NEC Displays

Z

Zetherin

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So, after much research over the past couple months, I'm definitely set on getting a NEC. They really seem to be top of the line, and that's exactly what I'm looking for. However, just like with all monitors, regardless of specs, I like to actually SEE what I'm buying.

My question is: Where can I go to see NEC monitors? Places like BB and CC don't seem to carry this brand, and I don't really know of places that would have these on display. Besides exhibits or shows, are there any stores that would have NECs available to view that I'm not thinking of?

I have my eye on the new NEC 30" coming up, but have heard that it may not perform well with games as the Mhz is set very low (I'm not too versed in the mechanics, this is just what I hear). So, I also wanted to ask if anyone can comment on that?

Thanks in advance,

Z
 
I'm not all that excited about the 30" NEC. One concern I have is that I've seen multiple reports of bad pixels in the 24" monitor (the 2490). The more significant concern is that they use the new LG panel which is also used in the Dell 3008WFP. That panel has a very grainy and "sparkly" look to it. It's also way too bright.

It may be worth waiting for the new wide-gamut 30" Samsung (305T Plus) which is also likely to be less expensive than the NEC. The problem with Samsung, though, is that there's a lot of variation in quality between their units. If you're lucky and you get a unit with good brightness uniformity, good color calibration, no bad pixels, and no backlight leakage, it can be a real gem because their 30" panels are much clearer than the LG panels.

I'd like to check out the 30" Eizo monitors some day. They're not easy to get hold of even if you're ready to spend the money...
 
Zetherin said:
So, after much research over the past couple months, I'm definitely set on getting a NEC. They really seem to be top of the line, and that's exactly what I'm looking for. However, just like with all monitors, regardless of specs, I like to actually SEE what I'm buying.

My question is: Where can I go to see NEC monitors? Places like BB and CC don't seem to carry this brand, and I don't really know of places that would have these on display. Besides exhibits or shows, are there any stores that would have NECs available to view that I'm not thinking of?

I have my eye on the new NEC 30" coming up, but have heard that it may not perform well with games as the Mhz is set very low (I'm not too versed in the mechanics, this is just what I hear). So, I also wanted to ask if anyone can comment on that?

Thanks in advance,

Z
Click to expand...

The "mhz" issue you are refering to is a just a mistake someone made in reading the spec sheet. The 30hz spec is for single link DVI, dual link is 60hz, the max verticle is 85hz...

http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=4af7b335-9302-4429-8d73-74c35a363b57



NEC peofessional monitors are on average, a higher quality build than most consumer brands. There are chances to get "bad pixels" with any make or model, there are no Class 1 LCD manufactureres.
 
vick1000 said:
The "mhz" issue you are refering to is a just a mistake someone made in reading the spec sheet. The 30hz spec is for single link DVI, dual link is 60hz, the max verticle is 85hz...

http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=4af7b335-9302-4429-8d73-74c35a363b57
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification. Does that imply the ghosting for games at 6ms won't be that substantial?

Also, I guess noone can answer my initial question on where to find NECs?

As for the Samsung, I'd definitely be willing to check out the 30" they're offering, but have so far considered NECs to have some of the best displays on the market. Am I wrong? Also: When is this new Samsung 30" coming out?

Sorry I have so many questions - I hope to not overwhelm everyone!
 
vick1000 said:
NEC peofessional monitors are on average, a higher quality build than most consumer brands. There are chances to get "bad pixels" with any make or model, there are no Class 1 LCD manufactureres.
Click to expand...

Yes, but it would be nice if the chance was lower with the more expensive monitors...

Spending $2K-$5K on a monitor with bad pixels is a huge bummer. Imagine blowing $5K on an Eizo CG301W with bad pixels...

One problem is that expensive "professional" monitors may actually be harder to return or exchange than "consumer" ones. For example, exchanging a Dell with bad pixels is not a problem (other than the hassle), but exchanging an Eizo bought from one of their dealers can be a challenge (they're likely to enforce the bad pixels policy.)

I would never buy a monitor that I can't at least exchange for 30 days with no questions asked.
 
visualguy said:
Yes, but it would be nice if the chance was lower with the more expensive monitors...

Spending $2K-$5K on a monitor with bad pixels is a huge bummer. Imagine blowing $5K on an Eizo CG301W with bad pixels...

One problem is that expensive "professional" monitors may actually be harder to return or exchange than "consumer" ones. For example, exchanging a Dell with bad pixels is not a problem (other than the hassle), but exchanging an Eizo bought from one of their dealers can be a challenge (they're likely to enforce the bad pixels policy.)

I would never buy a monitor that I can't at least exchange for 30 days with no questions asked.
Click to expand...

That's a good point.

Perhaps I should just go for a more consumer brand and ditch the NEC? Money isn't that much of an issue as I'll be using this monitor for years (hopefully).

I really just want the best quality (and support!) gaming monitor I can buy for $1,500-2000, preferably 30" (this seems to be the biggest I'd like on my desk)
 
Zetherin said:
That's a good point.

Perhaps I should just go for a more consumer brand and ditch the NEC? Money isn't that much of an issue as I'll be using this monitor for years (hopefully).

I really just want the best quality (and support!) gaming monitor I can buy for $1,500-2000, preferably 30" (this seems to be the biggest I'd like on my desk)
Click to expand...

Not sure which one you should get - I'm only an occasional gamer - but watch out for the return policy. Many (most?) mail-order outfits will NOT let you return or exchange a 30" monitor even if it's seriously defective (not to mention just having a few dead pixels). They'll refer you to the manufacturer, and then good luck! Read the fine print on their return policy, and call to verify before ordering. Ask about the return policy for the specific item that you'll be ordering. If you don't get a no-questions-asked 30-day return/exchange, then you're playing a risky game at the monitor casino!
 
Why would dead pixels put you down? Nec has the best warranty I've seen -four years with 48 hour exchange- and they have no problems replacing a monitor with a single dead pixel if you tell them it bothers you. Also just because they use the same panel as someone else doesn't mean they offer the same IQ. Things like colorcomp, 12bit lut's, and their polarizer make a huge difference over the same exact panel on a different display. I'm sure its been told before but you get what you pay for;)
As for where one can see one in person, I can't say I've seen them in any store. If you do decide to buy one make sure you can return it but I promise you that you won't:)
 
DrNick said:
Why would dead pixels put you down? Nec has the best warranty I've seen -four years with 48 hour exchange- and they have no problems replacing a monitor with a single dead pixel if you tell them it bothers you. Also just because they use the same panel as someone else doesn't mean they offer the same IQ. Things like colorcomp, 12bit lut's, and their polarizer make a huge difference over the same exact panel on a different display. I'm sure its been told before but you get what you pay for;)
As for where one can see one in person, I can't say I've seen them in any store. If you do decide to buy one make sure you can return it but I promise you that you won't:)
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it. I really am leaning towards a NEC, but definitely don't want a bad warranty. This 4 year, 48 hour exchange is for all NEC monitors? That seems pretty good to me! Have you actually dealt with them in the past? If their quality and warranty are as good as you say they are, I don't see why I wouldn't go with them. I hope the 'you get what you pay for' line applies to monitors, because I would definitely pay for quality. The thing is I just don't want to overpay for a product that may be just as good as a product of lesser cost -- which is why I'm doing my research! :)
 
The four year warranty applies to the 90 series monitors (any model that ends with 90), all other models are three years. I've used their rma once and it went as they said it would. I had the replacement the second day and they picked up the old one too. Cost me nothing. This monitor cost me an arm and a leg but its one of the few purchases I haven't regret.
But everyone is different and you might not find the increased IQ or extreme viewing angles worth the cost. I would hate for you to buy one of these and not be able to tell the difference from a TN panel (which would be crazy imho but i guess it can happen). If you are not an IQ whore it would probably be best to save your money. The difference is most definitely there without doubt but its up to the individual to appreciate it.
 
DrNick said:
The four year warranty applies to the 90 series monitors (any model that ends with 90), all other models are three years. I've used their rma once and it went as they said it would. I had the replacement the second day and they picked up the old one too. Cost me nothing. This monitor cost me an arm and a leg but its one of the few purchases I haven't regret.
But everyone is different and you might not find the increased IQ or extreme viewing angles worth the cost. I would hate for you to buy one of these and not be able to tell the difference from a TN panel (which would be crazy imho but i guess it can happen). If you are not an IQ whore it would probably be best to save your money. The difference is most definitely there without doubt but its up to the individual to appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Even though I don't work in a profession that forces me to examine color production, I do feel I'm anal when it comes to panels. Many panels (lcd tvs, monitors..) that I see in stores I can't even bear to look at. I'm picky, and definitely want the best. Not because I have lots of money; I don't. I'd just rather put all my money towards one GREAT product than many small pieces of shit. If NECs are that great product, I'm all for it.

PS: Thanks for the clarification on the warranty - that entices me even more! What model do you own, and why did you need to replace it?
 
DrNick said:
Why would dead pixels put you down? Nec has the best warranty I've seen -four years with 48 hour exchange- and they have no problems replacing a monitor with a single dead pixel if you tell them it bothers you. Also just because they use the same panel as someone else doesn't mean they offer the same IQ. Things like colorcomp, 12bit lut's, and their polarizer make a huge difference over the same exact panel on a different display. I'm sure its been told before but you get what you pay for;)
As for where one can see one in person, I can't say I've seen them in any store. If you do decide to buy one make sure you can return it but I promise you that you won't:)
Click to expand...

The grainy sparkly look is inherent in the LG panel, so that aspect of things will be the same in the Dell and NEC monitors.
 
DrNick said:
The four year warranty applies to the 90 series monitors (any model that ends with 90), all other models are three years. I've used their rma once and it went as they said it would. I had the replacement the second day and they picked up the old one too. Cost me nothing. This monitor cost me an arm and a leg but its one of the few purchases I haven't regret.
Click to expand...

One problem with warranty exchanges is that the company may send you a refurbished unit as a replacement. This is basically a unit that someone else exchanged, and it was either fixed or determined to be acceptable after all (such as not having too many bad pixels...)

This is not likely to be a problem when the product is newly introduced, but the likelihood of getting a refurbished unit increases significantly if the product has been on the market for a while.
 
Zetherin said:
Even though I don't work in a profession that forces me to examine color production, I do feel I'm anal when it comes to panels. Many panels (lcd tvs, monitors..) that I see in stores I can't even bear to look at. I'm picky, and definitely want the best. Not because I have lots of money; I don't. I'd just rather put all my money towards one GREAT product than many small pieces of shit. If NECs are that great product, I'm all for it.

PS: Thanks for the clarification on the warranty - that entices me even more! What model do you own, and why did you need to replace it?
Click to expand...

I went with the 2490wuxi simply because it was the best 24" I had laid my eyes on(and still is imho). I don't like to remind myself why I exchanged it because I'm really a pos but here goes(very sorry nec!!!); I was whipping a tennis ball at the dog when I sent a fast ball right on the screen. Surprisingly no pixels died but there was a lot a leakage at the point of impact. My original had no dead pixels and neither did the replacement; backlight uniformity on both was second to none.

@Visualguy. The slight grainy look is so it does not glare and i hardly find it an issue with this display. I'm not sure about the 3007 dell but its definitely not even close to as bad as say the 2001fp. I can barely notice it all even when i look for it. Also pretty much everyone will send refurbished replacements. I also doubt nec will replace your single dead pixel with another dead pixel or more. Like I said they are wonderful and will try again if you are not happy -many things can happen during shipping that are out of their control. ;)
 
From people who have seen several displays the AG coating on the 2490 and 2690 are supposed to be one of the least offensive AG coatings. Nothing like earlier generat IPS panels.
 
Would I be correct then in saying that all monitors that use the same panel will have similar coatings?

For example, will the Dell 3007wfp-hc have the same coating as the HP LP3065?
 
Do they have any kind of refund policy? That way I can actually see the product, and if it really isn't as great as I thought it would be, I'd just be able to send it back with a full refund (excluding shipping or such).

I'd really like to just go to a store to be able to see the NEC displays but it doesn't seem like anyone knows of a location where they actually have them available for show.

Thanks once again everyone...I'm going to be looking into the new NEC 30" (if, of course, the pending reviews for it are good!)
 
On the NEC 48 hour replacement/return policy, who is that with - the place you buy it, or direct from NEC?
 
I know if you buy from Dell you have 21 days to return it for a refund. The 48 hour exchange is directly from nec.

Edit- Also forgot to mention that Dell replacements within the 21 day period are brand new.
 
I'm not totally sure that the NEC is the best monitor for your gaming needs because it has a little input lag.

Google "The LCD thread" and you'll find an excellent thread from the AnandTech forums. The first post is especially informative and ranks LCD based on tasks. For gaming, they like 19" TN panels, but you want something big and they love the 25.5" Doublesight DS-263N which is an IPS panel and only $700.

If you live in the New York City area, you can drop by B&H and see some pro screens on display. I was there a couple days ago and they didn't have the 2490 (only the 20" NEC) but they did have Eizos and LaCies that use the same technology.
 
Pentent said:
I'm not totally sure that the NEC is the best monitor for your gaming needs because it has a little input lag.

Google "The LCD thread" and you'll find an excellent thread from the AnandTech forums. The first post is especially informative and ranks LCD based on tasks. For gaming, they like 19" TN panels, but you want something big and they love the 25.5" Doublesight DS-263N which is an IPS panel and only $700.

If you live in the New York City area, you can drop by B&H and see some pro screens on display. I was there a couple days ago and they didn't have the 2490 (only the 20" NEC) but they did have Eizos and LaCies that use the same technology.
Click to expand...

I'm in the Philadelphia area. B & H? I'll have to look that up - I'd be willing to take a drive to look at some nice monitors.

As for the NEC - that 30" does have alot of input lag? That's a shame with the price being $2,200 and all; I would have expected it to be almost flawless.

I'd rather a 30" but if there really isn't anything available that can game with little input lag at that size, I'll have to resort to something smaller. I'll take a look at the thread you directed me to.]

EDIT: After reading much of that thread you showed me, it seems IPS panels really don't have much problem playing games. In fact, with Overdrive enabled (NEC), it seems to be comparable to TN panels. I think I may still hold out for the new NEC 30".

Thanks,

Z
 
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