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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
The PG32UCDM3 includes the option of variable or uniform brightness. Typically, the former is where you’ll see the highest peaks if you measure a 25% window pattern as I did. That delivered just over 500 nits in my test, making it the brightest monitor in the group for SDR content. In practice, you don’t need more than 250 nits for an indoor environment. With Uniform Brightness turned on, the PG32UCDM3 measured just over 300 nits peak brightness for a full-field white pattern. Black levels and contrast could not be measured. Though the BlackShield film improves perceived black levels, the effect cannot be measured by a contact luminance meter like the i1 Display.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Calibration has no effect on black levels, static contrast or ANSI contrast, they are still unmeasurable. To equalize the white level, I set Uniform Brightness on with a field pattern and Uniform Brightness off with a 25% window. The PG32UCDM3 remembers the two settings, so once you get it to your liking so you don’t have to revisit the brightness slider every time.
Test Takeaway: The PG32UCDM3 offers typical OLED contrast and image depth. It looks a little blacker to the eye but the effect of the BlackShield tech could not be measured by my instruments. In SDR mode, it’s a little brighter than its competitors with just over 500 nits peak. It also stands out with a uniform vs variable brightness option. Many OLEDs don’t offer this. Bottom line, it’s gorgeous with a picture befitting a premium display.
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