ASUS PA32UCG 120Hz 4K IPS model with VESA DisplayHDR 1400
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For a strong HDR performance, an LCD requires a far more complex backlighting solution than the usual single BLU (Backlight Unit). The ability to deliver brilliant bright shades and deep dark shades simultaneously is a key component of true HDR. With its 1152 Mini LED local dimming solution, that’s certainly something the PA32UCX delivers. The ASUS PA32UCG (PA32UCG-K with colorimeter bundled) is a further evolution of this, employing the same number of dimming zones but further driving up luminance and refresh rate. As a member of the ProArt series, the monitor has a minimalistic but premium aesthetic. Matte blacks are combined with various dark grey and black-coloured brushed aluminium elements. The bottom bezel is brushed aluminium and reasonably slim. The top and side bezels are slender, with a slim panel border that’s flush with the rest of the screen, plus a slim hard outer component. A dual-stage design, in other words. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by a combination of pressable buttons and a joystick at the rear of the monitor, running vertically near the right edge as viewed from the front.
The monitor uses a 32” IPS-type (In-Plane Switching or similar) panel, more specifically an AU Optronics AHVA (Advanced Hyper Viewing Angle) panel. This has a 3840 x 2160 (‘4K’ UHD) resolution, a 1000:1 typical static contrast (10m:1 HDR) and 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles. A 120Hz refresh rate is supported alongside Adaptive-Sync, with a 48 – 120Hz variable refresh rate range plus LFC support. A light matte anti-glare screen surface is used, whilst the monitor is factory calibrated with an average DeltaE of <1. Hardware calibration is supported with a compatible colorimeter (popular X-Rite and Spyder devices included) via the bundled ProArt software. The monitor supports true 10-bit colour output and features a flicker-free Quantum Dot Mini LED backlight solution with 1152 individually controlled dimming zones. An outstanding peak luminance of 1600 cd/m² (1000 cd/m² full screen sustained) is offered. Extended colour gamuts are supported, with modes including ‘sRGB’, ‘Adobe RGB’, ‘DCI-P3’ and Rec. 2020. The monitor has a specified 97% DCI-P3 colour gamut, 99.5% Adobe RGB and 89% Rec. 2020. The monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certified, which had just been announced as a new upper level at the time of this display's announcement. Various HDR standards are supported by the monitor, including the usual HDR10 (as per the VESA DisplayHDR certification) alongside HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and Dolby Vision.
The monitor includes ‘Off-Axis Contrast Optimization (OCO)’ which is designed to reduce haloing and improve off-angle performance (should also apply when viewing edges of screen, traditionally prone to strong ‘IPS glow’). The technology is demonstrated on this promo video. A 5ms grey to grey response time is specified. This monitor is being marketed not as a “gaming” monitor, but a “game development” monitor. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy other people’s creative efforts as a gamer or consumer, but it’s certainly a nod to the high-end specification and feature set offered here. Other notable features of include various Low Blue Light (LBL) settings, 6-axis colour adjustment and 4-way PbP (Picture by Picture) and PiP (Picture in Picture). The included stand attaches using a quick-release mechanism, whilst 100 x 100mm VESA is included for alternative mounting. The included stand offers full ergonomic flexibility. The ports include; AC power input (internal power converter), 2 Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C ports (1 in, 1 out with 60W PD), DP 1.4 (with DSC), 1 HDMI 2.1 port, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 3 USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 2 x 3W stereo speakers are also included.
Further information can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The ‘K’ variant is listed for ~$5000 USD.
