In this blog post we will talk about ASCR or ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio. This is a feature that ASUS monitors have that dynamically adjusts the contrast ratio to improve image quality.
Why does ASCR matter? Because contrast ratio plays a significant role in visual quality especially when it comes to detail in shadows and bright areas. A higher contrast ratio means the display can show deeper blacks and brighter whites which is essential for video games and detailed image work. ASCR is ASUS’s way of automating this process to deliver better picture quality without the user having to manually adjust the contrast settings.
How ASCR Works
ASCR operates by continuously monitoring the image on the screen and dynamically adjusting the backlight to enhance contrast. When the screen displays dark content ASCR will reduce the backlight brightness to create deeper blacks.
Conversely when a bright scene appears the feature raises the backlight to ensure vivid highlights. This adaptive adjustment allows ASUS monitors to display a broader range of tones, enhancing visual depth and realism. Read our guide to Is AOC a Good Monitor Brand?
Here’s how ASCR generally works:
- Scene Detection: ASCR detects the type of scene whether it’s bright, dark, or mixed.
- Automatic Adjustment: Based on the scene ASCR increases or decreases the backlight to achieve the desired contrast level.
- Enhanced Contrast: This results in an improved image that maintains clarity and depth, especially for movies and games where contrast details are crucial.
In simple terms ASCR automates the contrast settings for you so you don’t have to manually adjust brightness and contrast based on each scene. For gamers and content creators this means that dark scenes look more atmospheric and bright scenes remain clear without overwhelming glare.
The Benefits of ASCR for Gaming and Entertainment
When it comes to gaming and watching movies contrast is everything. ASCR enhances the viewing experience by improving detail in shadows adding richness to bright scenes and maintaining a balanced contrast throughout your media.
Here’s a breakdown of ASCR’s main benefits:
- Enhanced Shadow and Highlight Detail: ASCR brings out details in the darkest shadows and brightest highlights which is particularly beneficial in games with dark environments or high-intensity action scenes. It’s especially useful for horror games FPS titles and RPGs where mood and atmosphere are essential.
- Increased Immersion: When contrast is adjusted dynamically the visuals can appear more life like and immersive. For gamers this means scenes feel more engaging with deeper blacks and more vibrant highlights that pull you into the experience.
- Reduced Need for Manual Adjustment: With ASCR you don’t need to constantly adjust your monitor’s contrast settings for different games or scenes. This feature saves time keeps the settings optimized for different scenarios and provides a consistent experience across various media.
- Energy Efficiency: Although ASCR increases backlight brightness in bright scenes it often reduces it in dark scenes which can lead to minor power savings. Lowering the backlight during dark scenes also reduces eye strain, making long gaming sessions more comfortable.
Pros and Cons of ASCR
Pros of ASCR
Cons of ASCR
ASCR Settings: How to Enable or Disable It
Turning ASCR on or off depends on personal preference and specific use cases. Some users prefer the dynamic contrast adjustment for an enhanced gaming experience while others may find it distracting. Read our guide to Is SANSUI a Good Monitor Brand?.
Step-by-step guide to adjust ASCR settings on ASUS monitors:
- Open the On Screen Display (OSD) Menu: Press the menu button on your ASUS monitor to open the OSD.
- Navigate to Image Settings: Use the directional buttons to find the Image or Display settings.
- Select ASCR: In the menu find the ASCR option.
- Toggle On or Off: Select ASCR and toggle it on or off based on your preference.
If you’re working on tasks that require consistent brightness and color accuracy (like photo editing) consider keeping ASCR off. However for gaming and media enabling ASCR can be beneficial for enhanced contrast.
ASCR in Headphones: Can It Improve the Audio-Visual Sync?
While ASCR doesn’t directly relate to audio performance it does contribute to a more immersive visual experience when paired with high-quality headphones.
For instance gaming with ASCR-enabled monitors alongside headphones that offer spatial audio or surround sound creates a heightened sense of immersion. Here’s how ASCR complements audio:
- Atmospheric Enhancement: Dark scenes enhanced by ASCR look more atmospheric which combined with spatial audio gives gamers a feeling of being “inside” the environment.
- Enhanced Visual Cues: Games and movies often use visual cues in dark scenes. With ASCR-enabled monitors these cues become more visible, allowing gamers to respond to visual and audio cues simultaneously.
While ASCR does not directly impact headphones high-quality headphones and ASCR can work together to create a richer more immersive experience. However ASCR’s dynamic brightness adjustments may occasionally cause visual lag which could be noticeable for gamers who need precise timing with audio-visual synchronization. Read our guide to Is Crua a Good Monitor Brand?.
Comparison Table: ASCR vs. Static Contrast Ratio
| Feature | ASCR (Dynamic Contrast) | Static Contrast Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast Adjustment | Automatic adjustment based on scene | Fixed setting |
| Ideal For | Gaming, movies, immersive experiences | Color-accurate work, consistent visuals |
| Energy Efficiency | May reduce power usage in dark scenes | Consistent power usage |
| Ease of Use | No need for manual adjustments | Manual adjustment required |
| Potential Downsides | Possible flickering, may affect color accuracy | Limited adaptability |
ASCR is ideal for users looking for high contrast immersive experiences without needing to adjust settings manually. However for tasks needing color precision a static contrast setting may be more suitable. Read our guide to Is FYHXele a Good Monitor Brand?.
Conclusion
ASCR is a great feature for those looking to improve their gaming viewing experience.
Although it has its drawbacks such as potential flickering and reduced color accuracy, ASCR is a valuable tool for improved contrast. Read our guide to Is KOORUI a Good Monitor Brand?.
Whether you choose to enable or disable it, ASCR offers an easy way to maximize the entertainment potential of your ASUS monitor.
FAQs
What is ASCR used for?
ASCR or ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio is used to enhance the contrast ratio of ASUS monitors dynamically. It is ideal for gaming and watching movies, where visual depth and detail are important.
Is ASCR good for gaming?
Yes ASCR is beneficial for gaming as it improves shadow detail and creates a more immersive experience by adjusting the contrast dynamically.
Can ASCR affect eye strain?
Yes ASCR can reduce eye strain by lowering brightness in darker scenes which can be more comfortable during long gaming sessions. However rapid brightness changes may be uncomfortable for some users.
Should I turn ASCR on or off?
It depends on your use case. For gaming and movies turning ASCR on can improve immersion. For tasks needing consistent brightness and color accuracy consider turning it off.
Does ASCR save energy?
ASCR can reduce power usage in dark scenes by lowering the backlight though the energy savings are generally minor.
Can ASCR be used with all ASUS monitors?
ASCR is available on many ASUS monitors but not all models have it. Check your monitor’s specifications to confirm if ASCR is supported.