LG 38UC99 Review
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Overall
May 2017: See Below for update. While 4K monitors have been available for quite some time, ultra-wide seems to be where most people are willing to invest in these days. This may have something to do with how the much larger and wider screen allows for more room to work with via split screen multitasking. Although perfect for content creators, they’re not exactly the only ones who seem keen on investing in an ultra-wide market, as even gamers to like the viewing pleasure and experience of using ultra-wide screens.
Mainly catering to “designers, photographers, producers and other creative professionals who need room for big ideas”, the LG 38UC99 is a monitor that should be on your radar if you’re in the market for a new ultra-wide market.
Mind you, this isn’t just for “creative professionals” as LG states on their website. The monitor boasts a couple of features that other users, especially gamers, would find useful. For example, the LG 38UC99 features AMD FreeSync support, which is AMD’s counterpart to Nvidia’s G-sync. This boosts the monitor’s refresh above the normal 60Hz from most screens to 75Hz. The monitor also sports what LG calls as their new “1ms Motion Blur Reduction” mode.
The First Ultra-wide Curved Monitor with IPS
LG beat other manufacturers to the punch with the release of the LG 38UC99, which is considered as the world’s first curved monitor with in-plane switching (IPS) technology. The said technology fixes the many problems with viewing angles so often encountered with typical LED monitors.
The said feature is what makes the monitor perfect for content creators, gamers and pretty much, anyone who uses a creative application that requires clarity and wants a bit more room to work with. Also, in case you need even more space, combining a pair or more of these monitors won’t be causing any problems, thanks in part to its much-improved viewing angle and LG’s Screen Split functions.
For the gamers out there, don’t worry, the LG 38UC99 has something for you too.
As mentioned earlier, it features AMD’s FreeSync technology, as well as LG’s “1ms Motion Blur Reduction” mode. The latter gives the monitor an effective response time of 1 millisecond. The former then improves the normal 60Hz refresh rate, ramping it up a bit to 75Hz. And, with motion blur reduction thrown into the mix, even the most demanding, high-frame-rate gaming will play out smoothly on the LG 38UC99.
It’s also clear that LG wanted the monitor to be more than just for content creators. It features USB 3.0 and USB C ports, which effectively allows it to double as a charging hub. The monitor boasts two fairly capable 10W speakers, as well as built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair it with their smartphones or other devices to play audio wirelessly.
Those who’re looking for a monitor to use as the central piece for their media center would definitely love what the LG 38UC99 has to offer.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the LG 38UC99’s features:
· Panel: 37.5” IPS
· Refresh Rate: 60 Hz (75hz via AMD Freesync)
· Response Time 5ms
· Brightness: 300 cd/m²
· Contrast: 1000:1
· Viewing Angles: 178°/178° horizontal/vertical
· Color Saturation: 99% sRGB
· Pixel Pitch: 0.23 mm
· Pixel Density: 110 ppi
· Anti-Glare Coating: Yes
· USB Hub: 3-port USB 3.0 hub: two USB-A, one USB-C receptacles (USB-C port supports charging)
· Audio: 10 W x 2
· Launch Price: $1,500
LG Delivers Yet Again
If you’d go take a look at how the monitor market has evolved over the past few years, you can see that LG was the one company responsible for bringing 21:9 displays to the mainstream market. Thanks to their efforts, it no longer is a niche form factor, but one that caters to quite a sizeable audience. Gamers, content creators, as well as those who’re just looking for a much-improved viewing experience now understands the benefits of investing in a 21:9 display.
With the LG 38UC99, LG has delivered yet again. The company clearly has another winner right here. Although the reported launch price $1499 does put the monitor at high-end territory, its specifications and wide range of features, no doubt, make the monitor worth the expensive price tag.
Update from LG May 2017.
In response to our inquiry about this monitor being out of stock, we received the following message from LG:
@MonitorNerds Retailers who sell the #38UC99 will be able to let you know when they expect deliveries. Delivery dates will vary for each.^IV
— LG Electronics (@LGUS) May 9, 2017
@MonitorNerds We do not currently have any ETA info. Please continue to watch https://t.co/xFli669rfZ or follow up with local retailers for any updates^RW
— LG Electronics (@LGUS) May 22, 2017
So that’s all we know. Bottom line: It’s been out of stock for 2 months, no info from LG. Better to move on.