Review on 🖥️ BenQ SW270C PhotoVue Technology Reproduction Monitor - 2560X1440P, USB Hub, High Dynamic Range, Hardware Calibration, IPS by Jason Hollinbeck

Rated 2/5First Impression - This item arrived and the box was LARGE and HEAVY. I thought it was a tank. Stuffing it in and unpacking it, I found that half the weight was the box itself. Good thing it was, because I saw the guy from Revain deal with it very slowly and casually. As soon as I got out and looked, he suddenly changed his position. I opened this thing up on Christmas morning as a kid! This is where the real fun begins (sarcasm). The monitor itself was packaged very well and was very easy to assemble. It comes factory calibrated, but it's recommended to do my own calibration, which I did with my Spyder 5 Pro colorimeter (which is a full-fledged POS, btw). I have had the colorimeter for 3 years now and am not satisfied with the DataColor software/results. to the point where I downloaded the free, open-source DisplayCal and have been using it religiously ever since. Before I continue, let me list the characteristics of the desktop system I have created. Windows 10: dual monitor setup. 2 monitors Samsung S27D590. ASUS ROG Strix 1080ti graphics card. Motherboard Asus Hero X Maximus. Friday, Friday through Sunday I calibrated this thing about 20 times using Palette Master software and a DataColor Spyder 5 colorimeter. Calibration failed every time. My screen had a red cast and the picture looked awful. I spent an ENTIRE weekend trying to get these results. As Monday approached, I decided to call BenQ because $2200 was too much to spend on a monitor that reads HORRIBLE. I spoke to a very patient person named Josh who was SUPER helpful. Basically he said if you are using two monitors, disconnect the other monitor during the initial calibration. Also, do not use a USB-C connection as it can transmit video and audio and share data across the monitor/desktop. Instead, use the BenQ-provided data cable to connect and use your own DisplayPort cable as BenQ does not provide male-to-male connectors. DisplayPort cable. BenQ offers all other cables except these. After following his instructions, my monitor was actually calibrated! I was pleased. The picture looks MUCH better, but it's nowhere near as stunning as I see it on Youtube or on the BenQ website, or as others have claimed. Actually it looks sad. I don't know if it's because my eyes aren't trained to see accurate color, but I've seen much better displays on $200 monitors. Below are the best basic pallet calibration settings from the BenQ customer representative. - Primary Colors D65RGB - PANEL NATIVE (including ALL possible colors of the monitor) Brightness - 100 (I use 120) Gamma - 2.2 BlackPoint - Relative Profile Distribution - Select System Level Profile Version - V@ if not using the newer Apple / Profile Type Mac - 16 Bit LUTPatch Set Size - Large Having encountered many problems while using the DataColor Spyder 5 Pro colorimeter, I decided to try an updated colorimeter as it might give better results, so I ordered the X-Rite I1 Pro Plus (he should arrive tomorrow). I hope that changes the picture. Pros: High quality monitor. Very well packed. Convenient hotkey puck that lets you change settings without touching the back of the monitor. 32 inches is a very good size. imagesConsPrice Easy to set up but difficult to calibrate accurately - requires watching lots of YouTube videos or reading reviews to get accurate settings Takes too long to turn on. After turning on the monitor, it takes about 15-20 seconds before it actually turns on. I'm not happy or overwhelmed with how the picture looks. Additional configuration may be required. Will try again as soon as I get a new colorimeter ***UPDATE*** Ordered X-Rite X1Display Pro Plus - absolutely no difference. Same results dull looking screen and colors. Contacted BenQ - they recommended it was a faulty monitor and sent it back. I will update this review in a few days.