LG 43UD79-B launches: New 42.5-inch 4K IPS monitor has FreeSync plus loads of connectivity and gaming features

LG is ready to launch a brand new monitor. The LG 43UD79-B is feature-packed and can display content from four sources at the same time. It’s ready to pre-order in the US and is expected to ship on May 9.

The 43UD79-B has a 42.5-inch screen with a 3,840 x 2,160 native Ultra HD resolution and a traditional 60 Hz refresh rate. It furnishes an IPS panel that has a non-glare coating, a contrast ratio of up to 1,000:1, a 350 cd/m2 maximum brightness and a grey-to-grey (GTG) response time of eight milliseconds. The monitor has typical IPS display wide viewing angles at 178 degrees / 178 degrees.

LG says that its new monitor has support for 1.07 billion colours, although it doesn’t really mention a 10-bit panel. This may well be an 8-bit panel that uses A-FRC to reach a 10-bit colour depth. Good thing that the unit is going to be pre-calibrated before it gets shipped.

In addition to its FreeSync variable refresh support, the 43UD79-B has a bunch of gaming-related features including Black Stabiliser, Game Mode and Dynamic Action Sync (DAS) Mode. The FreeSync’s peak refresh rate should be 60 Hz, although the South Korean company does not provide exact details about the lower bound. The specs list only indicates 56 Hz to 61 Hz, a somewhat small range for the adaptive synchronization technology.

The new monitor boasts of major connectivity features as well. It has one USB 3.1 Type-C port, one DisplayPort 1.2a input (4K at 60 Hz), a couple of HDMI 1.4 ports (4K at 30 Hz) and two HDMI 2.0 inputs (4K at 60 Hz). The lone USB 3.1 Type-C port is able to function in DP Alt Mode and transmit a DisplayPort signal. Meanwhile, the single DisplayPort 1.2a input supports the above-mentioned sync technology.

All of the inputs enable the new LG monitor to display images from up to four devices simultaneously. The screen can also be split into different segments, including a pair of vertical or horizontal sections, four 21.5-inch FHD sections or even three sections of varying sizes. For those who don’t intend to split the screen up, the 43UD79-B likewise comes with basic Picture-in-Picture (PIP) support.

The monitor equips an RS-232C connector, a duo of Harman Kardon stereo speakers, a headphone jack and a remote. The 43UD79-B can basically turn into a KVM switch thanks to the Dual Controller feature. By plugging a keyboard and a mouse into the pair of USB 3.0 ports and connecting the LG display to two PCs, users can control two systems using one input device and one pointing device.

The LG 43UD79-B monitor comes with a three-year warranty and is currently available to pre-order in the US for US$697 (AU$935), with shipping likely to begin on May 9. It launches in Japan on May 19 with a ¥83,000 (AU$990) price tag, as noted by AnandTech. Official details about pricing and availability in Australia have yet to be announced.

LG 43UD79-B monitor specs and features

LCD Panel: AH-IPS
Backlight: LED (flicker free)
Diagonal: 42.51 inches (108 cm)
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 (60 Hz)
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Contrast (static): 1,000:1
Brightness: 350 cd/m2
Viewing angle (horizontal / vertical): 178 degrees / 178 degrees
Reaction time (grey-to-grey): 8 milliseconds
FreeSync / G sync: Dynamic Action Sync
Colours: 1.07 billion
Video inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0 | 2 x HDMI 1.4 | 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 | USB Type-C (DP Alt Mode)
Audio: Headphone output | 2 x 10 W Harman Kardon speakers
USB: 2 x USB 3.0 | 1 x USB Type-C
Dimensions with stand: 38.1 x 25.5 x 10.8 inches (967 x 648 x 275 mm)
Dimensions without stand: 38.1 x 22.6 x 2.8 inches (967 x 575 x 71 mm)
Weight with stand: 35 lbs (15.9 kg)
Weight without stand: 22.1 lbs (12.3 kg)
Features: PIP (2 signals) | PBP (4 signals) | Factory calibration | Dual controller (KVM switch) | Rich bass | Reader mode | RS232C (service port) | VESA mount