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Hardware

First Look Review: NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi

31 May, 2006 By: Ron LaFon

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21" LCD display

NEC has introduced a new professional-level LCD monitor, the NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi 21.3", which is targeted at design professionals who require high image quality and flexibility in color adjustment. The MultiSync 90 series replaces the MultiSync 80 series, and offers more than 25 new or improved features.

The LCD2190UXi features SpectraView II, an easy-to-use calibration and profiling tool for use in color-critical applications. The monitor also features the AccuColor Control System, which allows users to adjust on-screen colors and customize the monitor’s color accuracy to various standards.

You can download the NaViSet software for use with the MultiSync LCD2190UXi monitor (and certain other NEC monitors). The NaViSet software provides an intuitive graphical user interface that works with the DDC/CI (display data channel/command interface) protocol to allow users to adjust display settings via their mouse and keyboard, with commands sent directly to the monitor.

NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi

NEC paid a lot of attention to details—large and small—in the MultiSync LCD2190UXi monitor. An ambient brightness monitor adjusts to environmental lighting conditions. The pivot control for the monitor is provided in the software, rather than in hardware—switch the on-screen menu orientation and the display automatically adjusts accordingly. You’ll also find a black adjustment setting in the menu system—an uncommon and very useful setting for high-quality displays. One small but impressive detail is a lift handle for moving the monitor built into the top back of the display.

Speaking of the on-screen menu, the one found in the NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi is well designed and features a wealth of adjustments and settings. The control buttons for the monitor are located on the bottom right of the bezel and continue up the right side of the bezel (at least in landscape mode). The buttons are black against a black housing, so they are a bit difficult to see, but press any button or control surface and a label appears next to it on the display itself. This feature is remarkably useful and one that other vendors should note. The buttons themselves include left/right toggle and up/down toggle buttons that are wider than the others.

The MultiSync LCD2190UXi has a 4:3 aspect ratio and supports resolutions as high as 1600x1200 at 60Hz. Dot pitch is 0.27mm. Brightness is rated at 250cd/m2, and the display’s contrast is rated at 500:1. The viewing angle for the MultiSync LCD2190UXi is given as 178° both horizontally and vertically. The display weighs 23.6lb with the stand and 17.6lb without it. The monitor uses an average of 52W during operation.

On the test bench, the NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi sailed through the Displaymate (www.displaymate.com) tests with flying colors, showing superb color, smooth grayscale gradations and not a trace of flicker or ghosting, even in the more difficult display benchmarks. My only complaint about the monitor is its 20ms response time. Although this response time is fairly typical for panels of this size, users likely will face instances in which it’s inadequate for their tasks.

The NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi is a 21.3" LCD monitor with a native resolution of 1600x1200.

Connectivity options include DVI-D, DVI-I and D-sub connectors. Cables are provided with the display for DVD-D to DVI-D (digital only), 15-pin D-sub to 15-pin D-sub and 15-pin D-sub to DVI-I—along with the expected power cord. The display has no USB connection.

The mounting for the NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi is stable and smooth in operation in both landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) modes. The monitor includes a removable panel on the back of the upright component that detaches to provide a method for controlling cables. The base is attached using a standard VESA mounting interface, so the display can be mounted as part of a wall-of- monitors configuration.

The NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi is a professional-level display with numerous high-end features and is priced accordingly at $1,599.99. The display is covered by a four-year warranty on parts, labor and the backlight. The warranty includes 24/7 technical support.

The MultiSync LCD2190UXi, with outstanding display quality and a plethora of usability features, offers much to like. Highly recommended. 

Ron LaFon, a contributing editor for Cadalyst, is a writer, editor and computer graphics and electronic publishing specialist from Atlanta, Georgia. He is a principal at 3Bear Productions in Atlanta.