The PA32KCX also includes many connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 , DisplayPort 2.1, Thunderbolt 4 , and USB types A and C. A KVM feature lets you work with multiple systems controlled by a single set of input devices. And there are internal speakers with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
All this tech and professional goodness will set you back $8,799 at this writing. It’s a lot to be sure, but the PA32KCX has a lot. A lot of features, a lot of performance, a lot of technology, and a lot of precision.
The PA32KCX ships in a large box with its contents protected by flexible foam that doesn’t crumble. The base is six pounds alone, with another three pounds in the upright. Once you assemble it and snap the panel on, the package tops 32 pounds. A light hood is included along with cables for IEC power, USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
In the back is a thick component bulge with plenty of ventilation around its sides. There are internal fans that run quietly in the background. I noted that my sample ran them periodically in standby mode. The stand is very substantial and weighs almost 10 pounds, comparable to some entire monitors. It has full ergonomics with four inches of height, 5/23 degrees tilt, 30 degrees swivel, and a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements are firm and solid with no play or wobble. If you prefer an arm, there’s a 100mm VESA mount in the back.
The input panel is large and includes a wide variety of interfaces. There are two HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 2.1 and two Thunderbolt 4 for video. Peripheral support comes from three USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, one of which supports 96W charging. A KVM manager in the OSD can bind video and USB ports to enable many different control configurations for multiple source components.
The integrated color meter lives in a little protrusion at the lower left and flips up onto the screen when activated. The auto calibration routine is in the OSD and can be used at any time to dial in the PA32KCX. Next to it are two sensors that can adjust image parameters based on ambient light and backlight intensity.
The PA32KCX’s OSD is large and comprehensive, yet easy to navigate thanks to a logical layout designed for creative pros. It appears when you press the joystick.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) First up are the color modes, with 15 in total. Native is the default, and it uses the PA32KCX’s full color gamut, which covers around 110% of DCI-P3. The modes are the gateway to the monitor’s functions and all you need to do is pick the standard you need to work in for a task. Each has been factory-calibrated and they are close to the mark. You can adjust any of them with OSD controls or with the various automatic calibration routines. HDR support includes three PQ curves for HDR10+, P3, or BT.2020 color options. Dolby Vision support will be enabled in a firmware update made available by the time you read this. Additionally, there are three user memories that can store any combination of settings you wish.
If you use the PA32KCX for postproduction or on location, Asus provides screen markers for filming. There are safe areas, center marks, rulers, and custom options. This is super handy when shooting in different aspect ratios.
For convenience, Asus includes a powerful KVM feature that binds video inputs to the two USB-C ports. They are easy to set up to your preference. Finally, two of the front control keys can be programmed for different quick access functions.
Setting up a monitor like the PA32KCX depends on the intended usage. It’s pretty close out of the box in any of its color modes, but for the greatest precision, calibration is recommended. You can configure any of the modes in the OSD using traditional gamma presets and color temps. The RGB sliders include gain and offset controls.
If you use the built-in meter, it runs hands-free and takes around 20 minutes for each mode. It can be scheduled for a delayed start if you wish. It’s good for quick touch-ups. For more detailed adjustment, the OSD is precise enough, but doesn’t include a gamma editor or color management. The best way is to use Calman and its Asus-specific workflow, or Light Illusion ColourSpace. You’ll need a USB connection for the control portion of the workflow, but it is very powerful. You can create 3D color lookup tables and custom gamma curves created with as many points as you want. It’s also the best way to calibrate for HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
For my purposes, I tested all the color modes as they shipped and found them close to standard. I’ll get into more detail on page four with a complete set of measurement charts and a summary of the dE values, gamma results, and gamut volumes for every mode.
Each mode has specific gamma and grayscale values that are in line with their individual specification. sRGB has a fixed D65 temp and sRGB gamma which is close to 2.2 power. BT.709 is the same, but lets you choose from four gammas. P3 color includes cinema and display standards. Cinema conforms to DCI 1.2 with 2.6 gamma and a D63 temperature. BT.2020 (SDR) has a 2.4 gamma and D65. You also get Adobe RGB with a 2.2 gamma and D65 temp.
For HDR, there are modes for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. HDR10 and HLG let you choose between P3 and BT.2020 color spaces. HDR10 includes three different luminance curves, of which Optimized came closest to spec in my tests. This was with local dimming turned on.
In a professional setting, the PA32KCX is a premium-quality reference tool. The picture is stunning with no visible trace of the pixel structure. It’s hard to describe, but if you can check out one of these monitors in person, you’ll see what I mean. The image quality is simply on another level from any other fixed pixel technology.
Contrast is impressive as well, especially when the local dimming is engaged. There are 4,032 dimming zones, so halo artifacts are nowhere to be found. It doesn’t quite have that OLED glow, but it is sharper than a 4K screen. Local dimming can be used for SDR and HDR, with three response speeds. Color rendering is state-of-the-art thanks to the Quantum Dot layer. The PA32KCX covers around 110% of DCI-P3 , which is slightly more than some other QD screens I’ve tested.
The only thing the PA32KCX cannot do well is game. The refresh rate tops out at 60 Hz, which is nowhere near fast enough to avoid significant motion blur. The inclusion of Adaptive-Sync is nice, though, if you play titles that aren’t too twitchy. Asus Trace Free overdrive is as effective as it can be. A setting of 60 avoided ghosting artifacts. If you’re playing more static games, the picture is simply gorgeous.
Viewing HDR content was an impressive experience. Though I’d still reach for an OLED for ultimate HDR image quality, the PA32KCX came closer than any other LCD to replicating that look. With local dimming engaged, HDR contrast and black levels cannot be measured since the backlight is turned off. The dimming improves intra-image contrast immensely, though. I’ll talk about that on page three.
Takeaway: I spend every day looking at a 4K OLED monitor. The PA32KCX takes pixel density and sharpness to a level beyond that. An 8K picture is something that needs to be seen to be understood. Color and contrast are incredible here, with perception and numbers that compete with the best OLED screens. I can’t imagine any video or photography professional finding any complaints here. I’ve reviewed a number of pro screens in the past, and the PA32KCX is one of the very best and most flexible, with no faults of consequence.
Current page: Features and Specifications
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/monitors/gaming-monitors/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/monitors/gaming-monitors/asus-proart-pa32kcx-32-inch-8k-professional-monitor-review#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.