ConceptD CP1271V review: between gaming and design

The positioning of the model looks ambiguous. At first glance, it looks good: factory calibration, strict design like the older model, ergonomics aimed at work, not entertainment. But if you look closer, the configuration of the display is a bit strange for a device aimed at work. It has a high-hertz matrix with standard colour gamut and no HDR support, and, what's more, it offers Full HD resolution at only 27 inches! At the same time the device marks the beginning of the professional segment, even if not without a few reservations. Let's try to understand why such a monitor may be needed at all.

The ConceptD CP1271V, the younger model in the ConcpetD line of monitors, has a minimalistic design unlike the gamers' models, but it does not look cheap either. The slim bezels on three sides fit into the signature Zero Frame concept. They don't distract attention when you're working. And it almost does not cut the image in a multi-display configuration, if you put an additional monitor next to it.

The sleek aluminium base with wood-like detail adds to the sturdy, professional look. Height, tilt and swivel adjustments are available. If your workspace is informal, you can hang the screen on a VESA 100x100 bracket. The rear cover is made of matt plastic, which does not collect dust and fingerprints. There are also the controls: a traditional joystick and a vertical row of buttons.
The set of connectors is standard, but it's enough for everyday scenarios. There are a couple of HDMIs, one DisplayPort, four USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A connectors and a headphone mini-jack. The trendy USB Type-C, on the other hand, is alas not provided. A pair of integrated 2-watt speakers won't replace a stereo system, but will handle simple requests.

The monitor has a 27" IPS Agile-Splendor panel. It differs from the classic solutions with lower response time: almost eSports 2 ms (GtG). At the same time, the screen has 90% DCI-P3 colour space coverage and is calibrated at the factory.

The claimed colour accuracy is Delta E<2. The matrix backlight is even at different brightness levels, there is no visible glare.
But the resolution is questionable: 1920x1080 pixels at this diagonal is not the best option for work or gaming. However, there is one scenario where large pixels would be a plus: running AutoCAD and similar software. However, brightness is also tight: 250 cd/m2 - not the top figure by the standards of the professional segment. HDR support, of course, is only on paper. After all, you need backlight that is twice as bright to see the technology.

There are no claims for viewing angles: 178 degrees, standard for IPS matrixes, is enough for both axes with reserve. The stand allows you to tilt, rotate and adjust the screen height in the range of 120 mm, not to mention the portrait orientation. The latter option is simply indispensable in certain scenarios or when processing the relevant content. The refresh rate is decent: 144Hz in normal mode and up to 165Hz when overclocked.

From the standard office models, the novelty is distinguished not only by the design and expanded colour gamut. Support for 3D LUTs, an essential feature for graphic designers. As a bonus, the device comes with the proprietary Color Calibrator application, which allows you to create custom profiles for different tasks. Changing brightness and colour temperature in seconds and manual override of the presets is a one-time hassle. This is especially useful if there are several users, each with their own screen usage scenarios.

Equally important for long working days are the eye protection features. The ConceptD CP1271V offers several. The Flicker-Less technology solves one of the major problems of LCD panels - backlight flicker. Conventional dot matrices use PWM to maintain a predetermined brightness level. Simply put, they switch the LEDs on and off very quickly, contributing to user fatigue. To reduce eyestrain, the manufacturer used constant current backlighting. This ensures a steady illumination at all brightness levels, thus avoiding premature eye fatigue.

The BlueLightShield technology, in turn, filters out the blue part of the light spectrum, which is most disturbing to the eye.

It can be switched on manually in the monitor options but will cause colour distortion. When you print text, you can activate the preset for the whole day. But when you start a graphical editor, it's easier to turn off the filter temporarily. Comfyview anti-reflective coating completes the list of useful features.

In practice, the ConceptD CP1271V gives mixed impressions, depending on the specific scenario. CAD/CAM software works best for the model. In fact, it is only when working with it that the screen justifies the modest resolution stretched over a large diagonal. You can also work in Photoshop, if you move away from the display. In gaming scenarios, however, there are nuances. One thing is cyber sport disciplines, where high fps is more important than a pretty picture. And quite another one - the single-player AAA-hits, where the stairs of pixels are clearly visible in Full HD resolution on a 27-inch matrix.

The monitor turned out to be ambiguous. In our editorial opinion the most questionable design decision is the use of an FHD panel in a 27-inch device. There are also questions about the lack of high brightness. Although the colour gamut is wider than on the office variants, it still loses out to professional screens for HDR content. On the other hand, it has an attractive price/performance ratio. The ConceptD CP1271V will be well suited first of all to CAD-applications users who need the portrait orientation and large diagonal size.

It will also cope with colour correction of YouTube videos or those tasks that do not require too much line accuracy. Finally, you won't be left without entertainment: high clock speeds, low response and Full HD resolution allow you to relax after a hard day - gaming is just what it takes. Again, not to mention good colour reproduction right out of the box. The display looks austere, but not budget-friendly, which will certainly be appreciated by the opponents of flamboyant screens with RGB lights.

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Paul Roberts

Paul Roberts 51 years old Born in Edinburgh. Married. Studied at University of Oxford, Department of Public Policy and Social Work. Graduated in 1997. Works at Standard Life Aberdeen plc.

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