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

[AndrewRodney]

Originally Posted by 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.

The minimum contrast ratio of 1000:1 sucks for soft proofing! The print, at best might have a 250:1, maybe if you're really working super gloss, 300:1 and you're display is way, way off. So you have to use the soft proof functionality (simulate paper white) which makes your image look like crap in comparison because you're so far from the optimal contrast ratio. You can't now properly view the entire image AND the UI which doesn't undergo the simulation. When you do this via calibration, the entire output device (display) is closer to the optimal proofing of the desired output.

You CAN lower this by controlling white to black with some units. But if the MINIMUM is 1000:1, that's NOT good! This display was NOT built for the still, photo market. Its no Artisan (which was). If you're in the effects buz, its awesome. Its optimized for that media.

[AndrewRodney]

Originally Posted by Jerry Skrocki

NEC Display Solutions » MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2-BK

It states:

Superior screen performance (1000:1 contrast ratio, 1920 x 1200 native resolution, 320cd/m2 brightness).

Just as the display might go as high as 320cd/m2 (giving you an idea how silly such a spec is or why anyone in their right mind would drive a unit that high), the equally silly contrast ratio isn't the MINIMUM, its simply the equally silly spec's the manufacturers think you want to see and have. And no, you don't have to drive it at 1920x1200 either.

The HP's MINIMUM contrast ratio was specified by one of its designers in his post from the CS list above.

[Jerry Skrocki]

Originally Posted by AndrewRodney

The HP's MINIMUM contrast ratio was specified by one of its designers in his post from the CS list above.

I was unable to find the quote that you mentioned from the CS list.
Andrew Page from HP does state:

The APS for the Display is the:
HP DreamColor Advanced Profiling Solution KZ300AA
Price: ~$350
Quick Summary: Primarily provides the ability to profile and calibrate the lp2480zx display, update calibration in formation in the display and create users specific color modes (white point, luminance, etc.)

From what I understand, you can adjust black and white luminance creating a custom profile setting (such as paper simulation) that can also be accessed by simply pressing a button on the display. How can the contrast ratio be limited to a minimum of 800:1 if you can set both the black and white luminance?

Black luminance from 0.5 cd/m2
White luminance from 40 - 250 cd/m2

I don't have specific information on max black luminance setting but there is a manual black level adjustment in the OSD.

http://h20202.www2.hp.com/Hpsub/down...AQ_June08a.pdf

Jerry

[AndrewRodney]

Originally Posted by Jerry Skrocki

I was unable to find the quote that you mentioned from the CS list.
Andrew Page from HP does state:

Tom's post is above. Do a search on the CS archives for the posts named "HP extended gamut monitor " and you'll find Tom's post.

[Jerry Skrocki]

Originally Posted by AndrewRodney

Tom's post is above. Do a search on the CS archives for the posts named "HP extended gamut monitor " and you'll find Tom's post.

Oh, you mean where he states: "The Contrast Ratio is 1000:1 or greater."

This is obviously a misstatement as 1000:1 is the maximum contrast ratio. From the information sheet I linked earlier:

"The HP DreamColor LP2480zx display can be dimmed to very low levels—as low as 40 cd/m2 for the peak white luminance."

If 1000:1 represents a max white luminance of 250 cd/m2 and a black luminance of .5 cd/m2, then logically a white luminance of 40 cd/m2 and a black luminance of .5 cd/m2 would represent a contrast ratio of about 182:1. (Leaving the black level adjustment out of the equation)

Jerry

[AndrewRodney]

Originally Posted by Jerry Skrocki

Oh, you mean where he states: "The Contrast Ratio is 1000:1 or greater."

This is obviously a misstatement as 1000:1 is the maximum contrast ratio.

Yes Jerry, from Tom, one of the designers of this product!

[AndrewRodney]

A quote from a user (a very, very, very high end user, color geek):

Right now it barely works on my Mac, can't be calibrated on a mac, and I can't upgrade it's firmware. The factory calibration sucks and the uniformity is poor.

Enjoy Jerry.