ASUS has unveiled its latest monitor, the ProArt Display OLED PA32UCDM, a 31.5-inch QD-OLED model designed for creators in fields like VFX, animation, and postproduction. This new display combines cutting-edge Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) technology, providing vibrant colors, deep contrast, and high brightness levels. QD-OLED merges the deep blacks and energy efficiency of OLED with the color accuracy of quantum dots, allowing the PA32UCDM to achieve 99% DCI-P3 color coverage and superior color fidelity.

The PA32UCDM features 4K resolution and delivers true 10-bit color depth for smooth gradients and precise color reproduction, essential for professional content creation. It reaches an impressive average ΔE value of less than 1, ensuring industry-leading color accuracy. In addition to its factory-calibrated performance, it includes ASUS ProArt Hardware Calibration, allowing artists to optimize color accuracy over time and save custom color profiles directly to the monitor. The display also integrates seamlessly with professional calibration software like Calman and Light Illusion ColourSpace CMS, catering to users who require fine-tuned color settings.

Creators working on HDR content will find the PA32UCDM a reliable tool. With 1000 nits of peak brightness and support for multiple HDR formats, including HDR10 and HLG, it accurately represents highlights and deep blacks for detailed, lifelike content. The ability to preview HDR metadata across different formats is critical for those delivering content to a wide range of display types. For users working on motion-based media, the PA32UCDM features a 240Hz refresh rate, providing ultra-smooth animations and enabling accurate quality checks in real-time. This high refresh rate is especially useful during rendering and postproduction, where even small stutters can impact the final product.

The monitor’s connectivity options include a Thunderbolt 4 port with up to 96W power delivery, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a built-in USB hub. These versatile connections make the PA32UCDM adaptable to various workflows and hardware configurations. Its ergonomic design includes height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, with a 50% smaller base than its predecessor to maximize desk space. Additionally, the monitor is compatible with wall-mounted setups, thanks to an included mounting bracket.

What is Quantum Dot OLED?

Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) technology combines the deep blacks and contrast of OLED with the color accuracy of quantum dots. OLED panels can turn off individual pixels, creating perfect blacks, but they sometimes struggle with color brightness and saturation. Quantum dots, which emit precise colors when exposed to light, enhance OLED performance, allowing QD-OLED displays to deliver more accurate colors and improved brightness. For creators, this translates to more reliable color fidelity and better handling of HDR content.

Key Specs:

• Pricing not available yet
• 31.5-inch QD-OLED display
• 4K resolution, 99% DCI-P3 coverage
• HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision support
• Factory-calibrated, ΔE < 1
• 240Hz refresh rate
• Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1

Why should you be interested in this screen?

The ProArt Display OLED PA32UCDM is noteworthy because its immediate predecessor, the “ASUS ProArt Display OLED PA32DC” (Catchy name, as always …) , has served as our “Editorial Reference OLED” for assessing media, calibration tools, and various display technologies.

We were impressed by the stability of the screen; with our calibration and measurement tools, the Delta was consistently well below ΔE2. We can’t claim more due to the limitations of our available tools – but it was probably well below that. The 10-bit-display played along well with all test-images we had it generate (Doing screen insert tests and stuff like that), and had a brightness consistency over its whole panel that made tracking and keying a absolute joy.

The viewing angle was damn near perfect, the included functions balanced flexibility with practicality, without succumbing to “gamer featuritis.” In an other recent test, we evaluated the Dolby Vision implementation (a detailed interview with Dolby Technicians is in the works), examining claims made by different content providers. The PA32UCDM has the potential to continue the legacy of its predecessor as a reference screen for content creation, and we look forward to seeing how it performs – and are a little bit excited about it.

The post QD-Oleds by Asus first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.