When pixel density is the highest consideration in a gaming monitor buy, it doesn’t get a lot denser than 4K. Not solely is it the usual for flat panel televisions, but it surely’s the best decision obtainable in a gaming monitor. At desktop sizes like 27 inches diagonally in a 16:9 facet ratio, that’s a really positive 163 pixels per sq. inch. You received’t see the dot construction even in case you press your nostril towards the display screen.
Highly effective processing from the newest video playing cards and gaming consoles has made 4K a viable gaming decision. With 60 frames per second as an absolute minimal, it isn’t too troublesome to construct a system that persistently delivers over 90 fps. And as we all know, quicker body charges imply higher movement decision. That interprets to easy play with element that is still seen when the motion will get intense.
A few of the greatest 4K gaming displays promote for between $500 to $1,500, and efficiency is comparable between many fashions. The Philips Momentum 279M1RV is a bit off the crushed path from mainstream manufacturers however is not any much less compelling. In reality, it’s top-of-the-line 4K gaming displays I’ve ever examined; and I’ve examined many.
Philips Momentum 279M1RV Specs
| Panel Kind / Backlight | Nano IPS / W-LED, edge array |
| 16-zone edge dimming (HDR solely) | |
| Display screen Measurement / Side Ratio | 27 inches / 16:9 |
| Max Decision & Refresh Price | 3840×2160 @ 144 Hz |
| FreeSync: 48-144 Hz | |
| G-Sync Appropriate | |
| Native Coloration Depth & Gamut | 10-bit / DCI-P3 |
| HDR10, DisplayHDR 600 | |
| Response Time (GTG) | 1ms |
| Brightness (mfr) | 450 nits SDR |
| 600 nits HDR | |
| Distinction (mfr) | 1,000:1 |
| Audio system | 2x 5w, DTS Sound |
| Video Inputs | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 |
| 3x HDMI 2.1 | |
| 1x USB-C | |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone output |
| USB 3.2 | 1x up, 4x down |
| Energy Consumption | 42.5w, brightness @ 200 nits |
| Panel Dimensions WxHxD w/base | 24.0 x 16.3-21.5 x 11.1 inches (609 x 415-545 x 282mm) |
| Panel Thickness | 3 inches (76mm) |
| Bezel Width | High/sides: 0.2 inch (6mm) |
| Backside: 0.4 inch (10mm) | |
| Weight | 19.8 kilos (9kg) |
| Guarantee | 4 years |
The 279M1RV begins with a Nano IPS panel and employs an edge-array backlight. In SDR mode, it makes use of full discipline dimming; in HDR mode, there are 16 vertical dimming zones. Which means it received’t fairly ship the dynamic distinction of a full-array local-dimming (FALD) mannequin, however it’ll render strong HDR with deep blacks and vibrant highlights. Distinction topped 27,000:1 in HDR mode, which places it effectively above the norm at this value level. You should use the SmartContrast choice to enhance the look of SDR content material with a measured ratio of round 5,000:1.
The 279M1RV is vibrant too. 450 nits is the spec for SDR, which I verified in testing. And it’s VESA licensed for DisplayHDR 600, which I exceeded with a measured peak worth of over 800 nits. That places it inside putting distance of the 1,000-nit membership, together with FALD and Mini LED panels in its core membership. So, you will get a number of the brightness of these $1,300 screens for round $750 at this writing.
It additionally gives coloration each in giant portions and excessive accuracy. The gamut covers simply shy of 95% of DCI-P3, and there’s a near-perfect sRGB mode obtainable. Out-of-the-box accuracy is much more spectacular, which was so good that I couldn’t enhance the measurements by way of calibration.
Adaptive-Sync is accessible for each AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync programs over a 48-144 Hz vary. The three HDMI inputs are model 2.1, which helps AS and 144 Hz. DisplayPort is model 1.4. You can even join by way of USB-C and make use of a KVM operate utilizing the 4 USB 3.2 downstream ports. The overdrive may be very exact and delivers a few of the smoothest movement I’ve but seen from a 4K monitor. It received’t match movement decision with a 240 or 360 Hz display screen, however they received’t offer you 163ppi.
Bodily options embody a pair of built-in audio system with 5 watts of energy and DTS modes that up the audio high quality. You additionally get Philips unique Ambiglow lighting, which might placed on a present or function a bias gentle, bettering the consumer’s notion of distinction and coloration saturation. It’s all wrapped in a strong package deal with an all-metal stand and a high quality end. Let’s have a look.
Meeting and Equipment
The carton is emblazoned with a big photograph of the 279M1RV and a Designed For Xbox emblem prominently featured. It’s certainly console-ready and helps the total performance of each Microsoft’s Xbox Collection X and Sony’s PlayStation 5. The heavy steel stand bolts collectively with out instruments, and you may then snap on the panel. Utilizing the supplied fasteners, you can too use the 100mm VESA mount for an aftermarket arm. The cable bundle is full with DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, USB-A/B and a big exterior energy provide.
Product 360
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Even with out the Philips and Momentum labels printed on the stand, the 279M1RV is unmistakably styled. The bottom appears to be like just like the one which ships with all Philips displays and TVs. It’s a heavy steel casting completed in a semi-matte grey. It screams high-end, and that really feel extends to the equally tank-like upright. As soon as the panel is in place, the package deal is rock-solid.
The stand options full ergonomics with -5/20 levels tilt, 35 levels swivel and a 130mm peak adjustment. Actions are agency and easy with simply the correct amount of resistance, premium for certain.
The display screen has a really skinny bezel of simply 6mm across the prime and sides and 10mm throughout the underside. There’s no room for logos right here; only a single energy LED which glows a vibrant white will be seen. Attain across the again proper and also you’ll discover the joystick, which is the one and solely management.
Additionally in again, you’ll see an array of LEDs bordering the highest and sides. These uncovered diodes are Philips’ Ambiglow function, one thing you received’t discover on some other monitor model. Whereas many screens have LED lighting, Ambiglow is a very helpful choice that goes past the present. You are able to do the coloured flashy factor in order for you, however its greatest use is as a bias gentle. It is a idea rooted in science the place a lightweight behind the panel, with a impartial coloration temperature, can enhance one’s notion of distinction and coloration saturation. By reflecting off the wall behind the monitor, it serves to shut the pupils barely which extends the attention’s depth of discipline. I exploit one in all these with my projector display screen and it makes a noticeable distinction to the constructive. Philips additionally consists of this function with its big-screen TVs.
The enter panel is full of three HDMI 2.1 inputs plus a DisplayPort 1.4. Video can be fed to a USB-C port. The KVM function is supported by USB 3.2, one upstream and 4 down. And you’ll plug a pair of headphones into the three.5mm audio jack.
OSD Options
The 279M1RV’s OSD is full of options and choices. You received’t must tweak the picture in any respect because it comes spot-on out of the field. However another enhancements may help enhance gaming plus sound modes and an enormous array of decisions for the Ambiglow lighting.
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Ambiglow is up first with choices to observe video and audio content material. This implies the lights will change coloration and depth as you play or watch a video. In case you choose, you’ll be able to set an impact like shift, wave, or breath. The lights will be any coloration, and you may depart them static too. I set it as much as present a white gentle of low depth. When mirrored off my wall, it improved perceived picture high quality very like a lightweight hood.
Recreation Settings are fairly easy. There’s an Adaptive-Sync toggle, a single crosshair choice, SmartResponse (overdrive) and Low Enter Lag. This final one is at all times on when the refresh price is larger than 60 Hz. The overdrive has 4 ranges, of which Quicker is the best choice. It avoids ghosting and gives a few of the greatest movement high quality I’ve seen from a 4K monitor.
The HDMI inputs are model 2.1, which suggests they will cross each 120 Hz and 144 Hz indicators. Use 120 Hz for consoles and 144 Hz for PCs.
The Image menu has 10 modes, however the only option is to show them off. All of them do various things to paint and distinction, none of that are to straightforward. With SmartImage off, the image is sort of excellent, 6500K coloration temp, 2.2 gamma and no seen gamut errors. This menu additionally has a SmartContrast choice which is a field-dimming function for SDR content material. It will increase distinction by reducing brightness for darkish content material and elevating it when the image is vibrant. It improves the ratio to round 5,000:1. In HDR mode, it’s locked on and makes use of 16 vertical dimming zones for distinction north of 27,000:1. You additionally get 5 gamma presets.
The 279M1RV can show two video sources directly utilizing the PBP menu. With so many video inputs, this can be a nice technique to multitask.
The Audio menu options six DTX modes that alter the section and width of the sound stage to supply completely different results. The built-in audio system play with respectable quantity however not a lot bass. With these choices although, they sound higher than most.
Within the Coloration menu, you’ll be able to set the white level by coloration temp worth, choose an sRGB mode or tweak the RGB sliders. I discovered no enchancment over the default setting of 6500K.
With so many inputs and USB ports, KVM is a pure match for the 279M1RV. For instance, you’ll be able to hook up a number of programs, a PC and console, and management them with a single set of peripherals. It’s all managed within the USB Setting menu.
Philips Momentum 279M1RV Calibration Settings
There isn’t a lot to say in regards to the 279M1RV’s calibration. With SmartImage off, it renders the DCI-P3 coloration gamut to about 95% protection. The white level is correct on 6500K as labeled, and gamma is a shade beneath 2.2. Coloration gamut errors are effectively under the seen level. This is likely one of the most correct displays I’ve examined proper out of the field. Under are the brightness values for generally used output ranges.
In HDR mode, there are six extra presets. For optimum output and accuracy, use the DisplayHDR 600 choice. The others are effectively off the mark.
| SmartImage | Off |
| Brightness 200 nits | 58 |
| Brightness 120 nits | 25 |
| Brightness 100 nits | 17 |
| Brightness 80 nits | 9 (min. 56 nits) |
| Distinction | 50 |
| Gamma | 2.2 |
| Coloration Temp | 6500K |
Gaming and Palms-on
For on a regular basis duties and video, a 4K show is unmatched. Its excessive pixel density ensures clear rendering of positive element and skinny traces like these discovered on spreadsheets or in presentation graphics. And so they are perfect for enhancing the photographs that come from the newest high-res cameras.
The 279M1RV proved this to be so after I watched YouTube movies. A lot of them are shot in 4K, so they give the impression of being very sharp and life like in full-screen mode. I loved the additional coloration delivered by the vast gamut. And its accuracy confirmed within the acquainted shades of flesh tone and pure hues like inexperienced grass and blue sky. It is a nice show in case you benefit from the intimate desktop film expertise.
It additionally delivers wonderful sound. Although the inner audio system received’t shake your room with the bass of film explosions, they play loud and clear with good steadiness and a large sound stage. I attempted the completely different DTS modes and settled on Theater as my favourite for every part. It provides an excellent impression of depth and dimension with out sounding synthetic.
Gaming proved to be an elevated expertise, significantly in HDR mode. Each Doom Everlasting and Name of Responsibility WWII had been vibrant and saturated. Coupled with the 4K image, element and texture simply leaped from the display screen. In case you pause to take a look at pores and skin, whether or not human or alien, the 279M1RV made it look virtually eerily life like. With tiny particulars like razor stubble and pores clearly seen, it virtually got here to life.
These super-fine bits held up effectively when the motion moved shortly. Although the 279M1RV isn’t as easy as a 240 Hz QHD monitor, it’s higher than different 4K gaming shows I’ve reviewed. Solely the Dough Spectrum D03, in both matte or shiny type, can match this Philips in its means to quell movement blur. There isn’t any backlight strobe obtainable right here, however it’s pointless. The overdrive is carried out completely and makes this monitor extremely easy and responsive. And sure, I did discover the lower-than-average enter lag. Management response, to my notion, is the same as a 240 Hz show.
I experimented with the Ambiglow function and although I used it for all gameplay, I found one flaw. It solely presents three brightness ranges within the Static mode. That wasn’t an issue in my room, however in case you play in complete darkness, the dimmest setting will likely be too vibrant. It’s greatest to have it’s round 10% of the display screen’s peak output. Which means in case you set brightness at 50 nits, the bias gentle ought to be at 5 nits. That low degree isn’t attainable right here. However in case you have a median ambient gentle degree, the bottom setting is OK, measuring round 20 nits.
The 279M1RV is an outstanding all-around show and a terrific gaming monitor. Within the 4K class, it’s one in all my all-time favorites.
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