Samsung claimed that the Odyssey Ark is the first 55-inch 1000R curved gaming monitor in the world. The FreeSync Premium Pro monitor is equipped with a 4K 165Hz 1ms VA panel that has a matte coating and Quantum Mini LED backlighting with 1,056 local dimming zones. Alongside the support for HDR10+ Gaming standard together with HDCP 2.2 through its HDMI 2.1 port, the Odyssey Ark which is powered by a Neural Quantum Processor Ultra also features Samsung’s own Quantum HDR 2000 technology and has a static contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. It is also a Tizen-based Smart Monitor which means users can utilize a selection of streaming services and Microsoft Office365 directly from Odyssey Ark without plugging it into any PC. [Image: Samsung.][Image: Samsung.]As noted earlier, one of the Odyssey Ark’s biggest highlights is the rotatable screen. Officially called the Cockpit Modem, it works hand in hand with the monitor’s height-adjustable stand while its Multi View feature allows users to see up to three screens at a time. When the monitor is in its traditional landscape position, the Multi View feature can support up to four screens. However, do note that the Multi View feature will also disable the Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate, and cloud gaming while the refresh rate will be limited to 120Hz. [Image: Samsung.]When it comes to audio, Samsung has equipped the Odyssey Ark with 60W 2.2.2 Sound Dome audio system that consisted of four corner speakers and two central woofers. To further enhance user’s audio experience, the monitor also features AI Sound Booster and Dolby Atmos. The Odyssey Ark also comes standard with a solar-powered controller called the Ark Dial that allows users to quickly access certain functions including Multi View, Game Bar, and a selection of settings. It also can be used to manage the monitor’s Flex Move Screen feature which enables users to set the screen’s relative size, position, and aspect ratio on-the-fly. Meanwhile, we have noticed that Samsung Malaysia has recently listed Odyssey Ark on its website albeit without any pricing details. We have since reached out to the company to obtain further clarifications but we have yet to receive any response at the time this article goes live. That being said, we actually asked Samsung Malaysia regarding the local availability and pricing for the monitor earlier this month when the pre-order for it was announced in the United States. The company then responded and said that it has nothing to announce in regard to the Odyssey Ark at that time. Even though there’s no Malaysian pricing for it at the moment, you can expect the Odyssey Ark to have a heavy cost on your wallet considering that it is priced at USD 3,500 (~RM 15,699) in the U.S. So, if you are lusting over the monitor, you may want to make sure that you have the resources to back it up.
