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The AG456UCZD is ready to rock out of the box with grayscale and color that is well within specification. Each example is calibrated before shipment, so consistency is assured. My only observation concerns gamma which I’ll explain below.
Grayscale and Gamma Tracking
Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.
By default, the AG456UCZD’s grayscale errors are all below the visible threshold. However, gamma is a bit dark. While this results in slightly over-saturated color, which many users will prefer, it makes the picture a bit murky. I’m picking nits here, but it motivates me to try a few things.
The User color temp starts out very blue and ultimately does not improve grayscale accuracy. It doesn’t affect gamma either, so I returned to the Warm color temp preset and changed gamma from 1 to 2. That lightened the image in a good way, even though the trace is a bit below the reference. It is closer to spec by the numbers, though, and as you’ll see in the gamut test, saturation points are closer to the mark. Though I took a slight hit in grayscale accuracy, it’s a worthwhile compromise. You can try both gamma settings to see which you prefer.
When I set the color gamut to sRGB, it grayed out all other image controls except for brightness. The result is visually perfect grayscale tracking and slightly dark gamma, which is good enough for color-critical applications.
Comparisons
You’ll notice that I took a small step backward in the AG456UCZD’s grayscale tracking accuracy, but visually, it is an improvement due to the lighter gamma tracking. As I said, you may feel differently, so all that’s required is to change gamma between preset 1 and preset 2. It looks great either way. The gamma result shown above is on the Gamma 2 setting.
Color Gamut Accuracy
Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.
I had a similar experience measuring the AG456UCZD’s color gamut. The default error of 1.49dE is professional grade, but it is slightly oversaturated in red. Visually, this isn’t an issue. When I changed the gamma preset, targets tightened considerably, but the average increased to 1.73dE. This is a tiny difference. Both numbers are superb by any standard. sRGB mode also hits the mark with a 1.51dE result.
Comparisons
Even though I went slightly backward with the AG456UCZD’s color result, I prefer the image on the Gamma 2 preset. Both choices are accurate enough for pro-level work. It is a personal preference issue. I preferred the lighter look; you may not. Room lighting will also affect perception, so I urge you to try both settings.
Though the AG456UCZD doesn’t have a Quantum Dot layer, it covers over 98% of DCI-P3. A few monitors have gone over 100%, and they look a little more colorful. But I suspect buyers will be looking at size and shape here. There is plenty of color to satisfy gamers and graphics pros alike.
Test Takeaway: Compromises and nit-picks aside, the AG456UCZD delivers superb accuracy regardless of which gamma setting you choose. It doesn’t need or benefit from calibration. That is always a plus. It’s also qualified for color-critical work in DCI-P3 or sRGB gamuts.
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