Positive points
Very good factory calibration Rec. 709
Very good sRGB factory calibration
Hardware calibration available with Master Palette
Convenient wired USB remote control
Manufacturing quality
Bad points
Calibration probe not supplied
Non-configurable overdrive system
No cap delivered as standard
No HDMI 2.0 input (1.4 only) and a single plug
No DCI-P3 management (gamut for UHD / 4K video)
Our review
Feature
The Taiwanese manufacturer BenQ is definitely on the rise. After two very good monitors for photo editing - the very expensive PG2401PT and the largest and most accessible SW2700PT -, here it is offering the PV3200PT we were talking about in April: a 32 inch UHD IPS panel monitor (3,840 x 2,160 px / approx 81 cm diagonal) rather video oriented; its gamut covers 100% of the Rec space. 709 (equivalent to sRGB for HDTV 1080 video, with a gamma correction of 2.4).
It benefits from a factory calibration and has a hardware calibration system with the Palette Master Elements software supplied (it does not, however, come with a probe). The colors are converted by a 14-bit 3D LUT.
In addition, by connecting a camera directly to the HDMI input, the BenQ PV3200PT can be transformed into a calibrated video return screen in order to be able to make the settings on a large screen. The screen is Technicolor certified - too bad it is not DCI-P3 compatible (the color standard for UHD / 4K video), because it could then have been transformed into an even more versatile control monitor.
The BenQ PV3200PT is available at the recommended retail price of € 1,399, and guaranteed for 5 years (manufacturer).
The controls are conventionally located under the screen, on the right side. Unfortunately, the benchmarks have disappeared! Like the SW2700PT, the PV3200PT is accompanied by a remote control. Yes, a wired USB remote control, which must be connected to the screen to quickly and easily access the menus, or to switch the display of the Rec space just as easily. 709 to EBU and SMPTE-C.
It's a real treat. 4 keys allow you to quickly switch between the two different gamut and a clover allows you to navigate the menus. Only downside: the keys are not backlit and in a dark environment, it is still not easy to navigate. Good point, this small round remote control will easily find its place on the foot, which provides a space for this purpose.
The menus are fairly standard and fairly simple to understand.
Surprisingly enough, the video connection is relegated to the side of the monitor, with an HDMI input, a Display Port and a mini Display Port. Below you will find the card reader and the two USB 3 ports.
We regret, however, the absence of more modern connectors, such as HDMI 2.0.
On the bottom of the screen, you will find some connectors such as the USB 3 upstream port and two USB outputs, one of which connects the remote control.
The foot of the screen allows rotation in portrait mode, but also some inclinations:
Verdict
This 32 "UHD monitor leaves a good impression, however tinged with a touch of skepticism.
We find indeed with the BenQ PV32000PT the manufacturing quality, the low-gloss panel, the ease of installation and the handy wired remote control that we have already mentioned with the SW2700PT. In terms of default colorimetry (ex works), the results are very good, both in sRGB (photo) and in Rec. 709 (HDTV 1080 video). The performance is remarkable, but it is not extraordinary: many manufacturers now offer IPS panels calibrated in the factory of very good quality.
The BenQ monitor is also interesting thanks to the Palette Master Elements software (Windows / Mac OS X) which allows hardware calibration, as long as you have an X-Rite or Datacolor probe (otherwise, you need to add a good hundred 'euros) . According to the software, it is possible to gain color fidelity by using the automatic process. In fact, we have managed to improve the rendering in sRGB, but not for the video gamut Rec. 709.
Still for the video, we were surprised by the integration of the overdrive. If the latter accelerates the display well for enhanced clarity, we have noted very visible ghosting effects (reverse ghosting). It is unfortunately not possible to modulate the overdrive; you can simply turn it off with the blurring effect it causes on fast-moving subjects. So on video, the impossibility of fine-tuning the overdrive is surprising and ultimately disabling. It may be wiser to disable this option.
In the table of regrets, we also the absence of DCI-3P management for UHD / 4K video.
In the end, the PV3200PT receives a recommended, but it would be good for BenQ to make an effort on the side of the overdrive for its next models.
Specifications