ASUS PB287Q Review

ASUS PB287Q is among an array of 4K monitors which exhibit low response times of 1ms. It arguably is among the monitors well-featured presently, especially for having flicker-free backlight and includes pivot, height and swivel adjustment. Key Features of the PB287Q from ASUS include 28-inch, 60Hz over DisplayPort, 3840 x 2160, 30Hz over HDMI, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 1.4, 1ms GTG as well as Audio in and out.

The device indeed supports 4K at 60Hz, but just as many of the earlier TV versions and majority of 4K monitors, it only manages 30Hz over HDMI and 60Hz over DisplayPort. You will as well require DisplayPort 1.2 output in order to attain 60Hz. A good number of recent graphics cards are able to attain this frequency, except for certain older versions and laptops. This kind of support is necessary for gaming.

Only one DisplayPort 1.2 plus two MHL-supported HDMI 1.4 ports are available. The design which the PB287Q employs is excellent and this device has significant height adjustment, which automatically excludes need for using external aids. As well, the pivot works well, although it is questionable how useful this functionality is, considering the monitor is TN-based. This is because the panel technology of this gadget is not highly-notable for providing great angles of view, which are critical for portrait use. The monitor is black and its bezels keep from assuming excessive width. Asus as well keeps labels to reasonable minimum, which is highly admirable.

The on-screen display (OSD) which ASUS PB287Q employs features six control buttons, without including the power button. All of these remain hidden behind front edge, being indicated by white little blobs upon the front. Every button is context sensitive effectively, although it is easy hitting the wrong one, ending up with opposite of what is desired.

In essence, the OSD is quite presentable and offers sufficient amount of options, with many being buried below an excessive number of abstraction layers. You also have several setup quirks to navigate. The PB287Q from ASUS defaults to DisplayPort 1.1, implying users get limited to 30Hz till they enable 1.2. Though it could lead to sharper text, the ‘VividText’ mode from ASUS kept on by default seems unnecessary for a 4K or even other monitor. Aside from this fact, default settings in general are quite satisfactory. It is easy assembling and disassembling ASUS PB287Q, using single screw in order to fasten base to monitor’s arm.

The gadget exhibits excellent scaling but video processing is minimalistic and lacks majority of features carried by most budge HDTVs. No 24Hz playback is available for Blu-ray movies and playback is achieved in 60Hz and comes along with judder as well as 1080i de-interlacing, resulting in resolution loss. As well, 720p content does not come out outstandingly and it is advisable therefore to avoid using ASUS for 360 and PS3 gaming, or as all-in-one replacement for HDTV.