14 DAY TRIAL // With all the emphasis on energy efficiency, end-users have likely become accustomed to hearing that every new display solution, regardless of its maker, has some sort of feature that allows it to produce sharp images while still staying at a much lower power draw than previous or competing solutions. As such, the significant performance and eco-friendliness benefits of ASUS's newest monitors may not come as a complete surprise. Even so, ASUS still decided to make an impression by addressing two distinct market segments simultaneously.
The PC and hardware supplier has created the Designo ML LED-backlit displays known as the PA246Q, VG236 and PG276. They all use mercury-free panels, have a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1 thanks to the ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio Technology (ASCR), and a response time (gray-to-gray) of 2 milliseconds. Coupled with a unique design, these features earned the three monitors the Japanese Good Design Award and the iF China Award.
The PA246Q is a 24-inch professional display meant for photographers and graphics designers and, thus, is optimized for the Adobe RGB color space and color accuracy. Its P-IPS panel gives it a wide viewing angle, whereas the extensive connectivity capabilities make it compatible with a wide array of image processing electronics. Basically, ASUS did all it could to enhance the precision of color reproduction as much as possible.
The VG236 and PG276 can be seen as the most intriguing of the three. Measuring 23 inches and 27 inches, respectively, they do more than support Full HD 1080p resolutions and a 400 nit ultra brightness (by means of the Anti-reflective Color Shine Technology). What the duo is more impressive for is their support for stereoscopic 3D, thanks to their refresh rate of 120Hz and dual-link DVI input. End-users will only need to put on their active shutter glasses and enjoy whatever 3D games and movies they have on hand. HDMI and YPbPr are also provided.
As a bonus, the company gave all models the ability to tilt, swivel and have their height adjusted (Ergo-Fit II technology). There is also the possibility of optimizing the image with five pre-set modes (gaming, theater, scenery, standard and night view) by means of the ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology. Finally, through activating the Eco mode, power consumption can be reduced by 55% compared to mainstream LCDs. Pricing and availability details are undisclosed.
