Curved Monitors?

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Incindre

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#160327 2-Jan-2015 17:19

My style is being cramped by my single FHD screen so, not being a fan of multiple monitors, I'm looking to get something with plenty of screen real-estate so I can have multiple programs open at once and still be productive. I work with architectural, industrial design, graphics and video editing software suites so colour representation is critical.

I'm tempted particularly by Dell's 21:9 Curved IPS Monitor, which I suspect will be less troubled by the backlight bleed that plagues LG's own 21:9 offering. You'll note that these are both curved screens, it makes sense to me that the curve should actually make for a more comfortable viewing experience, but I have a question:

How would a curve in a screen affect precision technical drawing/3D Modeling/photoshopping etc? Does anyone think the curve might cause any weird effects that might make it more difficult/accurate compared to a flat screen?

Gozer

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#1207245 2-Jan-2015 17:26

I have no experience with them but i cant imagine the display will have any trouble,
The only problems i can think of is that your eyes might think a straight line is curved if you dont get your viewing angles perfect.

richms

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#1207256 2-Jan-2015 18:02

I have had a quick play on a triple monitor setup where the middle was a curved and the outer 2 were flat and didn't see any immediate problems with the config that could be attributed to the curved screen. It was a low res tho for the size which was a big turn-off.

Richard rich.ms

JWR

821 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#1207288 2-Jan-2015 19:50

Incindre: My style is being cramped by my single FHD screen so, not being a fan of multiple monitors, I'm looking to get something with plenty of screen real-estate so I can have multiple programs open at once and still be productive. I work with architectural, industrial design, graphics and video editing software suites so colour representation is critical.

I'm tempted particularly by Dell's 21:9 Curved IPS Monitor, which I suspect will be less troubled by the backlight bleed that plagues LG's own 21:9 offering. You'll note that these are both curved screens, it makes sense to me that the curve should actually make for a more comfortable viewing experience, but I have a question:

How would a curve in a screen affect precision technical drawing/3D Modeling/photoshopping etc? Does anyone think the curve might cause any weird effects that might make it more difficult/accurate compared to a flat screen?

I am interested in 34" monitors too.

This guy has blogs related to photo editing...

http://petapixel.com/2014/06/11/sold-dual-screen-editing-setup-favor-34-inch-monitor-awesome/

http://petapixel.com/2014/11/05/review-34-inch-3440x1440-monitor-great-happens-curve/

I think I would have bought the LG curved already, if it wasn't for consistent reports of significant backlight bleed.

But, now the Dell is released, it is probably the best bet. It has a better set of connections for me (I don't need Thunderbolt) and it is cheaper than the LG. Dell usually are pretty good for display quality in the mid-higher price range too.

Samsung are also about to release a curved 34" ... http://www.fudzilla.com/home/item/36325-samsung%E2%80%99s-curved-34-inch-1440p-monitor-up-for-pre-order

Just wished there were some decent reviews/comparisons available.

Batman

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#1207293 2-Jan-2015 19:53

Incindre: How would a curve in a screen affect precision technical drawing/3D Modeling/photoshopping etc? Does anyone think the curve might cause any weird effects that might make it more difficult/accurate compared to a flat screen?

I think the only answer is you get one and then tell us!

Incindre

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#1207315 2-Jan-2015 21:23

Thanks for those links JWR. I think that perhaps the parallax effect he discusses that "messes with his mind" (making straight things not look straight) would be a gigantic pain in the backside for my line of work.
Something quite interesting that I just discovered is that Dell's high end IPS panels are manufactured by LG anyway, so perhaps the Dell will not have better backlighting...

I'll start looking for a flat version.

JWR

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#1207404 2-Jan-2015 23:21

Incindre: Thanks for those links JWR. I think that perhaps the parallax effect he discusses that "messes with his mind" (making straight things not look straight) would be a gigantic pain in the backside for my line of work.
Something quite interesting that I just discovered is that Dell's high end IPS panels are manufactured by LG anyway, so perhaps the Dell will not have better backlighting...

I'll start looking for a flat version.

Yep. There is his opinion on that. I wouldn't want to put you off a curved screen just because of that tho:)

I don't know if a curved screen is mainly hype or not.

I don't know if the curve really hinders graphics professionals or it just different. Doing graphics on a computer screen is learning. So perhaps its just a change.

I do like dual monitors and a 34" screen does the job of two monitors. But multiple curved screens (+ very thin bezel), would seem to make an awesome, (more or less) seemless display

btw about manufacturers... I believe the flat panels are shared by AoC and LG, LG, Dell and probably Samsung use the same curved panel.

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

JWR

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#1207409 2-Jan-2015 23:28

...
Something quite interesting that I just discovered is that Dell's high end IPS panels are manufactured by LG anyway, so perhaps the Dell will not have better backlighting...

.

Backlighting is definitely dependent on the end-manufacturer.

Dell, LG, Samsung etc. will have different ways of mounting and lighting the panel.

Incindre

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#1221009 23-Jan-2015 18:57

IT'S REAL!

Dell Ultrasharp 34" Curved Monitor

It apparently uses LG's panel, I just hope that their 'Pixel Perfect' guarantee extends to backlighting issues (I also note that their website doesn't explicitly say whether it's IPS or TN which is a little odd).

Now I just need to scrape together 1.5 grand and I'll be basking in its glow.

richms

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#1221012 23-Jan-2015 19:06

From that page

Panel Type, Surface:

In-plane switching, anti glare with hard coat 3H

Richard rich.ms

JWR

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#1221014 23-Jan-2015 19:07

Incindre: IT'S REAL!

Dell Ultrasharp 34" Curved Monitor

It apparently uses LG's panel, I just hope that their 'Pixel Perfect' guarantee extends to backlighting issues (I also note that their website doesn't explicitly say whether it's IPS or TN which is a little odd). Now I just need to scrape together 1.5 grand and I'll be basking in its glow.

You may find this interesting...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQOKJuSe9Jg

... seems like a reasonably balanced review

Incindre

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#1221202 23-Jan-2015 23:25

JWR:

You may find this interesting...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQOKJuSe9Jg

... seems like a reasonably balanced review

Cheers for that! I couldn't find any reviews prior to this one. I did notice a bit of bleed where he's using the movie preset, but it became less noticeable as the camera got closer to a front-on viewing angle. The software package looks pretty comprehensive too.

Dang, so much want, so little money...