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Brightness and Contrast
To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check outDisplay Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors.We cover brightness and contrast testing onpage two.
Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
Any OLED monitor with a constant brightness option like the PG32UCDP must be considered two ways in terms of peak brightness. You’ll want the full peak output for gaming and video, so I tested with constant brightness turned off. The peak white level was 416 nits, which is more than enough for an indoor space. If you turn constant brightness on, there is no visible dimming and the peak drops to 257 nits. Black levels and contrast cannot be measured in either case.
After Calibration to 200 nits
My calibration of the PG32UCDP was minimal, just a single change to one RGB slider. Contrast is not affected, either in the static or ANSI test. It still cannot be measured. If you switch between constant brightness off and on, you may need to adjust the brightness slider to equalize output. That is up to user preference.
Test Takeaway:The PG32UCDP is brighter than typical Quantum Dot OLEDs and with constant brightness off, is nearly the brightest in its class. It has more than enough output for any indoor environment and the infinite blacks and contrast OLEDs are known for.
MORE:How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor
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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom’s Hardware US. He’s a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.
