In summary
The ASUS PA279CV ProArt display covers wide viewing angles and is mostly very colour accurate. The OSD is easy to navigate and adjust and you can tweak the monitor output in a number of useful ways. It also provides the controls needed for colour calibration, which can keep the display within specs for its lifetime.
It provides full coverage of the sRGB colour space, and although its coverage of other colour spaces is limited, it’s enough for most photo and video editing. The default refresh rate of 60 Hz produces smooth video displays.
Full review
Although a relatively minor update to the PA278QV ProArt monitor we reviewed in February 2021, the new ProArt Display PA279CV monitor provides additional features that bring it up-to-date. The addition of a USB-C port makes it more versatile for media creation because it provides a direct interface with a wider range of devices and complements the four USB 3.0 ports provided for peripherals. It means a single cable can be used to connect the monitor to another device (like a laptop or tablet) without affecting access to the additional USB ports. It can also be used to charge other devices.
Angled front view of the PA279CV ProArt monitor. (Source: ASUS.)
Screen resolution has been increased from WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) and the 27 inch screen size offers enough space to open a couple of windows side-by-side, a useful feature for multimedia users as well as gamers. Otherwise, there have been a few minor changes.
The new monitor has 12 ProArt Preset modes, up from 8 in the previous model. Interestingly, the Adobe RGB mode is no longer provided, being replaced by the more video-orientated Rec. 709, DCI-P3, HDR and DICOM modes, while a Rapid Rendering mode is provided to simulate high refresh rate performance under different backlight frequencies. This mode only works with 60Hz frequencies so it’s irrelevant to Australian users.
Like the PA278QV, the PA279CV claims 100% coverage of the sRGB and Rec. 709 colour spaces (the latter is a very close equivalent to sRGB in the world of video). No claims are made for other colour spaces.
Also like other SUS monitors we’ve reviewed, the PA279CV comes with a unit-specific calibration report. It can also be calibrated by the user with any of the popular spectrophotometers
Who’s it for?
Size- and price-wise, the PA279CV is targeted at photo and video enthusiasts who need a screen with 4K resolution. Its 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution is ample for both photo and video editing and, although its gamut can’t display the full colour range recorded by raw files or JPEGs recorded with the Adobe RGB colour space, it is wide enough for most photo and video editing.
The screen also provides all the controls and functions needed for colour calibration and is compatible with popular colorimeters. Entry-level users will appreciate the adjustability of the screen when they attempt their first calibration for colour management, while novice users will value the easy-to-access pre-set colour modes that enable them to match the screen’s colour rendition with different applications.
The PA279CV ProArt monitor in use for image editing.
The response time of this screen is a bit slow for a gaming display, where a one millisecond response time is a basic requirement. However, it could be worthwhile as a regular computer monitor. It can also be used in dual-screen setups as well as with VESA wall mountings. Compliance with the Low Blue Light and Flicker-free standards should make this screen easier on the user’s eyes than a cheaper monitor screen.
Design and Ergonomics
ASUS makes nice-looking monitors that are easy to set up and use. The ‘frameless’ panel design allocates the maximum possible space to the screen itself and the narrow bezels and wide 178-degree viewing angle work very well when the screen is used in a multi-monitor setup.
The overall design is very similar to the PA278QV, with a wider bottom bezel and a six-button control panel. The controls are almost the same for both monitors but the QuickFit button on the PA278CV has been replaced by an Input Select button on the new screen.
The control panel on the PA279CV monitor.
The PA278CV supports the same Tilt, Swivel and Pivot adjustments as the PA278QV, and can also be wall mounted. The built-in speakers are the same as those in the PA278QV and deliver similar audio quality.
The interface ports on the PA278CV screen.
Setting up the monitor is much the same as for the PA278QV but the PA279CV provides more interface connections, with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, one USB-C and a hub containing four USB 3.1, shown in the illustration above. The power cable has standard fittings with a three-point mains plug and a Jackson female connection that plugs into the back of the screen.
Features
ASUS lists the key features of the PA279CV monitor as follows:
- 4K HDR with 4 times the resolution of full HD 1080p with HDR for stunning details and image quality;
- IPS technology is optimized for the finest image quality with 178° wide-viewing-angle;
- International colour standard 100% sRGB / 100% Rec. 709 colour space for digital images and video production;
- Factory pre-calibrated with ASUS advanced grey-scale tracking technology to guarantee the △E colour difference value is less than 2;
- ProArt Palette to adjust colour parameters delivers all consistency and quickly adjust to see different colour performance;
- USB-C connection for DisplayPort, USB data transmission and supports 65W power delivery;
- Frameless panel design for an ideal multi-display setup;
- Embedded four USB 3.0 ports for connecting mouse, keyboard, or other USB devices;
- Ergonomically-designed stand with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments.
Purchasers who want to calibrate the screen will need to use third-party calibration tools. We used Datacolor’s Spyder X Elite for this review but X-Rite’s i1Studio or ColorMunki Display devices can also be used.
Performance
When we connected the PA279CV to our Windows 10 computer and turned it on, the system recognised it immediately and added it as a secondary monitor. We were able to check and adjust the monitor settings via the settings menus, although the default factory setting for the screen was brighter than our main screen. Colours in images appeared natural looking and videos displayed smoothly, all good indicators of initial performance.
We then carried out our standard tests with the SpyderX Elite and Datacolor’s software, enabling us to compare its performance with other monitors we have reviewed in the past year or so. Advanced Analysis graphs of the measurements taken are shown below.
The results of the individual tests are presented below.
- Colour Gamut
In the diagram above, the green triangle shows the boundaries of the sRGB colour space, while the purple triangle delineates the Adobe RGB colour space and the blue triangle shows the P3 colour space. The red triangle shows the measured colour space for the monitor, which covers 100% of the sRGB colour space, 80% of the Adobe RGB colour space and 82% of the DSC-P3 colour space. This is a better result than we obtained for the PA278QV.
2. Gamma
Gamma plots show the relationship between the brightness of a pixel as it appears on the screen, and the numerical value of that pixel. They are a good indicator of how mid-tones are reproduced. If gamma is set too high, mid-tones appear too dark.
The graph of the measured gamma (above) shows it to be exactly 2.2, the recommended gamma for image editing with Windows PCs; another very good result. However, the grey ramp is much lumpier than the one we obtained from the PA278QV indicating some unevenness in tonal rendering
3. Colour Accuracy
The colour accuracy showed only minor deviations from the ideal theoretical values for 23 of the 24 measured values. The only significant deviation was in the primary cyan colour band. This result is similar to the one obtained for the PA278QV monitor, which was slightly more accurate overall.
4. Brightness, Contrast and White Point
Aside from contrast ratio and white point readings at zero brightness and slightly lower contrast at 25% brightness, measurements showed reasonably consistent contrast and white point measurements across the remaining brightness settings.
5. Screen Uniformity
The two Screen Uniformity tests check the brightness and colour consistencies of the display in nine sections of the screen, at various luminance levels. Separate graphs are provided for luminance (brightness) and colour measurements across four luminance levels. We present the upper and lower graphs for each category.
5a. Luminance Uniformity.
Luminance uniformity readings showed distinct darkening along the top and left sides of the screen plus a distinct hot spot in the centre corner. This is shown as a poor score on the overall monitor rating.
5b. Colour Uniformity
Colour uniformity measurements showed better uniformity with the greatest variations in the centre and the top of the screen. Uniformity was better with lower light levels that at maximum illumination.
6. Before and After Views
The ‘before’ (top) and ‘after’ (below) displays produced by the Spyder5 Elite showing the effects of calibration. The close similarities between these displays shows the ASUS PA279CV ships with excellent colour settings.
Overall Rating
The overall rating shows the PA279CV to be a good performer for its price. Its main weakness is luminance uniformity, although the importance of this issue will depend on the use to which this monitor is put.
Conclusion
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SPECS
Panel size: 27-inch (68.47 cm)
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Active display size (h × v): 596.74 x 335.66 mm
Panel type: IPS (flicker free) with LED backlight
Viewing angles: 178 degrees horizontal and vertical
Brightness: 350 cd/m2 (typical)
Contrast ratio (typical): 1000:1; ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio (ASCR): 100000000:1
Response time (typical): 5 ms (GTG)
Native resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K)
Pixel pitch: 0.155 mm
Display colours: 1073.7 million (10 bit)
Colour accuracy: ΔE>2
Gamma adjustment: Yes (Support Gamma 2.6, 2.4, 2.2, 2.0, and 1.8)
Colour adjustment: 6 axis (R, G, B, C, M, Y), 5 modes for colour temperature selection
Preset modes: ProArt Preset: 12 modes (Standard, sRGB, Rec. 709, DCI-P3, Rapid Rendering, HDR, DICOM, Scenery, Reading, Darkroom, User mode 1, User mode 2),
Wide gamut coverage: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709
Refresh rate (Max): 60Hz
HDR (High Dynamic Range) Support: HDR10, Multiple HDR Mode
Internal processing: ProArt Palette, PIP / PBP Technology (up to 2 windows), QuickFit (Paper / Alignment Grid / Ruler), HDCP 2.2
Adaptive Sync support: Yes, VRR Technology
Certification: Calman Verified, TÜV Flicker Free, TÜV Low Blue Light
Signal input: 1x USB C, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI (v2.0), USB Hub (4 ports USB 3.1), 3.5mm earphone jack; Digital Signal Frequency: 29~160 KHz (H) / 40~60 Hz (V)
Audio: 2 x 2W stereo, RMS
Power consumption: Power On (Typical): <32W, Power Saving Mode: <0.5W; Off: 0W
Tilt / Swivel / Pivot: +35° ~ -5° tilt, +45° ~ -45° swivel, +90° ~ -90° pivot
Height adjustment: 0~150 mm
Other features: VESA Wall Mounting: 100 x 100 mm, Kensington Lock
In the box: Colour pre-calibration report, DisplayPort cable, HDMI cable, Power cord, USB-C cable, Warranty Card, Welcome Card
Dimensions (w x h x d): With stand – 614 x (373.5~523.5) x 227.82 mm; without stand – 680 x 516 x 161 mm
Net weight: With stand – 8.6 Kg; without stand – 5.7 Kg
Distributor: ASUS Australia, 1300 278 788
Rating
RRP: AU$859
- Build: 9.0
- Ease of use: 8.8
- Viewing quality: 9.0
- Versatility: 8.9
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