For convenience I fixed the links in your quote.
Hey, I'm glad the extra digital input works for you but some people like to be able to hook up consoles or older ones without using a transcoder. I think for this much money it should have included something trivial like this and not to mention a USB hub. More of a design oversight than a huge disadvantage, but nevertheless a sizable disadvantage for some people.
I agree here. My 2690 is really easy to configure. The Dell 2007FP at work was a pain and the buttons were difficult to push.
Not bad. The max I got on my 2690 was 724:1 as I recall (with no ColorComp) but it was with high brightness (300 nits or so).
I agree this is a great feature.
The uniformity on my 2690 is actually less than satisfactory. There are variations of 15 nits or more even with ColorComp on 5. (30 nits without ColorComp.) And there is a white dead pixel that appears on the side bars in 2.35:1 movies. A couple other dead subpixels on less noticeable parts of the screen. I'm disappointed with the QC of this $1200 26" screen though. I will elaborate more in my upcoming review.
That's a pretty neat shot.
This looks eerily like my shot of 20WMGX2 vs VP930b. And the VA is measuring a lower black level, isn't it? This just goes to show you black level nits aren't everything. IPS panels are GREAT at dark movies like this.
Yeah this is pretty cool. And rarely mentioned.
Not to be off topic but you have some pretty cool videos. I like this one. Demonstrates VAs perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...zTCGSQ&feature=related
Well yes this is the case on the Dell 2707 (also mentioned in prad review) which is why I recommend the Samsung 275T for Multimedia instead. But the Samsung doesn't have this problem and nor do most other big Dell LCDs. Some other problems they have can be tinted colors.
That's not good. Probably has to do with the backlight modulation. I've heard several reports of Dell LCDs flickering. That's why I'm always wary of recommending Dells (mainly QC problems).
Actually I agree. But the price makes it unavailable to some people. Actually I believe the 24" model is also not available in Europe. The 2407 might be a better deal for those that need the other inputs and a cheaper monitor. I guess the main reason the 2490 wasn't recommended was because there weren't enough good reviews of it, not necessarily because it lacked inputs because I recommend the 2690. I am reasonably sure of the 2490's quality due to your glowing review of it (streaking tests/etc), so I will use this as an opportunity to recommend it in the OP.
LOL as I was watching the last video I thought the camera suddenly switched to your room but it was just your DVD. Great work on the review though, I have learned a lot from it.
I think you have proven that a pro monitor can also be a multimedia monitor. Actually I never really disputed that, but this made me realize there was more difference than I thought between IPS and VA monitors especially for movie-watchers. For gaming or general use I don't think the difference is as significant but for movies, the violet tint and black washout on VA panels is almost unignorable. VA monitors are suitable for a lot of people but people who really value a theater experience will want an IPS screen in my opinion (and obviously, yours).
The first three screens in the Multimedia section are S-IPS so it only makes sense for me to add the 24". Thanks again.
I still believe that omission of component inputs/etc (along with proper processing of course, contrary to 2707) is hard to live with but there's always DVI transcoders for those picky folks.
I'm not going to recommend it for office work though because this may appear misleading to some people that they need to spend this much. Hopefully those who do have the money and do want a better monitor will realize it but for the rest of them who just want a decent monitor for Word I think this is a little excessive.
I placed it below the 2690 in Multimedia as the 2690 is wide gamut and tends to reproduce some colors more naturally especially for movies. I am perfectly aware the 2490 is as good here though in sRGB which is why it is in photo editing and the 2690 isn't.
Originally posted by: albovin
More info about NEC 2490WUXi
I have had NEC 2490WUXi on my desk for about a year.
Here I found it listed in PHOTO EDITING/WEB DESIGN section as #1 and that is absolutely true. The only model to compete in this area is NEC 2190UXi which is 4:3 though.
But this remark: "somewhat suitable for multimedia as well" made me smile.
I see that trere are too little info of the NEC 2490WUXi available/
So I would like to share my knowledge of it with those interested.
This is not my impressions only.
I have tested this monitor with a colorimeter/software - actually this is NEC 2490WUXi-SV, a set of a monitor+colorimeter+SpectraView calibration software.
Full HD (1080p) support tested with stand alone HD-DVD player.
NEC 2490WUXi compared side by side with: CRT monitor, Dell 2407-HC (24" WG PVA), Gateway 2485 (24" PVA), Dell 2707 (WG PVA), Sony 205 (20" IPS).
I use NEC 2490WUXi for intensive everyday office work, internet surfing, photo editing, video editing, 1080p playback, internet TV, playing games occasionally.
I will try to be as brief as possible.
To begin with: 2490WUXi is technically identical to 2690WUXi - same H-IPS technology, same 1920x1200, same equipment in every aspect, same OSM controls, same detailed specification and the last - one manual for both of them.
The only difference: 2690 has 1.4" larger diagonal (larger dot pitch) and different chemical in backlight that provides wider color gamut.
This is to understand: whatever 2690 is capable of - 2490 does tha same (in regular color gamut).
We skip mechanics - it has any known flexibility.
For detailed description of 2490WUXi look at the NEC 2690 on prad.de.
Connectors.
I totally disagree with what is written about 2690: "Poor variety of multimedia inputs".
Same applicable to 2490 as they are twins? No.
Neither to 2690 nor to 2490.
2490 has two digital inputs (DVI-I and DVI-D) and D-Sub.
What is let's say "good" variety of inputs? Component, composite, S-Video..
Extra digital input is worth all of them taken together. Why? We'll see soon.
Hey, I'm glad the extra digital input works for you but some people like to be able to hook up consoles or older ones without using a transcoder. I think for this much money it should have included something trivial like this and not to mention a USB hub. More of a design oversight than a huge disadvantage, but nevertheless a sizable disadvantage for some people.
Controls.
Amazingly convenient location and design of the OSM buttons. Any of them make OSM to appear. When you surf functions you don't have to click every time to make them active. As you reach a function - it's active - adjust and leave. No extra click.
Everething gets clear in comparison. Both Dells - endless clicking for every step.
I agree here. My 2690 is really easy to configure. The Dell 2007FP at work was a pain and the buttons were difficult to push.
Calibration and measurements.
The equipment provided with SV version calibrates monitor automatically - that's a different story. The result is superb.
This is an example for high brightness (the result is received as a part of calibration process):
http://img341.imageshack.us/my...riantkalibrovkizu4.jpg
This REAL contrast ratio is a record for IPS! It has never been that high.
Another fact: it is almost as announced by the manufacturer (800:1) - it's quite rare for any monitor! Usually contrast ratio that you find in official specs means nothing but advert.
The only way to find out what it really is - instrumental test.
Monitor calibrated to deltaE=0.25 - spectacular!
Measurements for different settings showed contrast ratio up to 797:1, for everyday work (brightness of white 160cd) black level - 0.21cd. Not every PVA is able to surpass that.
Not bad. The max I got on my 2690 was 724:1 as I recall (with no ColorComp) but it was with high brightness (300 nits or so).
The NEC 2490WUXi has a new H-IPS panel which is free of violet tint of black at extreme diagonal angle.
On this photo you can see 2490 (front) next to Sony 205 with "old" IPS panel. You see the pedestal steps (dark brown on NEC) turning violet on 20" IPS:
http://img530.imageshack.us/my...mage=columbia22ej8.jpg
Violet tint may or may not appear a little if you look from one side only (the other side).
I agree this is a great feature.
Are you sitting? Next photo is taken during the process of calibration. It shows 24" PVA Gateway 2485(on top) and NEC 2490WUXi (below).
http://img409.imageshack.us/my...?image=lllllllljn8.jpg
Violet is on PVA. H-IPS is Black! At the same time you see some backlight uniformity problem with the Gateway 2485.
NEC 2490 uniformity is perfect.
The uniformity on my 2690 is actually less than satisfactory. There are variations of 15 nits or more even with ColorComp on 5. (30 nits without ColorComp.) And there is a white dead pixel that appears on the side bars in 2.35:1 movies. A couple other dead subpixels on less noticeable parts of the screen. I'm disappointed with the QC of this $1200 26" screen though. I will elaborate more in my upcoming review.
Want more? I have for you.
Again, NEC is closer to us:
http://img341.imageshack.us/my...ge=hdrolikpoletxd4.jpg
That's the end of legend: new IPS has less violet black at an angle than *VA!
That's a pretty neat shot.
OK, let's look from the other side. Next picture - we are watching a movie (from the computer!) This time the NEC is distant, PVA Gateway is closer:
http://img522.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gwnecrij2.jpg
This looks eerily like my shot of 20WMGX2 vs VP930b. And the VA is measuring a lower black level, isn't it? This just goes to show you black level nits aren't everything. IPS panels are GREAT at dark movies like this.
The NEC 2490/2690WUXI unlike any other monitor have a UNIQUE control - a true scaling ability. It's like a wizard - it makes any proportion of the picture, any you want.
Look at this:
http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cus2x2sr7.jpg
This is a regular DVD movie. Scale it at your convenience to a disired size or sharpness to please your eyes.
Why the background is not black? That's your choice. Many garadations between black and white are possible. Question. Is this for photo editing professionals?
This is for us! None of Dells or so are even close to that.
Yeah this is pretty cool. And rarely mentioned.
Next picture - playing games! Top left and top right - Gateway.
Left and right below - NEC 2490. With unique scaling ability of the NEC, you can adjust any unproportional game to fit your screen better.
Both left: 4:3 game does not fit the screen. Both right: the Gateway distorts the picture in a full width. With the NEC you can do the same OR adjust 4:3 to a full width without distortion - just slightly cut in vertical dimention:
http://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nfswi9.jpg
This is the NEC 2490WUXi in comparison with a CRT monitor.
http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crtipsbo1.jpg
You see it! 2490 does not yield even a grain to a CRT here.
After this test I used the NEC 2490WUXi as a reference monitor for all others.
I played FarCry on both NEC and CRT in clone mode. The 24" big is a bit slower, not critically. Input lag is about 1.5 frames - estimation. I used a camcorder for this test. It's not considered a perfect measurement tool but it gives more acceptable visual impression rather then cold digits of ms. Playing is very comfortable. No problem for a moderate gamer.
This is video! 2490 next to Dell 2407-HC - the NEC looks minimally faster in the live episode, then "frame by frame" is equal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drD5OUEx4Dc
Not to be off topic but you have some pretty cool videos. I like this one. Demonstrates VAs perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...zTCGSQ&feature=related
What about ghousting? Next set of photoes - moving square. The best one and the worst one for both monitors. Both best ones are close. That one on the Dell is slightly less "solid" and has a small tail of "smoke". The worst one on the NEC is way better than Dell's:
http://img144.imageshack.us/my...image=tft2407hcfu5.jpg
Similar test to compare the NEC 2490WUXI with the Dell 2707 - 2707 is even worse than 2407 - "wings" on the square and "smoke" are more obvious:
http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tftak5.jpg
All these monitors have an overdrive. BUT! On the NEC, you can turn it off. Requirements of gamers are very individual. That's your choice.
Question. Why so called "monitor for professional use" demonstrates less ghosting and better flexibility for playing games then those so called "ideal for games"?
Watching movies!!
A couple more photoes of movies from a regular computer.
Again, how black is black on the NEC 2490WUXi when looking from it's "weaker" side (here with the Dell 2707):
Click here.
Another DVD playback (computer, with Dell 2407-HC):
Click here.
Stand alone DVD player.
Now it's time to talk about "variety of inputs".
Question. Is there any practical use of those component and so on video inputs in comparison with an additional digital video input of the NEC 2490? Let's see.
For this test a regular DVD player with HDMI and component outputs is connected with the NEC 2490WYXi (HDMI to DVI) and the Dell 2707 (component to component).
Next picture - 2490 demonstrates the whole picture with the right proportion.
Dell? Whatever mode you try - no acceptable result. The picture over component connection is either distorted or cut (or both!). Had the Dell which is "perfect for movies" that scaling what the NEC has - there would be a different result. So far - the component fails:
http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scalingmk9.jpg
Well yes this is the case on the Dell 2707 (also mentioned in prad review) which is why I recommend the Samsung 275T for Multimedia instead. But the Samsung doesn't have this problem and nor do most other big Dell LCDs. Some other problems they have can be tinted colors.
The movie over component is spoiled proportionally AND it's color quality is inferior too.
Don't forget about poor viewing angles of PVA and violet black - My God!
Next photo - next DVD - distortion over component, no enough scaling on Dell 2707:
http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=licafd1.jpg
Next - component - stretched faces, poor viewing angles on 2707:
http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=despdv1.jpg
Same movie episode, Dell 2707-HC, component:
http://img266.imageshack.us/my...age=desperado12xn1.jpg
What a garbage is that "variety of inputs"!
High Definition!
Attention! This is a rare test even for "professional" reviews. Many testers neglect to check 1080p support by the monitor and prefer to retell manufacturer's sweet advertisement.
This test was done with the use of stand alone HD-DVD player and 1080p movie.
On this picture HD player is in 720p mode. NEC 2490 vs Dell 2707:
Click here.
Are "viewing angles" just viewing angles? No, that's a quality of movie playback!
OK, it's time for 1080p!
Dell does not support 1080p over component. It still has DVI which MUST be for a computer.
OK, I disconnect the computer, disconnect the NEC2490 fron HDMI.
Then I connect HD Player with DVI Dell 2707, 1080p mode. Rezult?
Dell 2707 FAILED to support 1080p!!
How about NEC 2490WUXi for Full HD (1080p)? Perfect!
This monitor really does whatever you want it to do.
Next picture - NEC 2490WUXi reports about it's victory: Click here.
Question. Why so called "for photo editing professionals" monitor playes movies in any possible mode way better then those "ideal for movie Full HD monitors"?
My monitor and my vision.
Minimal brightnes for the Dell 2407-HC I could achieve - 134cd
NEC 2490 has minimum - 46cd
Next video - both monitor set on the brightnes about 150-160cd.
Dell is blinking dramatically: Click here.
That's not good. Probably has to do with the backlight modulation. I've heard several reports of Dell LCDs flickering. That's why I'm always wary of recommending Dells (mainly QC problems).
The NEC 2490WUXi has autobrightness function - screen brightness is regulated according to ambient light. This is to protect my vision during a longer work.
Is it for "printing professionals"? No, it's for us!
Printing professinals would disable this function as it may interfere with their sterile color space.
Conclusion.
"NEC 2490WUXi is a monitor for professionals only" - FORGET THIS B......T!
This is (with 2690) the best all-purpose, all-around, universal... monitor on the market.
Actually I agree. But the price makes it unavailable to some people. Actually I believe the 24" model is also not available in Europe. The 2407 might be a better deal for those that need the other inputs and a cheaper monitor. I guess the main reason the 2490 wasn't recommended was because there weren't enough good reviews of it, not necessarily because it lacked inputs because I recommend the 2690. I am reasonably sure of the 2490's quality due to your glowing review of it (streaking tests/etc), so I will use this as an opportunity to recommend it in the OP.
Is it suitable for professionals? O, yes! It's so good that it is suitable for them too - it has outstanding image quality, controls and electronics to be on top of professional market.
At the same time it beats any competitor as a perfect monitor home or office use.
Why it happened? I don't know. But it's a fact.
It's quite expensive ~$1100 - Yes, you get what you pay for.
Now relax a little and wach a short video (don't warry. some words in foreign language):
NEC 2490WUXi
1. Office work.
Large space - 1920x1200
High contrast at medium brightnes
The quality of brightness control - above any other monitor
Precise color temperature adjustment - friendly for eyes
High interpolation quality
Sharpness adjustment
Best viewing angles - if used for several workers
2.Multimedia.
Low response time
Best color/gamma curve reproduction and regulation
High contrast
Best available viewing angles
Unique/uncomparable scaling ability for better movies/gaming experience
Unique function - instant black level adjustment from the first page of OSM
REALLY supports Full HD - 1080p
3.Photo editing/WEB design
Monitor #1 - it goes without saying.
Thank You for your patience!
LOL as I was watching the last video I thought the camera suddenly switched to your room but it was just your DVD. Great work on the review though, I have learned a lot from it.
I think you have proven that a pro monitor can also be a multimedia monitor. Actually I never really disputed that, but this made me realize there was more difference than I thought between IPS and VA monitors especially for movie-watchers. For gaming or general use I don't think the difference is as significant but for movies, the violet tint and black washout on VA panels is almost unignorable. VA monitors are suitable for a lot of people but people who really value a theater experience will want an IPS screen in my opinion (and obviously, yours).
The first three screens in the Multimedia section are S-IPS so it only makes sense for me to add the 24". Thanks again.
I still believe that omission of component inputs/etc (along with proper processing of course, contrary to 2707) is hard to live with but there's always DVI transcoders for those picky folks.
I'm not going to recommend it for office work though because this may appear misleading to some people that they need to spend this much. Hopefully those who do have the money and do want a better monitor will realize it but for the rest of them who just want a decent monitor for Word I think this is a little excessive.
I placed it below the 2690 in Multimedia as the 2690 is wide gamut and tends to reproduce some colors more naturally especially for movies. I am perfectly aware the 2490 is as good here though in sRGB which is why it is in photo editing and the 2690 isn't.