Color Correct Flat Panel Proves Back-Lighting is Back

Utilizing LumiLED back-lighting technology, the new NEC SpectraView Reference 21 monitor is ready for high-end, color critical work.

The NEC SpectraView Reference 21 2180WG-LED (”WG” stands for “wide-gamut”) is the new top of the line in color gamut width and accuracy. In fact, the SpectraView Reference 21 is one of only a handful of monitors capable of fully rendering the Adobe RGB color space. It’s the only back-lit device with that distinction.

The SpectraView Reference 21

As opposed to traditional backlit monitors that suffer from dramatic white point deviation, halos of light around the edges, or dimmed edges, the SpectraView 2180WG-LED compensates for lamp imperfections with onboard software that can dynamically control the color of the backlighting.

Tom’s Hardware Guide put the 21.3″ LCD through its paces, reporting a 448:1 contrast ratio and white point variances of only 2.5% from the average for the entire panel. Moreover, 98% of the colors were perfect, and the rest correct and all but undectable by the user. And its color gamut beats the current top-of-the line model with that distinction, the Eizo L997.

The SpectraView 2180WG-LED featuring adjustable tilt, height, rotation, and a somewhat limited pivot, a 1600×1200 native resolution, and a removable ambient light-blocking visor. Long latency limit its utility for video work, though it’s perfect for still image touch-up and color correction. At an average street price of $6,600, however, it’s unlikely you’ll be outfitting the entire bullpen with SpectraView 21s.

Read the full lab review at Tom’s Hardware Guide.