The latest addition to the ASUS ProArt product line is the PA148CTV monitor. Here's what we think of it.
The monitor is a 14-inch full HD display that also incorporates a 10 point multi-touch control. It comes pre-calibrated from the factory and is Calman verified. Connectivity for the monitor is done with two USB Type-C ports and one Micro HDMI connection. It’s an ideal monitor for remote production or even post production work. It has a very convenient built in stand and fits into an excellent carry case that’s included with the package. When used in the production environment the monitor also has a tripod socket that makes it extremely convenient to mount. This can be used to allow the director to see exactly what the camera operator is seeing during the shoot.
The monitor also contains the new ASUS Dial Control and Virtual Control Panel. These unique features allow you to control software applications within the Adobe Creative Cloud package such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects and Lightroom Classic. Using these new features gives you access to the application’s creative controls and shortcuts together with the monitor’s integrated touch screen. The monitor also has the same familiar on screen menu structure that we’re used to seeing with the other ASUS ProArt monitors and the new Dial Control makes it very easy to adjust the parameters.
I tested the monitor in a variety of use scenarios. In my first test with this monitor I tried it together with DaVinci Resolve Studio while doing remote location grading together with my Macbook Pro. It worked flawlessly. I checked the colorimetry and I found the factory calibration to be excellent. I also found the size to be very comfortable for my remote location grading environment. Connectivity can be achieved by either a direct connection to the computer and using the clean feed output from Resolve Studio or by using a video I/O device such as an Ultra Studio 4K unit.
I then tried connecting the monitor to my Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Camera and it worked perfectly. Connecting the monitor to the camera’s HDMI output allowed those on the set to see exactly what I was seeing in the viewfinder. I found that the built in kickstand was perfect for positioning the monitor on a table and being able to view the image in a glare free environment. At one point I also mounted the monitor on a tripod using the tripod adapter and this was great as it allowed us to easily move the monitor around to ensure the best visibility.
In my next test I used the monitor together with the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro switcher and this proved to be an excellent combination. During a multi-camera live stream I connected the switcher output to the monitor. This allowed me to view all the inputs connected to the switcher and also to double check my live stream status. I also tried using the monitor to view the OBS software graphic user interface and this worked equally well. I found that these test scenarios really showed how well this monitor performed. In each case it demonstrated its flexibility and excellent image quality.
When using the monitor together with the Adobe Creative Cloud applications, the Virtual Control Panel interface within the monitor together with the integrated touch screen allowed for exceptional creativity. I tested the monitor with Adobe Photoshop and the monitor’s Control Panel made picture editing extremely easy. I then tried it together with Adobe Premiere Pro and it made editing and image correction a simple task.
In the past, traveling along with a monitor was always a difficult task. This now comes to an end thanks to the PA148CTV. The supplied carry case makes this monitor an ideal choice when traveling by plane or train as it can easily slip into your laptop bag. The setup was so intuitive that after unpacking the monitor, I was up and running in a matter of seconds.
In regards to colorimetry I could see the color accuracy immediately. I put up a series of test signals within DaVinci Resolve and I was astounded at how spot on everything was. The monitor also has an exceptional angle of viewing which is a feature I am always critical of. This monitor, like all of the other ASUS ProArt displays, certainly does not disappoint. The superb design of the monitor together with its fantastic performance makes it an ideal choice for either production or post production projects.
The ASUS ProArt PA148CTV retails for £399.99. For more information visit the ASUS website.