Another G-Sync panel has been announced at CES. This one is not a standard 1080p panel, which is promising, rather a bump in resolution to WQHD 2560×1440 while still reaching "120+ Hz". It is still based on TN pixels but the resolution is different so at least that is progress. Perhaps we will see some IPS (or similar) displays later? Hopefully? I'm serious, I do not have inside information.
The SWIFT PG278Q is 27-inch with a narrow (6mm) bezel. The stand allows for tilt, swivel, height, and pivot adjustments which could be useful if you want to present portrait images or handle long documents. That said, I was really looking forward to pivot when I purchased my most recent monitor (last year) and eventually found that it was more convenient to use two documents side-by-side with Aero snap.
One feature that ASUS added to the panel was "GamePlus" which would probably not be the best to use in a LAN party. It enables custom crosshairs and timers on screen. I am sure that someone will interpret that as cheating (especially for games which disable crosshairs such as Battlefield 4 "hardcore"). They claim it is a practice tool, which I will accept, just use it in public at your own risk.
The monitor will be available in Q2 for $799 USD.
Press release after the break!
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ASUS Announces ROG SWIFT PG278Q Premium Gaming Monitor
Republic of Gamers (ROG) releases the ultimate 27-inch WQHD gaming monitor with exclusive gaming features, design touches, and NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ technology
Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2014) — ASUS today announced the ROG SWIFT PG278Q. The SWIFT PG278Q features a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, fast 120+ Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, full range ergonomic adjustments, ASUS GamePlus and NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ technologies that are designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience.
Experience Immersive Gaming and Outstanding Visuals
Say goodbye to motion blur and lag with 120+ Hz refresh rate and 1ms response times for a competitive advantage in all your games thanks to smoother gameplay and on-screen responsiveness. The ROG SWIFT PG278Q also features GamePlus, an exclusive ASUS feature.
GamePlus is an OSD overlay that enables crosshair and timer functions to be displayed on the monitor. Gamers can select from four different crosshair types to suit the gaming environment, while the timer function allows players to track elapsed time in real-time strategy games. These tools allow gamers to practice and improve their gaming skills.
The ROG SWIFT PG278Q provides an array of options that include DisplayPort 1.2 for native WQHD output, dual USB 3.0 ports, VESA wall mount capability and a versatile stand with full tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment for an ideal viewing position while playing the latest game title.
The smart cable management feature rids your desktop of tangled wires, while the super narrow 6mm bezel ensures the ROG SWIFT PG278Q is an ideal choice for seamless multi-display gaming setups. Another nod to gamers and improving the user experience is a 5-way joystick that allows the user to easily navigate the OSD and make quick monitor adjustments.
The World’s First and Fastest WQHD Monitor powered by NVIDIA G-SYNC™
The ROG SWIFT PG278Q is also the world’s first WQHD monitor powered by NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ technology. NVIDIA® G-SYNC™, a breakthrough in display technology, synchronizes the display’s refresh rates to the GPU. The ROG SWIFT PG278Q eliminates screen tearing, minimizes stutter and input lag to deliver the smoothest gaming experience possible. With G-SYNC™ technology objects look sharper and more vibrant, while gameplay is more fluid and responsive.
SPECIFICATIONS 1
ROG SWIFT PG278Q
• Display: 27-inch WQHD 2560 × 1440 (16:9)
• Narrow 6mm bezel designed for multi-monitor setups
• Pixel Pitch: 0.233mm
• Brightness: 350cd/m²
• Display Colors: 16.7M
• Refresh Rate: Over 120 Hz
• Response Time: 1ms (GTG)
• Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• Stand Adjustments: tilt (+20° ~ -5°), swivel (+60° ~ -60°), pivot (90° clockwise), height adjustment (0 ~ 120mm)
• VESA-wall mountable (100 × 100mm)
• Special ASUS Features: GamePlus and 5-way joystick OSD navigation
###
AVAILABILITY
Pricing: $799 USD
Availability: Beginning Q2 (Asian Pacific, European and North America markets); Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.
1 Specifications and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. For more details about the products mentioned in this press release, please visit http://press.asus.com .
###
ABOUT ASUS
ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the world’s best-selling, most award-winning, motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets and smartphones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,168 awards in 2012 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC™. ASUS has more than 12,500 employees around the globe with a world-class R&D team of 3,800 engineers. Company revenue for 2012 was approximately US$14 billion.
While I am not sure about the
While I am not sure about the 120+ Hz thing. I am incredibly exited about a high-res G-SYNC panel.
While I am not sure about the
While I am not sure about the 120+ Hz thing. I am incredibly exited about a high-res G-SYNC panel.
I would be happy with an IPS
I would be happy with an IPS 1440p @ 60hz with gsync. Hell, running games @ 1440p is demanding enough, trying to hit 120fps will be a challenge. Fingers crossed.
its g-sync monitor so any fps
its g-sync monitor so any fps 60-120 will look the same pretty much.
For you maybe but some of us
For you maybe but some of us can run it easily.
3D?? if it can do 120hx and 1
3D?? if it can do 120hx and 1 ms grey to grey thus should be able to do 3Dvision. That would be sick.
Huge mark-up!!!.
The ASUS
Huge mark-up!!!.
The ASUS PB278Q is selling at $549. That’s a $250 mark-up for G-Sync.
I hope they got rid of the flickering backlight or else you’ll be forced to run this monitor with excessive bright settings or annoying flickering with washed up colors.
it is part of the ROG series
it is part of the ROG series so its pretty standard. their 760 x2 card that is ROG branded cost 100$ more then buying 2 760 cards.
The problem is the PB278Q is
The problem is the PB278Q is a IPS panel and this new PG278Q is still a TN panel.
Its more then a $250 price increase. Not to mention lack of ports and speakers.
The ASUS PB278Q
http://www.asus.com/Commercial_Monitors_Projectors/PB278Q/#specifications
Your getting ripped off @ $799 USD
Big LOL @Anonymous
What gamer
Big LOL @Anonymous
What gamer uses monitor speakers? and who uses USB ports on their monitor?…really C’mon
Huge LOL @PapaDragon
Gamers
Huge LOL @PapaDragon
Gamers that don’t want to put an extension in there headphones so they use the closes port available to them which is the audio pass in the monitor.
Oh that’s right. You cant pass through audio in G-Sync monitors.
DOH!!!
Guess I have to move the PC case in front of my face next to the monitor on top of the desk.
“Gamers that don’t want to
“Gamers that don’t want to put an extension in there headphones so they use the closes port available to them which is the audio pass in the monitor.”
LOL..you said headphone and not headset… what headset has a short cable? Dont tell me you game with the included “headphone” from your cell phone?..with a 1 feet cable?? LOLOLOLOLOLOL
I know I’m late to this
I know I’m late to this conversation, but your comment made my day. Bravo.
Some people use headphones
Some people use headphones (yes, that’s right, without the built-in mic) and an external microphone, because trading off convenience for audio quality is worthwhile. Personally, I use my trusty Beyerdynamic DT990’s along with a Snowball mic.
More than?
More than?
2560×1440?! Well done Asus.
2560×1440?! Well done Asus. Now swap out the panel for a VA/IPS for another $250 and we have a deal….and by deal I mean I’ll wait till it’s on sale or price reduced because that markup is silly.
All I want is a IPS screen at
All I want is a IPS screen at 27′ 1440p and G-Sync is that too much to ask for? $800 for a TN panel get out of here.
A 27 foot 1440p monitor would
A 27 foot 1440p monitor would look horrible
Yeah, $800 for a TN display.
Yeah, $800 for a TN display. How much crack has ASUS been smoking? Because you’d have to be high to spend that much on a TN panel.
And short of being IPS my
And short of being IPS my last few comments make me suspicious, especially bringing up the thin bezel thing. *sigh*
I just realized it said Q2.
I just realized it said Q2. By the time Q2 comes around I better be hearing about a G-sync 2560×1440 IPS/VA monitor to be released in Q4 at the latest.
Ugh, paying attention just makes things irritate me.
WOW, …Its
WOW, …Its happening..
WOW.FAP FAP FAP…..
Side note: I dont give a crap if its a Tn Panel..I just hope its like a 2nd generation TN panel or something like that, a True 8 bit Display!???
At 27″ won’t the pixels at
At 27″ won’t the pixels at opposing corners vary from your perspective more than the accuracy you gain from true 8 bit?
No, especialy the higher
No, especialy the higher quality ones. ….
We have yet to see the quality of these new TN panels, I see that even the 10 bit color space has been achieved on the 4K 28″ PhilipsUltraClear Display, so Im guessing 170/170 viewing angle on this Asus monitor and 8 bit.
The vertical viewing angle
The vertical viewing angle has always been really tight on TN even though they have been getting decent horizontal angles. The vertical still gets to me because I vary between sitting and standing at the computer even for gaming.
They didn’t mention 3D but
They didn’t mention 3D but this panel has all the specs to be able to do it.
Any info out there?
Ryan and the crew can you please ask.
Thanks
AMD Demonstrates “FreeSync”,
AMD Demonstrates “FreeSync”, Free G-Sync Alternative, at CES 2014
Anandtech
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7641/amd-demonstrates-freesync-free-gsync-alternative-at-ces-2014
FreeSync, I swear that a
FreeSync, I swear that a troll name.
I understand it’s a TN panel,
I understand it’s a TN panel, but at 1440p with 120hz and G-sync, it might just be worth the price.
I am currently loving the 144hz Asus monitor (which is by far better than my old first gen TN Sceptre) so I am quite optimistic about this monitor. 😀
Not all TN’s are made the
Not all TN’s are made the same: the premium panel used in the PG278Q is of very high quality. IPS panels (and their derivatives like PVA/MVA etc) are not suitable for a multitude of reasons: 1) the response rate is simply not fast enough to react to the active change in refresh rate and 2) They cannot reliably achieve >60Hz without significantly affecting the quality of the image. IGZO technology (and LTPS – low temperature polysilicon – likewise) – yields 100′s of times faster electron mobility versus standard amorphous silicon panels – and thus can provide a response rate comparable to TN (up to 60Hz currently), but, however desirable this technology is, it is still currently cost prohibitively for many PC gaming enthusiasts in 2014, which is why ROG has used a better price:performance, high quality TN panel.
Well first of all monitor is
Well first of all monitor is supposed to be used to display things. All gsync/strobing/high refresh rates are welcome but secondary to that. I will wait for prad.de review. If display quality is good then this will be my top contender.
The slow transition times of
The slow transition times of IPS and derivatives are mainly confined to specific transitions like black to dark grey, and they perform well for the large transitions that people typically notice. Even with that flaw, the contrast differences available are greater than what TN was providing so I still see that as a win for IPS.
There are examples of this being done well such as the MVA Eizo Foris FG2421, which natively supports 120Hz (I think it’s a Sony MVA panel at it’s core). The advertised specs say it has a 4ms GtG at 120Hz and <1 with Turbo240( Their branding of lightboost). I haven't seen that backed by reviews in the response being THAT quick, but tftcentral's review showed the motion blur/ghosting worst case was still good without overshoot issues that lots of TN panels have with driving their response time to the 1ms range.
The problem with this
The problem with this is…
1. 1440p IPS panels exist that can run 120hz and look amazing. There are also PLS panels that can as well. Why waste your time with this monitor? I don’t see what market segment it’s for other than the people who have more money than brains.
2. The cost….WTF?! Super large premium. Specially for a TN panel! These guys do realize that Dell just announced a 4K monitor for 700 bucks right? That will blow this one’s image quality out of the water? Who would want this monitor over a 4K one?
3. The answer to number 2! FPS gamers. I get that, 120hz is AWESOME. No one will be running 120FPS on a 4k display though with the latest games turned up ha. Hopefully soon we will get them as the new DP spec should allow for the bandwidth! Why not get multiple 1080p 120hz TN panels for this price? That’s a way better investment compared to this single over-priced panel.
4. FreeSync. Why will people be paying all this money for Nvidia’s solution when, apparently, most panels can do this already and ATI is gong to release something (for free) called FreeSync? Unless they are a fanboy of a particular brand I don’t see why someone would do it.
1) yes if you want to roll
1) yes if you want to roll the dice with a possible low quality ips with dead pixels. To clarify he is talking about the overclocked “korean” panels. Korean in quotes as there is are more companies producing these. Overlord out of cali is probably the best bet right now. So yes you can go spend 500-600 on this and maybe get something nice, maybe get loaded with dead pixels.
2) Honestly though, who would really want a 4k monitor for desktop gaming? Unless your sitting back with a controller or something you won’t be getting the most out of the display. Viewing distance anyone? Not to mention the fact that there are like only 5 games that will really look good on 4k. Sure we can go buy a 4k monitor, but the rest of the tech/games isn’t there to properly use 4k.
3) Exactly right, FPS gamers want the faster refresh rate. Simple as that. Why not multiple monitors? Not everyone wants/needs/has the space for such a thing. Sure it is a “better buy” doesn’t make it the right solution for everyone though does it?
4)Apparently you haven’t read much on the debate between Nvidia and AMD on this. Sure free sync was shown to work great!!!! On a laptop…..where you don’t have much if any input lag between a display and gpu…lol….silly amd…..Doesn’t mean freesync doesn’t work, just means amd doesn’t know how to demonstrate the tech.
http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/174371-amd-claims-it-can-offer-the-benefits-of-nvidias-g-sync-with-a-free-driver-update-nvidia-rebuts-fight
http://techreport.com/news/25878/nvidia-responds-to-amd-free-sync-demo
Also when is freesync going to be released? Yeah I didn’t hear either, well gsync will be out in a few months. Freesync could be a thorn in nvidia side if gsync takes off, but just how long will it take them to get it to market will be the factor.
From the reading there may even be manufacturers putting the variable refresh rates into the monitors if gsync takes off. That way there, they make the buck and not nvidia.
Yes 800 is a lot, but we have no idea how good/bad this tech is yet. Have you seen a benchmark? I haven’t. Hard to rate how much something should be until you know how good it is.
Personally I would rather have a non-reject IPS panel that could do 120hz, but it doesn’t exist. I won’t be gambling 600 bucks on your “solution” in number one.
“Narrow 6mm bezel designed
“Narrow 6mm bezel designed for multi-monitor setups”
Fails to mention you need 3 video cards in order to do this and G-Sync is currently not available when doing multi-monitors. Good monitor overall though.