By Iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5
In the past, VA panels were known to have lower quality than IPS screens as they produced a yellowish hue that made whites appear impure in applications such as Word and Excel. However, this is no longer true as advancements have been made in technology. Unless tested with a colorimeter, it’s difficult for people to differentiate between the best examples of these technologies. This is especially evident in more expensive monitors like the £405 34in curved offering from Iiyama.
Specifications
| Screen Size | 34 inches |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 3440×1440 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Response Time | 0.4ms |
| Ports |
|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 431x810x246mm |
| Weight | 9.4kg |
| Warranty | Three-year warranty |
VA panels have three advantages over IPS panels. Firstly, they are easier to shape, which is why Iiyama can create this screen with a 1500R curve. Secondly, the contrast is higher, with Iiyama claiming a typical 3,000:1 ratio (IPS tends to be around 1,000:1), and our colorimeter tests show its best score to be over 4,000:1. Thirdly, response times are faster, with Iiyama claiming an excellent score of 0.4 milliseconds, a 120Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium certification. These features make it an ideal choice for fast-moving games if you have an AMD graphics card.
Additionally, it’s great for watching videos, and the colours are excellent, covering 98% of the sRGB standard at default settings and 88% of DCI-P3. Although switching to the sRGB profile marginally improves colour coverage, it limits the maximum brightness to 200cd/m2. The panel offers an abundance of connections, including USB ports that allow it to function as a hub for other USB devices. It even has KVM switch functionality, allowing users to connect a keyboard and mouse and control two computers. However, the pair of 2W speakers aren’t suitable for music or movies, but rather talk radio.
It’s important to exercise caution when placing an order for this monitor. The version we reviewed has a suffix of -B5, which replaced the still available -B1 version. The primary difference between the two versions is the stand, with the B1 featuring a fixed platform while our test model, the B5, includes a 45-degree swivel to the right and left. Additionally, we suspect that the B5’s greater weight and larger size make it more stable than its predecessor.
