Imagine you’re editing your photos, and you feel like you need a break. What if you only needed to press a button to switch to some entertaining content on your work desk?
Computer monitors and TVs used to be two very different devices. Computer monitors generally meant closer viewing distances, and TVs were almost exclusively aimed at entertainment. However, with TVs now being built with built-in smart features and more convenient connectivity options, while monitors are now being built larger and capable of displaying greater dynamic range, it is not surprising that dual-purpose displays Present now. Let’s take a look at this $300 option from a brand called KTC.
KTC A32Q8
KTC A32Q8 It is a 31.5-inch display that is designed as a large monitor or medium-sized TV. It comes with a 4K VA panel in a 28.25 x 16.5 x 1.5-inch (717.55 x 419.1 x 38.1 mm) frame and very thin bezels around it. It comes with a desk stand that stands 7 inches (177.8 mm) tall with a thin, flat 7.5 x 8.25-inch (190.5 x 209.55 mm) metal base. With the stand, the monitor has a working height of 3.2 inches (81.28 mm) (from the bottom bezel to the base) and can be tilted 15 degrees up or 5 degrees down. Of course, the stand can be removed to reveal a 100 x 100mm VESA-compliant mount that can be switched to monitor weapons or mount on a wall.
The back of the panel has a full-sized HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and a USB-C port as input options. On the other side are four USB-A ports (which don’t connect to the host device, only to the monitor/TV) and a 3.5mm audio output port for use with external speakers or wired headphones. Inside the box is the power supply, an HDMI cable, and a smart TV remote with various shortcuts for various streaming platforms and Google Assistant.
resolution and color
The KTC A32Q8 is equipped with a 31.5-inch VA panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 (4K) and a refresh rate of 60 Hz that is capable of displaying more than 8-bit color via FRC. It has a maximum brightness of 300 nits and a contrast ratio of 3,000:1. When it comes to color coverage and accuracy, the brand’s documentation states 123% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 with a color accuracy rating of Delta E < 2. However, when calibrating with DisplayCal, it confirmed sRGB at 123% but only achieved 84.2% of DCI-P3. Surprisingly, it achieved a Delta E maximum of only 0.89, which is much better than the standard set for the product line.
function and control
Being built as a smart TV, this monitor has many convenience factors when it comes to connectivity and customization. With three different input types, exclusively USB-C, it becomes compatible with almost any modern device that has a video signal output. This includes laptops, desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, and even cameras. The USB-C input also serves as a USB-C PD charger up to 65 watts. Plus, since it’s essentially a monitor with its own operating system, it seamlessly manages instant connections to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, whether for audio or for a keyboard and/or mouse. .
Although it comes with a single navigation button for the OSD, a more convenient option is the included TV remote that offers a user-friendly menu interface as well as quick access to various functions and adjustments.
Application
KTC A32Q8In my opinion, this is primarily a productivity monitor, and it offers quite a few benefits. For one, the 32-inch screen offers a lot of screen real estate, which can be beneficial for working with multiple windows open at one time – great for multitasking. It also has multiple connectivity options and ports, meaning it can be used with most modern devices. When using the USB-C port as the input of choice, it not only provides a convenient connection but also features up to 65 watts of charging while being able to charge the host device. For most productivity/consumer-level laptops, this 65-watt supply is enough to maintain and refill the battery. However, for many manufacturer-level devices, 65 watts may not be enough.
As an entertainment display, this monitor is remarkably convenient. Thirty-two inches isn’t much in TV terms, but if used in a workplace – especially as a monitor – it’s the perfect size for a desk. With 4K resolution, it’s really the convenience of being able to quickly switch modes to access different content sources that stands out, especially with the compatibility with Google Assistant. However, the 5 V built-in speaker is weak and flat. For a better experience, it would be best to use an external speaker, either through the 3.5mm port or through Bluetooth which automatically connects once the device is turned on.
Of course, the biggest question will be whether this monitor is good for editing. Although the information about this monitor doesn’t emphasize much about usefulness for creative work, this monitor was sent to us to see if it offers any benefits to photographers’ editing workflow. This particular monitor achieved less coverage of DCI-P3 than mentioned, which may be an individual unit variation. However, it far outperforms the assumed standard of Delta E < 2 in terms of actual color accuracy rating after calibration. While it may not be one of the top choices in terms of color, it may still be usable for post-production after proper color calibration or as a large secondary screen for laptops with better color performance . Alternatively, it can be used for shooting tied down in a studio, where resolution, framing and detail are prioritized with previews before post-production begins. Still, considering the functionality and overall concept, I would personally be curious to see a better, perhaps perfect, smart TV-monitor with impeccable color performance and possibly CalMAN verification standards.
what i liked
- Large 32-inch 4K screen
- The monitor also works as a smart TV
- Multiple Convenience Features
what can be improved
- better color coverage
- color accuracy standard
- USB-C connection to device does not connect other USB ports’ inputs to the host
