Asus ROG Strix XG49WCR 49-inch UltraWide Gaming Monitor with HDR and ELMB Sync

During the CES 2023 event, the Asus ROG Strix XG49WCR made its grand entrance as a highly adaptable gaming monitor. Initially, the manufacturer had touted the new 49-inch monitor’s utilization of IPS technology. However, a recent release of an official product page contradicts this claim, asserting that the monitor boasts a VA panel, which is expected to offer superior black levels.

This 49-inch ultrawide monitor 144hz model sports a curved design with an 1800 R curvature. It promises a remarkable 3000:1 contrast ratio, a peak brightness of 550 cd/m² (as opposed to the previously mentioned 400 cd/m²), and a 10-bit color depth. In terms of color accuracy, it covers an impressive 120 percent of the sRGB color space and 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, with a Delta-E value below 2. The resolution remains unchanged at 5120×1440 pixels (DQHD, 32:9 aspect ratio), and the refresh rate can be overclocked to 165 Hz.

A noteworthy revelation about the new 49-inch monitor is its status as an ELMB Sync model. This means that it combines Adaptive Sync anti-tearing technology with an anti-blur mode known as “Extreme Low Motion Blur” (ELMB). While the initial unveiling mentioned support for FreeSync Premium, the product page now only mentions Adaptive Sync or VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

The monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) provides various useful functions, including a black stabilizer, an FPS display, and crosshair overlays. Additionally, the 49-inch ultrawide monitor 144hz model includes two internal 5-watt speakers, DisplayHDR 400 support, and a KVM switch that enables the seamless operation of two connected devices using a single mouse-keyboard combination, eliminating the need for cable switching.

In terms of connectivity, the monitor offers a range of interfaces, including DisplayPort 1.4 (supporting DQHD at a maximum of 165 Hz), HDMI 2.0 (supporting DQHD at a maximum of 120 Hz), a USB 3.2 hub (Gen 1), a headphone output, and USB-C 3.2 with DisplayPort alternate mode (supporting DQHD at a maximum of 165 Hz) and 90 watts PD (Power Delivery). On the ergonomic front, the monitor provides rotation, tilt, height adjustment, VESA mount compatibility (100 x 100 mm), blue light filtering, and flicker-free backlighting.

Without its stand, the Asus XG49WCR weighs approximately 11.27 kg and has a power requirement of 45 watts.

Price and availability

The Asus ROG Strix XG49WCR 49-inch gaming monitor can be purchased from Amazon.com and Bhphotovideo.com for $999.

Asus XG49WCR specifications

• Display: 49-inch VA panel, Non-Glare
• Aspect Ratio: 32:9
• Display Viewing Area: 1191.936 (H) x 335.232 (V) mm
• Viewing Angle (CR≧10, H/V): 178°/ 178°
• Curvature: 1800R
• Pixel Pitch: 0.233mm
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440 (DQHD)
• Color Space: 120% (sRGB), 90% (DCI-P3)
• Brightness (HDR, Peak): 550 cd/㎡, 450 cd/㎡ (Typ.)
• Contrast Ratio (Typ.): 3000:1
• Display Colors: 1073.7M (10-bit)
• Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz, 165Hz (Max)
• Features: DisplayHDR 400, Flicker-free, Trace Free Technology, GameVisual, Color Temp. Selection (4 modes), Gamma adjustment, Color Accuracy, GamePlus, PIP / PBP, HDCP, Extreme Low Motion Blur, ELMB Sync, Adaptive-Sync, GameFast Input technology, Shadow Boost, DisplayWidget, Low Blue Light, KVM Switch, Kensington Lock, 1/4″ Tripod Socket
• Audio: 5W x2 Speakers
• Ports: USB-C x 1 (DP Alt Mode & USB 3.2), DisplayPort 1.4 DSC x 1, HDMI(v2.0) x 1, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, Earphone Jack, USB-C Power Delivery 90W, USB 3.2 x 2, RJ45
• Stand: Tilt (+20° ~ -5°), Swivel (+8° ~ -8°), Height Adj. (120mm)
• VESA Mount: 100 x 100 mm
• Dimensions: 1193.62 x (522~402) x 324.7 mm (with stand)
• Weight: 14.92 Kg (with stand)

In a similar vein, LG recently introduced the UltraWide 49WQ95C-W 49-inch curved monitor. This new LG monitor boasts features such as an UltraWide 32:9 Dual QHD (5120 x 1440) Nano IPS panel, HDMI 2.1, and USB Type-C connectivity. It comes with a recommended retail price of $1,699.99.