Auria EQ276W 27" IPS Monitor Review: QHD For $400
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Page 1:Auria EQ276W: QHD On A Budget
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Page 2:Measurement And Calibration Methodology
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Page 3:Results: Stock Brightness And Contrast
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Page 4:Results: Calibrated Brightness And Contrast
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Page 5:Results: Gamma And ANSI Contrast Ratio
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Page 6:Results: Grayscale Tracking
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Page 7:Results: Color Gamut And Performance
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Page 8:Results: Viewing Angle And Uniformity
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Page 9:Results: Pixel Response And Input Lag
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Page 10:Too Good To Be True, Or Just Good Value?
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.
The EQ276W has four picture modes (called Eco), but only Standard allows adjustment of brightness and contrast. Similarly, of the four color temp modes available, only User has the necessary RGB sliders to dial in the white balance. There is no gamma control. While there is a dynamic contrast feature, we don’t recommend using it on this, or any other monitor. When on-screen content changes, the dynamic variations in contrast will destroy all accuracy in color, gamma, and grayscale. Furthermore, detail in the highest and lowest brightness ranges also gets crushed.
Here are the settings we recommend based on our tests. The Contrast control can be turned up as high as 56 (the stock setting is 50) before any information is clipped. The Brightness control doesn’t do much until the value drops below 50. Our Brightness setting of 23 corresponds to just over 200 nits of peak light output.
| Auria EQ276W Settings | |
|---|---|
| Eco | Standard |
| Brightness | 23 |
| Contrast | 50 |
| Color Temp | User |
| Red | 100 |
| Green | 87 |
| Blue | 65 |
- Auria EQ276W: QHD On A Budget
- Measurement And Calibration Methodology
- Results: Stock Brightness And Contrast
- Results: Calibrated Brightness And Contrast
- Results: Gamma And ANSI Contrast Ratio
- Results: Grayscale Tracking
- Results: Color Gamut And Performance
- Results: Viewing Angle And Uniformity
- Results: Pixel Response And Input Lag
- Too Good To Be True, Or Just Good Value?
I have the Achieva Shimian that was purchased three months ago. I checked on Nvidia Settings and it states that "This display supports HDCP."
Happy that this article was posted and I been very happy with my purchase.
As for lag, i heard from "razetheworld" that when the monitor has one connector (usually DVI) the input lag can be as low as 6ms on these IPS screens. When there are multiple connectors like the monitor being reviewed here, higher lags are expected because the monitor takes time to process which connection is in use. I may be wrong, so correct me if i am wrong.
While this is true, MicroCenter has a great return policy, I'm not sure about Overlord, but I do know the one that is under 400, its 384, only has DVI, while this has HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, headphon jack, and VGA. So if you just want DVI, getting an Achieva Shimian is cheaper off of ebay, but then also you have to deal with possible shoddy return system. Good luck to all and I will comment once I have my Auria, I'm going from my 40" Auria 1080P HDTV to a Auria 27" 1440P IPS monitor, good trade I think.
Most video cards have Dual link DVI so this isn't really an issue unless yours does not. I use a Catleap Q270 monitor right now (let me tell you, there is NO going back for me after getting one of these, 1080p monitors are as good as yesterday's trash to me). This was a B grade panel and it ended up having no visable defects or bad pixels (I only paid $245 for it off of ebay new from Korea, they've gone up $100 since). The reason I ended up going with the panel I did was from a quite extensive post on hardforum detailing how the DVI-only monitors were having incredibly low input lag compared to any of the other 1440p IPS panels available. I'm getting incredible framerates with my 670 and my games are streak/ghost/stutter/tearing free.
Maybe this Auria monitor just can't hack it vs. its' Korean counterparts.
Also it's good to know you can always take apart these monitors and replace the PCB so that you can overclock them to 120Hz, but Overlord is the only place selling the part and it's $200
Is it me or thats not normal?
Minimum and maximum refer to the brightness setting. It's not unusual for the contrast ratio to go up when the brightness is lowered. In the case of the Samsung S27B970D, the black level dropped by a greater percentage than the peak white level; hence the higher contrast ratio.
Christian
Asus PB278Q: $660 w/3yr manuf warrantee
Auria EQ276W: $400 Plus $90 for additional 2 Yr warrantee (To take it to 3 Yrs), Plus $20->$24 for tax, Plus approx. $60 for gas. Would want to see before purchase – Verify pixels and back light.
Comments on the very fine article. The model evaluated is most likely not the model you will now find at microcenter. Apparently they have switched from a LED backlight to the traditional tube, also the screen type is now AG and not the glossy as reviewed.
For the input lag test what connection was used? I have heard Display port has lower lag then DVI but it would be great for Tom's to confirm as I trust their testing methods.
I purchased a Qnix (South Korean via eBay brand) almost a year ago now. It does indeed have HDCP. Looks and works great. I won't go back to a TN panel, or a lower res.
The Asus PB278Q is next up in our review queue. In fact, the benchmark tests will be run today. It will appear in a couple of weeks along with the HP ZR2740w.
Christian
We use the HDMI input for input lag and response tests. The signal is fed from our Accupel pattern generator. We do this because input lag can vary between video cards, as well as other computer components. Even the keyboard or mouse can make a difference. The generator lets us feed a signal directly with no other hardware in the chain.
Christian
You shouldn't be using HDMI for 1440p. Everyone knows that. Can we please have these tests re-run on DP and DVI-D please.
However, I also cannot find very much information on the subject.
Wrong, most people who would be in the market for this want a nice LG Panel IPS 2560x1440 monitor. Prices tend to come down on most computer parts, components and related items in time, and monitors have proven to be no exception.
Most people in general would now choose something like featured monitor at $399 instead of paying $1,000 - not because they are low end TN screen users, but because it simply makes a lot more sense.
Nice, thanks for the feedback and congratulations on your purchase!
Are you coming from a low end TN panel? I personally have these 3 types of monitors: an IPS, P-MVA and the "lowly" TN. =)
What type do you like best?
I have an S-PVA(was 600 dollars 5 years ago) and honestly after seeing glow on some of the cheaper IPS screens, it gets me worried about future monitor purchases.
I like the P-MVA best. At 1920x1200 resolution, it's my main monitor. It's actually a SOYO Topaz S and I've had it a while. The IPS is a Dell 23" with 1920x1080 resolution and it's also nice.
So some of the older P-MVA monitors are superior to newer IPS monitors? I was not aware of that and it's somewhat shocking...
P-MVA / S-PVA - I am not familiar with the differences...