Prices for 4K monitors are coming down fast, as more and more monitors from different brands enter the market. Just in time for Christmas, although only Taiwan, Asia Pacific, and Europe will receive it this month, the new Asus PB279Q is one more example of how fast the market is moving.
Monitor references are mostly confusing, so this PB279Q from Asus may share the 4K resolution with the PB289Q recently mentioned here at ProVideo Coalition (read the article 4K Monitors Under $850 https://www.provideocoalition.com/jantunes/story/4k-monitors-under-850) but it is a different solution, conceived, as Asus states, for “prosumers and gamers”. Asus knows well that gamers are always interested in gear that offers more specifications (and emotions), so it makes sense to use them as supporters for the 4K revolution, if that means there is a chance to convince even more people they need a new monitor.
Monitors are not something people buy every two years, even if they may buy a new computer or upgrade the one they have. Many users are happy with the 1920×1080 monitor they have, so they see no reason to change. Gamers, on the other hand, may look for higher resolution monitors, because they want to play their games at the highest resolutions possible. The experience of playing games in 4K is possible now, and some games, like Elite:Dangerous, a space simulation and trading game launched this month for PC, already promises to support 8 and 16K, because the game creator, Frontier, believes the technology moves fast and it makes sense to create games ready for the future.
Asus new PB279Q 4K/UHD (ultra-high definition) monitor is an IPS (In-plane switching) (IPS) 27-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio display which is the latest addition to the ASUS 4K/UHD series line-up. The PB279Q has native 3840 x 2160 4K/UHD resolution and a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch (ppi). A wide 100% sRGB color gamut and 10-bit color technology means the PB279Q provides true, life-like colors; while extensive connectivity options like DisplayPort 1.2 and Mini DisplayPort provide 4K/UHD content support at refresh rates of up to 60Hz. The IPS display technology provides wide 178-degree viewing angles, allowing users to view the screen from virtually any angle without color distortion. That’s what makes this monitor different, at least on paper, from earlier models using TN displays.
TN (Twisted Nematic) displays are the most common, the oldest, the cheapest, and those preferred for gaming as they offer the shortest response times, essential for action. The bad side about TN is that colour shift occurs at wider viewing angles, something that IPS panels are good at. The downside for IPS panels, at least for gaming, is that their response times are slower. But recent developments have reduced the response time, and IPS panels keep colors constant, even at sharp angles, making them essential for professionals needing displays that show colours the right way. Prices on IPS monitors have also been reduced, and that’s how we arrive at the Asus PB279Q, a 27-inch 4K/UHD monitor for $799. A monitor that cen be used both for work and for leisure moments.
According to Asus, the PB279Q is capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors and delivers outstanding color reproduction and saturation; along with 300cd/m² brightness and a 100,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio (ASCR). For consistent color reproduction, PB279Q has a wide color gamut of 100% sRGB; while 10-bit color technology ensures smooth color gradations for a more natural-looking transition between hues. The PB279Q also has a 5ms (gray-to-gray) response time and a 60Hz refresh rate for fluid and responsive visuals for today’s fast-paced games.
The Asus PB279Q can simultaneously showcase multiple 4K/UHD video inputs as well. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode places the second input source window in any of the four corners of the display. Picture-by-Picture (PbP) mode splits the screen to accommodate four separate video inputs, with the user being able to easily switch between the main and PbP input sources, including audio. PbP allows you to set-up the input source windows in four different ways, and can support four 4K/UHD windows simultaneously.
As usual on Asus displays, the PB279Q features ASUS SplendidPlus video intelligence technology to optimize videos and images by enhancing color brightness, contrast, and sharpness. It includes two new modes — Reading and Darkroom — in addition to the Scenery, Standard, Theater, sRGB, Game, and Night View modes found in previous versions.
The monitor also comes with ASUS EyeCare technology, which adjusts direct-current (DC) level to reduce onscreen flicker for more comfortable viewing. ASUS EyeCare technology also provides the basis for Reading and Darkroom modes in SplendidPlus, effectively lowering blue light levels to reduce eye strain and fatigue for users.In addition, ASUS VividPixel technology improves on the display’s crystal-clear and detailed visuals by enhancing image outlines and reducing noise bars. There’s also ASUS QuickFit Virtual Scale, which provides actual-size previews of photos and documents on screen prior to printing. On screen square grid overlays help with alignment, adding to the overall flexibility and productivity aspects of the PB279Q display.
The PB279Q has a super narrow 9mm bezel and a slim, ergonomic design with a full range of swivel, tilt, pivot and height adjustments to provide the user with an ideal viewing position. It is VESA mount-compatible, allowing it to be securely mounted on a wall or stand.