Post
MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Review: The first monitor with Auto-HGiG for HDR gaming
This video analyzes the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED monitor with a 27-inch screen and 4K UHD resolution, highlighting its ability to automatically activate HGiG (High Dynamic Range Gaming) or source-based tone mapping when playing HDR games on consoles and PCs. The analysis covers its performance in HDR and SDR, uniformity, latency, and other key features, concluding that it is an excellent monitor with good value for money.
1. 🎮 Introduction to the MSI MPG 272URX: The first monitor with Auto-HGiG
- ✅ The MSI MPG 272URX is the first monitor tested that automatically activates HGiG or source-based tone mapping.
- ✅ This 27-inch QD-OLED monitor offers 4K UHD resolution and a 240 Hz refresh rate.
- ✅ The monitor's intelligent configuration responds to the HDR10 metadata embedded in the video signal.
00:00 - 00:39
1. 🎮 Introduction to the MSI MPG 272URX: The first monitor with Auto-HGiG
- ✅ The MSI MPG 272URX is the first monitor tested that automatically activates HGiG or source-based tone mapping.
- ✅ This 27-inch QD-OLED monitor offers 4K UHD resolution and a 240 Hz refresh rate.
- ✅ The monitor's intelligent configuration responds to the HDR10 metadata embedded in the video signal.
00:40 - 01:48
2. 💡 How HDR and HGiG work on the MSI 272URX
- ✅ The monitor adapts its HDR10 tone curve according to the maximum screen luminance (1,000 or 4,000 nits) to preserve specular highlight details.
- ✅ In HDR games, where consoles and PCs do not transmit static HDR10 metadata (SD 2086), many monitors use 4,000 or 10,000 nits tone curves, diluting the HDR impact and darkening the image.
- ✅ The MSI 272URX, in the absence of SD 2086 metadata, limits the signal to the panel's native maximum brightness, meeting the fundamental requirement for HGiG to function effectively.
01:49 - 03:37
3. 🔆 HDR Modes: True Black 400 vs. Peak 1000 nits
- ✅ The monitor offers two HDR configurations: True Black 400 (480 nits up to 10% of the window size) and Peak 1000 nits (over 1100 nits in 3% or less).
- ✅ True Black 400 uses a more relaxed ABL (Automatic Brightness Limiter) algorithm.
- ✅ Both modes offer similar full-screen luminance (approx. 270 nits).
- ✅ Peak 1000 nits mode better preserves specular highlight details above 500 nits.
- ✅ True Black 400 mode appears brighter in high APL scenes due to its less aggressive ABL.
- ⚠️ MSI will release an EOTF software update to improve the brightness of Peak 1000 nits mode without sacrificing EOTF accuracy.
03:38 - 04:40
4. ⚙️ HDR and HGiG configuration recommendations
- ✅ HGiG is automatically activated in the absence of ST86 metadata.
- ✅ True Black 400 mode offers Max TML and Max FFTML values of 550 nits, while Peak 1000 nits mode reaches 1,000 nits.
- ✅ It is recommended to use True Black 400 mode by default and ensure that HGiG is configured correctly.
- ✅ The goal of HGiG is to allow the source device to map HDR10 content up to the screen's native maximum brightness without losing highlight details.
04:41 - 06:19
5. 🎨 SDR Performance and Calibration
- ✅ Most SDR image presets are mapped to the QD-OLED panel's wide natural color gamut, with no options to manually adjust the color space.
- ✅ The exception is the sRGB preset in the Pro Mode submenu, which accurately tracks the sRGB/Rec.709 gamut, ideal for SDR content.
- ✅ Color temperature adjustments are locked in sRGB mode, limiting the user to factory calibration.
- ✅ The default calibration is accurate, with a maximum white luminance close to the sRGB target of 80 nits.
- ✅ The brightness setting can be increased to improve visibility without compromising accuracy.
- ⚠️ A gamma control is missing in the image menu, requiring the use of ICC profiles for a gamma of 2.4.
06:20 - 07:48
6. ✨ Uniformity, Gradation and Connectivity
- ✅ IP3 color gamut coverage measured 99% in UV terms, while REC 2020 coverage was 81%.
- ✅ The monitor exhibited impeccable brightness uniformity, typical of QD-OLED, with no dirty screen effect or color tint.
- ✅ Dark uniformity was average, with vertical banding and vignetting visible on gray slides.
- ✅ Native 10-bit gradation was top-notch.
- ✅ The monitor handles 24, 25 and 50 fps content without issues.
- ✅ The MSI 272 URX is well equipped with connectivity, including DisplayPort 2.1, two HDMI 2.1 ports and a USBC port with 98 watt power delivery.
07:49 - 09:31
7. ⚡ Latency, Motion Clarity and Anti-Burn-in Features
- ✅ The average end-to-end system latency was 11.8 milliseconds.
- ✅ The combination of a 240 fps video signal with a 240 Hz screen refresh rate resulted in high motion clarity without black smear artifacts.
- ✅ VRR support, including Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, for smooth gameplay without frame drops.
- ✅ The monitor is capable of reproducing full chroma 4:4:4 in SDR, but it is reduced to 4:2:2 in HDR.
- ✅ The 272 URX offers a comprehensive set of anti-burn-in measures.
09:32 - 10:25
8. 🛡️ Warranty and Final Considerations
- ✅ MSI backs the 272 URX with a three-year warranty that includes coverage for OLED burn-in.
- ✅ The screen turns gray under direct light due to the absence of a polarizer.
- ✅ Careful positioning of the monitor is essential to avoid ambient contrast loss in a well-lit environment.
10:26 - 12:12
9. 🏆 Summary and Final Verdict
- ✅ The MSI 272 URX is an exceptional 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor with a 240 Hz refresh rate and DisplayPort 2.1.
- ✅ It offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and excellent screen uniformity.
- ✅ It is reasonably priced at around £700, earning it the best value for money award.
- ❌ It lacks gamma control in the image menu and support for Dolby Vision, BFI, and VRR flicker mitigation features.
- ✅ It is the first monitor tested that automatically activates HGiG or source-based tone mapping when playing HDR games on consoles and PCs.