14 DAY TRIAL // When we read “entry-level,” we usually assume that the device we are looking at has the minimum set of features for its kind, in order to reach a low price, but NEC has broken the mold with its two newest MultiSync monitors. Measuring 24 inches in diagonal, they are described as “entry-level professional desktop widescreen monitors with LED backlights,” yet cost $749 / 749 EUR and $999 / 749 EUR, respectively.
Obviously, those are not the type of prices we would expect from products which, by NEC's own admission, are supposed to be on the low end of the market spectrum.
On the other hand, the MultiSync P series is meant for web, high-end desktop and photography applications, where accurate, repeatable and consistent color performance is essential.
With that in mind, we suppose we could allow the concession that the minimum image quality bar has to be higher than on the other display market segments, thus the prices.
Spec-wise, the newcomers are LED-backlit AH-IPS panels with power draw of 29W and ambient light sensors that adjust brightness based on the environment.
This has earned Energy Star 6.0 certification (Energy Star 5 has been long associated with high-end, so this is no small feat).
The native resolution is of 1920 x 1200 pixels, the brightness of 350 cd/m2, and the color coverage of 99.6 percent sRGB gamut and 75.2% NTSC.
Connectivity includes DVI-D, VGA and DisplayPort, plus a USB 2.0 hub (two upstream, three downstream).
Finally, the MultiSync P242W gets five programmable Picture Mode profiles, internal 14-bit 3D programmable lookup tables (LUTs), and four-way stand with 150mm height-adjust, tilt, swivel and pivot. Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture capabilities round up the feature set.
Sales of the MultiSync P242W-BK and P242W-BK-SV (has color calibration with NEC SpectraView II) will start this May.
