Seeking recommendation and experiences, 4k monitor for PS5 and Macbook, 30 inch+.
I think USB-C is a must for the MacBook. I've had problems with anything else eg. display port = low refresh rate.
For the PS5, whatever maxes out the capabilities. Eg high refresh rate. HDMI spec. I don't know much about specifics.
Prefer to not have to unplug one to use the other.
Speakers not necessary. I game with a headset and video call with ear buds.
Budget / Mid-range price, I'd consider secondhand even.
Is local dimming anything to do with zoned backlighting?
Yes. The smaller the dimming zones the better. Individually lit pixels is the gold standard. Local dimming doesn't necessarily make for better display, but if they are bothering to do it then chances are they put more effort into the HDR. Achieving the required brightness for HDR10 while maintaining contrast ratios isn't really feasible without it. And it's a requirement for Dolby Vision.
second this. look for a monitor with more local dimming zones rather than less.
if you get a monitor with less dimming zones, you might end up with backlight halos, where the lighting around small bright objects like your cursor is noticeably brighter than other parts of the screen nearby
your best bet might even be OLED if you have the money.
regarding usb c - this link might help:
https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/qq7hrs/can_m1_p…
You are right. Having a monitor that can support USB-C for display/data/power for a MacBook is a must. It can be really hit and miss though as to what works and what doesn’t. Just read through the number of threads online relating to issues with the various USB-C docks and MacBooks.
I wanted to do away with relying on a dock between MacBook (actually just moved to a Mac Mini - still over USB-C though) and monitor. I settled on the Samsung M7 32 inch. This monitor is 4K and has built in USB-C. For the price point and these specs, this was the best I could find where reviews made me comfortable that it was going to work. Still wasn’t without its dramas though as it wouldn’t always detect the MacBook sometimes after I undocked and the came back (would need to power cycle). It is only 60hz though so won’t perhaps be ideal for the PS5 if you were wanting something with 120hz. I think the USB-C requirement and having it work with your MacBook is going to be tricky enough, let alone finding a monitor that can do that and then 120hz. You might need to compromise somewhere.
I can recommend the Dell G3223Q - I've been using it for over a year for both work (web dev) with my Macbook Pro and gaming with my Switch, Series X and PS5
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/776453
Of course, my living room OLED TV is way better for gaming, and I'd probably recommend a 42" OLED if you are doing more gaming than work. But as a combo work/gaming monitor, the Dell been close to perfect.
To be fair though, I do use a Caldigit TS3+ USB-C dock which are expensive but I got mine used for $300 or so. It lets me get 4K 144hz from my Macbook Pro (M1 Pro). I think I've had success with just a USB-C to display port cable but I can't quite remember.
Couldn't say no to the most recent deal on that same monitor! I'll report back on my experiences with DP to USB-C as I already have the cable.
Thanks for your insights.
Yeah $500 is insanely good. I almost bought another.
I always say you want real HDR for PS5, which means at least zoned backlighting. HDR is the real next gen technology imo, more important than resolution.