Acer Unveils Predator XB273K 4Kp144 DisplayHDR 400 Gaming LCD
by Anton Shilov on August 29, 2018 7:35 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
- Acer
- Trade Shows
- 4K
- Monitors
- G-Sync
- 144Hz
- HDR
- DisplayHDR
- IFA 2018
Acer on Wednesday introduced its new Ultra-HD gaming monitor with an up to 144 Hz dynamic refresh rate enabled by NVIDIA’s G-Sync. The Predator XB273K is aimed at serious gamers looking for both high resolution as well as fast refresh rates. Meanwhile, the new unit is considerably cheaper than Acer’s top-of-the-range Predator X27.
The Acer Predator XB273K is based on an IPS-type panel featuring a 4K (3840×2160) resolution, with up to 400 nits peak brightness in HDR mode (the lowest DisplayHDR certification). The refresh rate goes up to 144 Hz, and is dynamic via the support of Nvidia's G-Sync. The panel has wide 178°/178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel. Acer yet has to disclose other specs of the LCD, but it already looks like the Predator XB273K resembles the company’s flagship Predator X27 display, but lacks FALD (Full array local dimming), quantum dot-enhanced backlighting, and NVIDIA’s G-Sync HDR.
If it is indeed the case that the XB273K is based on the same AU Optronics’ M270QAN02.2 AHVA panel (Which is currently the industry’s only 4Kp144 panel), then it is reasonable to expect it to feature a 4 ms response time, along with some other peculiarities of said panel.
Despite the fact that the Predator XB273K lacks quantum dots, it still supports a wider-than-sRGB color gamut. Acer says that the monitor can cover 90% of the DCI-P3 color range and naturally 100% of the sRGB palette. To further maximize color accuracy and reduce reflections, Acer’s Predator XB273K will come with a light-shielding hood, just like its more expensive Predator X27 brother.
By launching the Predator XB273K, Acer makes 4Kp144 G-Sync gaming slightly more accessible. Meanwhile, it should be kept in mind that to take full advantage of such monitors, gamers are going to need an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series (or newer) graphics card with a DisplayPort 1.4 output and a fresh VBIOS. Bandwidth requirements of 4Kp144 8-bit monitors exceed what DisplayPort can deliver today; therefore, to stay within the bandwidth limits of the interface, the displays will either be limited to a 120 Hz refresh rate with full 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, or use 4:2:2 subsampling to get to 144Hz+. Speaking of connectivity in general, it is natural to expect the Predator XB273K to have at least one DisplayPort 1.4 input as well as one HDMI header for compatibility. Additionally, the monitor also has a quad-port USB 3.0 hub.
UPDATE 8/30: Correcting bandwidth requirements.
Acer’s Predator XB273K will hit the North American market in the fourth quarter, in time for holiday season. In the U.S., the LCD will cost $1,299, whereas in Europe it is going to carry a €1,499 ($1,749 tax included) price tag.
Specifications of Acer Predator XB27 Gaming Monitor | |||
Predator XB273K | |||
Panel | 27" IPS (AHVA) | ||
Resolution | 3840 × 2160 | ||
Refresh Rate | Up to 144 Hz | ||
Variable Refresh Rate | NVIDIA G-Sync | ||
Response Time | 4 ms (?) | ||
Brightness | Native: ? cd/m² Peak: 400 cd/m² |
||
Contrast | 1000:1 | ||
Backlighting | LED | ||
Quantum Dot | No | ||
HDR | HDR10 Support | ||
Viewing Angles | 178°/178° horizontal/vertical | ||
PPI | 163 pixels per inch | ||
Colors | 1.07 billion (?) | ||
Color Saturation | sRGB: 100% Adobe RGB: ? DCI-P3: 90% Rec. 2020: ? |
||
Inputs | DisplayPort 1.4 HDMI 2.0 |
||
Audio | ? | ||
USB Hub | 4-port USB 3.0 | ||
Stand Adjustments | Acer ErgoStand Tilt: ? Swivel: ? Height Adjustment: ? |
||
Vesa Mount | 100 × 100 | ||
Power Consumption | ? |
Related Reading:
- Acer’s Predator X27 G-Sync HDR Display Listed in the USA, to Ship on June 1
- ASUS Demonstrates ROG Swift PG27UQ: 4K, 144 Hz, HDR, DCI-P3 and G-Sync
- Acer Announces Predator X27 Monitor: 4K@144 Hz with DCI-P3, HDR10, & G-Sync
- Samsung Announces First Freesync 2 Monitors: CHG70 & CHG90 - Quantum Dots, Up to 49”, 144 Hz, DCI-P3
- Acer Predator Z35P Available for Order: Curved 35" with 3440×1440@120 Hz and G-Sync
33 Comments
View All Comments
edzieba - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
Display'HDR' 400 and no FALD = not actually HDR in any useful sense. Like sending 1080p to an EDTV panel is not HD in any useful sense.Death666Angel - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
What's and EDTV panel?And HDR is what Vesa agreed upon. Time to move on. It's not like they are tricking anyone. Consumers are still obligated to do their homework.
Death666Angel - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
*an EDTVInteli - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
According to Wikipedia, EDTV is "Enhanced-Definition TV". Above SDTV, below HDTV (as in 720p). EDTV typically refers to 480p or 576p - progressive scan versions of SDTV resolutions.edzieba - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
"It's not like they are tricking anyone."Panel technology has not appreciably advanced for years in terms of contrast ratio. Without the use of a FALD backlight, the contrast ratio available will be identical to an SDR monitor. That means the dynamic range will also be identical for the same peak backlight level (400 cd/m^2 is hardly uncommon). You're getting an SDR monitor that happens to accept HDR inputs, but you're not getting a HDR monitor.
zodiacfml - Thursday, August 30, 2018 - link
For this monitor, you do have a point. It is too expensive for its specs, just a 4K monitor with a higher refresh rate. Basic FALD can improve its value.However, edge lit HDR is still usable. It improves contrast ratio a bit and saves some power with average picture level is not high.
Alistair - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
It's all about that high refresh rate and 4k. I was hoping for $1000 without the FALD, so I'm still on the fence with this one.Lolimaster - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
What high refresh rate at 4k?It's 4-2-2, CRAPPY image quality. Better playing streaming the games over internet.
Cooe - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
4K 100Hz @ 4:4:4 isn't fast enough for you??? Spoiled rotted then.inighthawki - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link
There's a fairly noticeable difference between 100hz and 144hz.