I recently received my new NEC MultiSync PA272W monitor, so I thought I would share my thoughts about it.
This a 27 inch, AH-IPS panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Native resolution is 2560x1440 with a viewing angle of 178 degrees. The monitor will display 99.3% of Adobe RGB and 146% of sRGB. The backlight is GB-R LED. Input Connectors: DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D Dual Link, USB hub (2 up/ 3 down). Power consumption is 73 watts. You can find detailed specs here.
It arrived as scheduled. Upon arrival, I noticed that the outer box had a pretty nice-sized ding in one corner. The damage to the outer carton was noted by my UPS driver. I opened the box, removed the monitor from the NEC box, and all was well. Obviously, the monitor was well packed by both NEC and B&H.
I had previously downloaded the User Guide and driver from NEC's web site (link below). If you are considering purchasing this monitor, it’s a good idea to review the manual before you begin setup.
The monitor comes with the base already attached, so you won't have to fiddle with this. Given the size of the panel, this is a good thing. The screen plus the base weighs 28.4 lb / 12.9 kg, but there is a built-in carry handle at the top of the panel that makes moving the hardware very easy.
Setup was quickly accomplished due to the smooth operation of the height adjustment and the cable management system. Installing the driver was painless on my Windows 7 64 bit system. You'll need to select your language from the On Screen Display (OSD) when you first turn on the monitor. Again, this was easy to do, as the OSD is nicely laid out and easy to read.
Next, I fired up the NEC SpectraView monitor calibration software to calibrate the new screen. I highly recommend SpectraView and the NEC-branded X-rite iOne colorimeter. Once you begin the calibration process it's a 'hands-off' operation. Upon completion, the color, grey scale response, contrast ratio, white point and luminance were very close to my target values. There are a couple of items to be aware of: First, you'll need to attach a USB cable from a port on your computer to the monitor so that SpectraView can communicate with the monitor (this cable is included). Second, before calibrating, allow the monitor to warm up for about an hour for best results. It's also a good idea to run through the process a couple of times, especially with a new screen.
When working with images in PhotoShop, the big screen and accurate color is a real boon. Text is crisp and clear, and there is plenty of space for a nice sized image and the various fly-out palettes. Uniformity is perfect, as far as I can see.
Pros:
*** Large screen with excellent uniformity and viewing angle
*** Easy setup
*** Excellent color and crisp text
*** Easy and accurate calibration with SpectraView
*** A nice selection of input connectors
*** DVI-D, Display Port, and USB 2.0 (Upstream) cables included
*** Reasonably sized footprint for such a large screen
Cons:
*** No driver CD included (is easily downloaded from NEC)
*** The printed manual in my box was not in English (again, easy to download)
Final Words:
This is an excellent monitor all the way around. If you are looking for a monitor for color-critical work, especially when you output is for print, I highly recommend the NEC PA272W. It is not inexpensive, but you do get a great return on your investment. When coupled with SpectraView, you'll have a great adjunct to your color management system.
After using this thing for a couple of weeks, I simply can't get over how nice a monitor it is. I've had no issues at all after about 350 power-on hours of operation.
I am unable to answer your question because I'm not a Mac person, nor am I familiar with the Spider 3 Elite.
It may be preferable for you to delete these posts and ask your question in the Digital Imaging forum.
I'm happy to hear that you found a good monitor within your price range.
I wish I could be of more help.
--P
Posted by Karl Buiter on October 21, 2014 at 9:19 PM
I have a slight earlier version that I got on close-out - the NEC PA-271W along with the PA-241W. Both are fed with a FirePro 5000W for 10-bit/channel or 30-bit color space. When you turn the monitor (for me usually the 24" in two-monitor LR) it will autoswitch to profile viewing.
Over the past year or two I have had no issues with the monitors. Beautiful, uniform, absolute no-compromise editing. I do occasionally get a glitch in the FirePro drivers but there is likely an update I have not bothered to download.
The base can be easily removed for two-piece transport. BTW. these are very thick monitors - not thin panels. They mean business.
As for calibration, I use the ColorMunki spectrometer with the Spectravision Software. You do need to turn off some drivers (I'll edit this post when I get back to the machine) from control panel. No issues, works well.
Discussion
4 repliesThis a 27 inch, AH-IPS panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Native resolution is 2560x1440 with a viewing angle of 178 degrees. The monitor will display 99.3% of Adobe RGB and 146% of sRGB. The backlight is GB-R LED. Input Connectors: DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D Dual Link, USB hub (2 up/ 3 down). Power consumption is 73 watts. You can find detailed specs here.
It arrived as scheduled. Upon arrival, I noticed that the outer box had a pretty nice-sized ding in one corner. The damage to the outer carton was noted by my UPS driver. I opened the box, removed the monitor from the NEC box, and all was well. Obviously, the monitor was well packed by both NEC and B&H.
I had previously downloaded the User Guide and driver from NEC's web site (link below). If you are considering purchasing this monitor, it’s a good idea to review the manual before you begin setup.
The monitor comes with the base already attached, so you won't have to fiddle with this. Given the size of the panel, this is a good thing. The screen plus the base weighs 28.4 lb / 12.9 kg, but there is a built-in carry handle at the top of the panel that makes moving the hardware very easy.
Setup was quickly accomplished due to the smooth operation of the height adjustment and the cable management system. Installing the driver was painless on my Windows 7 64 bit system. You'll need to select your language from the On Screen Display (OSD) when you first turn on the monitor. Again, this was easy to do, as the OSD is nicely laid out and easy to read.
Next, I fired up the NEC SpectraView monitor calibration software to calibrate the new screen. I highly recommend SpectraView and the NEC-branded X-rite iOne colorimeter. Once you begin the calibration process it's a 'hands-off' operation. Upon completion, the color, grey scale response, contrast ratio, white point and luminance were very close to my target values. There are a couple of items to be aware of: First, you'll need to attach a USB cable from a port on your computer to the monitor so that SpectraView can communicate with the monitor (this cable is included). Second, before calibrating, allow the monitor to warm up for about an hour for best results. It's also a good idea to run through the process a couple of times, especially with a new screen.
When working with images in PhotoShop, the big screen and accurate color is a real boon. Text is crisp and clear, and there is plenty of space for a nice sized image and the various fly-out palettes. Uniformity is perfect, as far as I can see.
Pros:
*** Large screen with excellent uniformity and viewing angle
*** Easy setup
*** Excellent color and crisp text
*** Easy and accurate calibration with SpectraView
*** A nice selection of input connectors
*** DVI-D, Display Port, and USB 2.0 (Upstream) cables included
*** Reasonably sized footprint for such a large screen
Cons:
*** No driver CD included (is easily downloaded from NEC)
*** The printed manual in my box was not in English (again, easy to download)
Final Words:
This is an excellent monitor all the way around. If you are looking for a monitor for color-critical work, especially when you output is for print, I highly recommend the NEC PA272W. It is not inexpensive, but you do get a great return on your investment. When coupled with SpectraView, you'll have a great adjunct to your color management system.
User Guide and Driver: Click on the Downloads tab.
SpectraView: Overview and download
SpectraSensor Pro Calibration Sensor Overview
The MSRP for the monitor and SpectraView bundle (MODEL: PA272W-BK-SV) is $1,549.00 USD.
If you have any questions, please send me an e-mail, or post them to this thread.
--P
Happy to help.
After using this thing for a couple of weeks, I simply can't get over how nice a monitor it is. I've had no issues at all after about 350 power-on hours of operation.
--P
I am unable to answer your question because I'm not a Mac person, nor am I familiar with the Spider 3 Elite.
It may be preferable for you to delete these posts and ask your question in the Digital Imaging forum.
I'm happy to hear that you found a good monitor within your price range.
I wish I could be of more help.
--P
Over the past year or two I have had no issues with the monitors. Beautiful, uniform, absolute no-compromise editing. I do occasionally get a glitch in the FirePro drivers but there is likely an update I have not bothered to download.
The base can be easily removed for two-piece transport. BTW. these are very thick monitors - not thin panels. They mean business.
As for calibration, I use the ColorMunki spectrometer with the Spectravision Software. You do need to turn off some drivers (I'll edit this post when I get back to the machine) from control panel. No issues, works well.