An LG UltraFine 4K display for video editing

A secondary monitor proved useful for speeding my editing workflow and increasing productivity. My Lenovo 5 Pro served as my primary computer, but I wanted more real estate. Before I purchased the LG UltraFine 27UP850-W monitor, I assumed any monitor would suffice. I did a good amount of research in choosing a monitor for my photo and video editing needs. An In-Plane Switching or IPS panel monitor is ideal, as it provides the best color accuracy and viewing angles. Fast response time and refresh rate do not count as much as color accuracy, resolution and contrast ratios. A Vertical Alignment or VA panel offered high contrast ratios and a bit of everything for the general users, but I preferred the IPS for its color accuracy. I needed a 4K display considering I use a 4K camera. LG and BenQ were the brands I considered but ended up with the former because of the wide selection of models.

At first, LG’s newest line of monitors of UltraFine, UltraGear and UltraWide confused me, but I figured out UltraGear is for gaming. The question now is: Do I require an ultrawide monitor and what would be an adequate screen size for my needs? The ultrawide with 34 inches is a little too big for me. I do not use two windows at a time. A 27-inch monitor suits me for my two-window needs. I selected the LG 27UP850-W, which is the replacement model of 27UL850-W. The W stands for the white color at the back of the display. When I searched for the model, I discovered it was one of the latest offerings for 2021. I spotted less than five product reviews for the 2021 model aside from the press releases. One is better off reading or watching reviews of the older model.

The picture quality of this 27″ monitor is realistic because of its 163 pixels per inch, 99 percent coverage of the sRGB spectrum at peak refresh rate of 60Hz. The 4K (3840 x 2160) gives extra room for my workflow. Colors look amazing even from an angle thanks to the VESA Display HDR 400 and DCI-P3 95 percent Color Gamut. Most of all, the wider display as compared to the laptop allows me to look at the timeline in Adobe Premiere without the need to scroll. Also, as an HDR monitor, it is perfect for watching movies. The three-side borderless display stand is sleek. It is easy to adjust the height, tilt and pivot the screen in the optimal position. What I like about this monitor is that it has the right ports for both MacBook Pro and Windows users. LG included a display port, two HDMI ports, two USB Type-A ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. USB Type-C ports allow 4K display, data transfer and connected device charging (up to 96W), enabling support for MacBook Pro users at the same time over a single cable. However, the power is not enough to charge the Lenovo 5 Pro when in use.

For productivity, it has picture in picture and picture by picture, where you can split the screen through the LG Onscreen control application. This can be downloaded at their website for free. You can adjust the menu system, various picture by picture or picture in picture settings, instead of going to the toggle switch of the monitor’s actual settings. Aside from screen split, one can change picture mode, profiles of certain applications and display orientation. I can set a color profile for my Adobe Photoshop or Premiere. If not using the Onscreen control, the display menu is simple to browse. Just use the joystick control without needing to look at the controls. The integrated dual 5-watts internal speaker is quite good and can get quite loud, so I set it to 65/100. Bass and treble settings are better than the speakers of my Lenovo.

If you are into graphic design and video editing, this 4k monitor is worth considering. The suggested retail price at the LG official flagship store on Shopee is P29,999, though I got it at a discounted price from store offerings.

First published at the Sunday Business & IT, September 26, 2021.