[Advice]Looking for Immersive Panel Suggestions

[4K_shmoorK]

Hey Anans.

Like the title says, I'm looking for monitor suggestions. I recently sold my Acer XB270HU because I really didn't need 144Hz or G-Sync all that much. I will be using this monitor mostly for school, work, some gaming (mostly singleplayer), and the occasional movie or two.

Bought the AOC U3477PQU from Newegg last week for $575 shipped. RMA'd it today because the left side of the panel has horrendous IPS glow while the right had absolutely none! Very distracting. I most likely would have kept it had there been equal amounts of glow, the panel is pretty striking.

Previously have owned/not interested in:
- XB270HU/XG270HU/144Hz Panels
- 60Hz 1440p panels
- VA panels less than 4K
- 4K TN Panels

I'm really not sure where to go from here. This is my second monitor return this month for defects/lackluster quality (29UM67-P and U3477PQU).

That said, I think I would like to buy a large format (27"+) 4K (3440x1440+) panel for less than $1000.

Been looking at:
- Philips BDM4065UC 40" VA Panel
- BenQ BT3201BT 32" AHVA Panel
- 27" 4K panel from either ASUS or Acer

Does anyone here own one of these panels? Previously owned one of these panels? I'm particularly interested in the Philips for the stellar contrast ratio but am worried a bit about consistent 20ms+ latency times.

Any suggestions?

 

[Headfoot]

I dont know if you've considered it or not, but I find my 3x1080p 5760x1080 set up to be extremely immersive. Filling my peripheral vision makes an incredible difference in feeling like you're "there."

I'm using 3 Dell s2415h monitors which have average IPS glow, which sucks, but the bezels are incredibly thin which is a massive help for the eyefinity set up. Good colors and decent contrast ratio during bright scenes. The bezels are small enough to be unnoticeable, which was not the case with my old monitors. They are only 60hz, but I dont have the GPU to push 5760x1080 past 60 anyways. I picked them up on a deal last Black Friday for $140 each.

 

[4K_shmoorK]

I dont know if you've considered it or not, but I find my 3x1080p 5760x1080 set up to be extremely immersive. Filling my peripheral vision makes an incredible difference in feeling like you're "there."

I'm using 3 Dell s2415h monitors which have average IPS glow, which sucks, but the bezels are incredibly thin which is a massive help for the eyefinity set up. Good colors and decent contrast ratio during bright scenes. The bezels are small enough to be unnoticeable, which was not the case with my old monitors. They are only 60hz, but I dont have the GPU to push 5760x1080 past 60 anyways. I picked them up on a deal last Black Friday for $140 each.

I have thought about it. Would definitely be the most screen for the least amount of money. Bezels have always turned me off to the idea. Do you ever experience tearing as a result of using 3 screens?

Pic of the U3477PQU for those interested. This is at 0% brightness with the lights off. I'm a pretty reasonable guy when it comes to IPS glow and backlight bleed but...Looks like some uniformity issues as well.

 

[biostud]

is it the benQ BL3201PH? cant find any info on BT3201BT?

The BL3201PH is 4K IPS or the BenQ BL3200PT which is 1440p AMVA?

 

[4K_shmoorK]

is it the benQ BL3201PH? cant find any info on BT3201BT?

The BL3201PH is 4K IPS or the BenQ BL3200PT which is 1440p AMVA?

Oh sorry. The BL3201PT. 10 bit panel.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/benq-bl3201pt-32-inch-4k-ultra-hd-monitor,4071.html

EDIT:
Oh looks like the BL3201PT comes up as a 32" 2560x1440 VA panel and the BL3201PH is the 32" 4K AHVA IPS Panel. Perhaps the Tom's article is a typo.

 

[Headfoot]

I have thought about it. Would definitely be the most screen for the least amount of money. Bezels have always turned me off to the idea. Do you ever experience tearing as a result of using 3 screens?

I am extremely sensitive to tearing so I always play Vsync on, and I have no problems there. When I've tried vsync off I dont notice any more problems than on a single monitor.

As for the bezels, IMO it's worth the effort to find monitors with the slimmest bezels you can get with the other features you want.

Cost adds up too when you are getting 3 of something, so I was fortunate to get such a good deal on mine, ended up being ~$500 when it was all said and done.

 

[tential]

Are you open to import Korean Monitors? I'd go one of those for 4K.

Why? Because I'd want to save as much as possible on 4K for when higher than 60hz and OLED is available (which will probably be the point where we hit diminishing returns).

Best bang for your buck for Single Player Gaming at 4K with Freesync.

Leaves you money to have a productivity monitor if you're a person who needs a monitor with perfect colors.

 

[biostud]

Oh sorry. The BL3201PT. 10 bit panel.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/benq-bl3201pt-32-inch-4k-ultra-hd-monitor,4071.html

EDIT:
Oh looks like the BL3201PT comes up as a 32" 2560x1440 VA panel and the BL3201PH is the 32" 4K AHVA IPS Panel. Perhaps the Tom's article is a typo.

Uhm, your numbering is still wrong. It is BL3200PT for 1440p VA. And you're thing about getting the 4K IPS, not the 1440p panel?

 

[4K_shmoorK]

Uhm, your numbering is still wrong. It is BL3200PT for 1440p VA. And you're thing about getting the 4K IPS, not the 1440p panel?

Oh, well when I search BL3201PT in google it showed the BL3200PT on the side but didn't specify the model name is actually BL3200PT. Plus the tom's review calls the 4K IPS BL3201PH (per BenQ's website) the BL3201PT. Really just formalities.

Tential, any recommendations on Korean brands and panels? Owned a Yamakasi Catleap 2560x1440 back in '12, actually liked it quite a bit. I've seen a couple that say "Virtual 4K/5K Resolution" too. Does this mean they allow scaling beyond their native resolutions or something? Pretty much like DSR/VSR?

The only 4K monitor I have used/had was the XB280HK with that terribly laggy, washed out Innolux 28" TN panel.

But it was also great for screen real estate. Could have pspice, OrCad, quartus and multisim up with space to spare. Great for school.

Headfoot, I am open to the idea of a triple setup. I'm a little worried about using V-Sync though, I like to crank up the settings as much as I can on games (barring any GameWorks performance killers). What card are you using to drive your setup?

And Tential, I hear what you are saying about waiting but it will probably be over a year before DP 1.3 60Hz+ 4K displays right? I honestly don't mind 60Hz but can't stand PWM backlight dimming which is an issue I have with the Philips.

 

[moonbogg]

Seems you've narrowed your choices pretty slim. Acer and Asus have some 3440x1440 panels I think, but they are over $1000 last I checked. I'd go with one of those personally.

 

[4K_shmoorK]

Thanks for the input guys.

I actually just picked up the Samsung S32D850T(same panel as the BenQ Bl3200PT) and it is awesome. Got it for $420 at my local microcenter. Awesome colors and viewing angles, no bleed. Contrast ratio is fantastic!

 

[tential]

Thanks for the input guys.

I actually just picked up the Samsung S32D850T(same panel as the BenQ Bl3200PT) and it is awesome. Got it for $420 at my local microcenter. Awesome colors and viewing angles, no bleed. Contrast ratio is fantastic!

Nice!

I was going to recommend either the AMH409U or the UHD420 or the UHD550. They're all bigger panels and people seem to be pleased with the PQ.
If you liked your previous monitor from Korea you may like one of these as a secondary backup "big monitor"/TV for non FPS games and more relax/adventure games. The 409u doesn't have Freesync, UHD420 has freesync, the UHD550 is a bigger version.

See how the 1440p treats you though! I think 4K is the way to go though right now! But 1440pp VSR for Fallout 4 looks nice, but I really want to be 100% sure Wasabi Mango's 65 inch monitor doesn't support freesync before getting to try 4K gaming.

 

[4K_shmoorK]

Nice!

I was going to recommend either the AMH409U or the UHD420 or the UHD550. They're all bigger panels and people seem to be pleased with the PQ.
If you liked your previous monitor from Korea you may like one of these as a secondary backup "big monitor"/TV for non FPS games and more relax/adventure games. The 409u doesn't have Freesync, UHD420 has freesync, the UHD550 is a bigger version.

See how the 1440p treats you though! I think 4K is the way to go though right now! But 1440pp VSR for Fallout 4 looks nice, but I really want to be 100% sure Wasabi Mango's 65 inch monitor doesn't support freesync before getting to try 4K gaming.

While I've owned several 1440p panels, I've never owned a 32" 16:9 because, well, because thats TV size.

Let me tell you though, the contrast really makes a difference. Brings scenes to life. The 'graininess' of Just Cause 3 has gone away somewhat, I have no idea why.

I was worried a bit by response/lag times from the TFTCentral BL3200PT review but man is this monitor sharp.

It may not be 100Hz+, ultrawide, or 4K but the IQ is tremendous. Brought it over a buddies house and people there were really diggin' the panel. Was a bit leery of the Samsung variant but the whole build is very solid. Features the same swivel, tilt, height adjust, and portrait capabilities of the BenQ.

Would definitely recommend, especially to those who might not have the hardware for 4K.