Reviewed of Nec’s New Pro 20-Inch Multisync
Reviewed of Nec’s New Pro 20-Inch Multisync
NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading stand-alone provider of flat panel desktop and large-screen displays, today announced its new series of professional LCD monitors - the NEC MultiSync 90-series.
Most folks wouldn’t even consider dropping $1,300 on a 20-inch LCD monitor, not when top-notch products such as the Samsung SyncMaster 204T are available for half the price.
Designed to deliver technology-leading screen performance to image-critical markets, the new NEC MultiSync 90-series, which will replace the award-winning MultiSync 80-series, contains over 25 new or improved features that produce crisper, clearer images; enable better control and connectivity; increase energy efficiency; and provide greater adjustment versatility.
The folks over at PC Magazine have taken a look-see at NEC’s new MultiSync LCD2090UXi pro display, and while they liked what it can do, they’re thinking it’s probably best left to the pros and their expensable pocketbooks.
The new MultiSync 90-series “i” models, which use IPS-based modules, address the color critical needs of markets such as medical imaging, graphic illustration and photography.
Carrying a standard four-year warranty, among the highest and most comprehensive in the industry, the MultiSync 90-series “i” models include the 19-inch MultiSync LCD1990SXi, the 20-inch (20.1 viewable) MultiSync LCD2090UXi and the 21-inch (21.3 viewable) MultiSync LCD2190UXi monitors.
The new MultiSync 90-series “p” models, utilizing VA-based modules, are well-suited to meet the needs of CAD/CAM and other users who demand high resolutions, precise images, adjustment flexibility and advanced features but may not have a need for exacting color reproduction.
The MultiSync 90-series “p” models will include the 19-inch MultiSync LCD1990SXp and the 21-inch MultiSync LCD2190UXp monitors, which will carry a standard three-year warranty.
We’re guessing the $1299 price tag for a 20-inch LCD is all of a review most people will need to hear, but they went on to find that the display’s powerful color controls, automatic ambient light adjustment, and flat-out great color make it definitely worth the consideration of those who can afford it.
The 1600×1200 display also offers a very wide 170 degree viewing angle, and its 8ms gray-to-gray response time isn’t too shabby either.
The picture wasn’t as perfect when using an analog connection, and DVDs showed some background noise, but neither of those should raise a flag for most pros.
“NEC has a history of developing displays with leading-edge technology,” said Ray Froude, Senior Product Specialist, NEC Display Solutions of America. “By involving end-users such as illustrators, animators, and radiologists in our development process, the new MultiSync Professional 90-series not only raises the performance bar in these image-critical markets, it also delivers the features and improvements these professionals demand.”
Although the monitor is not geared towards the gaming crowd, it did an adequate job of displaying fast-motion video. Its 16-ms (black-to-white-to-black) pixel-response rating gets a boost from NEC’s Rapid Response overdrive technology, pushing the all-important gray-to-gray response to approximately 8 ms.
There was some image ghosting and flicker evident on our Doom 3 tests, but game play was still acceptable, and the colors were vibrant. DVD movie playback was generally good, although some background noise was noticeable. The panel has a wide viewing angle; colors and image sharpness remained true at up to 170 degrees on both the horizontal and vertical planes, with only a slight loss of luminance at the extreme end of the arc.
NEC covers the 2090UXi with an almost unheard of four-year parts, labor, and backlight warranty (three years is the standard). The company also provides 24/7 telephone support and a wealth of product technology and troubleshooting information online. Included in the box are two DVI cables and an analog cable, screws for wall mounting, and a comprehensive user’s manual.
The MultiSync LCD2090UXi is designed for high-end users who require accuracy, performance, and image control in a professional-grade LCD monitor. Although its price will scare off most consumers, we can expect some of its high-end features to start showing up in midrange LCD monitors in the near future.