New LCD kid on the block - 30 bit, billion color display

[Richard_Coyle]

Originally Posted by AndrewRodney

Actually it is its contrast ratio that IS an issue for us doing photo work (we need less, not more)!

Andrew and Doug
Actually, I raised this issue in the context of the video industry, with the potential for this unit to serve a dual purpose as an HD/BlueRay playback device as well as meeting future video standards. That's why the reference to 120Hz and higher contrast ratio. I totally agree with the issue of needing more flexibility in adjusting brightness and contrast for LCD displays in our arena, similar to a CRT.

[AndrewRodney]

The ideal contrast ratio is that which closely matches the contrast ratio of the print you're soft proofing. Fortunately, with some of the better displays, you can set this at calibration.

[Jerry Skrocki]

The HP DreamColor Monitor (LP2489zx) is now on sale until January 31, 2009 for $1999. direct from HP. The new pricing puts the monitor in the same range as the other RGB LED monitors currently on the market.

I ordered one this weekend to replace my Apple Cinema Display.

Jerry

[AndrewRodney]

Originally Posted by Jerry Skrocki

The HP DreamColor Monitor (LP2489zx) is now on sale until January 31, 2009 for $1999. direct from HP. The new pricing puts the monitor in the same range as the other RGB LED monitors currently on the market.

I ordered one this weekend to replace my Apple Cinema Display.

Jerry

This pup isn't quite ready for primetime and its original design isn't for the Photo space (film space). Unless you want to live on the bleeding edge and have that money burning a hole in your pocket, I'd sit on the fence with this unit.

A minimum of 1000:1 contrast ratio is far from ideal for photo soft proofing!

[Jerry Skrocki]

Originally Posted by AndrewRodney

This pup isn't quite ready for primetime and its original design isn't for the Photo space (film space). Unless you want to live on the bleeding edge and have that money burning a hole in your pocket, I'd sit on the fence with this unit.

A minimum of 800:1 contrast ratio is far from ideal for photo soft proofing!

I just read every thread available on the Apple Colorsync Users List from early adopters of this unit and am convinced that it is currently the best color critical monitor available in that price range. The only downside is having to purchase the specially filtered eye one display 2 and software to calibrate the built in LUT.

"...In matters of uniformity the new HP Dreamcolor panel clearly beats every other wide gamut display I've seen so far (and I've seen almost all available models). It is at least as uniform as the "narrow-gamut" EIZO CG210 and much better than the newer EIZO "Digital Uniformity Equalizer" models (CG211, CG221, CG241).

The gamut is tremendous. I've never seen reds or magentas like this before. Also the contrast range is higher than everything else I've seen before on a LCD display.

Under normal viewing conditions, the HP Dreamcolor is close to perfection: It has very little viewing angle dependency, great uniformity and an unbeatable gamut and contrast range. I can highly recommend it..."
Klaus Karcher

My choice of monitor is not strictly for photo editing, but also for color critical graphic design work. The ability to display the widest possible color gamut, to change colorspace with a push of a button and dim to 40 cd/m2 outweigh any perceived disadvantage of a higher contrast ratio.

Jerry

[AndrewRodney]

Originally Posted by Jerry Skrocki

I just read every thread available on the Apple Colorsync Users List from early adopters of this unit and am convinced that it is currently the best color critical monitor available in that price range.

Its your money, it will be interesting to see how this all pans out and if the so called early adopters of the bleeding edge on the CS list are a reliable group for such recommendations (at least for non color geeks).

[Jerry Skrocki]

I don't understand the hang up with contrast ratio. The professional Eizo graphic monitors are 850:1 and NEC 2690WUXi2 graphic monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1.

EIZO / ColorEdge CG241W

NEC Display Solutions » MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2-BK

Jerry