TL;DR: VESA recently introduced the DisplayHDR 1.2 specifications to better identify and market HDR-capable monitors. Now, LG claims to be the first company to offer a DisplayHDR 1.2-certified monitor for gamers with spacious, wide desks (and deep wallets).

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) updated the DisplayHDR standard early this month, releasing new specifications to provide customers with better information about the HDR capabilities of modern displays. DisplayHDR is primarily used for computer monitors and laptops, and the DisplayHDR 1.2 specs add more stringent metrics that must be met to earn an official "DisplayHDR" badge.

DisplayHDR 1.2 includes tighter color gamut requirements to improve color accuracy, while the basic brightness level remains at 400 nits. However, compared to previous specifications, a DisplayHDR 400 monitor using the newer 1.2 version of the standard should provide a much better visual experience when dealing with high-dynamic-range video content.

LG Electronics now claims that the UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor 45GS95QE is the first monitor to achieve an official VESA DisplayHDR 1.2 certification. The South Korean company is the second largest TV manufacturer in the world, indicating a likely close relationship between LG and industry trade organization VESA.

The LG UltraGear OLED 45GS95QE monitor appears to be designed to "raise the bar" for HDR experiences, offering some of today's most-requested gaming features in addition to the latest DisplayHDR 1.2 specs. The 45-inch curved (21:9) display boasts a WQHD resolution (3,440 x 1,440 pixels) and a VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 certification, providing richer blacks and a deep color gamut thanks to OLED technology.

The monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate with a 0.03ms GtG response time, and it supports both FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible adaptive refresh technologies. The "virtually borderless" monitor also provides a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio and covers up to 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color space. The adjustable stand includes custom tilt, height, and swivel support.

Being first doesn't necessarily mean being cheap, and LG's latest gaming monitor will cost $1,300. The company is also selling a dedicated gaming pad under the same UltraGear brand for $200. Gaming on a 45" screen would certainly require some additional comfort options, though it's debatable whether a gaming pad should cost that much, even in the XXL variants.