34" 21:9 UltraWide Displays (3440x1440) - LG UM95/UM65 & Dell U3415W

The Dark Session said:
Your Korean cheap ass monitor has no Coating that's why blacks look like blacks not greyish compared to the other 95% oft the monitors out here.

Glossy coating ≠ deep blacks. The matte (semi-glossy), overclock-able Qnix/X-Stars are far more popular than the glossy Yamakai's were and the glossy Qnix/X-Star's sold out long ago.

The monitors in this image have the same black level and were set to the same brightness.

More coating comparisons.


The Dark Session said:
In a nutshell:

High end Monitor for graphic artists : 3000$ and still greyish-tones.
Cheap ass Korean monitor : 300$ and black tones.
Middle-ware 600$ 1440P monitor from dell : again greyish-tones.

And why? Because most people prefer ag coating. Remove the coating and you'll have a superior picture quality in every way.

The good 1440p Korean monitors have 800-1100:1 contrast ratios just like the name brand and high end (NEC/Eizo) monitors. Most people do not know if their monitor is matte or glossy. Aside from laptop owners, most people have likely never owned a glossy monitor either.

A matte (semi-glossy) Qnix/X-Star offers just as good out-of-the-box image quality as the LG for a third of the price and 3 year Square Trade warranties (which are vastly superior to non-Dell big brand customer service) are available for around 60$. My Qnix is glow free has an 1100:1 contrast ratio and 97% sRGB color space coverage after calibration. The 2,500$ Eizo CG277 and CX271 are the only truly superior, glow free 1440p monitors available.

I used HCFR to take a reading of the contrast ratio, I assume this is the bit I need to be looking at?

HCFR is complicated. Are there not any simple "just run a measurement and show me the results" apps out there?

Yes, that is correct. basICColor 5 is easy to use (click validate), but doesn't provide detailed gamma, RGB level or gamut results. HCFR is also easy to use, just click on the the multi-colored circles next to the camera Icon and it provide numerous detailed measurements.

Make sure to click on the advanced menu>References and switch the Color Space from SDTV-REC 601 to sRGB or REC 709.

Some of my HCFR results

Also, NCX: why you no explain me HCFR. It's just for measuring stuff? It's not useful for monitors with no OSD yes?

Already explained how to use it in a PM I sent you last month. It's very useful for measuring monitors color presets, regardless of if they have an OSD and for making manual adjustments in the OSD in order to achieve certain results without profiling. Can check the before and after results after changing a monitors brightness to see how changing the brightness effects the colors.
 
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Already explained how to use it in a PM I sent you last month. It's useful for measure monitors color presets, regardless of if they have an OSD and for making manual adjustments in the OSD in order to achieve certain results without profiling.
Yes but it was too much info for me to digest quickly... and then I got distracted with some things and forgot about it for a few days when my PMs got full and I erased it >< I'll PM you a couple specific questions that would just be too off topic here.

NCX wont steer you wrong guys; he's kinda like Suzy Orman the money lady, he doesn't like people to overspend on displays when the best possible quality out there right now is pretty affordable. I feel exactly the same way as he does and I started out being very suspicious of his motives, he won me over because I tried the displays he described and he was right about them every time. Occasionally I missed my FG2421 after I got a Qnix but not often, and now that I have the Catleap I don't even consider it. But that's for GAMING. This screen is for productivity and for eye candy. If you get one with bad glow try again, if it bugs you then wait for the glow free PLS versions that are sure to follow :D
 
It seems that review that scored the contrast ratio with a 500:1 (Using the Spyder, which is the problem here) is circulating around and falsely putting people off this monitor.

That's kind of annoying.
 
I've just received my new Benq BL3200PT, and I LOVE IT!
Way better then the LG34UM95 I've bought 10 days ago!!!
But here comes the surprise:
IT CAN BE OVERCLOCKED TO 75Hz ! ! ! :eek:
I've tried 66Hz at first, then 70Hz, and finally the mystical 75Hz!
It worked fine every test and then [drum's roll]:
http://www.testufo.com/#test=frameskipping
NO FRAME DROPPING! :D
Tonite I'll play with it much longer and tomorrow I'll let you know the final impression.

Your Benq isn't 21:9 and 3440 x 1440. End of discussion. Nothing wrong with 60hz with adaptive vsync on
 
Your Benq isn't 21:9 and 3440 x 1440. End of discussion. Nothing wrong with 60hz with adaptive vsync on

But the BenQ has an actual 2464:1 contrast ratio, with no bleeding and incredibly better black levels. It also cost less. Multiple people in here have returned the LGs stating they aren't worth the price, but the few owners on the BenQ thread are blown away by the picture.

The only things the LG has going for it is 21x9 and slightly better color accuracy. I would definitely love this LG at work but for home where I game and watch movies, the BenQ is so much better. If IPS black levels don't bother you or you are willing to sacrifice a lot of picture quality for 21x9, then by all means, go with the LG. Note if you are gaming. many games won't work with 21x9.. so there's also that. Even brand new games sometimes don't work for 21x9 without tweaks/external programs, and some won't work at all. 16x9 on the monitor is very distracting, due to the overly gray bars on the left and right.
 
This monitor is a workstation/desktop monitor first and foremost. It'll have more color accuracy then the BenQ, and has 21x9 going for it for more desktop space. If you need 100% color accuracy, this monitor is probably the way to go. If you play games game or watch movies a lot, I'd definitely go with the BenQ for the contrast ratio and dark black levels.

I play games. Black levels aren't an issue, very very minor thing that only snobish elitists are whining about, same with contrast ratio. When you see a movie in the theater, do you whine about the movie screens horrible contrast ratio and black levels? No, you awe at the sights, sounds, big screen, etc. The experience of it, not some piddilly trivial thing about 'omg I'm not starring at pitch black, THIS GAME IS UNPLAYABLE!!!!'

Some of you guys are ridiculous what you're complaining about. This is 21:9 cinematic gaming WITHOUT having to go triple screens and much easier to push than triple screens. It's a great 21:9 gaming experience that your BenQ can't give you with it's smaller 27" 16:9 ratio, so what if it's slightly blacker. Not like the LG's black levels are horrible, they're just not quite as good. OMG, so Jesus himself didn't invent this monitor.

Gaming is not about black levels and contrast, most gamers want 120hz screens, and those black levels and contrast are utterly worse, but they like the 120hz and deal with low rez.
Other way to go is triple screen for wide cinematic immersion. Now there's this monitor, perfect for not having to go the triple screen route, but still getting a good picture.

I'm all about the experience of it, so what if it's blacks and contrast are only 80% as good as another monitor, this is 21:9 3440 x 1440 and nothing can touch that
 
I play games. Black levels aren't an issue, very very minor thing that only snobish elitists are whining about, same with contrast ratio. When you see a movie in the theater, do you whine about the movie screens horrible contrast ratio and black levels? No, you awe at the sights, sounds, big screen, etc. The experience of it, not some piddilly trivial thing about 'omg I'm not starring at pitch black, THIS GAME IS UNPLAYABLE!!!!'

Some of you guys are ridiculous what you're complaining about. This is 21:9 cinematic gaming WITHOUT having to go triple screens and much easier to push than triple screens. It's a great 21:9 gaming experience that your BenQ can't give you with it's smaller 27" 16:9 ratio, so what if it's slightly blacker. Not like the LG's black levels are horrible, they're just not quite as good. OMG, so Jesus himself didn't invent this monitor.

Gaming is not about black levels and contrast, most gamers want 120hz screens, and those black levels and contrast are utterly worse, but they like the 120hz and deal with low rez.
Other way to go is triple screen for wide cinematic immersion. Now there's this monitor, perfect for not having to go the triple screen route, but still getting a good picture.

I'm all about the experience of it, so what if it's blacks and contrast are only 80% as good as another monitor, this is 21:9 3440 x 1440 and nothing can touch that

- The BenQ is 32" so it's quite a bit more immersive than 27" for gaming at the cost of some slight PPI.
- I own a 21x9 1080p Dell monitor. It's a headache to get many games to work with it. It's great when it works though. It has an actual 1100:1 contrast ratio and I still feel it is lacking, ultimately why I am moving away from it.
- "Most gamers" is the key term you used. Not everyone wants blazing fast panels with low contrast and bad blacks. I greatly prefer quality even if it's slower.
- I don't go to movie threaters for the same reason you just specified.. so I guess i'm one of those elitist. I'm not paying $20 for a ticket when I have a better quality setup in my home.
- The LG's black levels and contrast is no where near 80% of the BenQ. It's ~900:1 actual (according to PRAD) and the BenQ is 2454:1 actual (according to TFT). The blacks are not "slightly better", IPS vs VA blacks is no comparison.
- Please turn your lights off, make the room dark as possible and take a picture of the LG monitor. Try to come with 20% of these black levels without turning the brightness off. http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/images/benq_bl3200pt/P1060441_small.JPG

Both monitors serve different purposes and are suited towards different types of audiences. I still feel the LG should be about $699 though, with the BenQ being so much cheaper there's not much appeal for the LG unless you must have 21x9.
 
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i don't really understand people coming into threads and advocating other screens...this is a thread for the LG and there's a thread for the benq. every smart user is going to check out both.

why oh why do people feel the need to go in and try to advocate something else? just keep it in the proper thread and let other people enjoy theirs, simple.

at the end of the day, it's their money to spend, right? to each their own.
 
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i don't really understand people coming into threads and advocating other screens...this is a thread for the LG and there's a thread for the benq. every smart user is going to check out both.

why oh why do people feel the need to go in and try to advocate something else? just keep it in the proper thread and let other people enjoy theirs, simple.

at the end of the day, it's their money to spend, right? to each their own.
Exactly, they are comparing Cinemascreen monitors against some mainstream ass 16:9 32" TV size monitors with specs which were provided by a amateur test site.
 
Exactly, they are comparing Cinemascreen monitors against some mainstream ass 16:9 32" TV size monitors with specs which were provided by a amateur test site.

why the hostile tone though? and i don't think tftcentral.co.uk is an "amateur test site". :)
 
Exactly, they are comparing Cinemascreen monitors against some mainstream ass 16:9 32" TV size monitors with specs which were provided by a amateur test site.

I thought 1080p 24"-27" was mainstream?

21:9 34" can hardly compare to a Cinema screen now. Looks like someone fell for the clever LG marketing :rolleyes:
 
Exactly, they are comparing Cinemascreen monitors against some mainstream ass 16:9 32" TV size monitors with specs which were provided by a amateur test site.

This is why people feel the need to come into other threads, myself included. Statements likes this are hard to read and not reply too.

Calling TFT an "amateur test site", huh?
Stating a 16x9 32" 1440p monitor is mainstream. The whole one monitor that exists with these specs, in the entire world.

If I was looking at buying a monitor, i'd like to know opinions on other new monitors at similar price points. 21x9 by itself is not a selling point for me. There's nothing wrong with people coming in here and stating they tried the LG, and the BenQ, and sharing which monitor they preferred. So far the LG seems to have far more unhappy buyers than the BenQ, and at least one person has tried both and shared his findings. This helps everyone decide what monitor they want to buy...
 
Personally, the pixel pitch of a 27" 1440p/ 34" 21:9 is perfect for me. The complaints I find about text being hard to read are moot, imo. Sure, it is smaller but it should still be clearly viewable at arm's length sitting distance, and if it is still blurry then perhaps you need an eye test? (being serious there)
 
This BenQ vs LG is a PREFERENCE, both monitors have pros and cons. Both are good monitors in their own respect.

I imagine there are many happy LG buyers like myself out there. We mostly hear about the unhappy stories, many of which may just be panels with more IPS glow then others. Personally I do not look at a solid black screen with 100% brightness all the time, so the minimal glow that my panel has is not bothersome. I still plan on calibrating the display, which I have a feeling will really make the LG shine.
 
Both monitors (um95 and the BenQ 32) sound great! This forum thread is 1) far too many pages, and 2) a place to chat about whats out there, as options. I got the um95, (well, backordered from B&H) but that BenQ sounds cool too. Just enjoy whatever you buy.
 
Both monitors (um95 and the BenQ 32) sound great! This forum thread is 1) far too many pages, and 2) a place to chat about whats out there, as options. I got the um95, (well, backordered from B&H) but that BenQ sounds cool too. Just enjoy whatever you buy.

Exactly this is the um95 thread I want to hear more about user experiences related to this monitor and/or tweaks, etc. Comparing the two monitors is one thing, but arguing about which one is better is not helping other users.
 
Just so I stay with the flow of the conversation, I love my LG...smile.

With that said, I have a stupid question. If there a way to set the input source say to DP, however set the source for the sound to something else, say Thunderbolt?

During the day, I use the monitor for work. My work laptop is connected via DP. However, sometimes I have my MBPr on as well, and that is hooked up via TB. I want to hear the music coming from TB source.

Why, because when it comes from TB it comes through the BOSE speakers which are hooked to the LG.
 
This is why people feel the need to come into other threads, myself included. Statements likes this are hard to read and not reply too.

Calling TFT an "amateur test site", huh?
Stating a 16x9 32" 1440p monitor is mainstream. The whole one monitor that exists with these specs, in the entire world.

If I was looking at buying a monitor, i'd like to know opinions on other new monitors at similar price points. 21x9 by itself is not a selling point for me. There's nothing wrong with people coming in here and stating they tried the LG, and the BenQ, and sharing which monitor they preferred. So far the LG seems to have far more unhappy buyers than the BenQ, and at least one person has tried both and shared his findings. This helps everyone decide what monitor they want to buy...

I believe he was referring to digitaltrends.com as the "amateur test site." That site is the source of the 500:1 report, which seems to be at odds with individuals who have calibrated the monitor themselves. I just paid the $3.51 to PRAD.de to read their review, and the actual contrast ratio is not 500:1, but rather inline with what is expected of an IPS monitor and closer to the advertised spec (I could type the actual value, but don't want to step on any toes.)

The BenQ is interesting, but I'm looking for something new-to-me (not 16:10 or 16:9) that has features of particular value to me (internal hardware calibration, thunderbolt for my laptop.)
 
Personally, the pixel pitch of a 27" 1440p/ 34" 21:9 is perfect for me. The complaints I find about text being hard to read are moot, imo. Sure, it is smaller but it should still be clearly viewable at arm's length sitting distance, and if it is still blurry then perhaps you need an eye test? (being serious there)

Perfect for me too. Hits just the right balance between sharpness and readability.
 
Both monitors (um95 and the BenQ 32) sound great! This forum thread is 1) far too many pages, and 2) a place to chat about whats out there, as options. I got the um95, (well, backordered from B&H) but that BenQ sounds cool too. Just enjoy whatever you buy.

Too many pages? I view 40 posts per page. Up ya game! :p
 
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I can echo this request. This monitor serves two purposes, and does them both BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE.....don't care about your black levels, your 800:1 contrast vs your precious 1100:1 contrast. This is a Porsche of widescreen productivity and gaming immersive awesome-ness and 16:9 goons are coming in saying the Porsche doesn't have quite as good of window tint as their boring typical 16:9 volkswagon.

This is a monitor for that want good quality picture, top rez, widescreen productivity OR widescreen gaming goodness and that's it. It's not the monitor to please everyone.

If you're someone obsessed with blacks, then you should have some VA panel that blows in all other regards other than black levels. If you're obsessed over black levels, why would you even be here, why even buy the monitor. It's like you expect the monitor to have everything 100% perfect heaven or you trash it. It's not meant to have the best black levels or contrast so why even talk about that.

It's all about the gaming experience you have with it, the high rez, great colors. Nothing is perfect so stop trying to expect this to please the 120hz crowd, and the blacklevel crowd, the contrast crowd. Many folks are not anal about black levels and are into this screen for the experience of it.

It's already been stated that 90% of games work fine already at this rez, the rest of them, use flawlesswidescreen.org and they work too. Big deal. It's just because this isn't mainstream enough yet. 16:9 didn't used to be either. 21:9 is going to be the future

4:3 is dead, 16:10 is dying, 16:9 will eventually too, 21:9 is where it's at for productivity and gaming
 
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I can echo this request. This monitor serves two purposes, and does them both BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE.....don't care about your black levels, your 800:1 contrast vs your precious 1100:1 contrast. This is a Porsche of widescreen productivity and gaming immersive awesome-ness and 16:9 goons are coming in saying the Porsche doesn't have quite as good of window tint as their boring typical 16:9 volkswagon.

This is a monitor for that want good quality picture, top rez, widescreen productivity OR widescreen gaming goodness and that's it. It's not the monitor to please everyone.

If you're someone obsessed with blacks, then you should have some VA panel that blows in all other regards other than black levels. If you're obsessed over black levels, why would you even be here, why even buy the monitor. It's like you expect the monitor to have everything 100% perfect heaven or you trash it. It's not meant to have the best black levels or contrast so why even talk about that.

It's all about the gaming experience you have with it, the high rez, great colors. Nothing is perfect so stop trying to expect this to please the 120hz crowd, and the blacklevel crowd, the contrast crowd. Many folks are not anal about black levels and are into this screen for the experience of it.

It's already been stated that 90% of games work fine already at this rez, the rest of them, use flawlesswidescreen.org and they work too. Big deal. It's just because this isn't mainstream enough yet. 16:9 didn't used to be either. 21:9 is going to be the future

4:3 is dead, 16:10 is dying, 16:9 will eventually too, 21:9 is where it's at for productivity and gaming

For the second time, it's 2454:1 vs 900:1 based on the best reviews we have now. Both monitors have about the same viewing angles and color accuracy. I like how you just throw out there that the VA panel will only have good blacks and nothing else. You've done zero research on the monitor you are flaming. This is why people keep coming in here to defend the monitor. Stop spewing nonsense just to defend your purchase, and maybe we'll stop correcting your false claims.

You don't own a 21x9 monitor, or only play a couple games, if you claim "it works for 90% of games + the rest work with flawless widescreen". As someone who actually owns a 21x9 monitor that is a total bogus claim. It works for maybe 75% of games in the last ~3 years including the ones fixed by that program. Game's before that, far less will work. 21:9 will not be mainstream for a long time, if ever, it is a very niche market currently. There's no other 30"+ 1440p 16x9 monitors on the market currently, it's not mainstream. I wouldn't even consider 27" 1440p mainstream, very few people are on 1440p outside of user on forums such as these.

Both are good choices, but both serve totally different purposes and goals. The BenQ will offer a superior picture, while the LG will offer 21x9. If you are happy with your purchase then who cares what other people think? It's insane how aggressive some people get when someone prefers another monitor.
 
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Can anyone comment on how this monitor works with SC2? I know that the games doesnt support 21:9, but does it work with Flawlesswidescreen?
 
You don't own a 21x9 monitor, or only play a couple games, if you claim "it works for 90% of games + the rest work with flawless widescreen". As someone who actually owns a 21x9 monitor that is a total bogus claim. It works for maybe 75% of games in the last ~3 years including the ones fixed by that program. Game's before that, far less will work.
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I own this monitor and I can confirm that it works in 100% of the games I play: Metro, Skyrim, FSX, Prepar3D, World of Tanks, World of Airplanes, Dota 2 (minor shop bug - no problem), EuroTruckSim2, Grid 2, Assasin Creed BF (with widescreen app), Wolfenstein The New Order, Dead Space, Civ 5, CS GO, Diablo 3, Path of Exile, Deus Ex, Arma 2, Day Z, Arma 3, Starcraft 2 (with widescreen app).
Maybe there are some other games out there that have some issues but these are the ones I have installed and they all work just fine.
 
I own this monitor and I can confirm that it works in 100% of the games I play: Metro, Skyrim, FSX, Prepar3D, World of Tanks, World of Airplanes, Dota 2 (minor shop bug - no problem), EuroTruckSim2, Grid 2, Assasin Creed BF (with widescreen app), Wolfenstein The New Order, Dead Space, Civ 5, CS GO, Diablo 3, Path of Exile, Deus Ex, Arma 2, Day Z, Arma 3, Starcraft 2 (with widescreen app).
Maybe there are some other games out there that have some issues but these are the ones I have installed and they all work just fine.

Those are mostly semi-new, AAA/highly popular games. Start branching off into the indie gaming world and games 3+ years old, that's when I started getting annoyed with my Dell 21x9 monitor. If all you play is recent AAA titles, and very popular indie games, then 21x9 will likely work great. They get patched really quick by the community if they don't. :D
 
For the second time, it's 2454:1 vs 900:1 based on the best reviews we have now. Both monitors have about the same viewing angles and color accuracy. I like how you just throw out there that the VA panel will only have good blacks and nothing else. You've done zero research on the monitor you are flaming. This is why people keep coming in here to defend the monitor. Stop spewing nonsense just to defend your purchase, and maybe we'll stop correcting your false claims.

You don't own a 21x9 monitor, or only play a couple games, if you claim "it works for 90% of games + the rest work with flawless widescreen". As someone who actually owns a 21x9 monitor that is a total bogus claim. It works for maybe 75% of games in the last ~3 years including the ones fixed by that program. Game's before that, far less will work. 21:9 will not be mainstream for a long time, if ever, it is a very niche market currently. There's no other 30"+ 1440p 16x9 monitors on the market currently, it's not mainstream. I wouldn't even consider 27" 1440p mainstream, very few people are on 1440p outside of user on forums such as these.

Both are good choices, but both serve totally different purposes and goals. The BenQ will offer a superior picture, while the LG will offer 21x9. If you are happy with your purchase then who cares what other people think? It's insane how aggressive some people get when someone prefers another monitor.

Again this is a PREFERENCE about the image quality of the monitor. Both offer good image quality.
 
Again this is a PREFERENCE about the image quality of the monitor. Both offer good image quality.
The 2454:1 vs 900:1 contrast figure is not a preference though, it's a fact. Add the IPS glow of the LG 34UM95 and it's easy to see why people say that the BenQ BL3200PT has better picture quality.
 
looks like an ergotron... maybe a MX. The LX has the pole for more straight up height adjustment but I like the MX I have.

Either can be had for around $120 at times.
 
That bobblehead is amazing, i've been meaning to say something. I agree yours does seem great, no bleeding whatsoever, doesn't look overly gray. I wonder how rare it is to find one without the issues many are having.

P.S. What light are you using behind the display?
 
Seen this monitor yesterday at buddy's house (he ordered one right after i showed him robbiekhan's great photos :) ). Previously i also wanted one, but after seeing it in action, decided against it. Don't get me wrong the display is great, but i couldn't cope with the horrendous ips glow.
Bright scenes looked amazing, but at darker ones I could think of nothing other than of that glow in the corners...its VERY pronounced and was always distracting me.
Ordered a BenQ BL3200PT instead, since there is no other competition currently if you want a decent big screen. Lets see how it will compare...
 
That bobblehead is amazing, i've been meaning to say something. I agree yours does seem great, no bleeding whatsoever, doesn't look overly gray. I wonder how rare it is to find one without the issues many are having.

P.S. What light are you using behind the display?

There isn't any backlight bleed I can notice but as mentioned earlier in the thread there is IPS glow and because this thing is so wide most people would notice it more often. The level of glow is not really much different to my U2713HM though and I'm used to that.

One thing to note is if you're looking down at the monitor from a height then the glow can appear pronounced. The default stand is junk and makes the monitor sit low. I guess many people sit high in their chairs and because of that are looking down at the screen?

BTW My brightness is on 14 fir reference.

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I've just checked my desk and it will take a 40" ultra wide and still allow stuff to be placed on the desk either side. Hmmm,. wonder what is on the horizon in a few years time :D
 
Seen this monitor yesterday at buddy's house (he ordered one right after i showed him robbiekhan's great photos :) ). Previously i also wanted one, but after seeing it in action, decided against it. Don't get me wrong the display is great, but i couldn't cope with the horrendous ips glow.
Bright scenes looked amazing, but at darker ones I could think of nothing other than of that glow in the corners...its VERY pronounced and was always distracting me.
Ordered a BenQ BL3200PT instead, since there is no other competition currently if you want a decent big screen. Lets see how it will compare...

It's a bummer some of the screens seem to have worse IPS glow. The PRAD review mentioned the glow was quite minimal for a screen of this size. Of course, my German has become terrible so I had to use Google translate, so maybe something was lost in the process. :eek:
 
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