LG 31MU97-B Impressions

[AppleDroid]

I've moved this from my previous post because I was afraid the title wouldn't get any hits (it started as a question)

Got the display, connected it and my 2013 MP recognized it right away. Native 4K but at 50Hz.

That said it's probably going back for a few reasons:

1. It suffers from what seems to be a common LG screen problem: Left side has a different white point and/or light output than the right. It's not as terrible as the iMac I returned but it's an obvious color shift problem which will make editing photos difficult. Very noticeable on white or gray areas. The photo doesn't show it well but there's also a yellow tint on the left and blue on the right.

2. Maybe it's just this display but HiDPI isn't working correctly with Photoshop. From what I've read only the UI should scale, the images should be a native resolution. When running any scaled size the images I'm working on scale as well. For example a 5k image doesn't fill the screen at 150% scaling. At native its bigger than the screen.

Scaled:

Native:

3. 50hz is noticeable. Again nothing like 30z but videos and moving around quickly on the screen it's noticeable.

 

[ctyrider]

I know it's not directly related to your question.. But are you able to run this display at scaled retina resolutions, while preserving correct 17:9 aspect ratio?

I read in the other thread people were unable to run this display with correct aspect ratio at any resolution other than native 4096x2160 (UI elements way too small).. or 2:1 / 2048x1080 (UI elements way too big).

I am interested in something in the middle, like 3008x1586. Are you able to run at this resolution with latest 10.10.1?

 

[AppleDroid]

I know it's not directly related to your question.. But are you able to run this display at scaled retina resolutions, while preserving correct 17:9 aspect ratio?

I read in the other thread people were unable to run this display with correct aspect ratio at any resolution other than native 4096x2160 (UI elements way too small).. or 2:1 / 2048x1080 (UI elements way too big).

I am interested in something in the middle, like 3008x1586. Are you able to run at this resolution with latest 10.10.1?

No problem yes it booted into native resolution and you can choose from three other scaled resolutions that still look plenty sharp as pixel double or native. I forgot the exact specifications but you get 2550x1350 and 3200x2000 approximately.

For people who don't need super accurate color it's a beautiful screen albeit one that runs very warm after a few hours. If it didn't have the white color shift I'd probably keep it. I may work with it more in the next week to see if it's really an issue but mine is definitely warmer on half the screen.

 

[edanuff]

Maybe it's just this display but HiDPI isn't working correctly with Photoshop. From what I've read only the UI should scale, the images should be a native resolution. When running any scaled size the images I'm working on scale as well. For example a 5k image doesn't fill the screen at 150% scaling. At native its bigger than the screen.

Out of curiosity, what version of Photoshop are you using? It's on my to-do list to upgrade to the latest version of PS, but I'm using an old version that doesn't support HiDPI, so I don't know how it works on a screen like this. Even though Adobe says the latest PS supports HiDPI, it was done before 4K screens came out, when everyone using HiDPI was using it with retina displays that do an even 2X scale. It's unlikely that Adobe tested it with monitors like this that are often run at a 1.5X scale.

Photoshop HiDPI and retina display support FAQ

 

[AppleDroid]

Out of curiosity, what version of Photoshop are you using? It's on my to-do list to upgrade to the latest version of PS, but I'm using an old version that doesn't support HiDPI, so I don't know how it works on a screen like this. Even though Adobe says the latest PS supports HiDPI, it was done before 4K screens came out, when everyone using HiDPI was using it with retina displays that do an even 2X scale. It's unlikely that Adobe tested it with monitors like this that are often run at a 1.5X scale.

Photoshop HiDPI and retina display support FAQ

Using the latest CC 2014.

I noticed that when in scaled mode it adds a 200% option for zoom that seems to do the trick but it's a little bit soft because I an not running in 2x mode.

 

[edanuff]

Using the latest CC 2014.

I noticed that when in scaled mode it adds a 200% option for zoom that seems to do the trick but it's a little bit soft because I an not running in 2x mode.

Thanks, good to know. Sounds like Photoshop is assuming HiDPI is always 2X scale.

 

[AppleDroid]

Thanks, good to know. Sounds Photoshop is assuming HiDPI is always 2X scale.

Yeah it works but as I said it's a bit blurry because unless you're at 200% HiDPI it won't work perfectly.

Also today I decided to give the monitor another test by taking the same image side by side comparing the two halves of the screen. There is a definite color/light change from left to right.

Boxing it up to return, not sure if I will exchange or just get a refund. Next up is to roll the dice with the Dell 2715Q or stick with non-4k and pick up an NEC PA272w and call it a day. Very disappointed though the clarity and screen real estate is amazing.

Full size here: http://s1183.photobucket.com/user/updownleftD/media/LG-Color-Shift3.jpg.html

Left: Warmer/More contrast Right: Cooler/Less contrast

 

[ctyrider]

Boxing it up to return, not sure if I will exchange or just get a refund. Next up is to roll the dice with the Dell 2715Q or stick with non-4k and pick up an NEC PA272w and call it a day. Very disappointed though the clarity and screen real estate is amazing.

Would be curious if you got a bad unit, or if the color issues you see are consistent across the entire product line.. So far, I have never seen anyone else complain about color reproduction of this LG screen.. So perhaps you just got a defective unit.

Also, I'd be very surprised if you get better results with Dell 2715Q.

 

[AppleDroid]

Would be curious if you got a bad unit, or if the color issues you see are consistent across the entire product line.. So far, I have never seen anyone else complain about color reproduction of this LG screen.. So perhaps you just got a defective unit.

Also, I'd be very surprised if you get better results with Dell 2715Q.

That is what I'd like to know as well, I haven't been able to reach out directly to anyone who has, or had, this monitor yet. I know most screens have fluctuations with whites even my NEC 2690w2 has some backlight issues but the LG was color shifting which is a no-go.

I may try to exchange it first, test another unit, then send it back for refund if I get another one that shows the same problem. I am also really particular about my screen so others may have the same issue but don't see it or care.

I'd pick up the new 4k NEC but it's $3k which is way out of my league right now price wise.

EDIT: Amazon didn't want to do an exchange due to the enormous size of the package so it's going back for a full refund.