ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UCDM - HDR is lackluster compared to the competetion

[Owl1231]

First of all, this monitor looks and feels very premium interms of its build quality. However, one the most important aspects for an Oled is HDR and it's implementation. In the peak 1000 modes, this monitor dims way too aggresively, (yes i know abl is present on other qd oled monitors, but its not this horrendous) and there is no customization for HDR which makes it look quite washed out as I believe it clamps to the default srgb space and NOT full wide gamut.  The MSI variant has "premium color mode" preset for HDR and it literally blows this one out of the water interms of color vibrancy.  

I want to love this monitor, but it seems like this was a rushed product, and the people that purchased it are the guinea pigs. It's been weeks, and its all radio silence.

Why does the most expensive QD OLED monitor on the market have the worst HDR implementation?

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @Owl1231 

Threads are running with feedback on this. Whilst brightness mitigations are a trait of QD-OLED, customer service has already relayed in the forum that the aggressive APL is being investigated on the PG32UCDM.

In terms of overall calibration, Techspot found the MPG-321URX to be slightly behind the PG32UCDM -  so I'm not so sure it "blows it out of the water". However, these things can always be subjective outside of measurement.

 

[ProKable]

Hi @Silent_Scone ,

I imagine that since Asus has been aware of the issue for some time, the release of the firmware that will fix this issue is imminent? When is it scheduled for?

And no, the MSI is not worse than the Asus, quite the contrary. There are already several people on the forum who have both and say that the MSI outperforms the Asus in HDR. This is apparently also the case with the Aorus FO32U2 and FO32U2P monitors.

And to revisit the measurements that Tim, whom you mentioned, also said that the Asus was the worst of the OLED screens in terms of Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL) behavior on scenes with medium/high Average Picture Level (APL).

Where I agree is that none are perfect, but the Asus is definitely the worst.

[Silent_Scone]

---

@ProKable wrote:

Hi @Silent_Scone ,

I imagine that since Asus has been aware of the issue for some time, the release of the firmware that will fix this issue is imminent? When is it scheduled for?

And no, the MSI is not worse than the Asus, quite the contrary. There are already several people on the forum who have both and say that the MSI outperforms the Asus in HDR. This is apparently also the case with the Aorus FO32U2 and FO32U2P monitors.

And to revisit the measurements that Tim, whom you mentioned, also said that the Asus was the worst of the OLED screens in terms of Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL) behavior on scenes with medium/high Average Picture Level (APL).

Where I agree is that none are perfect, but the Asus is definitely the worst.

---

You might have been too eager too respond to that without reading correctly. The OP mentioned colour calibration which is what the snip is in regards to. Your Youtube post is regarding APL, which is being discussed here

[ProKable]

I indeed misinterpreted your response and I'm sorry for that. Regarding the author's request, it's very open and I conclude that my comment is as relevant here as in the other topic, and that you should therefore answer my questions rather than avoiding them again, as happens every time more information is requested on this subject. But would you prefer that I re-ask them in the other topic?

It's really disgusting to be as opaque as this. The original topic has over 20,000 views and 300 comments, I think it's urgent that we get more answers. The PG32UCDM is the most expensive in its category in addition to being the worst in HDR! This is really not normal and I'm truly fed up with waiting for this fix that doesn’t come without knowing why. I really feel that, as with the PG42UQ, it might take a year to finally enjoy this screen...

[Silent_Scone]

What answers would you like? You seem to be at a point now whereby you’ve been informed the issue is being addressed in a firmware update, but are still swinging at the air in an effort to draw attention to it.

ASUS have listened, and are working on it. If the APL algorithm needs to be rewritten, then this is what may well happen. I’m not sure how much more transparency you’d like. No product is perfect, and the UDCM excels in a lot of areas hence the accolades it’s received - but the APL issue is a valid concern which is why it’s being addressed.

[ProKable]

Yes, I repeat myself with my questions and I'm sorry, but ******, I had to wait almost 1 year for the HDR on the PG42UQ to work. 1 YEAR for a screen that I paid $1500 for!!! Do you really think I'm going to wait another year to finally enjoy my screen as I wish, knowing that others work better? So yes, I am seeking more information because you have been aware of this for 2 months and if you are still contemplating the method you will use to resolve the issue, it’s not looking good.

The difference with the PG42UQ is that there was no competition, but this time it’s different. Ideally, I would have preferred to keep my ROG screen because I actually like Asus ROG motherboards and graphics cards, but this is starting to be too much for me.

Anyway, it's a good thing to know what this entails now because I hadn't understood it from your previous responses. I also think that moving on to the main subject to clarify things and keep us informed while trying to answer our questions to some extent would be a good thing. It's just a pity that you can't understand our impatience because a bit more empathy would also help improve things.

Anyway, I'm going to calm down and I’m sorry again for losing my patience. I just didn’t want the PG42UQ situation to repeat itself.

[Silent_Scone]

No worries, we’re all passionate about what we love doing, or else we wouldn’t be here. As I’ve said, the concerns regarding how APL is handled are totally valid and have not been ignored

[RogLover1221]

@Silent_Scone these guys are insane, haha. I have my PG32UCDM and i love it since day one. I played Forbidden West with HDR and men that was awesome. Take your time for the update and make the Asus even better. I love that you guys use Hgig in console mode. I would love to see fine tune dark areas on the Asus and BFI on the PS5.

Many thanks, and keep up the good work.

[Mr_Malpractice]

Thats why I still say woled counter to this is better