tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68039964259241349332024-03-06T00:08:57.148-08:00NEC 2490WUXi - The Full StoryAfter 6000 Hours1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-88152539729356946412009-02-11T19:56:00.007-08:002011-09-20T11:26:38.672-07:00<a href="http://lcdmonitortest.blogspot.com/">Link to all reviews</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br /><br />It has been about two years since I published the first testing review of the NEC 2490WUXi in the Net - at that time a very new and unknown monitor.<br />Since then the NEC 2490WUXi (2490 for short) has been serving as a reference monitor for many other monitor reviews. 2490's reference career was growing, so was its publicity. <br />After those reviews 2490 appeared in the recommendation list of anandtech.com LCD forum. Take a minute to look at that exceptionally popular and helpful <a href="http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=2049206&enterthread=y">source</a>, a must for beginners.<br /><br />There is a good reason to update the story: 2490 is now one step from it's long awaited premiere in Europe.<br />I think it's high time to put all previously published and some new chapters together to see what the 2490 is and how it looks after 6500 hours of intensive use. <br /><em>Note: pictures selected for this review show "6000 hours" but in fact it's already 6500.</em><br />Is 6500 hours much? Yes, it is. It's equal to more than 800 full working days or more than 3 full "working" years.<br />This monitor is just 24.1" diagonally, but it's huge inside.<br />I still study 2490. <br />How to compose a 2490 review? That's a tough question. The story can be endless. I will try to be as brief as possible.<br />I will try to minimize lyrics, give a regular review structure as I usually do and complement that with illustrations - scenes from 2490's life, from meeting with 2490's numerous "clients" (tested monitors). <br />There will be a new video as well. <br />I hope this caleidoscope will help the readers to get a better vision of this outstanding monitor.<br /><br />The equipment for the test includes:<br />The NEC 2490WUXi with the full package: <a href="http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Accessories/?product=a46240bd-a846-4de7-b644-bd7f0b7e6ece">SpectraView II calibration kit, optional hood and speaker bar</a><br />17” CRT monitor<br />2 brand name PCs<br />LaCie Blue Eye Pro calibration software<br />GretagMacbeth Eye-one Display2 probe<br />Blu-ray stand-alone player<br />DVD stand-alone player<br />Blu-ray movies<br />DVD movie<br />Digital Still Camera<br />Mini-DV Camcorder<br />Photo images<br /><br /><br /><strong>Specification</strong><br /><br />The 2490 specification <a href="http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=fe2599c6-185f-4177-b12e-5bde0b8eeaae">can be found here</a>.<br /><br />Some more detailed specification is available from <a href="http://www.nec-display-solutions.co.uk/c/g/uk/en/Products/Details/Specification/dp/Products/LCD/Current/SV-2490/SV-2490/index,group=all.html">the UK site.</a><br /><br />For unknown reason in both cases the key panel feature (H-IPS A-TW TFT) is not specified. <br />Bad omen?<br />Forgetfulness?<br /><br />The 2490 comes fully assembled in a large box.<br />The box is 692x592x452mm (27.2"x23.3"x17.8") and 17.0kg (37.5lbs). <br />The monitor is covered by a regular plastic bag, placed in a stone-hard styrofoam cocoon and then again in a durable silverish plastic bag. <br />The whole package tells just one word: "quality".<br />2490 shares the same manual with its twin-brother 2690.<br />The 2690 is mechanically and electronically the same monitor but with 1.4" larger panel and different chemicals used inside backlight lamps that produces so-called wide color gamut.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unboxing of 90-series NEC in process.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-1615332281110221452009-02-11T19:56:00.005-08:002009-05-03T18:26:31.206-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqOBmdIdOy9CeHWZSTHTTIwcWDkDErovFY7S1oWjks1lMoguCA1ZP_0UrNdCZWtSet2rYHmdsb6nryRQjlj0oNEJhI2MW-7i7aEsXwFWlqunI7pXAfvRjdvSqj94aYwnuxKoH95MDvMQ/s1600-h/216.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqOBmdIdOy9CeHWZSTHTTIwcWDkDErovFY7S1oWjks1lMoguCA1ZP_0UrNdCZWtSet2rYHmdsb6nryRQjlj0oNEJhI2MW-7i7aEsXwFWlqunI7pXAfvRjdvSqj94aYwnuxKoH95MDvMQ/s400/216.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303182714564177714" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-86770342624364169262009-02-11T19:56:00.003-08:002009-02-15T21:12:09.116-08:00<strong>Design and Mechanics</strong><br /><br />The 2490 has a quality plastic cabinet with a very thin bazel. Up-front it looks compact and elegant on its adjustable stand. From a side it reveals uncompromized industrial "musculine" design. <br />The 2490 does not look like a colored plastic toy to be placed between flowers and lipsticks. It looks like a serious machine for serious men.<br />The stand provides all possible adjustments.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-46321163454580190832009-02-11T19:56:00.001-08:002009-02-15T22:54:21.375-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bgYAyNrwP5NFEwLpMaM1-g-zfJZmTNvi5z0uMhxydcYwNNYstpgVsnub3tjOcQIZ2xCaBOOZhA2HmOZbtTQShPqfeUM_4psGRy2urZGHD09e1ZQ5JsxF4FQt0X3k359OSpU1K_XtrC4/s1600-h/233.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bgYAyNrwP5NFEwLpMaM1-g-zfJZmTNvi5z0uMhxydcYwNNYstpgVsnub3tjOcQIZ2xCaBOOZhA2HmOZbtTQShPqfeUM_4psGRy2urZGHD09e1ZQ5JsxF4FQt0X3k359OSpU1K_XtrC4/s400/233.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303284986196561026" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-62676276896290380592009-02-11T19:55:00.008-08:002009-02-15T16:56:53.557-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O1ORisL1FiFyONSMrAds8bw4eEQPzu023JoyUYoymf25U1jqG26bf4mbYEnZRoMGIlX67Q8hUk3_TeltIekASa7UUTsZpRQPleNvSjjCMqtEgjr3Q77Len5Lj5RW0XsoYZWh_grAjHI/s1600-h/204.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O1ORisL1FiFyONSMrAds8bw4eEQPzu023JoyUYoymf25U1jqG26bf4mbYEnZRoMGIlX67Q8hUk3_TeltIekASa7UUTsZpRQPleNvSjjCMqtEgjr3Q77Len5Lj5RW0XsoYZWh_grAjHI/s400/204.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303192868673936978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1HnYs6q3SceU9vLD_Cridi_F1mRUiYg2X9ueKj7DJbevWsGrgo9vFWQdIbrN1iaNVRouuJmwKQ9jiz7pM71ETUKcHVPcQrFNZ1qbfL_Af1-HfPQ76vlLEg2DxURClCISccjTX1LozIs/s1600-h/202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1HnYs6q3SceU9vLD_Cridi_F1mRUiYg2X9ueKj7DJbevWsGrgo9vFWQdIbrN1iaNVRouuJmwKQ9jiz7pM71ETUKcHVPcQrFNZ1qbfL_Af1-HfPQ76vlLEg2DxURClCISccjTX1LozIs/s400/202.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303192235804458434" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-26686767464485164052009-02-11T19:55:00.007-08:002009-02-15T17:25:32.831-08:001http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-20826741929923534132009-02-11T19:55:00.005-08:002009-02-15T17:02:00.398-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFD8Ua6VPw6ZrmzV5Hyle29abvMJVMpIQEijc0Wd2blCCt2iVX03UilVp4bC9NZhM3p-EdjXy2cZdo2ctivHcE4Icub_ooB_1zLB2QgyiSvSx1qzu455EfPoZ7WOBviru6uFV2dV4RCw/s1600-h/203.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFD8Ua6VPw6ZrmzV5Hyle29abvMJVMpIQEijc0Wd2blCCt2iVX03UilVp4bC9NZhM3p-EdjXy2cZdo2ctivHcE4Icub_ooB_1zLB2QgyiSvSx1qzu455EfPoZ7WOBviru6uFV2dV4RCw/s400/203.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303194183786487106" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-75003126030394274722009-02-11T19:55:00.003-08:002009-02-15T17:03:03.571-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpmQfdg0kbaGtPKTiImn5_tB9gHTJgDFR0BCFa4_FI-GajT1RGAtU_NX3KwH1cmJXcpB1v9ZiTHmJhpL1JvDbAnuyy2iVGPyywDF9CQgezvZgtwywijRG3fxJtZq0cQgl7vZbcfWrAog/s1600-h/200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpmQfdg0kbaGtPKTiImn5_tB9gHTJgDFR0BCFa4_FI-GajT1RGAtU_NX3KwH1cmJXcpB1v9ZiTHmJhpL1JvDbAnuyy2iVGPyywDF9CQgezvZgtwywijRG3fxJtZq0cQgl7vZbcfWrAog/s400/200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303194454980596562" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-77973878061308632392009-02-11T19:55:00.001-08:002009-04-22T13:23:08.736-07:00<strong>Connectors</strong><br /><br />Two digital inputs (DVI-I and DVI-D) are available. Two computers, or a computer and external video device (blu-ray player, PS3, etc.) can be connected at the same time.<br />Analog D-Sub connector is available as well.<br />There may be totally 3 devices connected simultaneously.<br />Direct input selection button is located on the front of the bezel.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Overall build quality</strong><br />This unit has no defects.<br />Assembly quality is very good.<br />The panel sits tightly in the cabinet.<br />Initially some backlight uniformity irregularity was noted. After some time of use the panel became uniform. <br />The monitor does not produce any noise.<br />After hours of work the bottom of the panel is still cool to to touch, the top is warm.<br />After one year I managed to notice one stuck subpixel. That was done with the use of special software. It's not possible to find it with regular use.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Anti-Glare Coating</strong><br />The purpose of this layer is self-explanatory.<br />A few words about so-called "cristalline" effect ("sparkly look", etc.)on the modern LCD monitors.<br />This will be a "some" chapter.<br />Every non-glossy panel has this effect to some degree.<br />Some IPS panels of the past had quite noticeable AG coating effect. Some modern <a href="http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/review/2007/review-samsung-275t-part5.html#Image">PVA-based monitors have sparkly look </a>as well.<br />Some misinformed forums posters believe that AG coating effect is a part of IPS technology. This is not true.<br />Some IPS panels still have it (30" panels). Some IPS panels are glossy with zero AG effect. <br />Modern 24-26" panels have, let's say, "normal" AG coating with "standard" AG effect.<br />The NEC 2490WUXi is one of them.<br />In comparison with older 20" IPS, the NEC 2490 AG coating is much more "neutral".<br /><br /><strong>Sound</strong><br />The multimedia soundbar is optional.<br />It is easily attached underneath the monitor.<br />The 2490 has on-board DC out for the soundbar.<br />Sound quality is mediocre as it can be expected for this kind of equipment. But it performs its role nicely: the working place is clean of stand-alone speakers.<br />The soundbar has volume control and headphones connector.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-31915724405648216222009-02-11T19:54:00.005-08:002009-02-15T17:31:21.503-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn4CnmH293Nfiry-ydjtdM7_M_Y5QJdYezZDUCyTXUhLfE5JxUJwjS9PLVGnFPrAc23SbByVF-TYt_GFbTzicPo0WNaBgO0ijnjkPV09DVVBFw-_Ifv_DVT1fcmZFP3qK0Mwi4iHaLAM/s1600-h/201.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn4CnmH293Nfiry-ydjtdM7_M_Y5QJdYezZDUCyTXUhLfE5JxUJwjS9PLVGnFPrAc23SbByVF-TYt_GFbTzicPo0WNaBgO0ijnjkPV09DVVBFw-_Ifv_DVT1fcmZFP3qK0Mwi4iHaLAM/s400/201.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303201127011880130" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-88960592826711971462009-02-11T19:54:00.003-08:002009-02-11T19:54:43.947-08:001http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-8100980488200103592009-02-11T19:54:00.001-08:002009-04-22T13:24:17.247-07:00<strong>Controls and OSM (On-Screen Manager)</strong><br /><br />OSM controls represent a part of 2490 advanced ergonomic solutions.<br />Controls are easily accessible, conveniet in use. Why convenient? They are mnemonic. They can be operated without looking at them. They are as hard to press as you need to feel them working, not more.<br />L-shape controls are intuitive. Left-Right and Up-Down buttons switch their roles when the monitor is in the Portrait position.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-89002129287837042782009-02-11T19:53:00.008-08:002009-02-18T20:23:32.131-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fn_IjO1vGZqUuu8-WbyEPcjm2Fv0aHv_Tg2XkLJikGURa5Nttd8huo07jVvPUDZFZlh6lmYx-lEuFfB7SnNJjaccqK4v9ehGNfEcW13SiL69gndgsSm4sq8enm-Pe0xBmgffncy_too/s1600-h/236.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fn_IjO1vGZqUuu8-WbyEPcjm2Fv0aHv_Tg2XkLJikGURa5Nttd8huo07jVvPUDZFZlh6lmYx-lEuFfB7SnNJjaccqK4v9ehGNfEcW13SiL69gndgsSm4sq8enm-Pe0xBmgffncy_too/s400/236.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304359374978056546" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-42046834057580644142009-02-11T19:53:00.007-08:002009-05-02T20:48:07.102-07:00Despite its having been huge in content, OSM menu is easy to use.<br />The number of clicks to reach a desired menu item is minimal.<br />The menu is well structured and divided in two submenus.<br />The first one (Red Frame) comprises selection of the most frequently used functions.<br />The second one (Green Frame) - Advanced menu - provides access to the whole OSM.<br /><br />The initial OSM page of an average monitor usually means Brightness and Contrast controls.<br />The 2490 menu opens with five "first aid" tools.<br />Eco mode allows to drop brightness to 75%, 50% with one click.<br />Auto Brightness - this is where 2490 begins.<br />Auto Brightness has two modes.<br />1. Brightness is automatically adjusted according to ambient light.<br />2. Dynamic Brightness.<br /><em>Do not confuse this with so-called dynamic contrast - a marketing gimmick for cheap monitors</em>.<br />2490 Dynamic Brightnes is a really working feature. <br />It regulates brightness according to the screen content.<br />Black level - makes darker parts of the image <em>look</em> darker. Technically it does not reduce brightness of black.<br />Black level control can be helpful for manual adjustments in some cases - video with no ambient light is an example.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-64002052598473074972009-02-11T19:53:00.005-08:002009-02-18T21:07:03.184-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxCn2mBy0z2XJZCwxw4O1byVutIb1kte3Z9gwzFH0qhwAzVPDtCZHs4y0zk56G8xEnoAjz9RyCvQLgx_Bnb0ORsV1g3TRgi3N7YcqEIxKmirGf1sjjUUcru-8peaX6pUVD4ZKfRBwis8/s1600-h/menu1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxCn2mBy0z2XJZCwxw4O1byVutIb1kte3Z9gwzFH0qhwAzVPDtCZHs4y0zk56G8xEnoAjz9RyCvQLgx_Bnb0ORsV1g3TRgi3N7YcqEIxKmirGf1sjjUUcru-8peaX6pUVD4ZKfRBwis8/s400/menu1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304359193039381810" /></a><br /><br />My recommendation: <br />Leave Contrast and Black level at factory settings (50%) for general use. <br />Operate all brightness features as desired.<br /><br />Some information about Advanced menu. It's not possible in this review to talk about every item - too many.<br />First of all, I skip fine image settings that are "reserved" for professional people. <br />This review is intended to illustrate how this universal machine can help regular (but demanding!) users.<br />Let's mention some interesting features.<br /><br />To open Advanced menu, you switch the 2490 off. Then you press and hold Input button and press Power button.<br />The first page of Advanced menu appears.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-42567918582782412952009-02-11T19:53:00.003-08:002009-05-03T14:31:14.230-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxaN6d9iIFdw5gE9kgDGoJR0hD9AxZDiHTps37I87xyC69qPsqv39WRowgcg3PVIa4-FxsK8uerfRJ870gqY1VqyU78sLDUGalAIrA-X5T7nOM5qZLaNRRZ3i7vsZH9Ec8a6qZrNJd4U/s1600-h/239.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxaN6d9iIFdw5gE9kgDGoJR0hD9AxZDiHTps37I87xyC69qPsqv39WRowgcg3PVIa4-FxsK8uerfRJ870gqY1VqyU78sLDUGalAIrA-X5T7nOM5qZLaNRRZ3i7vsZH9Ec8a6qZrNJd4U/s400/239.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305385125307633314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAfHRA-eJ-x4iu0oAHB-LxdlrJW9-fY-ZGzAupSR0xa_nLD7JTBPj9-G2UOUTh8-V7YFXtSKAoKDCJuCHp2-Qdmt_6NIzYztaZKncW-k6RYwO1hRwwhNgdvkJgPKgi2i8qReex0Geg3Q/s1600-h/239a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAfHRA-eJ-x4iu0oAHB-LxdlrJW9-fY-ZGzAupSR0xa_nLD7JTBPj9-G2UOUTh8-V7YFXtSKAoKDCJuCHp2-Qdmt_6NIzYztaZKncW-k6RYwO1hRwwhNgdvkJgPKgi2i8qReex0Geg3Q/s400/239a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305385028406267490" /></a><br /><br /><br />Advanced Menu in default position:<br /><br />Tag#1<br />The first page of Advanced menu offers more options. One of additional options is Low Brightness Mode. <br /><br />The 2490 has three levels of brightness regulation.<br />The first is default level that has no special name, let's call it Standard.<br />The access to the second and the third levels of brightness is found on the first page of Advanced menu.<br />Low brightness mode has 3 positions: Off, On and Advance.<br />"On" "digitally" reduces brightness of white by 50%.<br />"Advance" applies further 50% reduction of brightness of white. <br />Low brightness mode reduces brightness of white only. Brightness of black remains "standard".<br />While in Low brightness mode, further regulation is done by backlight with the use of regular Brightness control.<br />"Auto Luminance" stabilizes brightness and colors. It's one of NEC's smart technologies available for professional use.<br /><br />Tag#4<br />The unique NEC 90-series scalar is operated from here.<br /><br />Tag#5<br />Selection of gamma settings including gamma control with steps equal to 0.1<br /><br />Tag#6<br />Color Control.<br />There are sRGB and Native modes ("N") here as well as several adjustable color presets. You can adjust: Temperature, White balance, then hue, color depth and brightness for each of primary and secondary colors. That's a Pro feature.<br />"P" mode stand for "Programmable". This mode is for hardware (monitor LUT) calibration.<br /><br />Tag#7<br />Side border color is regulated from here. So-called "black bars" can be painted any gray tone from white to black.<br />Colorcomp improves brightness and color uniformity.<br /><br />Advanced menu comprises totally 14 tags: 1-9 and A-E.<br />We will talk about the misterious Tag E little later.<br /><br /><br />A special software called NaViSet can be downloaded <a href="http://www.necdisplay.com/SupportCenter/Monitors/NaviSet/">from here</a>.<br />This is a variation of OSM that can be operated with no touch of monitor controls buttons. It duplicates many of OSM controls but not all of them.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-7007130059178501682009-02-11T19:53:00.001-08:002011-05-01T15:44:20.089-07:00<strong>Measurements</strong><br /><br />NEC advertises 400 cd/m2 brightness and 800:1 contrast ratio.<br /><br />This review provides a rare possibility to compare 2490 condition over it lifespan. This unit has now over 6500 hours in use.<br />Although at the beginning of it's career the testing methodology was not as detailed as we practise it now, it's still possible to compare some data.<br /><br />This unit has revision 2B.<br /><br />Note: For all measurements Contrast control is left at its factory default - 50%.<br /><br />Initial measurements 6500 hours ago:<br />White - 360 cd/m2<br />Black - 0.46 cd/m2<br />CR - 783:1<br />Measurements always fluctuate a little, so we can say that CR was fluctuated around advertised 8oo:1 - it's excellent for IPS today as well as 2 years ago.<br />Brightness did not achieve 400 cd/m2 and that was just good!<br />400 cd/m2 is about twice as much as you might need on your monitor.<br />Now you know that 2490 has three level of brightness control.<br />At the first level of brightness with Brightness control set to zero 6500 hours ago:<br />White - 160 cd/m2 (This is medium to high for a regular monitor. For 2490 this is not a problem considering other brightness modes and the variety of calibration options.)<br />Black - 0.21 cd/m2 (At that time it was an outstanding record for an IPS-based monitor).<br /><br />What do we see after 6500 hours?<br />We see that the NEC 2490 is getting better as it is getting older!<br />Maximal brightness has slided down to much healthier 322 cd/m2 leaving plenty of room for further reduction.<br />Minimal black dropped below 0.17 cd/m2.<br />It takes the 2490 18-19 min to reach the full brightness.<br />The monitor continues to retain its original high contrast ratio near 800:11http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-65811278699824240422009-02-11T19:52:00.004-08:002010-03-30T10:38:07.646-07:001http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-33798020833782175182009-02-11T19:52:00.003-08:002010-03-30T10:39:07.575-07:001http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-32511569284372476422009-02-11T19:52:00.001-08:002010-03-30T10:44:06.930-07:00Below: Brightness distribution. Colorcomp is demonstrating its effectiveness. <br />I do not purify the screen to that level for every day use. On my 2490 Colorcomp is usually Off. An example for 266 cd/m2.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-86755346804731281852009-02-11T19:51:00.006-08:002009-02-22T22:19:41.075-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE_xfia6ayc7pG2LpMw_QGf-i94RNdZAhncaB4YOU7mv8QDDwt-FBtXtnjiDxXLqKZqKBtuQRAsviAgwgCN3jQBESYOo8kYaUoO5HGthjsGzAAH23mP2siILpbcdlhKqlIU0zuxZ9gFE/s1600-h/209+ColorComp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE_xfia6ayc7pG2LpMw_QGf-i94RNdZAhncaB4YOU7mv8QDDwt-FBtXtnjiDxXLqKZqKBtuQRAsviAgwgCN3jQBESYOo8kYaUoO5HGthjsGzAAH23mP2siILpbcdlhKqlIU0zuxZ9gFE/s400/209+ColorComp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305861483383992178" /></a><br /><br /><br />After 6500 hours default color temperature drifted somewhat to lower values. It means it looks "warmer" than neutral 6500K. So 6500K after 6500 hours does not look like 6500K.<br />That can be a problem for a regular monitor, but not for the NEC 2490UXi.<br />For uncalibrated use: manual color temperature control with 100K steps is at your service. <br />For calibrated use: it has never been a problem. SpectraView calibration kit takes care of that.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-42741080544776368122009-02-11T19:51:00.005-08:002009-05-03T18:25:06.231-07:00<strong>Calibration</strong><br /><br />The 2490 provides so-called hardware calibration when combined with <a href="http://www.necdisplay.com/SupportCenter/Monitors/spectraview2/?Page=downloads/readmewindows_v1_1_00.html">SpectraView II calibration software </a>and an appropriate colorimeter (sensor). The monitor has rewritable LUT (Look Up Table - a table used to translate input values to output values). In the other words, the 2490 has its own "brains" that can store your commands regarding PQ adjustments and then follows them.<br />A quote from SpectraView manual:<br />"The SpectraView system uses a color sensor to take color measurements of the display screen during calibration. The software analyzes these measurements and sends color adjustment commands directly to the display monitor. This means that color adjustments are made in the monitor rather than in the video graphics adapter, resulting in full use of the number of colors available on the graphics adapter and a much brighter image with the maximum possible color gamut. With SpectraView, the video graphics adapter is not used at all to make any gamma or Tone Response Curve corrections to the display, so the full color resolution and fidelity of the system is maintained."<br />This ability is important for professionals first of all.<br />Demanding regular users can benefit from hardware calibration too:<br />1. Colors are kept polished from the first day (this monitor is not factory precalibrated) and over its lifespan.<br />2. SV kit is a natural extention for OSM options. SpectraView calibration allows some unique setting that are not possible through OSM.<br />3. The NEC 2490 does not need a computer to maintain calibrated settings. Therefore calibrated setting are applicable to external devices (blu-ray player, PS3). Each input "remembers" its own assignment.<br />4. SV calibration is very easy. It's done automatically: you load desired values and press Start.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-1389517929671967022009-02-11T19:51:00.003-08:002009-04-22T13:42:34.390-07:00Below:<br />Various examples of SV calibration.<br />LaCie calibration software confirmes standard color gamut and very good calibration results.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-3590583873394713672009-02-11T19:51:00.001-08:002009-02-24T20:49:09.780-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQklIp4uznrcjTdRgLr2dhd7fQ802sPixGo2ejoy_T2ezwDUblQyovnKocR5jHfQAUicVxMKln473Clqc_uokNQ-EjBE0zNHkBpg5m779-yrfaIZTS7KGsINmgubij9f8vQy_meJf4MU/s1600-h/244.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQklIp4uznrcjTdRgLr2dhd7fQ802sPixGo2ejoy_T2ezwDUblQyovnKocR5jHfQAUicVxMKln473Clqc_uokNQ-EjBE0zNHkBpg5m779-yrfaIZTS7KGsINmgubij9f8vQy_meJf4MU/s400/244.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306592489883976338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt9R9B7vq4K6N1vxw7j5hbKsD1TF8MudJpahQ-jv1n6OqDlyYp1o60uPSflnSsPdG-j0lsgafWQ2FAq0dBPQ7hASp9D_l-tyGR1Fd1iJEHXBEqq-1Oluhj-XsBtIT_u-cO7yffOdNrg4/s1600-h/243.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt9R9B7vq4K6N1vxw7j5hbKsD1TF8MudJpahQ-jv1n6OqDlyYp1o60uPSflnSsPdG-j0lsgafWQ2FAq0dBPQ7hASp9D_l-tyGR1Fd1iJEHXBEqq-1Oluhj-XsBtIT_u-cO7yffOdNrg4/s400/243.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306592378971338034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxB50N1nF7verRindXy1unxs6N8MwGR8axp2YtLnlZOa3UAxL-r8pIdxTCql_OsphOMpkXmThdqm8Urrts52oQ1cHsamFHD_czR00YTQFI7JBK2talKD_iqxpH9frgWZnGf6ICDA5IZuY/s1600-h/228.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxB50N1nF7verRindXy1unxs6N8MwGR8axp2YtLnlZOa3UAxL-r8pIdxTCql_OsphOMpkXmThdqm8Urrts52oQ1cHsamFHD_czR00YTQFI7JBK2talKD_iqxpH9frgWZnGf6ICDA5IZuY/s400/228.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306592241886037490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-8vuRBTLnFFYqAOfhoq6GKYNkBcJus12KAsUviqNxmBrgGDyNCisM9ciwXzvHRtnA9TnNZxVxlVjzanmbnfxmpOFMfywyMsAwoxHnWbWeDYfbNH0iviBlNl-HvyWpfWNjgBEID6a_8A/s1600-h/242.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-8vuRBTLnFFYqAOfhoq6GKYNkBcJus12KAsUviqNxmBrgGDyNCisM9ciwXzvHRtnA9TnNZxVxlVjzanmbnfxmpOFMfywyMsAwoxHnWbWeDYfbNH0iviBlNl-HvyWpfWNjgBEID6a_8A/s400/242.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306592061667515218" /></a>1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6803996425924134933.post-22686476874225763412009-02-11T19:50:00.008-08:002009-02-24T21:36:56.557-08:00There are many speculations about misterious Tag E in the Advanced Menu. Norh American 2490/2690 have hidden "SpectraView" switch in this Tag. <br />Simultaneous pressing Input and Up buttons retreaves SpectraView settings On/Off option.1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03716628836679313246noreply@blogger.com0