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Grayscale and Gamma Tracking
To test the PA32UCDMR’s preset modes, I measured each one at its default settings. You can tweak them in the OSD with color temp and gamma presets, or calibrate them using The Puck and the ProArt Calibration app.
Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.
The only variations you’ll see in the grayscale tests is gamma tracking. It’s referenced at different points depending on mode, either 2.2, 2.4 or 2.6. What I observed consistently is that it runs a tad light. This isn’t a big deal for an OLED since contrast is so high. But as a professional screen, the PA32UCDMR should be right on the yellow line. This can easily be tightened up with a calibration using The Puck. I noted that the PA32UCDMR correctly rendered a D63 color temp for P3 Cinema and D65 for P3 Display.
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.
The PA32UCDMR’s color gamut results are exemplary. No mode is greater than 2dE for the 32-point average. The highest number is for BT.2020 and that’s simply because there isn’t quite enough color to cover its large space. Volumes run between 95 and 99% for the most part. 2020 covers just under 75% and Adobe RGB tops out at 91%. That’s because there isn’t enough green, a typical issue with today’s professional displays. If you want full Adobe coverage, you’ll need an LCD with a special CCFL backlight that delivers the extra green. OLED hasn’t quite gotten there yet.
Grayscale, Gamma and Color Gamut Test Summary
I pulled all the numbers into a table so you can see how each mode performed out of the box. There is no need to calibrate the PA32UCDMR unless you want to get below 1dE for color or tighten up the gamma tracking. This is what I’d expect from an Asus ProArt monitor or any professional screen for that matter.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Grayscale Error |
Gamma Range |
Gamma Deviation |
Gamma Actual |
Gamut Error |
Gamut Volume |
Native |
1.26dE |
0.09 |
5.90% |
2.07 |
1.75dE |
104.89% |
sRGB |
0.84dE |
0.16 |
5.90% |
2.07 |
1.09dE |
98.60% |
BT.709 |
0.63dE |
0.15 |
3.75% |
2.31 |
1.05dE |
97.77% |
Adobe RGB |
0.69dE |
0.07 |
3.18% |
2.13 |
1.21dE |
90.73% |
P3 Cinema |
0.79dE |
0.16 |
3.46% |
2.51 |
0.99dE |
94.96% |
P3 Display |
0.89dE |
0.15 |
4.09% |
2.11 |
1.10dE |
94.82% |
BT.2020 |
0.66dE |
0.13 |
4.09% |
2.11 |
1.76dE |
74.83% |
Test Takeaway: I have yet to find an Asus ProArt monitor that didn’t perform at the highest level. The PA32UCDMR has visually perfect color out of the box and is ready for any task, be it productivity, entertainment, or color-critical work. Gamma, in general, runs a tad light, but that can be tightened up with The Puck and the ProArt Calibration app.
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