Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 25, 2016. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
With a WQHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, the professional PV270 display presents photos and videos in 16:9 format with optimal colour fidelity and a high level of detail. In addition to 99% Adobe RGB coverage, the display covers 96% of the DCI-P3 colour space. It also covers 100% of the Rec709 colour space, which has been used for mastering film material since the introduction of HDTV.
To ensure that colours are displayed correctly, BenQ supplies the Palette Master configuration and calibration software. In a 3D look-up table (LUT) with 14-bit colour depth, this can define all colours and how they are displayed in order to reproduce the original motif as perfectly as possible. The measured colour accuracy with a Delta E of less than or equal to 1.5 fulfils all the expectations of a demanding target group.
Colour calibration
Naturally, precise colours, appealing brightness and an AV-compatible colour space are needed, which the screen also offers according to the manufacturer. We were especially pleased about the built-in colour calibration, which connects the colorimeter directly to the screen and thus calibrates directly. Unfortunately, it turned out that this only funktoins with X-Rite colorimeters – specifically the i1 Display Pro/i1 Pro or the i1 Pro2. We therefore had to resort to a software-based adjustment via the graphics card for our test with the Datacolor Spyder.
However, the measurement was absolutely usable at the start – the various colour spaces can be set directly in the screen menu, allowing a quick look at the other spaces even during operation. The brightness distribution (see image on the left) was usable – there were deviations, but they will not really have a negative impact until the grading suite.
There are no real problems here for photography, comp, editing, 3D work and similar. The gamma distribution (image below) shows a gamma of 1.8 (green) and one of 2.2 (blue) – as well as the measured luminance (black). Anyone searching in vain for the line for the measured luminance: it lies exactly on the desired gamma 2.2 curve and is therefore flawless.
Tested and confirmed: Technicolor gives its seal
Technicolor confirms that these values are not simply invented in the case of the PV270 – the company is a recognised authority on authentic colour and image reproduction. For all devices bearing the Technicolor “Color Certified” seal, it is ensured across manufacturers during production that they meet the standards used in Hollywood and the entertainment industry for the correct display of the respective colour spaces, white balance and gamma standards.
The latest device with the seal is the BenQ PV270, which is therefore recognised for professional use in postprocessing image material for video and cinema productions. The Technicolor group includes The Mill, MPC, Mikros Image and Mr. X in the VFX segment, among others.
The PV270 is equipped with all common connection options for video sources. It has an HDMI input (version 1.4), a Displayport (version 1.2.) and a Mini-Displayport (also 1.2). Two USB 3.0 ports connect peripherals and cameras to the monitor quickly and easily. A built-in SD/SDHC/SDXC card reader rounds out the profile, and a Vesa mount is naturally also installed. Through various energy-saving modes, the display meets the criteria of Energy Star 6 and TCO 6.0. In standby mode, it remains below 0.5 watts of power consumption, and even in continuous operation it needs no more than 52 watts.
Pros
What we liked was the modular shading hood – this “protection from outside light” comes in half a dozen individual parts. What initially seems like an unnecessary puzzle, however, soon reveals an advantage: with little tinkering, the individual parts can simply be adapted to the respective situation – bridging cables, tailoring it to the audio device and setting it up as one likes.
The general build quality is also solid – nothing crunches, wobbles or creaks on the test unit, and even in everyday use with moving it around and clumsy colleagues who like to bump into the desk, the screen will not fail mechanically for a long time. It is not as heavy as it looks – we attached the screen to the fully extended monitor arm via the VESA hole, and it held without problems. We also liked the menu controls – a comprehensible menu without cryptic icons.
Cons
But there are also disadvantages: although the screen has an anti-glare coating, since mirrored monitors do not allow any sensible work in a professional setting, this anti-glare could be stronger. Perhaps it will level out if it is energetically cleaned more often, but at the beginning it is noticeable and possibly requiers repositioning the room lighting. An Eizo CE240W and an older NEC SpectraView in a similar price class served as comparisons.
Conclusion
Anyone who values vivid colours, needs space on the image area and is looking for a solid monitor should take a closer look at the PV270. Anyone who needs more space (welcome with node-based tools) can “move up” to the PV3200PT (32 inches, 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution). Anyone who works not colour-accurately but colour-critically will not be able to avoid buying a higher-priced monitor – but outside the grading suite, the PV270 will certainly not embarrass itself.
Availability
The PV270 WQHD monitor, including shading hood, has been available in stores since the beginning of June at a price of 1,099 euros (including VAT).
