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HDR Performance

Feeding the CP7271K an HDR signal automatically put the monitor in HDR mode and grayed out most image controls. One option that remained available is the zone-dimming response, which has three options. We found Gaming to come closest to spec and provide the best image, with no detail clipping and deep contrast.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Since the zone dimming feature is dynamic, we waited a few seconds for our 100% white pattern to stabilize before recording an impressive 1,180.5381 nits. Black levels are difficult to measure, but we were able to record a 0.0268 value, which results in an HDR contrast ratio of 44,095.2:1. While impressive, it’s surprisingly low in this comparison. Will you actually spot the difference between 44,000:1 and 60,000:1? Probably not. The PA32UCX, however, is on another level, and you’ll see that difference for sure. It remains our benchmark for 4K image quality.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The CP7271K’s grayscale and color accuracy in HDR mode is quite good. The tone-mapping point determined by white and black level measurements is at 75%, which the monitor reached a bit early due to its zone dimming feature. We measured all three response options, and Gaming proved closest to correct. What our measured EOTF shows is that some highlight details may be slightly obscured in rare circumstances. We didn’t see any issues during hands-on testing. Grayscale tracking was also right on the mark.

Color tracking in HDR mode is very good with only slight oversaturations in all six colors. Ultra HD material looked very well-saturated with natural and accurate hues throughout the brightness range. Rec.2020 also tracks well up to the point, where the CP7271K runs out of color. This is as it should be. Monitors will have full 2020 coverage someday, but today is not that day. Acer’s ConceptD provides reference-level HDR accuracy and performance.

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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

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