080 resolution, which will look very big on a screen that size. It's probably going to be well suited to gaming needs, where the 1080p resolution is easier to power at 144Hz, but we are a bit concerned about the text size and picture quality for other uses given such a low resolution. It is marketed as an "entertainment monitor" so that will be its primary use, and even supports 24P, 25P and 30P movie playback specifically.

The panel has a 1800R curve and offers a 4ms G2G response time, 3000:1 static contrast ratio (a strength of VA technology), 300 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles, 8-bit colour depth and sRGB colour gamut. A flicker free backlight and low blue light mode options are offered as normal with BenQ monitors nowadays. FreeSync support is offered with a dynamic range of 45 - 144Hz.

The stand offers tilt and height adjustments and there are DisplayPort 1.2a, Mini DP, HDMI 1.4 and a headphone jack provided for connectivity. PiP and PbP are also supported.

Source: BenQ

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ViewSonic XG2703-GS with 165Hz IPS Panel and G-sync

October 3rd 2016

This display was shown off back in January at CES 2016 and was part of ViewSonic's new XG gaming series. Only recently has ViewSonic announced it has started to ship this display. The XG2703-GS is a 27" screen featuring a 2560 x 1440 IPS-type panel, overclocked 165Hz refresh rate (144Hz native) and NVIDIA G-sync support. NVIDIA ULMB is also provided for blur reduction benefits and the screen is firmly aimed at hardcore gamers. In other specs the screen offers a 4ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles, 16.7m colour depth, sRGB gamut.

ViewSonic’s XG2703-GS has a number of features for gamers to go the next level, including adaptive contrast control, dark boost and customizable “game mode” settings. Adaptive contrast control allows the XG2703-GS to dynamically adjust the contrast for an optimal contrast level in any gaming situation. Dark Boost adjusts the monitor’s gamma curve to enrich the dark tones in a scene, revealing enemies lurking in the dark. ViewSonic’s Game Mode hotkey provides pre-calibrated settings that deliver an amazing blend of colours and technology for specific gaming scenarios.

The XG2703-GS monitor also comes with versatile connectivity options including DisplayPort and HDMI inputs along with a 4 port USB hub. The screen is flicker free and has low blue light modes as well. The display also features fully adjustable ergonomic stand capabilities with swivel, pivot, tilt and height adjustment, as well as an integrated headphone hook and cable management ring to help reduce clutter and keep gaming space free from extraneous cords.

Beginning October, major e-tailers will carry the XG2703-GS for an MSRP of $913.00 (USD). Our friends over at Pcmonitors.info already have a review of this screen as well.

Source: ViewSonic

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Dell U3417W and U2917W Appear on Dell.com

October 3rd 2016

The updated 29" and 34" models from Dell have been on the cards for several months, with early information leaked back in May and then some further detail on the 34" model appearing in August. The new screens have now finally appeared on several regional Dell.com websites, so we have firm and official information on each model now.

The 34" U3417W will replace the U3415W from 2014 and offers some very similar specs and features. The curved (1900R, twice as much as the old model which was 3800R) ultra-wide screen offers a 3440 x 1440 resolution, 21:9 aspect ratio, IPS technology panel, 5ms G2G response time (fast mode), 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 178/178 viewing angles, 99% sRGB gamut and 1.07b colour depth. Connectivity wise the screen offers 1x DisplayPort, 1x Mini DP, 1x DP out (for daisy chaining), 2x HDMI 2.0m, a 4 port USB 3.0 hub (2 with fast charging support) and a headphone jack. There are PiP and PbP functions available, 2x 9W stereo speakers and a stand with tilt, height and swivel adjustments. Dell even specifically mention the screen is flicker free (as was the U3415W by the way, although not promoted by Dell), and has low blue light modes so looks like they've finally jumped on the band-wagon with other manufacturers and are focusing on eye care. There is also a factory calibration with dE <3 offered.

The 29" U2917W will replace the U2913WM from 2012 and offers a flat screen with 2560 x 1080 resolution but most of the rest of the spec and features are the same as the 34" model. There is an 8-bit colour depth with 16.7m colour support and it is factory calibrated this time with a dE of <2. There are no speakers on this model either.

No word on UK release or price yet but we will update this news piece and our Twitter feed when we hear more. We are planning to review the 34" U3417W at some point soon.

Source: Dell U3417W and U2917W (will need translation for the 29")

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LG 34UC79G Ultra-wide 34" with 144Hz IPS Panel

September 1st 2016

The LG34UC79G is set to be the World's first 34" Ultrawide with a 144Hz refresh rate IPS panel. Before you get too exciting, this isn't the first screen to offer 3440 x 1440 at 144Hz sadly, but instead sticks to a smaller 2560 x 1080 resolution. The screen does mark the arrival of the first high refresh rate IPS panel from LG.Display though which should be interesting, as previous screens (ignoring the overclocked IPS LG.Display panels up to 100Hz) with native high refresh rates have come from AU Optronics and their rival AHVA technology. We knew about this LG.Display 144Hz IPS panel production back in June, and this 1080p resolution panel went in to production in August. The 1440p version isn't expected to go in to production until Q1 2017 so there's still a fair wait before we will see 3440 x 1440 @ 144Hz IPS panels we're afraid. Those will also require DP 1.3 / 1.4 interfaces to function as well which have yet to be incorporated in any announced monitor.

The screen is curved, with a 3800R curvature and offers a 4ms G2G response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 8-bit colour depth and 178/178 viewing angles. AMD FreeSync support is available and LG also talk about their "one millisecond blur reduction feature" which we gather will be a strobing blur reduction backlight integrated in to the screen (not available at the same time as FreeSync).

There are also a couple of other gaming extras added. There is DAS (Dynamic Action Sync), which apparently minimises input lag, and the ‘Black Stabilizer’ which artificially boosts dark shades so they appear lighter and more detail is available in dark areas. The monitor also offers a crosshair option which adds a fixed target to the centre of the screen to increase accuracy during FPS games and a mouse line hook to prevent drag resistance caused by the mouse’s cable.

Tilt and height adjustments are offered from the stand. There are DisplayPort, 2x HDMI and 2x USB 3.0 ports offered (one with fast charging support). The screen is flicker free also.

Visitors to the LG booth (Hall 18) at IFA 2016 will be able to experience LG’s new 21:9 UltraWide monitors for themselves from September 2-7. No word on price or availability yet.

Source: LG

Update 9/9/16: We are expecting to receive a review unit of this screen very soon. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for updates and an ETA on the review.

Update 2/10/16: Our full review is now live: http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/lg_38uc99.htm

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