Tuesday, August 28th 2012

ASUS Launches the PB278Q WQHD Display

ASUS today launches the PB278Q wide quad high definition (WQHD) display. This new ergonomically-designed 27" monitor promises true-to-life 2560 x 1440 resolution visuals courtesy of an LED-backlit, wide-view angle (178°) display.

It is chock-full of features that include ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio technology, 100% sRGB color space compatibility, ASUS exclusive QuickFit Virtual Scale, and Splendid Video Intelligence Technology. It offers extensive multimedia connectivity with HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, and Dual-link DVI for WQHD content support; along with built-in twin 3W speakers for an immersive home theatre experience.
True-to-life visuals
The PB278Q features a 16:9 aspect, LED-backlit, 27" WQHD display that provides 109 pixels per inch (PPI) that results in 2560 x 1440 resolution high quality visuals - that is four times the pixel resolution of standard 720p HDTVs and enables users to view more image detail and do more thanks to an onscreen footprint larger than regular displays.

The PB278Q provides an ultra-wide 178° viewing angle on both horizontal and vertical planes, thereby minimizing onscreen color shift even when viewed from extreme angles.

An 80,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio and 300cd/m² of brightness helps enhance display contrast and sharpness by adjusting backlight luminance to achieve the darkest blacks and the brightest whites. A 5ms GTG response time ensures a smooth viewing experience.

ASUS-exclusive technologies
Splendid Video Intelligence Technology optimizes video performance and image fidelity by enhancing color, brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Five preset video modes (Scenery, Theater, sRGB, Standard, and user-preset) can be selected via a hotkey.

The QuickFit Virtual Scale function to provide actual sized document, photo and alignment grid overlays onscreen so users can accurately preview and edit their photos on screen. QuickFit Virtual Scale is activated through a simple hotkey and supports A4, letter, 8" x 10", 5" x 7", 4" x 6", 3" x 5", and 2" x 2" sizes.

The PB278Q also comes with 100% sRGB color space compatibility and provides users the option of selecting their preferred settings via an OSD.

Extensive connectivity and multimedia support
The PB278Q features a host of connectivity options that include HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, Dual-link DVI for WQHD and D-sub Full HD content transmission; while built-in twin 3W speakers provide quality audio to complete that immersive home theatre experience.

User-friendly design
The PB278Q has an ergonomic design that comes with tilt, pivot, swivel, and height adjustments to ensure a comfortable viewing experience. A smart cable management design also helps to ensure a clutter-free workspace.

For more information, visit the product page
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24 Comments on ASUS Launches the PB278Q WQHD Display

#1
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
Many Thanks to buggalugs for the tip.
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#2
Flibolito
Should be IPS right, if the price is right ill get one of these too.
Posted on Reply
#3
Phusius
btarunrMany Thanks to buggalugs for the tip.
Pricing?
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#4
iO
"3W speakers for an immersive home theatre experience" - That made me giggle.
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#5
badtaylorx
well....

we're getting there.....double the refresh rate to 120Hz and now we're talk'n
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#6
Delta6326
I would buy it if it comes in around $400
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#7
GAR
Two words, Yamakasi Q270, ebay it
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#8
erixx
My di... sorry monitor has 20W speakers ,oh lol
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#9
PopcornMachine
Would really like to know the price on this. May be the monitor I've been waiting for.

And no, I don't want one of those glossy Korean monitors.
Posted on Reply
#10
Kenshai
FlibolitoShould be IPS right, if the price is right ill get one of these too.
Will 100% be ips. Likely a similar panel to the one found in the 27" dell and imac.
PopcornMachineWould really like to know the price on this. May be the monitor I've been waiting for.

And no, I don't want one of those glossy Korean monitors.
The matte coating used actually can change the picture quality pretty drastically. Colors don't appear as vivid.
Posted on Reply
#11
repman244
PhusiusPricing?
My guess is around 600-700 ($/€)
KenshaiThe matte coating used actually can change the picture quality pretty drastically. Colors don't appear as vivid.
Are you sure about that? Because if it is so then all the high end professional monitors would be glossy instead of being matte.
I do agree that the anti-glare coating can be a problem to some, but it doesn't affect colours.
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#12
Hilux SSRG
Another 2560 x 1440 monitor coming to market? I guess the market will be primarily that resolution instead of 2560 x 1600... bummer.
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#13
Fourstaff
Hilux SSRGAnother 2560 x 1440 monitor coming to market? I guess the market will be primarily that resolution instead of 2560 x 1600... bummer.
By the sounds of it I think there is only one or two fab process bulk producing all the 2560x1440 IPS screens.
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#14
Kenshai
repman244Are you sure about that? Because if it is so then all the high end professional monitors would be glossy instead of being matte.
I do agree that the anti-glare coating can be a problem to some, but it doesn't affect colours.
Well with the addition of an extra coat to the monitor it will reduce the amount of light that goes through it. So making it slightly darker, reducing contrast. This has nothing to do with the actual colors being different as when you calibrate it the colors will be accurate.


Monitors with a glossy finish just reflect everything and wouldn't exactly be suitable in an office building with overhead lights and other objects that would create distracting/color skewing reflections.

There's likely other reasons glossy monitors aren't found in the work place but that's my thought on it.

I own one of the Korean 27" Glossy panels and it really isn't bad at all. I placed it to avoid reflections and it is a very good display that I couldn't be more happy with.
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#15
Assimilator
Good that we're finally starting to see monitors with higher than 1920x1080 res. Bad that those monitors are 16:9 and not 16:10 panels.
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#16
Freedom4556
PopcornMachineAnd no, I don't want one of those glossy Korean monitors.
It comes in matte, and glass coated. I've got one and they're quite nice.
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#17
Flibolito
KenshaiThe matte coating used actually can change the picture quality pretty drastically. Colors don't appear as vivid.
very troo
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#18
buggalugs
FlibolitoShould be IPS right, if the price is right ill get one of these too.
Its a PLS screen, basically the same as Samsungs 850 monitors. Same Samsung panel.
PhusiusPricing?
Its meant to be around $700, a little cheaper than the Samsung S27A850D. Newegg has the 850D at $799 so thats about right.
Posted on Reply
#19
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
KenshaiThe matte coating used actually can change the picture quality pretty drastically. Colors don't appear as vivid.
glossy screens are a cause of not being able to see the colors at ALL... so i prefre matte as well.
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#20
Taurus_G4
Musselsglossy screens are a cause of not being able to see the colors at ALL... so i prefre matte as well.
this + they are extremely prone to scratch
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#21
PopcornMachine
Glossy screens can increase contrast, but at the cost of seeing every possible reflection in the room.

I'll take a little less contrast.
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#22
Prima.Vera
I prefer semi-gloss screen. Best from both worlds. I own 1 monitor actually and couldn't ask for more.
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#23
racedaemon
The specifications page says "IPS Technology (PLS Panel)". Isn't IPS a trademark of LG and PLS a trademark of Samsung?
And a hint to the price would be the Accessories list:
  • Dual-link DVI cable
  • VGA cable
  • Audio cable
  • Power cord
  • DisplayPort cable
  • Quick start guide
  • HDMI cable
  • Warranty Card
When you see all those cables you know you're in for a "bargain".

Now, what this monitor misses to be really nice is a light sensor to automatically adjust brightness based on room light, like those NEC monitors. I really hate having to click a button on the monitor when it gets dark outside, ensuring the fact that i let my monitor on the lowest brightness possible all day.
It's frustrating that such a common thing, that is present even in cheap phones, is not included is such expensive products that have severe consequences for your eyes if not set properly. [end rant :) ]
Posted on Reply
#24
repman244
racedaemonThe specifications page says "IPS Technology (PLS Panel)". Isn't IPS a trademark of LG and PLS a trademark of Samsung?
And a hint to the price would be the Accessories list:
  • Dual-link DVI cable
  • VGA cable
  • Audio cable
  • Power cord
  • DisplayPort cable
  • Quick start guide
  • HDMI cable
  • Warranty Card
When you see all those cables you know you're in for a "bargain".

Now, what this monitor misses to be really nice is a light sensor to automatically adjust brightness based on room light, like those NEC monitors. I really hate having to click a button on the monitor when it gets dark outside, ensuring the fact that i let my monitor on the lowest brightness possible all day.
It's frustrating that such a common thing, that is present even in cheap phones, is not included is such expensive products that have severe consequences for your eyes if not set properly. [end rant :) ]
IPS was developed by Hitachi, PLS is Samsung's "improved" version of IPS.

I'm not so sure it will be cheap, IMHO it will be going against HP ZR2740w and the sort so I would expect a $600 price tag.

About the light sensor, I actually don't see the need for it, if it gets dark in the room just switch on the lights or have some light behind the monitor.
To me it's very annoying and I always turn it off be it a monitor, laptop, or a TV.
Posted on Reply
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