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It is difficult to imagine a consumer who will not have enough monitor with a diagonal of 34 inches and a resolution of 3440 × 1440 pixels, but there are such. These people continue, as they did 10 years ago, to say that a height of 1440 pixels is frankly small and an additional 160 pixels will definitely not hurt. Two years ago, LG Display thought about this and released a new line of IPS matrices not only with increased resolution in two planes, but also with a larger diagonal of 37.5 inches. The aspect ratio has changed (instead of 21:9 it has become 24:10) and the degree of curvature, all versions of the panel appeared in the form of «workhorses» with the usual refresh rate of 60-75 Hz, and the emphasis in the final products was placed on professional use: working with documents, CAD/CAM, graphics and the like.
Most of the manufacturers who decided to use the new LG matrices released one model each, for the development of which, apparently, they didn’t spend much effort, time, or money. In addition to the difference in appearance, we can note a different approach to the interfaces used and … in fact, everything. As a result, the buyer could be lured into their camp only at a price, but, alas, not everyone succeeded — ASUS and LG had to leave, probably not a very interesting segment for themselves, at least in Russia. As a result, only four models remained on sale, among which only one deserves special attention — the Viewsonic VP3881 monitor. Why is it so? Now we’ll tell you everything.
⇡#Specifications
The hero of the review was presented at CES 2017 in January 2017, already distant (by the standards of the IT market), together with the no less successful VP3268-4K. Both monitors belong to the professional VP series, which in recent years has firmly established the company in its respective segment, and, frankly, not without reason.
The VP3881 currently has three competitors: one each from Acer, Dell and HP. If you look at the European and US markets, you can find two more production options for the already named ASUS and LG. All available models are inferior to the solution from Viewsonic in terms of equipment level, and the price is close to it or even more expensive.
| Viewsonic VP3881 | |
| Screen | |
| Diagonal, inches | 37.5 |
| Aspect Ratio | 24:10 |
| Matrix coating | Semi-matte |
| Standard resolution, pix. | 3840×1600 |
| PPI | 111 |
| Image Options | |
| Matrix type | 3-side borderless AH-IPS 2300R |
| Backlight type | W LED |
| Max. brightness, cd/m2 | 300 |
| Contrast static | 1000 : 1 |
| Number of displayed colors | 1.07 billion (from a palette of 4.3 billion — 14-bit 3D LUT) |
| Vertical refresh rate, Hz | 24-75 |
| Response time BtW, ms | ND |
| GtG response time, ms | five |
| Maximum viewing angles horizontally/vertically, ° |
178/178 |
| Connectors | |
| Video inputs | 2 x HDMI 2.0; 1 x DisplayPort 1.4; 1 x USB Type-C 3.1; |
| Video outputs | Not |
| Additional ports | 3 x USB 3.1; 1 x 3.5mm jack (audio output); 1 x 3.5mm jack (audio input); |
| Built-in speakers: number × power, W | 2×5 |
| Physical parameters | |
| Screen Position Adjustment | Tilt, swivel, height change |
| VESA mount: dimensions (mm) | There is |
| Mount for Kensington lock | Yes |
| Power Supply | External |
| Max. power consumption in operation / in standby mode, W |
66/0.5 |
| dimensions (with stand), L × H × D, mm |
896×499-629×299 |
| dimensions (without stand), L × H × D, mm |
896×398×103 |
| Net weight (with stand), kg | 12.69 |
| Net weight (without stand), kg | 7.97 |
| Estimated price | 92 000-120$ |
The monitor uses one of LG Display’s AH-IPS panels, model LM375QW1-SSA1. This is a relatively new 10-bit (using the FRC method) solution with standard W-LED backlighting without the use of Flicker-Free modulation and a color gamut close to the sRGB standard. The bending radius is 2300R — a relatively small value — there should be no complaints about curved lines, or at least you can quickly adapt to such a curvature.
The monitor is capable of reproducing up to 1.07 billion colors from a palette of 4.3 billion thanks to the built-in 14-bit 3D-LUT. Using the Colorbration program, based on the development of X-Rite, you can carry out hardware calibration and improve the work of the Uniformity Compensation backlight compensation technology, which is available, however, not always and not everywhere. For the VP3881, the manufacturer claims the exact factory setting for four modes, each of which corresponds to a color standard.
With a diagonal of 37.5 inches and a resolution of 3840 × 1600 pixels, a pixel density of 111 ppi can be achieved, which corresponds to the level of 27-inch WQHD solutions and 34-inch UWQHD solutions. The main technical characteristics (brightness, contrast, viewing angles, response speed, and so on) generally coincide with the parameters of competitors, and therefore you definitely shouldn’t bother comparing. We will not talk about HDR10 support and the benefits of this feature, since the matrix used in the monitor cannot boast of multi-zone backlighting and extended color gamut — and these are the two main requirements for a more or less intelligible HDR.
The matrix used allowed Viewsonic designers to make a «frameless» solution out of VP3881 — it has the smallest possible internal and external frames, however, only on three sides — a classic of our days (4-side frameless displays are not yet so common). The stand allows you to change the tilt and height of the display, but does not offer the ability to flip to portrait mode — a typical situation for curved monitors. The control system is built on the basis of a block with physical keys, and the OSD Menu scheme itself continues to blow the mind of almost everyone who has encountered it for the first time.
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The monitor is not a gaming monitor, so the vertical refresh rate is limited to the standard 60 Hz, which can be obtained using any of the monitor’s available interfaces. The choice here is wide: two HDMI 2.0, Display Port 1.4 and USB Type-C 3.1 for connecting modern models of ultrabooks / laptops that have nothing but this connector. When connecting a monitor via one of the standard ports and USB Type-C, the user can use the KVM switch function, thanks to which two systems can be controlled using one set of keyboard and mouse.
To work with the appropriate peripherals, the monitor has three USB 3.1 ports and a 3.5 mm audio output and audio input for connecting headphones, an external speaker system and a microphone. Those who want to save space on the table (and possibly the family budget) can use a fairly high-quality built-in speaker system based on two speakers with a total power of 10 W with three built-in equalizer presets.
⇡ # Equipment and appearance
The Viewsonic VP3881 monitor comes in a very large cardboard box, with minimal printing and no plastic handle for easy transport. The appearance of the package, as you can see, has become even more minimalistic, but getting the display out is easier than ever, because the box opens like a book.
It shows the main technical features of the model in brief form. The monitor is presented as a 38-inch IPS-display of the Ultra-Wide QHD + standard.
By one sticker and inscriptions on the box, you can find out the date (December 2, 2017) and the place of production (China) of our copy, its complete delivery set and physical dimensions.
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The display kit includes everything you need:
- two power cables with plugs of different standards;
- external power supply;
- USB Type-C ↔ Type-C cable;
- DisplayPort cable;
- USB cable for PC connection;
- Audio cable;
- CD with drivers and software;
- quick setup guide;
- instructions for attaching the stand;
- factory calibration report on three sheets.
The Factory Calibration Report provides results for DeltaE deviations, gamma curves, and grayscale stability for sRGB/EBU/SMPTE-C/Rec.709 modes. The results for sRGB are supplemented with a white field uniformity table with the Uniformity Compensation system active. After getting acquainted with other models from the VP line, we have no reason not to trust the reports presented. But we will certainly check anyway.
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The appearance of the VP3881 is typical for all modern representatives of the VP line. In addition to the «frameless» matrix with a plastic overlay at the bottom, the designers used the familiar central column and a stand with a large glossy insert in the area of the pivot element. Such a symbiosis looks recognizable and at the same time unique.
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Due to the large curved matrix, the stand of the VP3881 has a slightly modified shape and increased dimensions. Thanks to this, there are no complaints about the stability of the display.
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The curved central column is divided, as it were, into two parts. Closer to the top, behind a rubber plug, there are fixing holes for an incomprehensible purpose (most likely, they simply serve to hold the plug, and the lowest one is needed to fix the hinge in one position with an iron clip). The cutout in the column plays the role of a kind of cable management system — not the best solution, but better than nothing at all.
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The center stand has a quick-release mount, and there is also a standard VESA-compatible 100 × 100 mm mount on the monitor body. At the very top of the central column, there is a special handle cutout to make it easier to carry the monitor from place to place without fear of damaging the matrix.
The ergonomics of the stand will satisfy almost any request. Tilt (from -1 to +21 degrees), height (130 mm) and body rotation (60 degrees right / left) are available. The possibility of flipping to portrait mode is not provided, however, even without it, there is still play in the case in the horizontal plane — the centering is 4 points out of 5.
All mounting elements of the monitor and the base of the stand are made of metal. Six rubber feet are used for reliable grip on the work surface, which do an excellent job, also due to the large weight of the display assembly.
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In general, the design of the VP3881 can be called successful, everything is fine with ergonomics, and the materials and assembly did not let us down. You can’t fault the painting, the size of the gaps and the processing of plastic elements — everything is done at the highest level.
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The case, despite its very large size, does not lend itself to twisting and does not creak with adequate physical impact. Most surfaces are practical — they hardly show fingerprints, and leaving a scratch is also difficult.
The coating of the matrix, or rather its protective plastic layer, is semi-matte, which is perfectly visible in the picture above. Due to this, the crystalline effect is not very noticeable, and the anti-reflective properties are preserved.
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By two stickers on the case, you can find out the serial number, model number, production date and many other, less interesting information.
All main connectors for connection are located on one block in the back of the case and are oriented downwards. Connecting cables is not very convenient, so we hope that you do not have to do this very often.
The built-in speaker system, represented by two speakers with a power of 5 W each, is located on the bottom edge of the case, behind a metal mesh. The maximum volume level is relatively low, but the sound quality is quite decent. It is possible to improve it somewhat both in the OS itself and by choosing a different mode of operation in the OSD Menu of the display. We will talk about it now.
⇡ # Menu and control
The Viewsonic VP3881 set of controls consists of six physical keys located on the back of the case, next to the right side face. This helped to rid the front of unnecessary elements and create a complete “frameless effect”.
Five main control keys do without backlighting, and an LED is built into the power button, signaling the operation of the display. All keys are pressed clearly, the processing of actions is instantaneous.
When you press any key on the right side of the screen, a small black-and-white submenu appears with on-screen tips, which can be used to judge, among other things, the approximate location of the keys. In fact, fingers often fall on neighboring keys, especially if you have not quite correctly chosen the height of the case on the stand.
Among the options with quick access: selection of a preset mode (all the main ones are presented, but without additional settings), adjusting the brightness and contrast levels, selecting a signal source, entering the main menu. By pressing the second key from the bottom, you can quickly activate the Blue Light Filter.
The menu design is well known from other models of the VP series of recent years. Initially set to English. Above are six main tabs with large icons. Let’s go through each section.
The first section presents only the selection of a signal source with the possibility of enabling automatic search for a working source.
You can change the volume level of the connected speaker system in the Audio Adjust section. Here you can also select the audio source, three equalizer presets and the ability to turn off the screen to create a “big black speaker” from the VP3881.
The main part of the preset modes and their additional settings are hidden in the third section, ViewMode. Some of them have additional submodes. Sub-modes, in turn, may have no or seriously different available settings. Among the latter, we met the following: additional enhancement of contour sharpness (Ultra Clear), advanced sharpening (Advanced Sharpness), gamma change (Advanced Gamma), change in overall saturation (TruTone), skin tone change (Skin Tone), increased visibility of extreme dark shades (Black Stabilizer), fine-tuning the operation of the dynamic contrast system (Advanced DCR), and so on.
The fourth section suggests going through the brightness and contrast settings, as well as the color format, and moving on to finer color settings with more adjustments in the manual Custom mode set by default (it also corresponds to ViewMode — Off and Native mode. Such a confusion). But the most interesting thing is different — in this section there are additional modes, and for some of them factory calibration is declared. Their activation blocks many settings, but if you suddenly change one of the available parameters (with the exception of brightness and contrast), the mode is also quickly deactivated and the system automatically switches the monitor to Custom Mode. To select presets with hardware calibration and activate a reminder of the need to recalibrate, there is a Color Calibration subsection.
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But that’s not all. In the fifth tab, Manual Image Adjust (the name involuntarily suggests: and in other sections, before that, did we set everything automatically?), There was a third sharpness setting. Here you can turn on the input lag reduction technology (active immediately), activate another mode — Blue Light Filter with smooth adjustment of the degree of enhancement of its effect (reduction of the blue component of the glow spectrum, that is, a decrease in the color temperature of the white point) and HDR10 (for the possibility of activating HDR WCG on Windows 10). The Uniformity tab, as it became known after experiments and from the experience of communicating with the younger models of the VP series, is available only when four special modes are enabled (sRGB/EBU/SMPTE-C/Rec.709). In the case of sRGB, when the UC system is active, the brightness control is blocked — with this shortcoming, Viewsonic engineers did not cope with the VP3881 either. But in the less often needed Rec.709, there are no such restrictions. Such are the oddities!
The last section, the Setup Menu, is filled with items that are directly related to the operation of the monitor, and not to its color reproduction. Here you can select the menu localization language (there is also Russian with a good translation — a rare case), view the main operating information on the monitor, change the OSD screen settings, turn off the power indicator, reduce power consumption using the Sleep, Auto Power Off and Eco Mode functions (reduces maximum brightness, and its subsection hides the Energy Saving function, which must be turned off so that the screen brightness does not depend on the image), enable DP version 1.1 (it’s not entirely clear why), configure deep sleep for DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces, save all settings into one of the available memory sectors (three in total) and reset all parameters to factory settings.
Access to the service menu of the new VP3881 was not found. The general impression of the menu and working with it remained the same: inconvenient, incomprehensible, complicated, confusing. Despite some changes in the content of the sections, unfortunately, it did not get better. However, if you do not plan to make daily forays into the OSD Menu, then this should not bother you. Once tormented — and relaxed.
⇡ # Testing methodology
The Viewsonic VP3881 monitor was tested with an updated method using the X-Rite i1 Display Pro colorimeter in combination with the reference X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer, Argyll CMS with dispcalGUI and HCFR Colormeter software. All operations were carried out in Windows 10, during testing the screen refresh rate was 60 Hz.
In accordance with the methodology, we will measure the following monitor parameters:
- white brightness, black brightness, contrast ratio at backlight power from 0 to 100% in 10% steps;
- color gamut;
- color temperature;
- gamma curves of the three primary colors RGB;
- gray gamma curve;
- color deviation DeltaE (according to the CIEDE1994 standard);
- backlight uniformity, color temperature uniformity (in Kelvin and DeltaE units) at 100 cd/m2 brightness at center point2.
All measurements described above were carried out before and after calibration. During tests, we measure the main monitor profiles: default, sRGB (if available) and Adobe RGB (if available). Calibration is carried out in the default profile, except for special cases, which will be discussed later. For monitors with wide color gamuts, we select the sRGB hardware emulation mode, if available. Before starting all tests, the monitor warms up for 3-4 hours, and all its settings are reset to factory settings.
We’ll also continue our old practice of posting calibration profiles for the monitors we’ve tested at the end of the article. At the same time, the 3DNews test lab warns that such a profile will not be able to 100% correct the shortcomings of your particular monitor. The fact is that all monitors (even within the same model) will necessarily differ from each other in small color errors. It is physically impossible to make two identical matrices, so any serious monitor calibration requires a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. But even a “universal” profile created for a specific instance can generally improve the situation for other devices of the same model, especially in the case of cheap displays with pronounced color rendition defects.
⇡#Working parameters
In the Viewsonic VP3881 monitor, the manufacturer repeated the mistakes we noted earlier, providing a choice of 20 presets that are scattered throughout the wilds of the menu, and some of them lend themselves to additional customization using an impressive number of parameters. There are also three locations for recording hardware calibration profiles (CAL1-CAL3). The meaning of this number, as well as the relationship of some menu items and picture modes, is still not entirely clear. For any professional, 2-3 modes would be enough, and for ordinary users it is almost impossible to figure out all this mess (you can’t say otherwise).
To reduce the possibility of problems, on the first day of using the monitor, we updated its firmware version to the latest available. To do this, you need to connect the monitor via a USB cable to the computer, download the necessary utility and wait about 2-3 minutes, after which the monitor will reboot and ask you to reset the settings to the factory settings.
As a working interface, we chose DisplayPort 1.4, to which we connected the display using the cable supplied. However, you can use the available HDMI ports and USB Type-C with peace of mind — the picture will not get worse from this. The main thing is to set the correct operating range in the video card driver settings and in the monitor menu.
By default, the basic settings are as follows.
- image mode — Custom (aka Off and Native with default settings);
- brightness — 100;
- contrast — 70;
- color temperature — native;
During the hardware calibration, we used the Colorbration v.1.5.0 software and the latest version of the X-Rite Display Pro colorimeter, followed by a reference X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer. In the program settings, the color space was set to sRGB, the brightness was 100 nits, the maximum possible contrast ratio, and custom correction for uneven backlighting on a 5 × 5 matrix.
⇡ # Brightness of white, black brightness, contrast ratio
The initial test was carried out in Rec.709 mode with the backlight compensation system turned off.
| Brightness in menu (%) | White brightness (cd/m2) | Black brightness (cd/m2) | Static contrast (x:1) |
| one hundred | 317 | 0.349 | 908 |
| 90 | 291 | 0.32 | 909 |
| 80 | 266 | 0.292 | 911 |
| 70 | 240 | 0.263 | 913 |
| 60 | 213 | 0.233 | 914 |
| 50 | 187 | 0.204 | 917 |
| 40 | 160 | 0.174 | 920 |
| thirty | 131 | 0.142 | 923 |
| 20 | 103 | 0.112 | 920 |
| 10 | 74 | 0.08 | 925 |
| 0 | 45 | 0.049 | 918 |
In this case, the maximum brightness was at the level of 317 cd / m2and the lower value was 45 cd/m2. The contrast ratio is 918:1 on average, which is a bit lower than what is stated in the specifications, but there is nothing wrong with that.
The resulting range of backlight brightness change will suit the vast majority of consumers. On the upper limit, the monitor slightly exceeds the value specified by the manufacturer, and the lower limit will significantly reduce eye strain in conditions of low ambient light or its complete absence.
| In Rec.709 mode, with Uniformity Compensation enabled | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness in menu (%) | White brightness (cd/m2) | Black brightness (cd/m2) | Static contrast (x:1) |
| one hundred | 132 | 0.351 | 376 |
| 90 | 122 | 0.321 | 380 |
| 80 | 112 | 0.293 | 382 |
| 70 | 101 | 0.265 | 381 |
| 60 | 90 | 0.234 | 385 |
| 50 | 80 | 0.205 | 390 |
| 40 | 68 | 0.175 | 389 |
| thirty | 56 | 0.143 | 392 |
| 20 | 44 | 0.112 | 393 |
| 10 | 32 | 0.08 | 400 |
| 0 | 20 | 0.049 | 408 |
After forcibly activating the backlight compensation system in Rec.709 mode, the brightness range sharply decreases — to the level of 20-132 nits with a contrast ratio of 380:1. The result is not the best, but many monitors with the UC system respond to its activation in a similar way. So it didn’t really surprise us. In addition, the depth of the black field remains at its original values, and the decrease in the contrast ratio occurs solely due to the decrease in the brightness of the white field, all other things being equal.
⇡#Results with standard settings
In the Custom mode, the monitor shows the maximum possible installed matrix, many additional settings are available, but there is no possibility to activate the backlight compensation system.
The capabilities of the monitor almost completely cover the sRGB standard without a clear superiority in primary colors. However, without the use of a CMS system, software with its support, and ICC / ICM profiles to obtain the correct color rendering, this is still indispensable.
At factory settings, the monitor’s color gamut is 97.3% sRGB and 71% AdobeRGB.
The white point is shifted to the «cold» region — almost 7000 K on average, but without spurious shades. In everyday working conditions, if you work in natural light or use incandescent lamps, such a result is likely to constantly remind you of yourself with a slightly “cold” picture. On the other hand, the stability of the CG grayscale pleasantly surprised us — we simply cannot remember a better result.
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Gamma curves at standard settings are tuned almost perfectly. The only complaint is the lack of visibility of the extreme dark areas.
The average color deviation of the monitor when using the sRGB system profile was 1.18 DeltaE94 units, the maximum was 4.97. The result for most users is very good, but a fair amount of overshooting the sRGB space on the red stimulus and a not too finely tuned white point (for a monitor with the declared factory calibration — that’s right) spoil the picture a little. On the other hand, no one promised calibration for the regime under consideration. So all is not lost yet.
⇡#Results in sRGB mode
Among the huge variety of preset modes on the VP3881, we chose the standard sRGB as one of the four factory calibrated modes for additional testing. By default, it has a backlight compensation system enabled, which provokes not only a reduced contrast ratio — at 391: 1, but also a brightness locked at ~ 125 nits (the same Rec.709, which we will talk about a little later, has such restrictions no) coupled with the inability to change other parameters responsible for color accuracy and the picture on the screen.
The sRGB color match was 91.1%.
The white point is set exactly the same as in the Custom mode: «cool», but with a first-class level of grayscale CG stability.
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But we have no questions about gamma curves. The mode is distinguished by good visibility of extreme dark areas and correct transmission of light areas.
Our conclusions are confirmed by the report obtained during the measurements in Argyll CMS. The monitor showed good results in terms of gamma and only made mistakes on some color patches with the sRGB Profile reference selected (which is not surprising, given the color match result). In addition, we received a white point deviation of almost 4 DeltaE units — and, unfortunately, nothing can be done about it: these are the restrictions introduced by Viewsonic programmers.
⇡#Results in Rec.709 mode
Now let’s take a look at the accuracy of the Rec.709 mode, which will appeal to videographers, editors and all those who are somehow involved in the creation, processing and final output of video materials.
The color gamut in this mode is slightly wider than in sRGB, in particular, on red and green stimuli.
With white point and CG grayscale stability, the situation is identical to what we saw in the Custom and sRGB modes. Nothing new.
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Gamma curves are aligned exactly to gamma 2.4 — one of the main requirements of the Rec.709 standard for working with video.
If you specify this standard as a reference and use the corresponding system profile, then the results in the Argyll CMS test will be as follows: the average deviation is slightly more than one DeltaE94, and the maximum deviation is only 4.25, and solely due to an error in the blue color. Very worthy — the factory calibration report corresponds to reality!
⇡ # Results after hardware calibration
For hardware calibration, we used the latest version of the Viewsonic Colorbration program, created on the basis of the X-Rite solution and completely repeating both its design and capabilities. The advanced calibration mode was installed, the latest version of the Display Pro colorimeter with the latest firmware was the measuring device. The accuracy of its work, together with the correction matrix used in the software, was later confirmed by a reference spectrophotometer.
The total time for carrying out one calibration procedure with an average table of color patches and compensation for uneven backlighting on a 5 x 5 matrix was a little less than half an hour. We did not notice any errors in the course of work and strange actions on the part of the program — Viewsonic programmers finally solved all its problems (it took a little over a year). Of the total time, it took about 2 minutes to measure the brightness at 25 points of the screen and about 5 minutes to record corrective data in the LUT monitor.
Hardware calibration, as expected, allowed us to change the color gamut of the Viewsonic VP3881, minimizing the number of zones that go beyond the sRGB space. When working behind a monitor, this will allow you to get the most accurate color reproduction even in software without the support of a color management system.
The white points approached 6500K without any stray cast. The points of the black-and-white gradient have shifted to the DeltaE zone
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The gamma curves lined up in accordance with the sRGB curve (somewhat different from gamma 2.2), and the visibility of deep shadows increased. We had no questions about the accuracy of the Viewsonic software.
The changes made to the built-in 14-bit 3D-LUT improved color accuracy, and the ICC profile of the second version created during the calibration allowed it to be used for verification in the Argyll CMS environment. The final results were as follows: the average deviation of DeltaE94 is 0.34 units, the maximum is 1.3. Considering that we created the profile in one program, and checked its quality in another, the result can be safely called excellent.
⇡ # Backlight Uniformity
The company’s engineers have not changed their principles, retaining the features of the built-in Uniformity Compensation system in the oldest model of the VP line. Viewsonic display backlight uniformity measured with center point brightness at a standard level of 100 cd/m2, however, the white point in the case of the Uniformity factory settings was not edited at all and, thus, was determined by the initial settings of the review hero. But, rest assured, this will not affect our assessment and final conclusions.
Additionally, we remind you that the VP3881’s backlight uneven compensation system works only in the preset sRGB/EBU/SMPTE-C/Rec.709 modes, and in two of them only at a fixed backlight brightness level (125-130 nits). To check and compare uniformity, we used the Custom mode after manual adjustment, the hardware calibration mode with an additional uniformity setting for the 5 x 5 matrix, and the Rec.709 mode with the standard Uniformity setting. It is in this order that all subsequent photographs and diagrams will be placed.
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After calibration |
The photographs clearly show the work of Uniformity technology. After its activation during hardware calibration, and even more so in the Rec.709 mode, the uniformity of the white field increases significantly.
Exactly the same thing happens on gray fills, where the efficiency of the compensation system is simply amazing. And in this case, only options without Uniformity (left) and with it (right, with factory settings) are shown.
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After calibration |
The influence on the illumination uniformity can also be traced from the obtained measurement results. The average value was 6.4% / 4.7% / 2.0%, and the maximum decreased from 19.8 to 15.5 and further to 6%. For such a large and wide matrix, the result is fantastic. In the case of manual uniformity correction during hardware calibration, we can assume the following — it is possible to get approximately the same result as with factory settings, but for this it is necessary to apply the device as close as possible to the edges of the screen, and not as required by the Colorbration application.
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After calibration |
Now let’s evaluate the uniformity of the color temperature. Even without the compensation system, the average value does not exceed 1.1%, after calibration it drops to 1%, and in the best case it drops to 0.6% in Rec.709 mode. The maximum deviation is 2.9%, 2.1% and 2%. The best result in terms of the difference between the measured minimum and maximum was shown by the mode with manual uniformity correction — only 173K — better for a 37.5-inch monitor is simply hard to imagine.
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After calibration |
The results of the CG deviations in terms of the DeltaE level confirm that the activation of the illumination uneven compensation system has a positive effect on the light and gray fields. The difference in numbers is not significant, but it is there. The changed nature of the deviations is much more noticeable, or rather the diagrams of the surfaces that you can evaluate yourself.
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Now let’s look at the uniformity of the backlight and the different color effects in the case of a black box. We will do this using two photographs taken at different distances from the screen (~ 70 and 150 cm). We note right away that the Uniformity Compensation system does not and cannot have any effect on the uniformity of backlighting on black.
In terms of the angular Glow-effect, the monitor under study showed a result quite usual for an IPS-matrix — four «illuminated» corners with weak spurious shades. The size of the «flares» depends on the distance to the screen — the closer, the larger they are, and their visibility is directly dependent on the brightness of the backlight and the strength of the ambient light (lower the first and increase the second — then you will definitely forget about Glow). Compared to what you could see 4-5 years ago on the first ultra-wide IPS models, this is a big leap forward.
When moving away from the screen, Glow disappears completely — and it becomes clear that everything is fine with real black uniformity in our copy of the VP3881. The remaining light «clouds» at the edges of the screen are nonsense against the backdrop of the immense size of the review hero, and they should not be attributed to shortcomings.
⇡#Gradients quality and response speed
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The used pseudo-10-bit IPS type matrix and a good factory setting allowed the monitor to demonstrate outstanding uniformity of gradients in all preset modes. A full hardware calibration with an X-Rite colorimeter made some adjustments, but the quality of the gradients remained quite high — there were a few more distinguishable transitions in the 0-10% region, but no disaster occurred.
Assessing the uniformity of gradients on the VP3881, we would also like to note that we found no significant difference between operation in 8-bit and 10-bit modes. The visibility of transitions due to the very large diagonal of the screen can be traced in both cases, in any application and under any test conditions.
The monitor does not support any of the adaptive synchronization systems, which only confirms the direction of the model. The response speed of the VP3881 is typical for modern IPS-type solutions with a maximum vertical frequency of 60 Hz. It makes no sense to compare with any gaming monitors — the model is doomed to failure. However, like all direct competitors.
The default overclocking value for the review hero is optimal among all available: the speed is sufficient, artifacts are completely absent. Advanced mode can be activated if you want to slightly speed up the monitor and are not afraid of the appearance of weak artifacts on moving objects. There is no point in Ultra Fast, since the trails do not become smaller, but the artifacts are clearly added in number and visibility. In general, everything is exactly the same as in other models of the VP line of the last two years.
⇡ # Viewing angles and Glow—Effect
The viewing angles of the Viewsonic VP3881 are identical to those you get from direct competitors (due to the use of completely identical matrices), and are about the same as other similar monitors with a large diagonal and 21:9 aspect ratio.
With slight changes in the viewing angle in the horizontal plane, the picture on the screen does not change at all. If you increase the angle to 30-45 degrees, then the image becomes less contrast, the saturation of some colors decreases, the shadows are slightly brightened. With changes in the vertical plane, the picture on the screen deteriorates faster. If you stand up above the monitor, the image brightness decreases, an unpleasant metallic sheen with a slight pinkish tint appears, and the image contrast decreases.
The glow effect on the monitor under study is less pronounced than on 34-inch models. However, depending on the position of the user in front of a screen with a black fill (or at least with black stripes on the sides when watching a movie), the ghosting and the degree of its manifestation vary greatly. To reduce its visibility, as we have said more than once, is possible only by reducing the brightness of the backlight and increasing the level of ambient light (individually, but better in combination).
On color images, Glow is much weaker, but still noticeable.
⇡#Crystal effect, cross hatching, PWM
The Viewsonic VP3881 monitor uses a semi-matte film over the protective plastic surface of the matrix, which is what most buyers prefer.
First of all, the not quite familiar pixel structure catches the eye — H-IPS matrices come to mind. The picture on the screen is far from a «glossy magazine», but the display has good anti-glare properties. The crystalline effect is barely noticeable, and when you change the viewing angle, it does not become more visible. The effect of Cross Hatching of the studied monitor model is not peculiar.
There were no problems with factory sharpness and elaboration of fonts of any size.
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According to the manufacturer, the display has a Flicker-Free W-LED backlight, which was confirmed during our tests. At any level of brightness, SHI modulation is not used, or its frequency is several or even tens of kilohertz. For their own eyes, potential buyers can be calm.
⇡#Conclusions
The Viewsonic VP3881 monitor reviewed today offers a unique combination of features and capabilities embedded in a high-quality wrapper at a fairly attractive price for this class of monitors. Over the two years of the existence of new solutions in the VP professional line, the company’s engineers and programmers have finally been able to solve the problems associated with hardware calibration and the operation of the uneven compensation system, and, quite likely, have “polished” other technical issues that are not so obvious when testing.
Nevertheless, for all its merits, the hero of the review is not an ideal display. It has its own characteristics and disadvantages, in particular, concerning the factory setting of the white point. Chaos in the menu, not very good arrangement of control keys, restrictions in various modes — a set that has become the standard for monitors from the VP line.
If you are looking for a large ultra-wide monitor without an emphasis on gaming capabilities (although no one has forbidden playing at 60 Hz so far) and are ready to spend about $ 1,000, then we recommend that you consider the 37.5-inch class of displays. The quality of the matrices (in terms of viewing angles, glow effect, uniformity) is higher in them than among 34-inch UWQHD solutions, and the additional working area will only be a plus. By choosing the VP3881, you will get the maximum possible for this class and you will definitely not be disappointed.
From file server 3DNews.en can be downloaded color profile Viewsonic for this monitor, which we received after hardware calibration and profiling using Argyll CMS.
Advantages:
- good design and «frameless» matrix with minimal internal frames on three sides;
- good quality materials and assembly;
- ergonomic stand with quick-release connection and VESA mount;
- a decent choice of modern interfaces for connection: HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, USB Type-C 3.1;
- USB hub with three USB 3.1 ports;
- decent delivery set;
- highly customizable PiP/PbP functions;
- built-in speaker system, albeit of average quality;
- direct access to the built-in 14-bit 3D LUT with the possibility of hardware calibration;
- a high-quality system for compensating for uneven backlighting;
- high color gamut compliance with the sRGB standard in most modes;
- good factory calibration (exclusively for gamma curves and color gamut) and sRGB space emulation in the appropriate mode;
- excellent gradients at any settings, including after hardware calibration (but the quality is still reduced);
- impeccable stability of grayscale CG in most of the studied modes (not all of them are presented in the review);
- good backlight uniformity in terms of color temperature and brightness for such a large screen (even without Uniformity Compensation!);
- excellent backlight uniformity in terms of brightness on white with the active UC system;
- quite good illumination uniformity on black (not taking into account Glow and Color-Shift);
- excellent viewing angles and relatively weak Glow effect (better than 34-inch UWQHD IPS);
- semi-matte working surface of the matrix with a barely perceptible crystalline effect under any viewing conditions;
- W-LED backlight without flicker and no cross-hatching;
- reasonable price considering the possibilities.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient controls and an endless number of settings/image modes scattered across various sections and subsections (no improvement compared to previously tested models).
May not suit:
- large stand;
- lack of flipping the body to portrait mode (Pivot);
- the backlight uneven compensation system works only in some modes (in a pair of them with a limitation on brightness changes, in others — without);
- the impossibility of changing the color temperature in modes with the non-uniformity compensation system turned on;
- insufficiently accurate white point adjustment in preset modes;
- low contrast ratio when activating the Uniformity Compensation system is a standard phenomenon, professional NEC monitors also behave for completely different money.
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