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We tested the 2D elements of the ASUS VG278HE via a high end Core i7 Precision laptop featuring Quadro 4000M discrete graphics and a desktop system powered by a GTX670 graphics card. We then moved the ASUS VG278HE to a desktop powered GTX680 system for 3D testing results.
We measured the Gamut out of the box in sRGB mode and the VG278HE returned a reading of 2.18 which is very good. We manually adjusted the gamma to 1.8 and the panel returned a reading of 1.79.
Colour response across the panel was above average, with a 1.2% red cast across the image area. We wouldn't class the screen to exhibit outstanding image quality. It measured 95.9% of the sRGB colour gamut after it was calibrated which is again, very good. The image can be tweaked easily via the onscreen menu systems and the contrast levels are particularly noteworthy. Unlike some other 3D screens we have tested, there is detail in both the highlight and shadow areas of the images.
Viewing angles are above average, although not outstanding, a potential issue with most TN panels. We measured around 169 degrees horizontally and 161 degrees vertically.
Black Definition is much better than the VG23AH monitor which we reviewed in August. There is shift in the corners, particularly on the left side with our review sample. This will be noticeable to the naked eye if you are an observant user. The outer edges registered around 18 percent shift with around 8 percent in the center area of the screen. I did notice this with my bluray copy of Alien and SunShine. We also recorded a distracting patch just below mid way point, offset to the right.
This pooling is not easily noticeable to the naked eye, although if you are the kind of person who spots ‘clouding' on an LCD television then you might find this slightly distracting.
White purity delivered a below average result and there is a a 10-15 percent shift across most of the panel, with several areas darker than we would like to see. Again this may not be detrimental under specific conditions, although we did notice it in several bright outdoor scenes with bluray content and even when playing some games. The corners varied up to around 25%, particularly the top left area. There are several darker patches in the center of the screen, just above and below the mid way point.
Uniformity is also below average and bleeding is apparent in the corners of the panel.
We tested a handful of games with this monitor and 3D performance was superb. Games looked really smooth and by locking the vsync there was little to no tearing visible. I would love to say I noticed an improved gaming experience switching between 120hz and 144hz, but sadly this was not noticeable to my eyes. I could see absolutely no difference between 120hz and 144hz with any game that I tested. That said, for 3D gaming and looking past the 144hz claims, this is a top notch screen and one that worked tremendously well.
When playing games in 2D, I was unfortunately less impressed. There are many better quality screens for this price, particularly if you have no interest in 3D gaming. The black definition is far from the best in this price sector and I noticed some ‘clouding' with specific engines.
Power consumption of the VG278HE is relatively good, demanding around 60 watts when calibrated.
Ive never been impressed with a 3D gaming monitor outside of 3D gaming. they always seem to have poor backlighting consistenty
3d monitors suck, I have yet to see one I would use for everything, not just gaming.
Yeah im not a big fan of 3D monitors either, waste of cash.
I wouldnt say they were a waste of cash, they just have to make a lot of compromises at times to get the 3D working well. Even the high end 3D televisions have many weaknesses, unless you opt for a full backlit version, rather than edge lit, but they cost twice as much. OLED will transform this industry when the price comes down.
OLED is still some time away in the mainstream – still expensive. I agree it would make the whole industry wake up to better quality screens.
A bit of confusion here. The “extra” processing is in the video card. 72 fps is easy to do and requires 144 Hz input to do 3D. GPUs can easily do over 60 fps in 2D and dropping down to 60 fps to sync with a limited refresh rate of 120 Hz is a bit of a trade off. The additional frames are not the extra 24 Hz of refresh bandwidth but the 16 frames that match the magic number for motion fusion. Hope this helps.
I’ve yet to see a reviewer (or gamer) apart from me and my friends that actually notice why else you would be a 120hz or 144hz monitor….. SMOOTHNESS.
I don’t use and I actually hate 3D but 120+ hz is smooth as silk, you notice the jerkyness of a 60hz monitor after using a 120hz monitor in 2d mode wow…. I would never go back. EVERYONE seems to miss that point?
First off, the monitor is not intended for Photo Editing. This is made obvious by all reviewers except for this one. 2nd, the audience for gaming is much bigger than you think. And most people buying this monitor are not going to use the 3d function. We are more interested in the FPS and lack of tracers when firing your weapon etc which is why it is a gaming Monitor. If you are doing photo editing then this is not the monitor for you. I love mine and it was worth the upgrade. I was using a 60hz 24″ Dell ultrasharp so i definitely saw an improvement since my Dell Monitor is about 8 years old.
for heavy gamers like myself and many others, this is a essential peace in improving your gameplay, because with a powerfull pc, and this monitor, you can turn V-sync on and be locked at 120FPS or 144FPS and for ppl that don’t know what that brings, its an incredible smooth/fluid movement tracking, and that means you can aim ALOT better, and all small movements will be more noticeable simply because, there will be no lost frames and no screen tear. if thats not apealing to you, then well, don’t buy this monitor, but I can leave without it.