I switched from a 28-inch HannsG HZ281 (1920x1200), because I wanted to have more resolution. First it should be one of the current 4K monitors with 28 inches. Upon closer information I decided to Benq, despite not quite as high resolution (2560x1440, "small" 4K): in pure Bildschrimgröße a 4K 28-inch model would have been a step backwards compared to the HannsG (less Bidhöhe), at normal viewing distance, fonts and icons at 28 inches and true 4K being evil small, and scaling under Windows, with which one could compensate for this, does not work properly with some programs. A real 4K screen should therefore but at least 35 inches, 40 inches tall, be better; the size is optimal when one (70-80 cm) the individual pixels only just no longer looks at normal viewing distance. On the other hand, a wide viewing angle without color and brightness distortions will become increasingly important with growing screen size; therefore a cheap TN panel ruled out in screen sizes from 30 inches already by itself. Until these aspects really good 4K screens are affordable, that lasts well for some time.
Even when assembling the BL3200 is pleased with the sensible design and good quality of the device: the fix is foolproof and without any tools. The edges of the screen are beautiful narrow, dull the surfaces of the screen and the stand. The stand is rectangular and has a substantially flat surface, so you can take it even useful items. The screen can be easily adjusted in any direction without the stand in place. The cable connectors are useful and placed thanks to the pivot function also all easily accessible. A simple hole in the stand holds the cord clean in place and lets you visually disappear behind the stand. Any possibly required cables including DisplayPort and USB 3.0 are in good quality - but only 1.5m long. For me it is too tight, because I had to buy more. Who the 1.5m range, for these shorter cables are also better, so that's not a serious criticism.
The screen has been recognized by Windows at once and provides a clean, largely angle-independent image without pixel errors. Have over the picture setting here already written very extensively Other. Very practical is the "OSD controller": a mobile (wired) Control unit with 5 buttons and a directional cross, with which the OSD can be operated much more comfortable than with the touch buttons on the bottom of the screen. Three of the controller buttons can be freely programmed, eg to three different screen settings. (In my case: sRGB full brightness, sRGB 50% brightness and a warm tone to the eye-friendly reading and surfing) to have each directly keystroke available , The OSD controller has an extra provided regular place in the monitor stand; just a shame that the filing has no screening to ensure the controller is against rotation.
The built-in stereo speakers are far from HiFi, but in contrast to the vast majority, usually built Bildschirmtröten still somewhat listenable. You can choose if you draw their sound from own jack or the monitor cable from the OSD. The maximum level is a little weak, bass lacks completely naturally.
Practical on the right side of the screen are mounted two USB 3.0 jacks, an SD card reader and a headphone jack. Two additional USB (2.0) connectors are found on the rear panel for connecting a keyboard and mouse. The card reader was recognized promptly by Windows 7 (64-bit Home Pro) and is working fine.
So far so everything perfectly: a very good, ergonomically-designed, feature-rich and qualitatively well-made hardware, which provides for an even more affordable price an excellent image and even halfway anhörbaren stereo sound to it. The software's weak point but unfortunately so enormous that I still may depart a point at the end.
It starts so that to install the supplied control software on my computer, but does not start: it is incompatible with the Catalyst graphics software from AMD (with me a 7850 Crossfire couple runs as a graphics card, drivers and Catalyst are naturally present) and falls in its presence from every time. So I can forget, for example, the automatic pivot switch: for the sets with the background "Display pilots" ahead. The actually very practical setting of screen sets for specific programs (which are automatically loaded when you start these programs) is as natural useless. The Pivot switchover also works for me of course also not be right if I go on the board's own graphics and so can use the display driver: in the Portrait Mode, it switches automatically yet, back then I have to turn by hand. The thing missing just yet sufficiently mature.
But the OSD itself is a prime example of botched software. A concrete example: you can program three of the touch keys on the screen - for example, for a "mute" function, thus muting the monitor speaker. Sounds only times well ... did they do that, then the operation is as follows: if the noise is annoying, you approach with your finger the (unlabeled) buttons. The lights before the direct contact "magical" in (great!) - But still without revealing their function. For this you have to tap it a first time, then appears on the screen over each keypad each assigned function. So now again pressed the keypad, the screen according to marking the "Mute" has been assigned. Then a small OSD submenu with the options "Mute ON" and "MUTE" appears. Between which one has now with the right button (namely for the basic function "up" or "down") Select. And no - this was still not's; the selected function you have now (namely the Okay button) only confirm again with another key yet - only then the annoying sound is finally gone. What would you think of an audio amplifier, for the "mute" pull a small curtain to page, open behind a flap, flip the underlying rotary switch to "ON" or "OFF" and the current switch position then with a would have an extra pushbutton confirm? Who programmed a so absurd nonsense that belongs but tarred and feathered ... I have my mini Stereobox now yet again at the monitor asked: not because that would sound better, but because they switched on with a single handle and off and can provide up or down, as it should be. Hardware with undue operation is useless, quality or not.
Luckily a monitor is primarily for looking at there; for the BenQ BL3200 is really a tip device. But if z. B. often must switch between the inputs and thus often relies on the OSD, which should better look for another brand, as long as these unspeakable Fimware is not reworked from the ground up (and hopefully soon!).
