Philips unveils pair of premium monitors with Windows Hello and USB-C docking

All monitors are created equally, right? Oh, heck no. Quality can vary wildly. Even when two displays have the same specs on paper, the actual appearance can be quite different. That's why it's important to stick with reputable brands that are known for producing solid products.

Philips is a brand I trust for monitors, as its products have historically been of high quality. Not only do they offer a great picture, but they are long-lasting too. The company has two new models that are sure to excite computer enthusiasts. Windows 10 users in particular will love the integrated Windows Hello cameras -- you can login with your face rather than a password. That's not all that makes them special, however -- they also have integrated USB-C docking stations, with features like Gigabit Ethernet. Hardwired LAN access from your display? That is so cool!

"The Philips Brilliance 49-inch SuperWide Curved LCD Display offers the ultimate in picture quality, screen format and user functionality. The display earned an iF Design Award and a 2018 Red Dot award in 2018 - two of the most important design awards. The new 49-inch display acts like two full-size high-performance monitors in one for a massive wide view without the complicated setup, ideal for content creators and financial analysts. The 1800r curved display creates a more immersive experience for gaming and the Adaptive-Sync technology allows for smooth quick refresh and ultra-fast response time. Moreover, the VESA-certified Display HRD 400 brings images to life with stunning brightness and crisp colors for a visual experience that delights the senses," says Philips.

The company also says, "The Philips 329P9H 32-inch 4K LCD monitor delivers ultra-clarity, outstanding color and brilliant performance -- designed for the way you work to maximize productivity. The UltraClear 4K UHD (3840 X 2160) resolution and IPS technology offer full, crisp colors and wide viewing angles, making it possible to view the display from almost any angle -- including the 90-degree Pivot mode. A Smart Ergo Base delivers ergonomic display comfort that can ease the pain of long work days and can be adjusted to your preferred height, swivel, tilt and rotation angle. The PowerSensor automatically detects if a user is present and can reduce monitor brightness when they’re not, which reduces energy costs up to 80 percent and prolongs the monitor’s life"

The company shares significant specifications for each monitor below.

Philips Brilliance 32-inch 4K display (329P9H)

• LCD panel type: IPS technology
• Backlight type: W-LED system
• Panel Size: 31.5 inch / 80 cm
• Display Screen Coating: Anti-Glare, 3H, Haze 25%
• Effective viewing area: 697.3 (H) x 392.2 (V)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Optimum resolution: 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz
• Pixel Density: 140 PPI
• Response time (typical): 5 ms (Gray to Gray)
• Brightness: 350 cd/m²
• Contrast ratio (typical): 1300:1
• SmartContrast: 50,000,000:1
• Pixel pitch: 0.182 x 0.182 mm
• Viewing angle: 178º (H) / 178º (V), @ C/R > 10
• Display colors: Color support 1.07 billion colors
• Color gamut (typical): NTSC 90%, sRGB 80%, Adobe RGB 87%
• Scanning Frequency: 30 - 160 kHz (H) / 23 - 80 Hz (V)
• SmartUniformity: 97 ~ 102 %
• Signal Input: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, DisplayPort out x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 x 1 (upstream, power delivery up to 65W)
• HDCP: HDCP 2.2 (HDMI/ DP / USB-C)
• USB:: USB 3.1 x 4 (downstream with x 1 fast charge B.C 1.2)
• Audio (In/Out): Headphone out
• RJ45: Ethernet LAN (10M/100M/1G)
• Sync Input: Separate Sync, Sync on Green
• USB-C: Reversible plug connector
• Super speed: Data and Video transfer
• DP: Built-in Display Port Alt mode
• Power Delivery: USB PD version 2.0
•  Max power delivery: Up to 65W (5V/3A; 9V/3A; 10V/3A;12V/3A; 15V/3A; 20V/3.25A)

Philips Brilliance 49-inch curved display (499P9H)

• LCD panel type: VA LCD
• Backlight type: W-LED system
• Panel Size: 48.8 inch / 124 cm
• Display Screen Coating: Anti-Glare, 2H, Haze 25%
• Effective viewing area: 1193.5 (H) x 335.7 (V) mm at a 1800R curvature
• Aspect ratio: 32:9
• Optimum resolution: 5120 x 1440 @ 60Hz
• Pixel Density: 109 PPI
• Response time (typical): 5 ms (Gray to Gray)
• Brightness: 450 cd/m²
• Contrast ratio (typical): 3000:1
• SmartContrast: 80,000,000:1
• Pixel pitch: 0.233 x 0.233 mm
• Viewing angle: 178º (H) / 178º (V), @ C/R > 10
• Flicker-free
• Picture enhancement: SmartImage
• Display colors: 16.7 M
• Color gamut (typical): NTSC 103%, sRGB 121%, Adobe RGB 91%
• HDR: DisplayHDR 400 certified (DP / HDMI)
• Scanning Frequency: 30 - 230 kHz (H) / 48 - 70 Hz (V); Adaptive sync (for HDMI/DP)
• SmartUniformity: 97 ~ 102%
• Delta E: < 2
• sRGB
• LowBlue Mode
• EasyRead
• Adaptive sync
•  Signal Input: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 b x 2, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 x 1 (upstream, power delivery up to 65 W)
• HDCP: HDCP 2.2 (HDMI / DP / USB-C)
• USB:: USB 3.1 x 1 (upstream), USB 3.1 x 3 (downstream with x 1 fast charge B.C 1.2)
• Audio (In/Out): Headphone out
• RJ45: Ethernet LAN (10M/100M/1G)
• Sync Input: Separate Sync, Sync on Green
• USB-C docking
• USB-C: Reversible plug connector
• Super speed: Data and Video transfer
• DP: Built-in Display Port Alt mode
• Power Delivery: USB PD version 2.0
• Max power delivery: Up to 65W (5V/3A; 9V/3A; 10V/3A;12V/3A; 15V/3A; 20V/3.25A)

Both monitors will be available in Q1 of 2019 -- the Philips Brilliance 32-inch 4K display (329P9H) can be had in February for $799. The larger monitor, the Philips Brilliance 49-inch curved display (499P9H), costs more, of course -- it will be sold in March for $1299.