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HP ZR2740w Versus Asus PB278Q: QHD 27" Monitors, Tested
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1. 27-Inches At 1440p For Under $700

It seems that, at least for now, affordable QHD (2560x1440) screens at least 27" large are hot ticket enthusiast items. Given a screen that size, the extra pixel density is more pleasing to the eye than an FHD panel at 1920x1080. With 108 pixels per inch, you probably won’t see any dot structure at the normal two- to three-foot viewing distance.

Although QHD is still at the pricier end of the spectrum, the amount of cash required to obtain a nice-looking 2560x1440 display continues dropping. Don't believe us? Check out Auria EQ276W 27" IPS Monitor Review: QHD For $400. While other brands are still asking $800 or more, a few others are dipping into the $650 range.

We're looking at two such panels today: HP’s ZR2740w and Asus’ PB278Q. Both are IPS-based and boast high-quality fit and finish. Accuracy is a definite selling point, as is brightness. With a fairly steady stream of very nice displays coming through our labs, it’s becoming difficult to go back to anything smaller (or lower-res), and these screens typify why.

HP ZR2740w

HP ships its monitor in one of the largest cartons we’ve ever seen. At least two screens could fit in the heavy corrugated box. The panel and base are kept separate by molded Styrofoam, leaving both extremely well-protected. Shippers would have to make a serious effort to damage this product! Inside the box are DisplayPort and dual-link DVI cables, along with a power cord. The power supply is internal, so there are no external bricks to contend with. Also included is a CD containing the user manual and all necessary software.

The base attaches without tools and is quite substantial. It’s made out of the same high-quality matte-finished plastic as the panel’s bezel. Ergonomic adjustments include height, tilt, swivel, and rotation. You should have no trouble setting this monitor up on any kind of desktop. All of the movements are very smooth, yet each position also feels very solid. If you want to use your own bracket or stand, the HP accepts a 100 mm VESA mount.

The bezel absorbs light extremely well. It measures 22 mm wide on the top and sides and 32 mm wide on the bottom. The image goes right to the edge (as it should) and sits behind a high-clarity anti-glare screen. Light reflections won’t be an issue with the ZR2740w. At the top center is the HP logo embossed in silver. The lower-left corner sports the model number, while the lower-right corner is home to the four control buttons. These also have a nice expensive feel to them. One of the first things you'll notice is that there is no button for the on-screen menu; that’s because the ZR2740w doesn’t have one. The only adjustment available is brightness, which is controlled by the plus and minus keys. The other two keys switch on the power and cycle between input sources.

The inputs face downwards and are clustered near the left side of the panel. DVI and DisplayPort are the only choices. The absence of both VGA and HDMI ports is a clear sign of the business-oriented intent of this product. This means no connecting Blu-ray players or other TV-type sources. A computer is the only way to display an image on the ZR2740w. Rounding out the connectivity suite are two pairs of USB ports, one side-facing and one down facing; and a type-B upstream connector. All three ports are USB 2.0-compatible.

The ZR2740w uses LG’s H-IPS panel as its core technology. This is first-generation IPS tech from 2007, back when IPS panels first came to market. Its main strength is white balance accuracy, thanks to the use of an Advanced True White polarizing film developed by NEC. Despite the age of the tech used here, the benchmark results should demonstrate that significant improvements have been made in contrast and overall color accuracy since H-IPS first appeared on the scene.

Asus PB278Q

Asus’ panel is based on a Samsung PLS part; similar to the one that we recently tested in Samsung’s own S27B970D. The technology is identical to the different flavors of IPS in that the individual sub-pixels are aligned parallel to the screen instead of perpendicular. The packaging is a stout carton sporting a carrying handle, with dense, rigid foam to protect its contents. Inside are DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA cables, and a standard power cord. Like the HP, Asus’ power supply is internal. Also included is a mini-headphone audio cable for the internal three-watt stereo speakers. For documentation, only a Quick Start Guide and warranty booklet are provided. The full user manual can be downloaded from Asus’ website.

The base screws on without tools and, like the ZR2740w, it is large, solid, and more than up to the task of balancing the nearly 20-pound panel. The vertical support adjusts for height, tilt, and rotation, but not swivel. If you want to use your own bracket or swing arm, the screen accepts 90 mm VESA-compatible hardware. Everything is made from a high-impact matte-finished plastic that looks to be of high quality.

The bezel absorbs light well, measuring 21 mm wide on the top and sides, and just 25 mm on the bottom. The slightly-raised Asus logo is finished in a silver color. To the right are labels for the controls. At first glance, they appear to be touch-sensitive, but there are actually buttons beneath the edge of the panel. Their feel is nice, and they don’t require too much pressure to activate. In addition to menu navigation and power, you can cycle through sources, as well as directly access brightness controls and picture mode options. The screen itself has excellent light rejection quality and displays a sharp, bright image right out-of-the-box.

The input panel faces downwards and includes every type of connection currently available. DVI and DisplayPort are there of course. And the HDMI port is version 1.4-compliant, supporting the monitor’s full native resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. This assumes your video card outputs QHD resolution over HDMI; not all do. For audio, there are mini-headphone input and output jacks. Through these, you're able to hear the signal from both analog and digital audio sources, using either a pair of connected headphones or the panel’s internal speakers. With a full complement of inputs and included cables, the PB278Q provides the most complete package we’ve seen to date.

Brand
HP
Asus
Model
ZR2740w
PB278Q
Street Price
$679.99
$649.99
Panel Type
H-IPS
PLS
Backlight
LED
LED
Screen Size
27"
27"
Max Resolution
2560x1440
2560x1440
Aspect Ratio
16:9
16:9
Response Time (GTG)
12 ms
5 ms
Brightness (cd/m^2)
380
300
Speakers
No
Yes, 3 W stereo
VGA
-
1
DVI
1
1
DisplayPort
1
1
HDMI
-
1
Headphone
-
1
Refresh Rate
60 Hz
60 Hz
Dimensions w/base
WxHxD
25.4 x 17.3-21.26 x 9.3 in
645 x 439-540 x 236 mm
25.31 x 21.74 x 8.58 in
643 x 552 x 218 mm
Panel Thickness
2.76 in / 70 mm
2.76 in / 70 mm
Warranty
Three years
Three years


Before getting to the results, let's quickly go over how we test.

2. Measurement And Calibration Methodology

To measure and calibrate monitors, we use an i1Pro spectrophotometer and the latest version of SpectraCal CalMAN software (v5.0.3).

For patterns, we employ an AccuPel DVG-5000 video signal generator. This approach removes video cards and drivers from the signal chain, allowing the display to receive true reference patterns. Connections are made via HDMI.

The AccuPel DVG-5000 is capable of generating all types of video signals at any resolution and refresh rate up to 1920x1080 at 60 Hz. It can also display motion patterns to evaluate a monitor's video processing capabilities, with 3D patterns available in every format. This allows us to measure color and grayscale performance, crosstalk, and ghosting in 3D content via the 3D glasses.

Calibration Notes

The HP ZR2740w has no user adjustments other than brightness. And there is no on-screen display to tell you where you’ve set the control. You have to press the plus or minus keys until you get a brightness level that is comfortable to the eye. Another issue we ran into is the monitor only accepts three resolutions: 640x480, 1280x720, and its native 2560x1440. Gamers who play at resolutions other than these will see a blank screen instead of an image.

The PB278Q takes the opposite approach with a large array of options. There are six picture modes. Four of them contain some locked settings, while the other two are fully-adjustable. In the user modes, there are RGB controls for both the high and low signal levels. This adjustment is common in televisions, but extremely rare in computer monitors. Also unique to this screen are color saturation and hue controls. You can use these if you want to create a custom look to your monitor, though they won’t help to improve upon the already accurate sRGB color gamut. These sliders are best left at their default positions, both for our testing and in normal use.

Calibration Settings

Asus PB278Q
Picture Mode
User
Sharpness
50
Contrast
75
Brightness
62
Gain
Red 46, Green 54, Blue 43
Offset
Red 48, Green 48, Blue 52
Saturation
50
Hue
50
Color Temp
6500
Gamma
2.2


You can set the Contrast control as high as 81 (out of 100) before clipping detail. However, any setting over 75 causes a visible color shift at 90 and 100 percent signal levels. For the best grayscale tracking, we recommend you set it to 75.

Obviously, there are no recommended settings for the HP ZR2740w. You can set the Brightness either by eye or by measuring the level with a meter.

3. Results: Stock Brightness And Contrast

Before calibrating the two panels, we measure zero and 100 percent signals at both ends of the brightness control range. This shows us how contrast is affected at the extremes of a monitor's luminance capability.

Both screens are very bright, but the HP exceeds its own spec by almost 40 cd/m2. Fortunately, color and gamma are largely unaffected by maxing the brightness. So, should you actually need over 400 cd/m2 of light output, the ZR2740w can surely deliver. The Asus is near the top of the pack with over 286 cd/m2 available.

With so much output on tap from the HP, let’s see how black levels are affected.

Both panels are very well-engineered in that they can maintain a decent black level at maximum output. You can see how cranking the brightness affects the Auria’s black level more negatively than the other screens. The Samsung remains the undisputed leader in this test.

Topping out the brightness slider is usually not the way to achieve a good contrast ratio, since black levels rise right along with the peak number. Better-designed screens can buck this trend to some degree.

The HP ZR2740w comes within striking distance of the contrast-leading Samsung S27B970D. And the Asus PB278Q is not too far behind, either. For any panel to measure over 1,000:1 in native contrast is excellent performance. Even at max settings, both monitors deliver a nice, punchy image with plenty of depth and detail.

Not all monitors are practical for use at the minimum brightness setting. We consider 50 cd/m2 to be a realistic lower limit for viewing in a totally-darkened room.

Here, the Asus stays above the 50 cd/m2 mark, but the HP falls a good bit short. At 27 cd/m2, the ZR2740w’s picture is dim enough to cause eyestrain during extended use. A few clicks of the brightness button can bring the image to a usable level. This is made a bit more difficult thanks to the lack of an on-screen menu or even a level indicator. You have to set the level by eye, so it’s practically impossible to hit the same mark every time you make a change.

The fun part about bottoming out the brightness control is seeing how low the black level becomes. Even though it’s not completely realistic, some panels achieve absurdly low numbers.

The HP ZR2740w is the new king of the minimum black level test. In fact, we had to average several readings because we neared the limit of our spectrophotometer’s measurement capability. Just remember that the HP is too dim to be used for extended periods at these settings. The Asus and both ViewSonic monitors do produce a usable image at their respective minimum brightness settings, yet still manage to crank out a very low black level. If you increase the HP’s brightness to 50 cd/m2, the black level only rises to 0.0462 cd/m2, which is still excellent performance.

Along with low black levels come extremely high contrast ratios.

Once again, the HP nips at the Samsung’s heels at 3,346.2 to 1. The Asus takes up a firm position in the middle, with a very respectable 1,215.6 to 1.

No matter what the brightness setting, both monitors produce excellent contrast. You can use them at any light level you desire and still enjoy nice contrast, for an image with plenty of depth and pop.

4. Results: Calibrated Brightness And Contrast

We consider 200 nits to be an ideal average for peak output, so we calibrate all of our test monitors to that value. In a room with some ambient light, such as an office, this brightness level provides a sharp, punchy image with maximum detail and minimum eye fatigue. It's also the sweet spot for gamma and grayscale tracking, which we'll look at on pages five and six.

This comparison normally includes a full grayscale calibration. Since the HP has no adjustments in that area, we simply set the brightness as close to 200 cd/m2 as possible.

Both monitors have little difficulty settling in at 200 cd/m2. The only way to do this on the HP is with a meter, since there is no other indication of the brightness level. The Asus PB278Q is set to 62 out of 100 for brightness and 75 out of 100 for contrast.

Calibration can sometimes raise the black level slightly, and some monitors are better at maintaining a low number than others.

The HP predictably stays near the top in this metric. It would be interesting to see how a grayscale calibration would affect this figure but, unfortunately, there’s no way to perform one. The Asus PB278Q also does extremely well with a very low 0.2830 cd/m2 measurement.

Maintaining a high contrast ratio after calibration is the toughest test for any monitor. Most screens take at least a small hit for the sake of color accuracy.

The HP has an unfair advantage because of its lack of calibration controls, but it looks great nonetheless. The Asus holds its own nicely at 706.9 to 1. Its image is still very punchy, and as you’ll see later, the color accuracy achieved is more than worth this small drop in measured contrast. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to perceive any difference with the naked eye.

5. Results: Gamma And ANSI Contrast Ratio

Gamma is the measurement of luminance levels at every step in the brightness range from 0 to 100 percent. This is important because poor gamma can either crush detail at various points or wash it out, making the entire picture appear flat and dull. Correct gamma produces a more three-dimensional image, with greater depth and pop. Meanwhile, incorrect gamma can negatively affect image quality, even in monitors with high contrast ratios.

In the gamma charts below, the yellow line represents 2.2, which is the most widely-accepted standard for television, film, and computer graphics production. The closer the white measurement trace comes to 2.2, the better.

HP ZR2740w

The ZR2740w displays nearly perfect gamma tracking. Aside from a microscopic dip at 30 percent, and a slightly larger hump at 90 percent, it hugs the 2.2 mark very closely. The 90 percent measurement represents an output deficiency of less than 3 cd/m2; an invisible error. We measured the gamma at several brightness levels and achieved the same results regardless of the setting.

Asus PB278Q

The PB278Q also measures well in the gamma tracking test. The deviations seen in the chart are extremely minor, representing, at most, a five percent variation in light output. Like the HP, these errors are invisible to the naked eye.

The gamma value range shows the quality of tracking from zero to 100 percent. A flatter gamma trace is obviously more desirable. This chart shows the distance between the highest and lowest gamma values. A smaller number indicates better tracking from minimum black to maximum white.

Both panels finish mid-pack in this test, although they are quite a bit closer to the leaders than they are the bottom two monitors. None of the screens in our chart display more than a tiny error. So, for all intents and purposes, the HP and Asus panels are close to the best we’ve measured.

Beginning with the Auria EQ276W review, we’re expressing gamma error as a percent deviation from 2.2. This is the ideal value and will most closely match the mastered gamma of video, game, and business graphic content.

While the AOC I2757FH is still the leader with a perfect 2.2 gamma average, the HP and Asus monitors are less than one percent off the mark. You can see from the tracking charts above how slight the errors are. Essentially, both screens achieve perfection in this test.

ANSI Contrast Ratio

Another important measure of contrast is ANSI. To perform this test, a checkerboard pattern of sixteen 0 and 100 percent squares are measured. This is somewhat more real-world than on/off measurements because it tests a display’s ability to simultaneously maintain both low black and full white levels, which also factors in screen uniformity. The average of the eight full-white measurements is divided by the average of the eight full-black measurements to arrive at the ANSI result.

Given the superb on/off contrast numbers posted by both of today’s monitors, it’s no surprise to see them take the ANSI contrast crown, too. The ViewSonic VX2770Smh and AOC I2757FH are both only FHD displays, making the Samsung the next-best QHD monitor. For HP and Asus to post nearly double its ANSI contrast measurement is pretty impressive. In real-world viewing, this translates to greater image depth and more visible detail at the both extremes of the brightness range.

6. Results: Grayscale Tracking

All of the IPS panels that we’ve tested recently display excellent grayscale tracking, even at stock settings. It’s important that the color of white be consistently neutral at all light levels from darkest to brightest. Grayscale performance impacts color accuracy with regard to the secondary colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow). Since computer monitors typically have no color or tint adjustment, accurate grayscale is key.

HP ZR2740w

Since the HP has no RGB controls to adjust grayscale, we’re showing the measurement at a 200 cd/m2 brightness level.

This is a fair result. Grayscale error is visible from 30 percent to 100 percent, though just barely. The overall tint is cool in tone with just a hint of blue in white parts of the image. We ran this test at both minimum and maximum brightness settings and got nearly the same results. This is a good thing in that the HP achieves the same level of accuracy no matter what its light output.

Asus PB278Q

At its stock settings the PB278Q is deficient in green (a deficiency that increases as the signal level goes up). Bright images like the white background of a word processing app or Web browser look obviously blue. This measurement was taken in the User mode at the 6500K color temp preset. Standard mode looks the same as the above. sRGB mode is slightly better, though still blue in tone.

Fortunately, Asus includes RGB adjustments for both the high and low range, which is unusual for any computer monitor. This allows you dial in grayscale more precisely. Our procedure is to adjust the high range (gain) using an 80 percent signal and the low range (offset) using a 30 percent signal.

The extra adjustability allows a very accurate result in our grayscale tracking test. All the errors are now below two, except at 10 and 60 percent. In fact, most brightness levels are below one Delta E in this test. This is excellent performance.

Since most users lack the equipment to calibrate their monitors, out-of-box performance is important, especially in the grayscale metric. An error of over three Delta E is visible to the naked eye. Since most productivity apps have a white background, any tint can easily be seen.

The HP finishes third in this comparison. Its average grayscale error is barely visible. In fact, most people would not notice an issue. We used this monitor exclusively for several days and found it excellent for all types of content. The value of 3.26 Delta E was measured at the maximum brightness setting. The Asus comes in at the bottom of the default settings test. While not a grievous result, an instrumented calibration will improve the performance of the PB278Q greatly.

Here’s the line-up after calibration to 200 cd/m2.

The HP doesn’t really change when its brightness is reduced from over 400 cd/m2 to 200. This is a good thing since it shows consistency. The Asus looks great after calibration, and our measurements support this observation. Its grayscale performance is right there with the best screens we’ve tested. All of the monitors we’ve reviewed recently do extremely well in this test. In fact, many far more expensive consumer televisions don’t measure this well.

7. Results: Color Gamut And Performance

Color gamut is measured using a saturation sweep that samples the six main colors (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow) at five saturation levels (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%). This provides a more realistic view of color accuracy. Since there are no color management controls on either monitor, we're only showing the post-calibration graphs (although we’re sure they'd look pretty much the same out-of-box).

HP ZR2740w

The HP stacks up pretty well in the chroma accuracy department. Nearly all of the IPS panels we’ve measured lately have the same over-saturated blue primary and magenta secondary, but the errors are small. The luminance charts look quite good with near-perfect numbers until the 100 percent level where blue, red, and magenta dip a little. To our eyes, the ZR2740w’s color is very natural and pleasing, with just the right amount of saturation. Even though we took the above measurements at a 200 cd/m2 brightness level, with this monitor, you can expect similar performance at any level you choose.

Asus PB278Q

The PB278Q measures nearly the same, except that blue is a little more over-saturated. Where the HP kept its color error consistent at all five stimulus levels, Asus’ error increases as you go up the brightness scale. And the luminance doesn’t fare quite as well either. Green, yellow, and cyan are a little too bright, while blue, magenta, and red are not quite bright enough. In normal content, we could see little difference between the two screens. Given the superior grayscale performance of the Asus, we give it a slight edge in overall color quality.

Let’s see where the ZR2740w and PB278Q fit in with other IPS monitors.

None of our recently-tested monitors show a visible color error. At 2.39 and 2.78 Delta E, the HP and Asus perform well. The most impressive screen here is still the Auria, which delivers great color accuracy at a very attractive price point.

Gamut Volume: Adobe RGB 1998

There are basically two categories of displays in use today: those that conform to the sRGB standard like HDTVs and wide-gamut panels that show as much as 100 percent of the AdobeRGB 1998 spec. We use Gamutvision to calculate the gamut volume, based on an ICC profile created from actual measurements.

All of the IPS panels based on either LG or Samsung glass are sRGB/Rec 709 screens, and not designed to render the full Adobe RGB 1998 gamut. Even though the HP ZR2740w displays the highest percentage, it is a tad bit over-saturated for hi-def video and gaming content. When we say a tad, we mean barely noticeable. A perfect value would be 68.8 percent, assuming of course that the primary and secondary colors are on their targets. In real-world use, a gamut volume between 65 and 75 percent means natural and accurate color in nearly all situations, except for professional photo work, where you really need the enlarged gamut.

8. Results: Viewing Angle And Uniformity

For off-axis viewing, there’s no better tech right now than IPS. You can sit as much as 45 degrees from center and still see a decent image. The light falloff is minimal, and the color shift associated with TN monitors is virtually non-existent.

Since the ZR2740w utilizes the LG H-IPS panel as its core, great off-axis performance is expected, and our photo shows that it doesn’t disappoint. Now that we’re showing step patterns, it’s easier to see when detail and light output are reduced as you move off-center. The HP maintains detail at the lowest and highest brightness levels with no perceptible color shift.

Here’s the Asus PB278Q:

Predictably, the Asus looks very similar in its viewing angle photo. Since the base panel is the same as Samsung’s excellent PLS monitor, the S27B970D, you can expect the same top-notch off-axis performance from the PB278Q. Once again, IPS proves itself to be the best currently-available technology for off-center viewing.

While some monitors are better than others, no LCD panel has perfect screen uniformity, and even samples of the same model can have quite a bit of variation. So, since there’s no fair standard for applying a rating to different monitors, we’ll simply present the results of our measurements.

To measure screen uniformity, zero percent and 100 percent full-field patterns are used, and nine points are sampled. We’re now expressing the values as percentages relative to the center of the screen.

HP ZR2740w
Black Field Uniformity
99.01%
112.49%
106.18%
101.25%
100.00%
102.83%
78.37%
80.67%
117.75%
White Field Uniformity
91.05%
94.26%
87.93%
93.96%
100.00%
91.67%
95.81%
95.45%
101.80%


Except for a slight hotspot at the lower-right corner, the ZR2740w does pretty well for black field uniformity. Its white field uniformity is even better with no visible variation except for a slightly dim upper-right corner.

The PB278Q, meanwhile, doesn’t fare quite as well.

Asus PB278Q
Black Field Uniformity
91.90%
94.29%
83.28%
63.03%
100.00%
74.30%
142.99%
101.87%
110.49%
White Field Uniformity
89.71%
98.56%
91.19%
83.58%
100.00%
86.75%
90.74%
95.35%
97.55%


In a full black field pattern, there is a visible bright area across the bottom of the screen. Thankfully, this doesn’t translate to the white field pattern, which looks quite good to the naked eye.

9. Results: Pixel Response And Input Lag

To perform these tests, we use a high-speed camera that shoots at 1,000 frames per second. Analyzing the video frame-by-frame allows us to observe the exact time it takes to go from a zero-percent signal to a 100% white field.

The pattern generator is placed at the base of each monitor so that our camera can capture the precise moment that the front-panel LED lights up, indicating a video signal is being received by the monitor. With this camera placement, we can easily see how long it takes to fully display a pattern after pressing the button on the generator’s remote. This testing methodology allows for accurate and repeatable results when comparing panels.

Both panels finish squarely in the middle of the pack for panel response time. It’s interesting to note that just because one monitor brand uses the same panel as another doesn’t necessarily mean that they will match in response metrics. For example, the Asus PB278Q draws a white field three milliseconds faster than the Samsung S27B970D, even though both monitors employ the same Samsung-made PLS part. The HP is only slightly behind at 26 milliseconds.

Now let’s check out the overall input lag numbers.

The AOC I2757FH retains the lead in our comparison of recently-tested IPS screens. While one might think that its lower 1920x1080 resolution is a factor, the other 1080p monitor on the chart, ViewSonic’s VX2770Smh, is slower than both the Samsung and ViewSonic 1440p panels. The two subjects of this review are at the back of the pack by a few milliseconds, but still well ahead of the Auria EQ276W. The deciding factor here is in the design of the monitor’s input circuit board. Each manufacturer uses its own PCB, and we’ve seen companies that modify screens like the Auria with high-performance boards that not only improve input lag, but also allow for higher refresh rates. As always, pursue such mods at your own risk!

10. Similar Products For Different Markets

It seems as though prices on these high-res monitors are starting to creep downward. Aside from the significantly cheaper Auria EQ276W, the Asus and HP monitors in this review are less expensive than much of the competition, which was still solidly over $700 at the time of this writing.

Despite its lack of calibration controls, the HP ZR2740w displays solid color accuracy and superb contrast. Regardless of the content you choose to display, the HP delivers excellent contrast and natural color. And there is more than enough brightness available, enough to turn this panel up to a searing level. In fact, it’s the brightest screen we’ve ever measured. Its only real limitation is input resolution. The HP will only accept 1440p, 720p, or 480p. If you play games at resolutions other than those, there is no workaround. Obviously, gaming at 1440p requires some extra power in the graphics card department as well. Consider that carefully before buying this monitor. However, if you do have the juice to handle it, your games will look great. It’s not the speediest panel we’ve tested, but the majority of players will be satisfied with the ZR2740w’s performance.

The Asus PB278Q is the polar opposite insofar as adjustments, providing more than we’ve ever seen in a computer monitor. The high and low white balance controls are quite unique, as are the color and tint sliders (which we’ve never seen outside of a television set). Calibrated performance is superb, right up there with the best. Out-of-box performance, however, is slightly behind other panels we’ve tested. If you have access to the equipment, we strongly recommend having this monitor calibrated. Of course, we recommend this for any monitor that sits on your desk. Your eyes will thank you in the long run. The Asus also offers plenty of available brightness and decent contrast, no matter what the ambient light level. Like the HP, color is also very accurate and natural. We’d have no trouble living with either screen on our desks.

No matter which panel you choose, you can expect a high-contrast image with excellent color accuracy and sharp detail. Both screens are well-built and should stand up to long-term use. Their installation flexibility is excellent thanks to well-designed bases and VESA mount compatibility. Both are styled simply and functionally, and should blend into any environment, whether it be oriented towards productivity or entertainment. While they still command a price premium over 1080p monitors, the gap is slowly narrowing. With UHD (Ultra HD, 4K, or 2160p) just around the corner, QHD represents the highest pixel count that you can put on your desktop right now.