If you ask any video editor, you’ll find it more likely that they’re interested in screen real estate, rather than the actual desk space they need to deal with. When your job is to constantly cut clips together in a timeline, having more room for your tools and editing panes increasingly grows from a want to a necessity. By this point, you’ll probably start looking for the best monitor upgrade available.
Seasoned video editor Parker Walbeck of Fulltime Filmmaker seems to understand that very struggle, which is why he recently purchased the LG 38WK95C-W UltraWide Curved monitor for his own editing setup. In the video below, he shares some first-hand insights on the topic after spending some time with the curved monitor in the editing bay.
Big, backlit and beautiful, the LG’s UltraWide Curved monitor series has been long-favored by content creators since its introduction. With the latest iteration in the lineup of curved monitors, the LG 38WK95C-W sports features that will make any editor go up and arms to purchase it.
Specs-wise, the monitor measures 38-inches diagonally with a resolution of 3840 x 1600 – not quite 4K (2160 pixels vertically) but even still, there’s plenty of room to maximize the number of open applications and tools. With the stated resolution comes an aspect ratio of 21:9 which is perfect for people viewing content shot at a cinematic aspect ratio (2.40:1). However, as you might guess, content shot on other resolutions like 16:9 may look a bit awkward with the monitor, inundated by black bars on both sides.
Other features that will appeal to creators include the 99% sRGB color space for accurate color reproduction, in addition to the panel featuring HDR capabilities that provide vivid colors and proper balance between the shadows and highlights. The unit also boasts a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 5 ms response time, 300 cd/m² brightness rating, and support for up to 1.07 billion colors. Regarding I/O, the LG 38WK95C-W comes equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C inputs alongside a dedicated headphone jack and dual USB 3.0 ports.
LG 38WK95C-W UltraWide Curved IPS Monitor Highlights
- 37.5″ In-Plane Switching (IPS) Monitor
- HDMI / DisplayPort / USB Type-C Inputs
- 3840 x 1600 Resolution
- 1000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- 21:9 Aspect Ratio
- HDR 10 High Dynamic Range Support
In Walbeck’s editing setup, the curved monitor is simply placed on his desk utilizing the stand which comes out of the box. The monitor essentially acts as Walbeck’s base of operations, displaying the timeline, clip properties, project bin, or any other windows he needs open. Meanwhile, his well-trusted 5K iMac is propped up on a VESA mount, displaying the content of his timeline.
Overall, the extra horizontal screen space does increase productivity, especially if you’re predominantly using it to get a better view of your timeline. On the other hand, while it is true that the increased room with the UltraWide aspect of the monitor allows for more or bigger windows to be displayed, it’s not necessarily going to make a significant difference to your editing workflow. In fact, Walbeck sees this purchase as more of a luxury rather than a necessity.
Also, the monitor does have a few cons when it comes to its curved design. While the design may feel immersive, the viewing experience may not be crystal clear or consistent if you aren’t careful with how you position yourself in relation to the monitor. Then again, after you’ve found your sweet spot, the LG 38WK95C-W is a treat to use, but only if you have the extra $1,400 needed to take the leap.
[source: Parker Walbeck]
Order Links:
LG 38WK95C-W 37.5″ 21:9 UltraWide Curved IPS Monitor (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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