Acer Predator CG437K P: A 43-Inch 144 Hz Gaming Monitor with FreeSync and DisplayHDR 1000
by Anton Shilov on April 15, 2019 9:30 AM EST
Acer has unveiled its new large format gaming display (LFGD) that brings together an ultra-high-definition resolution, a 144 Hz refresh rate with AMD’s FreeSync technology, VESA’s DisplayHDR 1000 certification, and multiple inputs to plug in a PC and several gaming consoles. The Predator CG437K P monitor is aimed at hardcore gamers that want not only a high refresh rate, but also a huge size.
The Acer Predator CG437KP is based on a 43-inch 8-bit + FRC VA panel featuring a 3840×2160 resolution, up to 1000 nits brightness, a high contrast ratio (since it is a VA panel, we are probably talking about something like 2000:1 or better), a low response time, a 144 Hz maximum refresh rate, 178°/178° viewing angles, and so on. The monitor can display 1.07 billion colors and covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
To take advantage of a 3840×2160 resolution at a 144 Hz refresh rate, gamers will need to connect the Predator CG437K P using two DisplayPort cables to avoid compression or reduction of chroma subsampling. Besides two DisplayPort inputs, the monitor has three HDMI inputs and a USB Type-C input (supporting up to 30 W Power Delivery) to attach gaming consoles as well as modern laptops. Meanwhile, the monitor has a built-in quad-port USB hub (2.0 + 3.0) along with two 10 W speakers as an added bonus.
The key selling point of the Predator CG437KP is the combination of its size, resolution, brightness, and refresh rate. There are just a few large format ultra-high-definition displays featuring a 144 Hz refresh rate on the market today, so Acer will offer a rather unique product.
The monitor also has a light sensor and a proximity sensor to automatically adjust its luminance according to environmental lighting or even dim it when the user is away. Meanwhile, since the monitor is four to five months away from commercial launch, Acer does not seem to disclose all of its features and capabilities just now. For example, the monitor currently only carries AMD’s FreeSync brand, but at first glance it looks like it has everything in place to support AMD’s FreeSync 2, which would be another major selling point.
| Acer's 4Kp144 Large Format Gaming Display | |
| Predator CG437K P | |
| Panel | 43" VA |
| Native Resolution | 3840 × 2160 |
| Maximum Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | low |
| Brightness | 1000 cd/m² (peak) |
| Contrast | high |
| Backlighting | ? |
| Viewing Angles | 178°/178° horizontal/vertical |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Color Gamut | 90% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | at least HDR10 |
| DisplayHDR Tier | 1000 |
| Dynamic Refresh Rate Tech | AMD FreeSync ranges unknown |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.2479 mm² |
| Pixel Density | 102 PPI |
| Inputs | 2 × DisplayPort 3 × HDMI 1 × USB Type-C |
| Audio | 3.5 mm input/output (?) 2 × 10 W DTS Sound speakers |
| USB Hub | 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A connectors 2 × USB 3.0 Type-A connectors 1 × USB 3.0 Type-C input |
| VESA Mount | Probably yes |
| MSRP | Europe: €1,499 UK: ? US: $1,299 |
Acer plans to start sales of the Predator CG437K P gaming monitor in August to September timeframe. The unit will cost $1,299 in North America, 1,499 Euro in EMEA, and RMB 9,999 in China.
Related Reading
- Sales of High Refresh Gaming Displays Skyrocketing, Curved Gaming LCDs Prevail
- Philips Unveils 43-Inch 4K Gaming LCD with DisplayHDR 1000, DCI-P3, FreeSync
- Acer EI491CR: A Curved 49-Inch Monitor with FreeSync 2
- NVIDIA’s 65-inch Big Format Gaming Display Is Here: HP OMEN X Emperium
- AOC Agon 35-Inch 200 Hz Curved 3440x1440 HDR Gaming Monitor with FreeSync 2 or GSync
Source: Acer
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edzieba - Monday, April 15, 2019 - link
One would hope it is FALD if it achieved DisplayHDR 1000 (though it could just be edge-lit garbage, given they aren't using FALD as a selling point). Assuming it is FALD, the big question is backlight behavior with VRR and HDR both active. For far, we have seen 3 solutions:- FALD active when VRR active, consistent backlight levels. Thus far only monitors using the Maximum Grunty version of the G-Sync module and FALd drivers have achieved this in practice.
- FALD deactivated when VRR active, regardless of whether fed with a HDR input. This is the solution most 'freesync' TVs use.
- FALD active when HDR active, brightness varies with refresh rate. This is what some Samsung 'freesync' TVs were firmware flashed to do after launching with FALD disabled during VRR.
VRR and FALD in combination is hard. The backlight illuminators typically have a low update rate (a fraction of the panel rate) and a fairly poor update latency, neither of which is acceptable for VRR gaming where a new frame can arrive at any time and multi-frame syncing delays are unacceptable.
nathanddrews - Monday, April 15, 2019 - link
It might be difficult, but Samsung found a way with their 2018/2019 Q-LED displays. FreeSync+HDR works incredibly well with FALD across a range up to 4K60 or 1440p120. Shouldn't be too hard for Acer to accomplish here.a5cent - Wednesday, April 17, 2019 - link
@nathanddrewsWould you mind telling us which of Samsung's 2018/2019 models you think come with FALD and FreeSync support? As far as I can tell that's incorrect. Some have edge lit local dimming (I've read up to 32 zones), but that's very much inferior to a real FALD solution.
As far as I know there are yet no FreeSync controllers on the market that support FALD. Supporting FALD on a monitor which employs a controller that doesn't specifically support FALD is very difficult. It's so costly in terms of engineering effort that it's unlikely to ever be delivered.
Such controllers will obviously hit the market at some point. Maybe they already have and I'm mistaken. I just doubt it because I don't see the FALD+FreeSync monitors anywhere which you claim do exist.
BurgerTyme - Sunday, April 21, 2019 - link
I believe they are referring to the flagship 2018/2019 QLED TVs, not monitors.Simon_Says - Monday, April 15, 2019 - link
Considering the MSRP is only $1300 and IIRC the displays with FALD are typically way more than that I think this is just edge lit.atomicus80 - Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - link
I have a feeling it will quite likely be using the same solution as the Philips 436M6VBPAB with 32-zone edge lit local dimming. If Acer have (or are about to get) official VESA HDR-1000 certification on this monitor, it has to have local dimming. The Philips did a half decent job with its HDR implementation from what I read in professional reviews, but obvioulsy FALD would be preferable. We'd be looking at a FAR more expensive monitor if that were the case though. It will be interesting to see reviews though... hopefully this ends up being a solid performer for the price (which all in all, isn't that bad). I expect Asus' offering with the XG438Q to be far more expensive while offering the same performance.Opencg - Monday, April 15, 2019 - link
interested in seeing the response times on this. ideally it can hit around 7ms average for 144hz. va panels are usually the worst compared to tn and ips.zodiacfml - Monday, April 15, 2019 - link
Convincing but at $900 or lower.DigitalFreak - Monday, April 15, 2019 - link
LOL If it launched at $900 you'd say 'Convincing but at $700 or lower'haukionkannel - Monday, April 15, 2019 - link
This is already incredibly cheap.... Where have they cut corners to get this?