CES 2017 showcased a lot of surprising new tech which can change the way we see and interact with the digital world. The aspect of CES 2017 monitors showcased how HDR10 is planning to take the market by storm, but it somehow got upstaged by the introduction of the most awaited technologies such as 144Hz 4K displays.
Of course, these products are either in their prototype stages or currently under mass production for a mid to late year release. But if you want the most recent display our favorite manufacturers have to offer; there are already available models on your favorite retailers as we speak. Although the most awaited monitors still aren’t available, we think that the first salvo is still enticing for enthusiasts.
CES 2017 Monitors Currently Available as of April 1, 2017
1. Asus ROG Swift PG258Q
The Asus ROG Swift PG258Q announced a few months ago last year, but we included it since the product is a part of the brand’s push for providing next gen products. This model still utilizes 1080p and a TN panel, but its cutting-edge capabilities include a 240Hz refresh rate and a tested input lag result of only 4.5ms, making it the fastest monitor available to date.
The Asus PG258Q sports the version 2 ROG treatment for its robust exterior. Nvidia’s G-Sync is involved in the package to help with stutters and judders associated with unstable FPS, plus you get a buttery smooth and tear-free gaming experience which cannot be unseen once you have experienced it. Finally, among its few rivals in the 240Hz segment, the Asus PG258Q has one of the best blur reduction implementations we have seen.
2. HP Omen X 35
The HP Omen X 35 complements the fantastic Omen 32 as a curved and G-Sync equipped variant from the gaming line of one of the biggest computer manufacturers globally. This sleek monitor is aimed at taking away the crowd’s attention from the likes of the gaudy Asus PG348Q or the Acer Predator X34 while offering a few advantages.
The HP Omen X 35 utilizes an 1800r AMVA panel which can go up to 100Hz for smooth gaming. The premium package also includes G-Sync to help with issues caused by dipping FPS, an issue which a lot of gamers will face while playing at 3440 x 1440. 2500:1 contrast works hand in hand with the curvature to create an engaging experience which advances the immersive properties of games. We have yet to review the Omen X 35, but from the looks of things, this product is easily one of the best CES 2017 Monitors we have seen.
3. Samsung CF791
The Samsung CF791 is the Freesync counterpart to the Omen X 35, sporting a near similar panel with a 100Hz refresh rate. Clad in a glossy white exterior, the classy premium product boasts of excellent visual performance at a substantially more affordable price point than its G-Sync competitors. The product is part of Samsung’s push into the gaming realm along with the CFG70 which it demoed during the event.
The Samsung CF791’s screen is capable of 125% sRGB gamut coverage, meaning your games and media will pop with lush colors and vibrant, but even saturation. 100Hz is plenty for this model, but if your system isn’t capable of producing stable FPS ranges, you can rely on AMD’s Freesync for stutter and judder-free performance. VA panels are uncontested in contrast which enhances immersion, an aspect of gaming which is accentuated by the tighter curve of the CF791.
4. LG 32UD99 HDR
The LG 32UD99 isn’t scheduled to release until later this year, but we have already seen purchase links in Amazon with a two to four week delivery time, indicating that the product is already up for pre-order or pre-purchase. From all the products listed here, the 32UD99 embodies the term next-gen with its game-changing top of the line specs.
From what we have seen so far, the 32UD99 will sport a 10-bit interface mated to a 14-bit LUT for eye-popping vibrancy and saturation which will complement its 4K native resolution. The product is also capable of displaying 95% of the DCI-P3 standard, making it HDR10 compliant. Games and media will appear with extended levels of contrast and levels we have yet to witness in computer displays, making this one of the products a lot of enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for.
5. Nvidia Shield
The Nvidia Shield isn’t one of the CES 2017 monitors, but it can turn your TV into a powerful entertainment tool similar to how a CPU works with your desktop screen. This gadget is designed to operate with HDR-compliant 4K displays and stream content at three times the processing power of current offerings. Nvidia also provides an array of accessories for your pleasure, such as a wireless controller and a spot mic for communication.
Probably the most important feature of the Shield is its innate design to utilize the company’s planned rental service called GeForce now, a virtual desktop utility which transfers the processing requirements for 4K games to rented GPU farms and services. Once the service goes live, this gadget will bridge the gap between thrifty individuals and the hyper-expensive 4K gaming arena once and for all.
Thoughts
The list we have now is still a far cry from the exciting inclusions in our coverage of CES 2017, but at this point, the market is already buzzing with cutting-edge tech and cutthroat competition between manufacturers. We are not expecting the full range of HDR10-capable displays and 144Hz 4K screens until at least, the 3rd quarter.
It’s quite a wait especially for the enthusiastic, but as you can see, manufacturers are on track since this is the year where their rankings may change accordingly. Capturing the hearts and minds of gamers and professionals everywhere is not an easy task. If you want to know more about what’s coming, you can read our three-part articles here, here and here. You can also regularly check our website for updates, reviews, and announcements regarding CES 2017 monitors.
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