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LG 31MU97 4k Display
- Thread starter Zorn
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Just searched, and the Thunderbolt version is still available for all the usual vendors, thou it generally seems to cost significantly more than the older /regular (non-Z) model for some reason.
After upgrade to Sierra, macOS will wakeup at once after sleep, but after I unplug the monitor cable or turn it off, it will sleep as normal, anyone have same problem with this monitor? I did reset NVRAM and SMC, but problem still exist.
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This thread seems to be the most active discussion on this particular monitor. I've recently bought the Z-B version (Thunderbolt edition) and I'm disappointed in LG's quality control, mainly because this monitor could be perfect.
The first one (February 2016 build) had almost perfect color and backlight uniformity, but had 3 pixels and a blemish on the screen. I had it replaced. The 2nd one (July 2016) had very obvious color shift across the screen (reddish white on the left, greenish on the right). So I went for a 3rd exchange.
This panel has zero dead pixels, and the uniformity seems to be quite good (alas, not as good as the first monitor I got). However, it seems to suffer from the so-called 'dirty screen effect', that is common on TV panels. There are a few faint vertical bands that can be seen when panning in video games, but also on graphics applications such as Photoshop (the problem is more obvious with gray colors):
My question is: should I got for another swap or is finding a near perfect panel like searching for a unicorn? Has anyone got a newer build of the monitor (i.e. September-October 2016)?
Thanks in advance!
The first one (February 2016 build) had almost perfect color and backlight uniformity, but had 3 pixels and a blemish on the screen. I had it replaced. The 2nd one (July 2016) had very obvious color shift across the screen (reddish white on the left, greenish on the right). So I went for a 3rd exchange.
This panel has zero dead pixels, and the uniformity seems to be quite good (alas, not as good as the first monitor I got). However, it seems to suffer from the so-called 'dirty screen effect', that is common on TV panels. There are a few faint vertical bands that can be seen when panning in video games, but also on graphics applications such as Photoshop (the problem is more obvious with gray colors):
My question is: should I got for another swap or is finding a near perfect panel like searching for a unicorn? Has anyone got a newer build of the monitor (i.e. September-October 2016)?
Thanks in advance!
According to the LG website, True Color Pro version 3.6.3 is compatible with the Spyder 5, so I downloaded the software to see if it would work. However, when I plug in my Spyder 5 Pro and launch True Color Pro 3.6.3 it shows the message "DDCCI/USB communication may not be supported in this monitor"
At some point this week I'll contact LG about the message and report back here what they say.
I hope that helps.
EDIT:
Further to my earlier post, I had a sudden thought about this that has proved correct! Like an idiot, I'd plugged my Spyder 5 straight into my Mac Pro. As soon as I plugged it into the LG's built in USB hub (something I don't normally use because it's so difficult to access) True Color Pro came to life and I was able to calibrate my screen.
A word to the wise, once the calibration has completed don't unplug your Spyder 5 until you've had a look at the results. I did and True Color Pro instantly reverted to the "DDCCI" message. DOH!
The monitor is now using "Calibration 1" as it's picture mode. My Mac is using a display profile of "LG 2014-6-19-22-178-6482" and I have no idea if that's correct or if I should be using the 31MU97 profile. Perhaps I should've changed the display profile before calibration? I really should've read up on True Color Pro before I did this... Documentation is for wimps isn't it? ;-)
I hope that helps. I know very little about True Color Pro having not bothered with it when it didn't work first time I tried using it after buying my Spyder 5, so I'm pretty pleased it's working in the latest version. I do wonder if I've used it correctly. Suffice to say, it works and this should answer your question!
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I assume you plugged into one of the three USB 3.0 ports at the back of the monitor?
That's what I did, and for some reason, it's still showing "DDCCI/USB communication may not be supported in this monitor".
Yes that's right. With apologies if you've done this already - don't forget you also need to connect the USB hub in the monitor to your computer.
Might sound obvious but as I initially plugged the Spyder into my Mac I thought I'd mention it just in case you're having a funny five minutes just like I did!
Yes, I just did so and now it's working
I wonder why it must be plugged into the monitor USB to work. I guess others will know.
Sad to report that my honeymoon with this monitor ended today after 2.5 years.
Just refused to power on anymore all of the sudden today.
LG's wonderful 1 year warranty is of course long expired and I'm left with a $300+ repair option or moving on.
Honestly not sure what I'm going to do at this point.
I will say that this is an A+ example of why people are so bummed that Apple got out of the display business (no AppleCare or take in for instant repair options) and I'm really really hesitant about something like those new LG 5k/4k options given what just happened to me with this monitor.
Ugh. Awful day. Left in total limbo and unsure what's next...
Just refused to power on anymore all of the sudden today.
LG's wonderful 1 year warranty is of course long expired and I'm left with a $300+ repair option or moving on.
Honestly not sure what I'm going to do at this point.
I will say that this is an A+ example of why people are so bummed that Apple got out of the display business (no AppleCare or take in for instant repair options) and I'm really really hesitant about something like those new LG 5k/4k options given what just happened to me with this monitor.
Ugh. Awful day. Left in total limbo and unsure what's next...
Really sorry to hear that. Makes my complaint about the monitor being a bit wobbly on the stand (which is why I bought a monitor arm, which isn't much better) seem like a load of nonsense compared to what's happened to you! Especially as decent hi-res screens are so pricey.
Will be interested to hear what you eventually do and what you get as a replacement. Just in case the unthinkable happens to anyone else watching this thread.
Thx... Yeah, they really seem to get you by the balls on something like this as my monitor is otherwise flawless and I'm not sure I can stomach just "getting rid of it". I'll probably end up eating the $300 and shipping it in. :-(
Exactly - and sorry for your loss.
This is another reason why I too won't be buying any of the (new) LG UltraFine TB3 models, even at the reduced prices. In this jurisdiction, they only offer a two-year warrantee, and it's non-transferable!
As you say, there's no 3-year AppleCare Option anywhere in sight. Meanwhile, many other vendors, such as Dell, offer 3-year cover on all of their monitors.
Unfortunately, most punters place (boring) warrantee terms way down on their list of purchase decision factors. Which is how LG continues to get away such limiting conditions.
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My main problem is "what now"...
I guess $300 for a new Power supply inside the thing, but I'm having a hard time telling myself to put *any* money into a monitor that's 2.5 years old vs just buying something newer.
Any thoughts?
I don't know what your application is, but humbly suggest that you put those 3x C-Notes towards a replacement - with a long warrantee (not LG). The monitor specs /price equation has improved a lot in 2½ years.
As a side project, you might be able to source one of those really inexpensive "parts only" models of the same monitor on eBay etc. Then try for a fix.
That is indeed a good idea on the parts only equation... I should probably open the thing up and try to figure out what needs replacement.
Just an update - I ended up grabbing an LG 27" 4k (model 27UD68) for $500 from BestBuy.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-27-ips-led-4k-uhd-freesync-monitor/4922001.p?skuId=4922001
Very impressive. The chassis "look" is a bit more stately and modern than the 31.5" that died and the internals are clearly spec bumped as the OSD/Button/Menu's are SUPER snappy in comparison to the 31.5.
No USB hub in this model, but otherwise a very very good value and amazing screen for $500.
Not sure what I'll do on the 31.5 at this point - Might sell it for "parts" on eBay or something. Was otherwise perfect until the power supply died, but I just don't know if I can justify putting $300+ into the older display, especially now that I've seen the more refined feel/direction of the newer LG's.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-27-ips-led-4k-uhd-freesync-monitor/4922001.p?skuId=4922001
Very impressive. The chassis "look" is a bit more stately and modern than the 31.5" that died and the internals are clearly spec bumped as the OSD/Button/Menu's are SUPER snappy in comparison to the 31.5.
No USB hub in this model, but otherwise a very very good value and amazing screen for $500.
Not sure what I'll do on the 31.5 at this point - Might sell it for "parts" on eBay or something. Was otherwise perfect until the power supply died, but I just don't know if I can justify putting $300+ into the older display, especially now that I've seen the more refined feel/direction of the newer LG's.
I thought you were done with LG monitors! What's the Warrantee on the 27UD68 version from BB?
I don't even really care at the $500 price point.
It seems like we are moving into the "disposable tech" area in all categories sadly..
I wasn't happy about another LG given what just happened, but I needed a monitor immediately to be able to keep working.
Understood & agreed. And your replacement model also sports FreeSync. I'd be curious to know how you find the LED screen, if it flickers etc.
Also, I scanned some of the big retail sites, and there are used LG-31MU97b monitors going online for as low as £610, presumably in working order.
I know I should probably care more about flicker stuff, but I don't know how to tell...
I can say that the screen is really gorgeous and feels every bit on par with the larger 31.5.
I'm sure there's some other specs or color space or something I'm supposed to be noticing as superior on the 31.5, but honestly, so far this just feels like a touch smaller and otherwise better/newer/more refined version.
[doublepost=1484947316][/doublepost]The monitor I really want still doesn't seem to exist and that would be a 5k @ 32", as I'd prefer to run perfect Retina 1440p at a slightly physical larger size than 27" (so really anything in 30"-32" range would be perfect for me)
Maybe I'll never get it, but I will keep hoping that something like that Asus ProArt 5k 32" will eventually be released.
If you are really interested in HighEnd displays, I starter to replace every display with Eizos, except the 21:9 panels, which are still used on some of my machines.
I ended up paying the $300 and sending it in - Credit card coverage declined the claim, but ultimately I just couldn't stomach throwing it out as it was fully functional and wonderful.
Perhaps a bad decision, but nothing jumped out to me that looked so much better to justify pitching this one and paying substantially more than $300 to get 31.5" size and quality of this units screen.
Basically LG's total garbage warranty worked out perfect for them. It died, they don't cover it and they got more money out of me. Yay! Corporation wins again! :-(
Of all the big Monitor vendors, LG seems to have the worst customer support & shortest warrantees. Presumably, they calculate that buyers don't prioritise such considerations. Imho, that's a big mistake.