NEC LCD20WGX2 review *** UPDATED 25/02/06 ***

[igors]

just spoken with Sarah and I have been advised to send back the new display, they will dispatch me another once they receieve more stock.

fingers crossed please folks .

H

Fingers crossed for the fifth one and congratulations as you are definitely the new champion in the monitor swapping marathon discipline (no wonder that they run out of stock).

Good luck! (in the meantime, I would suggest that you observe the monitor and verify if after, let's say a week, problem is less pronounced).

 

[igors]

which one.

That one from the picture above.

I'm always checking in the vain hope that it rectifies but so far no joy .

I'm sure you will get there

 

[igors]

heya

here
is a quick image I made in Photoshop for an oil painting its a bmp at 1680 x 1050 and has many bluetones. If set as background you will notice in Native mode there is all the tones the steps in colour are just a few mm appart and even, but when you switch to 9300 k mode the panel drops out of full 8 bit(native mode) and then there is colour banding every inch or so my artwork .

I guess the question I was looking for, was "Can this monitor display full 8 bit colours with 9300k whites?"

and I guess the answer would be no. or at least I can't get it to.

Native mode is at 6500k by the looks of it = the reason for the yellow whites.
It still does a great job but personally I find Native mode useless because of the warmth of the backlight @ 6500k, So I'll have to put up with colour banding @ 9300k ?

Thank you muchly for your input

Hi Larz, long time no see If you are still around this thread, I found the solution for your colour problems @ 9300K colour temperature and hopefully you will read this post.

When playing with the contrast and brightness settings, you have to be careful not to damage the colour shades and gradients (typically darker midtones), especially when changing the monitor colour temperature. Here is the good guidance for you:

http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/Calibration/monitor_gradient.htm

While playing with your contrast/brightness and/or colour temperature (in your case 9300K) settings and at the same time observing the gradient from the page above, you will see how the gradient is reacting to the brightness and contrast changes and you can easily find the sweet spot which will produce the less banding (if visible at all) and colour cast. Please note that only really expensive (colour critical) monitors can display the spotless gradients with the maximum number of exposed darkest shades from the colour gamut. According to the test from the above, NEC is doing very well.

I think that 50% contrast is optimal and brightness should not be less then 25% @ native colour mode. Try the "Monitor Grayscale Test Image" link from the above and you will see what I'm talking about. Values outside of those boundaries are definitely messing up the gradients and dark midtone shades. You may also try the "colour, gray and moire patterns" from the NaviSet testing patterns. Also, please note that if you change the monitor colour temperature, you have to adjust the contrast/brightness again to the optimal values by using test screens. Optimal values are not the equivalent between each colour temperature mode. When you set up your contrast/brightness, colour temperature and RGB balance properly, you should have same really nice, balanced and accurate colours. Also, your colour shades will not suffer and that will bring additional benefits. For your preferred 9300K colour temperature, optimal contrast is 70%

Good utility to display more info about the monitor:

http://www.entechtaiwan.com/files/moninfo.exe

It's intercepting the DCC/CI traffic and retrieving the monitor specification values. Apart from everything else, you may find the RGB and white point chromatic values:

Color characteristics
Display gamma............... 2.20
Red chromaticity............ Rx 0.640 - Ry 0.340
Green chromaticity.......... Gx 0.290 - Gy 0.610
Blue chromaticity........... Bx 0.145 - By 0.070
White point (default)....... Wx 0.313 - Wy 0.329

They are useful for the calibration tasks where you need to spec your monitor chromatic values (like with Adobe Gamma/Adobe Photoshop).

On the another note, I think that the supplied n20wgx2.icc colour profile, supplied with the monitor driver, when imported as custom colour correction ICC profile (Nvidia) is washing out the colours simply because of the incorrect gamma settings (usually default windows gamma is 2.2 for the ordinary display usage). I guess that if somehow gamma is normalised by modifying this ICC profile, it should be useful as the preferred colour calibration profile, working in pair with your graphics card. I will play a bit more with this and in case of any progress, I will post back the instructions.

If you are patient and really serious about the accurate colours (for the colour critical work), hardware colour calibrator is a way to go ... especially for the proper RGB balance. With the WYSIWYG calibration method, major problem is that you have to have the good eye. Another problem is that sometimes your eye can trick you what may seem to be the "natural colour". Third problem is that you need a LOT of patience and at the same time it's very harsh to your eyes and final results are really questionable.

*** For the all 20WGX2 users ***

I would warmly recommend that you load the test page from the above and correctly adjust your brightness & contrast settings. It's visually easy (you will easily find the sweet spot) and at the same time you will benefit from the accurate gradient shades.

 

[igors]

Dont listen to what anyone says about the glossy screen, its great.

Makes all the images look like photos and makes colours so much warmer.

Recommended!

My favourite quote about the glossy factor, from LaRZ:

With the Opticlear all you see is the image and no surface, just like a high quality CRT and even looks as so the image is just floating there with a great sense of the panel being more like a window into another world, and more immersive for video editing and computer games, it just helps to add that xtra vibrance to the spectrum. I think the opticlear screen is a triumph.

For more info about the OptiClear:

http://www.necdisplay.com/support/css/Techlibrary/opticlear_screen.htm

 

[igors]

I just went out into town, and got back a second ago and the monitor was in standby and making a really highpitch noise that would drive dogs crazy.

Thought it might have been the speakers or one of my fans being funny, but they were fine, it was coming straight from the monitor

Anyone had the same problem?

I've heard reports here & there, but not on the epidemic level. For now, I guess that only solution is that (if it's really annoying) you don't use the standby function and just power off the monitor (via front illuminated button) after each usage session. Not sure that you can fix this by yourself.

I noticed from your previous posts, that you have only 1 year guarantee ?! Why is that ? Are you sure that you didn't purchased the RMA monitor (from your e-tailer) ? How was the monitor packaging ? As you may see, I'm slightly worried that your monitor was already returned.

Anyhow, you may swap the monitor with NEC (if the issue is unbearable) and ask them why is that happening. I think that no one, from the affected users, didn't report back proper explanation.

 

[igors]

Do is it onsite exchange that nec do?

Yes. They will send you the new monitor and you can keep & use the old one until replacement arrives. After that, I think that you have 7 days to return the old one. Of course, in case you don't, that will have your CC details anyway You are not paying for any shipping across. From the user reports, it's very straight forward process.

 

[igors]

@ igors

does your panel make such noises in any mode?

Nope. It's dead silent and my room is very "noise friendly" ... no carpets, wooden floor, wooden blinds. In essence, nothing is there to absorb the noise.

 

[igors]

Advanced DV mode is a waste of time for me as I find it more of a nuesance than an asset. The obvious changes made my dynamic video mode I just find irritating.

Advanced DV and/or other DV profiles are probably not needed in the static (desktop) usage. Picture is already very well defined, even if you don't use them. On the other hand, games and video tasks are different matter. Usually, it's just personal perceptive preference about the screen configuration and people are usually finding their sweet spot easily.

I like in particular the expansion modes which help me with certain games...

Expansion modes are very well implemented. Even if you play games stretched on the whole screen (expansion mode: full) picture quality is still very good and most importantly it doesn't suffer very much because of the stretching. In other words, at least what I had the pleasure to see, games are still highly enjoyable. Of course, you have 1:1 pixel mapping (expansion mode: off) as another alternative.

 

[igors]

keep em coming guys, i,m 90% tempted to get it one little thing reflecation?

any quick feedback on this specialy from the fussy guys?

Reflections ?

If yes, here is the 20WGX2 glossy factor guide ... I compiled my thoughts and few opinions from other people

OptiClear is simply bonus for me. It's improving the colour vibrancy, image focus, purity and overall quality. It's maybe not measurable (and this is normal), but it's there and it's pleasant. Apart from this, something that was rarely mentioned in the reviews (if at all) is that with the OptiClear you really just see the image and not LCD surface (something that was always distracting for me) and it will nicely remove all possible screendoor effects, grainy and crystallised surface of the usual LCD panel coatings. I've always missed the overall smoothness of the CRT screens as it's much more easier & pleasant to the eye. When you look at the "OptiClear picture", all you see is the image and no surface. Image is just floating there, with a great sense that panel is just the window to the another world outside. It's more immersive for gaming (even for video watching) and it's really introducing that extra vibrance to the spectrum. Sometimes, is really like there is no barrier between you and the liquid crystal.

One interesting point about the NEC brigthness. Yes, 20WGX2 is very bright ... but I would say that brightness is not unpleasant, even when monitor is tuned at very high (let's say 60% - 70%) brightness. OptiClear is probably contributing factor for this, as any other panel coating (or the panel itself) will make such brightness simply overwhelming, unpleasant and unbearable. With NEC, it's going very well ... especially in pair with gaming and video.

Regarding reflections, I would say that any nearby window, with the "controllable" ambient light (blinds or curtains) shouldn't be a problem. Some users also reported that side window was not problem for them. Also, you may have more reflections with the opposite window directly facing the monitor during the very bright and sunny day ... but again if it's controllable you shouldn't have much problems. Also, if you have the desk lamp, just behind the monitor you shouldn't have problems also.I think that OptiClear is probably around 20% - 25% more reflective than traditional "glass" coating of the CRT monitors and TV screens. It's hard to tell. In may example, I have a window just opposite the screen and can't say that it was distracting for me to the annoying extent. Even during the very bright and sunny day - when window blinds were properly adjusted - I could finish my work without major issues. Also, after reading many responses from the users around, honestly I can't remember that someone seriously complained about the reflections. In that sense, we may possibly conclude that for the majority of users out there it's pretty much OK. Over bright room or intensive ambient light can be problematic for any screen, including the ones with AR (anti reflective) coating - you may have big and bright white spots. Picture is loosing the fine details, deep black, contrast ... and it can be quite distractive too. A bit like, watching the movie in cinema with the lights on.

Also, when the screen is off it's much more reflective. When you power on the screen, panel illumination is also dimming the reflections. All reviews around are showing the powered off screen, and that is definitely misleading to some extent.

So, you see ... I tried to elaborate this issue slightly more than what you may find in the reviews around about the famous glossy factor. Such epidemic glossy factor reservation in the reviews around is disturbing, to say at least. They are either ignorant or simply involving their personal preference. It's definitely not the problem for the majority of users out there and to kill the monitor review score just because of the coating ... is just nuts, as there are many positive things too. It's simply exaggerated and not elaborated properly. It looks like they never used a CRT monitor in their life as if glossy/reflection factor is like some new phenomeon. How could they live with the CRT at all (in the past) ? so that they are ignorant for anything else, apart from the AR (anti reflective coating). Pretty much strange.

Personally, I don't like the AR coating. It's hazy, grainy, crystallized surface and screen door effect is much more pronounced. Even if you have the intensive light source behind the AR coating, you will have one big messy white spot because of the way how the light is "reflected". On the other hand, OptiClear for example is actually absorbing the portion of light hitting the screen and at the same time allowing the screen image to be displayed without distortion.

Of course, everything I stated here is my personal view and you may find it usefull or not ... it's always your choice Actually, this already long post, may be the definitive 20WGX2 glossy factor guide ... if it's approved by other users of this screen

Also, more info about OptiClear from NEC

 

[igors]

@LaRZ .... long time no see

I had one post for you, long ago. Not sure if you noticed

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7347373&postcount=1169

 

[igors]

Will these settings be universal for all NEC 20WGX2 monitors or will they only be ideal for your own one?

You see ... that's the problem. Even if someone give you the calibrated settings it usually doesn't necessarily means that you will have the satisfactory results. Each monitor is unique, from the manufacturing point of view. That may include the panel uniformity, overall backlight bleed (if you have greyish layer across the panel because of the way how panel is pressed against the casing). Also, there are usually slight variations how monitor is calibrated and colours are preset at the stock set-up in the factory. Then ... you have the differences how each video card is reproducing the colours. Professional calibration also requires several calibrations per month in order to keep the things consistent.

We can safely say that usually you are pretty much on your own for colour critical work, but some general guidance is possible ... no doubt, especially for contrast, brightness, colour temperature and other monitor tweaks.

 

[igors]

The advanced DVM made a massive improvement for me when watching Sin-City. Although I dont use it at all for desktop or gaming. For the same reasons mentioned before. The constant auto adjustments are irritating.

Interestingly enough, I use the Advanced DV almost all the time in games (more frequently for dark ones). Yes, in the desktop usage it can be slightly irritating (but you can use to it). It's probably personal preference and your eyes would probably judge the best.

Advanced DV is greatly improving blacks and picture balance is also very pleasant. Regarding brightness, lately I noticed interesting fact. Even at very high brightness, NEC doesn't loose the contrast (and black point) ... which is always the indication of the good panel. What is more interesting is that Advanced DV "ON" really loves the extra brightness and picture is surprisingly better even at the relatively high brightness level. This is also important when you watch the screen from the relative distance (video) and for the gaming too. I feel that higher brightness settings in combination with the Advanced DV can be useful for the people who are watching the screen from the distance. As already mentioned, Advanced DV is doing the great job and overall monitor picture quality is not suffering to great extent even with the high brightness ... which is always a good thing to have.

 

[igors]

So it looks Like I need a calibration device to make a proper colour profile to get the best out of the display ? hmm I think I definately need one for colour critical work, but which one ?

One thing is important. Colour calibration is just the last step in the complete process. Actually, primary and first thing to do before any calibration job is to set the monitor to a well defined, let's say standard state and that includes the proper white point (colour temperature) to work with. Not to mention that, for example, most monitors reach useful brightness levels more easily at 6500K (sRGB).

After choosing the colour temperature and possibly gamma, the next step are settings for the black (brightness) and white (contrast) levels to their optimum values. It's known fact that incorrect positioning of the contrast/brightness may introduce another side effects. That may include the colour banding, colour compression, blowing out fine shadow details (too low brightness), washed out shadows (too high brightness) ... etc.

Only after this, red/green/blue calibration takes place so that neutral colours do not show a colour cast.

Recently, PC World ranked the NEC MultiSync LCD20WMG2 as #1 monitor in PC World's 20" WS Display Ratings. Here is the quote from them (which you may find interesting):

In graphics tests, the 20WMGX2's performance really took off. It wowed our jurors with rich and accurate colors, especially on our important (and difficult) photo tests. It brought out both the vibrant colors in our fruit tart photo and the natural skin tones in our group portrait. We even saw the freckles on our fairest portrait subject; many monitors render the freckles invisible.

Regarding hardware calibrators, I feel that "entry" price level for the proper calibration units is at least $200. ColorVision Spyder2 is maybe good "budget" solution, but I've also heard (and read) excellent opinions about more expensive GretagMacbeth Eye-One Display 2 and Monaco Optix XR Pro (they are probably in the $200 - $300 range).

You may find this link useful (it's very good resource actually) about the monitor calibration subject:

http://www.normankoren.com/makingfineprints1A.html#Monitorsetup

 

[igors]

Colour options 1, 2 and 3 throw it off (causes banding) and I need to fiddle the seperate RGB, but at the expense of an undesirable colour temperature sometimes. All this with DVM off.

For other colour options (temperatures) - if they are desirable - you have to adjust the contrast properly as the first step. It was explained nicely how visually you can adjust this in the post above, for LaRZ. Actually, on the second thought and as I already mentioned, it's useful for all 20WGX2 owners.

Also, Advanced DVM is not affecting the gradients.

Basically, you can't go far wrong with the factory preset. But for more exacting colour work it does pay to fiddle things a bit obviously. Depends how critical your work is.

Indeed. 20WGX2 has one imperative advantage. It's producing the "surprisingly good" colour accuracy even at stock settings and picture balance is also very nice. It's great bonus for the people who don't want to bother with colour calibration, but at the same time would like to have nice and acceptable colours out of the box.

 

[igors]

OMG, cheers Igors, I hope all is well

Yeah, all is very well Thank you!

sorry m8 I wan't following the thread at that point, thanks for the heads up. I will read through that guide and let you know how i get on

No probs. I'm glad that I could help

 

[igors]

anyway really appreciate the feedback above and another question are you sure your not on the nec pay roll? come on you could let the cat out now.

LOL ... as far as I'm aware, not ! and why would you think that Actually, I don't remember that I received even one simple "thank you" from NEC, but hey that's another story of the corporates.

 

[igors]

windows would recongise it as NEC not plug n play monitor!

i,m sure something should be on the cd at least.

I would recommend proper NEC driver installation. There are 3 possible options! CD or NaviSet or drivers directly from the NEC web site.

If you install the monitor driver from the supplied CD, monitor should be visible in the device manager as "Nec MultiSync 20WGX2(Digital)". Also, you may find the ICM colour profile on the supplied CD and after the successful installation it should be present as "nl20wgx2" (in the colour management tab of the display properties).

Other way around is that you simply install the latest NaviSet software:

http://www.necdisplay.com/naviset/body.htm

and

http://www.necdisplay.com/naviset/forms/download/add.cfm


This application will install the NaviSet (configuration of the monitor via display properties), monitor device driver and colour profile. Not sure if there is any difference when you install the monitor driver/icm colour profile manually (either from CD/NEC) or via NaviSet. However, it seems that actual monitor driver and icm colour profile versions tends to differ with both installation methods. When installed by NaviSet, monitor is displayed (in the device manager) as "NEC 20WGX2(DDC/CI)" and colour profile as "DTNF93K". NaviSet will also offer you plenty of the screen test patterns and this could be useful as the general monitor test.

If you don't have a CD or would like to download the latest drivers from NEC, they are available at:

http://www.necdisplay.com/support/m...edinf/files2.htm&title=Display Device Drivers

Just download the small "NEC LCD Monitor Installer". It will detect your monitor and install the appropriate WHQL drivers automatically.

Hope that this will be useful to you.

 

[igors]

can you confirm these are newer drivers and are there any fixes or difference from the downloaded ones to the one on the cd pls?

CD drivers are useful if you don't have the Internet connection. Anyhow, best option is to download the latest version of NaviSet or drivers itself (as explained above). Not sure about the fixes or differences (if any).

 

[igors]

Why, what benefits are there?

Well, your picture won't improve but usually monitor drivers are helping the system (video card) to know the optimal,maximum and specific settings the monitor can handle and that may include also the communication with the proper ICM colour profile and the operating system itself. Sometimes, specific monitor features also requires the presence of the manufacturer driver.

Generally, in Windows XP your PnP LCD monitor can run without any driver but at the same time I don't see particular reason why you shouldn't install the manufacturer driver even if there are no performance gains or if they are purely just cosmetic (to update that not-so-convincing plug & play monitor line in the device manager) Also, NaviSet software is able to operate only with the NEC driver.

Personally, I always prefer to install the manufacturer drivers for any device in question. Even if they are not needed.

 

[igors]

Hi there

This monitor just won PC Formats 20" - 24" group test which included the Acer 24", Samsung 24", Benq FP202W 20", Viewsonic 23" and some others, note no DELLs were in the test. Well the NEC won it hands down, PC FORMAT 90% GOLD AWARD.

Very nice Thx for the info

Also, PC World ranked the 20WMGX2 as the #1 20" WS monitor:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/126075-1/article.html

It's US version, but in essence technology is 100% identical. Maybe PC World reviews are not to everyone taste, but it's interesting to mention ... and oh my, we have female reviewer there: Laura Blackwell. Not everyday sight, definitely