To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.
We applied an HDR signal to the ViewSonic XG270QC using an HD Fury Integral with our Accupel signal generator. The monitor switches over automatically and locks out all image adjustments. As you’ll soon see, its HDR performance is quite good.
HDR Brightness and Contrast
Though only rated for DisplayHDR 400, the ViewSonic XG270QC tops 607 nits in our test. The best part is its dynamic contrast feature which is automatically enabled in HDR mode. It delivers a super low black level of just 0.0263 nit and a superb contrast ratio of 23,055.1:1. It doesn’t get much better than that.
We could occasionally see the picture level change as content flashed from dark to light, but the overall effect is excellent in practice. It’s easy to see the impact of dynamic contrast in this comparison. The Gigabyte has high native contrast, but it doesn’t come close to the ViewSonic, Asus or Dell screens. And the IPS and TN panels are well out of the running. They process HDR signals correctly but don’t deliver any more impact.
Grayscale, EOTF and Color
Clearly, HDR image calibration is unnecessary because the XG270QC showed no visible grayscale errors or luminance issues in our EOTF test. Grayscale tracking is visually perfect, and the monitor's high brightness results in a class-leading 70% clip point. That’s the level where the monitor takes over tone-mapping. By leaving more of the work to the content’s meta-data, HDR has a lot more impact. This monitor is serious competition for more-expensive FALD-equipped displays.
HDR color is a bit over-saturated, but this isn’t significantly different than other HDR monitors we’ve tested, including ones that cost a lot more. Reds and blues are extra-bold for sure with some green hues also looking more vibrant. Only 100% green comes up a tad short of the mark. This is excellent performance.
MORE: Best Gaming Monitors
MORE: How We Test Monitors
MORE: All Monitor Content
