THE ACER PRODESIGNER BM320 ain’t
exactly cutting edge. There’s a reason for
that though—it was originally released at
the end of 2017. So, there’s no HDR and
it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. But that
isn’t necessarily all bad. For starters, the
price is only going in one direction.
More on that later; first, let’s size
this generously proportioned monitor
up. The key metrics are the 32 inches
of screen diagonal and full UHD or 4K
resolution, the latter translating into a
fulsome 3840x2160 pixels. Moreover,
as the “mere” 60Hz refresh implies, it’s
not aimed at gamers, which is actually a
relief, such is the preponderance of both
gaming screens and gaming-focused
technology in the monitor market of late.
Instead, the Acer ProDesigner BM320
has pros in general and content creators
in particular as its target demographic.
With that in mind, you get features such
as 10-bit color per channel (though Acer
doesn’t make it clear if the panel natively
supports that) and multiple color space
presets, including AdobeRGB, sRGB, and
Rec.709. Acer says the BM320 covers 100
percent of the AdobeRGB space.
So, the Acer ProDesigner BM320 is an
old schooler in an age of HDR and high-
refresh upstarts. There’s no adaptive
sync, no local dimming, just a large, high-
quality, high-res panel. Incidentally, that
panel is of the IPS rather than TN or VA
persuasion, the better for color accuracy.
Initial impressions are impressive. The
BM320’s colors are seriously punchy and,
subjectively, the contrast looks strong. In
fact, such is the vibrancy and saturation,
the overall impression is more VA than
IPS. However, closer inspection reveals
the screen’s true IPS-derived character.
That includes very wide viewing angles
and impressive detail in color scales and
test images. Those color space presets
also ensure that the BM320 is ready for
most—but not quite all—workflows. The
obvious exception involves HDR content.
In terms of content consumption, we
couldn’t care less about the lack of HDR
support. For that remit, this screen
looks every bit as good as those with
entry-level HDR support. In other words,
screens without local dimming, which is
most HDR-compliant PC monitors today.
However, the lack of HDR support
could be a deal-breaker for content
creation. Other upsides include a smoothSuck it up gamers, this screen isn’t for you
Acer ProDesigner BM320
7
VERDICT Acer ProDesigner BM320VALUE PROPOSITION Gorgeous
4K IPS panel; multiple color
spaces supported.
FALSE ECONOMY No HDR support; some
noticeable input lag; not exactly cheap.
$810, http://www.acer.comSPECIFICATIONSPanel Size 32-inch
Panel Type IPS
Resolution 3840x2160
Pixel Pitch 138 ppi
Brightness 350cd/m^2
Contrast 100m:1 (dynamic)
Response 5ms
VESA Mount 100 x 100mm
Warranty Two yearsanti-glare coating, slim bezels on three
sides, and plenty of connectivity, including
DisplayPort, HDMI, and even DVI.
That 4K resolution on a 32-inch panel
makes for a pleasingly tight pixel pitch and
crisp fonts, not to mention lots of desktop
real estate. At 32 inches, many users will
be comfortable running the BM320 at 100
percent scaling, maximizing on-screen
elbow room. Rounding the plus points out
are excellent build quality and a robust-
feeling stand that offers a comprehensive
range of adjustment, including the ability
to rotate into portrait mode.
As for niggles, the aforementioned
HDR-related limitations aside, the most
obvious flaw is noticeable input lag. Were
this a gaming panel, it would be a very
serious problem. For content creation,
it’s more of an annoyance. Suffice to
say, if you’re looking for an upscale all-
arounder with a bit of gaming included,
this Acer isn’t the best option.
All of which leaves the sordid matter of
money. Right now, the Acer ProDesigner
BM320 is just over $800. However, we
noticed its price had fallen to as little as
£400 over in the UK, which works out at
around $500. We suspect the US price is
heading in the same direction, given the
maturity of this model. And at that kind
of money, it’s one hell of a package, even
with the limitations. –JEREMY LAIRDmaximumpc.com DEC 2019 MAXIMUMPC 81