HP has unveiled a new expansive ultrawide monitor aimed at enhancing productivity in office settings. The HP Series 5 Pro 49-inch Conferencing Monitor features a 32:9 VA IPS panel with a resolution of 5120 x 1440, a 165Hz refresh rate, and an 1800R curve. This monitor matches the footprint of having two 27-inch screens placed side by side. However, distinguishing it from similar models by Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, and LG, the Series 5 Pro includes a concealed 5-megapixel webcam that emerges from the top when activated.

During a brief hands-on at a preview event, I observed HP representatives demonstrate software that allows the monitor to function as two or three virtual screens, mimicking a multi-monitor setup. The display appeared adequately bright and offered good contrast in a brightly lit office space. It includes HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, ethernet, and several USB ports in the back, equipped with KVM functionality. Although the monitor supports a 165Hz refresh rate and covers 99 percent of the sRGB color spectrum, its 5ms response time and 8-bit color depth may not be suitable for gaming or tasks that require precise color accuracy.

Pricing will be revealed closer to the monitor’s November launch.