I just wish HP had thrown out this stand and built a new one from scratch.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP.
HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
At 32-inches, this is a big monitor. Bigger than most you’re probably used to.
You do have the choice of using the included stand or mounting the monitor via a standard VESA bracket.
You’ll also find the factory calibration report.
This monitor is covered by a 3-year standard warranty.
It’s expensive, but HP’s addition to the category boasts some unique features of its own.
I’ve had HP representatives describe this as the “panda” design, and it looks great.
There is a fan inside the OMEN Transcend 32, but you very rarely hear it.
This On-Screen Display is excellent, I just wish I had more control over individual color profiles.
Jumping back to that RGB lighting briefly, it’s actually useful (unlike most monitors' lighting).
What does that all mean?
It’s silky smooth, responsive, and impossible to catch lacking.
This monitor’s “Native” color profile doesn’tquitehit HP’s promised accuracy metrics, but it’s close.
There is not one complaint I can find in the performance department.
Image qualityalmostreaches those lofty heights, too.
In general, this display isn’t just sharp and smooth, it’s stunning.
This is the first monitor I’ve used where the RGB lighting was actually useful.
White balance is a little on the warm side, but it is pretty consistent across brightness levels.
Finally, there are three features the HP OMEN Transcend 32 possesses that set it apart from the competition.
First, HP OMEN Gear Switch is an advanced form of Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM).
This stand feels practically identical to that on HP’s sub-$400 monitors which is… Not great.
OMEN Gear Switch takes that a step further.
A dedicated Gear Switch button on the rear of the OMEN Transcend 32 lets you switch devices and modes.
All the normal KVM stuff is here.
This is a solid port selection that’s well laid out, but cable management solutions are lacking to say the least.
That’s because this monitor boasts thebestOSD I’ve ever seen on a monitor.
It’s packed with features, is easy to navigate, and feels both responsive and reliable.
Finally, the HP OMEN Transcend 32 features quad built-in speakers, which are tuned by HyperX.
They’re convenient to have and aren’t too shabby, either.
Those are nitpicks, though; there’s a more egregious weakness here.
The OMEN Transcend 32’s stand just isn’t good.
I can also criticize the cable management or lack thereof.
You will see your cables.
I’m also not a fan of HP’s mounting solution.
ASUS, by comparison, includes a VESA bracket in the box.
Easy installation, quick release.
Besides that, my only remaining qualms are related to the display.
This is another great OLED gaming monitor, with some genuinely interesting ideas from HP.
You’re able to change the brightness and RGB gain, and that’s it.
Oh, I also want more control over the OLED care features.
You’re giving up features, though, like built-in speakers and the Gear Switch.
For exactly half the price of the OMEN Transcend 32, that’s tough to beat.
