Introduction

NEC has a special monitor on offer with the 24WMGX³: this at least 598 euros expensive equipment relies on an A-MVA panel and is expected to reach maximum perspective not only on paper. By OverDrive technology support, response times are nevertheless achieved just six milliseconds, which makes attractive to players. In addition a sensational variety of connection the film and console friends contrary to is likely coming and leaves almost no wish unfulfilled. Alone measured at these points as its vertices, the monitor has more potential to the true Allrounders as much of comparable to more expensive devices. Should he be the solution for the more demanding PC users?

That is not that easy of course. An all-rounder – or a device that would – want to like to book on which this property has also a significant problem. Often while much offered, but nothing implemented them in the desired quality. Who at the same time wants to satisfy players and graphic artist, often creating none of both. Many connections can be blamed in addition, they are occasionally associated with weaknesses, in total for insufficient implementation. Who wants to be so as possible for everyone, which should be prepared to criticism from all sides.

NECs 24 “monitor has so much before and could leave everything behind this pretty much.” The following pages will show whether this succeeds.

Facilities

Technical data

NECs 24 “monitor is richly equipped.” Compared with Dell’s 2408WFP the displayport connector and an additional DVI input lacks though, but he offers the double number of HDMI ports and also allows the more convenient way to connect external speakers via optical audio output. Overall the connection range sufficient, in addition to the PC and the console on the monitor for connecting other to player without worrying to lack connectivity.

Unfortunately omitted NEC fully on USB ports or a card reader, which would be very useful especially for PC users. Not only Dell has shown here that you can integrate both very well in a quality monitor.

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Optics and mechanics

The NEC 24WMGX³ comes along in a very solid construction. The base as well as the theft make a very sturdy impression and are not too small. This robustness upsets but also something at the ergonomic tuning. So, the height of joints and not on telescopic Rails is realized, what is connected with some effort. Similarly, the slope which most likely Ambidextrous should be adjusted. The maximum tilt capability to the front is approximately 10 °; the display can also be inclined to about 25° to the rear. With some effort the display can be also further tend to the rear. This is only possible to compact fold the screen up to the base and the display better transport. An excessive tendency towards the rear is therefore unstable and should not be used for the day to day running.

The base of NEC 24WMGX³ can not turn over the display. Therefore a turntable on the bottom of the foot, which turn a total 90 provides for the orientation of the screen. In this way the display can be tilted side 45 ° where the complete foot with swings.

The front of the display is clear, acts through the many visible controls and the cutouts for the speaker but not more discreetly. The frame is appropriate to the size of the screen, but with 17 mm on the sides and top and almost twice as much at the bottom of anything but narrow. On the front of the screen was furnished with black piano lacquer, finds himself in the foot. The back of the screen is matte.

The main ports of the monitor are on the left. Only the VGA and DVI input on the back of the display are located next to each one audio in and audio out. The base can be removed for wall mounting. This is not the case, the back is fitted with a cover, hidden at the same time also the cables themselves. For this, also a hole is located in the base, so that they can be dissipated arranged of the screen. Also the side connections have been placed here so that they can be considered invisible behind the screen along. Ventilation slots on the top of the screen, which run over the entire width and almost also the full depth of the device make the cooling of the display. These proportions appear to be but also necessary, we monitor the operation clearly warm.

Control which above all of the inputs as well as various picture modes is a remote control that accompanies the device. With it, the various video inputs can be selected not only directly, also the onscreen display can be so easily controlled from a distance. The remote is only really meaningful, if it is connected to the screen with multiple sources and about more frequently using the picture in picture function. Otherwise, it is a nice Supplement No everyday use.

Image quality

The measurement, calibration and profiling of the monitor is done with the Colorimeter i1 display 2 Pantone and the profiling software match 3.6.2. Targets for configuration sit at to the sRGB color space, which calls for a color temperature of 6500 Kelvin and a gamma value of approximately 2.2. The brightness should be an LCD in normally lit environment at 140 cd / m², can be, depending on the ambient light but also about or including ideal. For local testing, however, this value was used as a benchmark. The black point is square, so no measurable magnitude ideally 0.0 cd / m.

Factory settings

Given the promise of the manufacturer, to enable good colors and high point of view, by means of the A-MVA panel, the claims made in this test the image quality of NEC fall out 24WMGX³ not just low. It should be noted first of all, that the screen does not have an extended color space such as Dell 24 “monitor 2408WFP has.” This has the consequence that the colors seem not so bright like about on the Dell derivative prior to calibration. This however is not a disadvantage, but very good for the ordinary consumer. An extended color space is that whenever an obstacle, if the appearance to actually occur in the widely used sRGB color space, as provided by Windows, if image files not explicitly show another color space. On the other hand is NECs screen by the comparatively limited color space for image processing such as in the AdobeRGB color space.

Metrologically ï the following image is surrendered with the factory setting of the monitor:

It turns out that NECs 24WMGX³ was already trimmed ex works very well to the sRGB color space. The color temperature of the gamma value is true as well. Only the brightness is 320 cd / m much too high for the day to day running. On the other hand, surprising this measurement, the manufacturer shall specify square the maximum brightness of the device but with 500 cd / m. Our test sample not; reached this value after hours warming up native white point and without any requirements by the measurement program up to 440 cd / m were possible m². Also clearly less sufficient for eye-to-use operation.

Metrologically a 640: 1 contrast ratio, what specifically in the relatively poor black point lies, to a large extent due to the high brightness is apparent. In addition, the color correction curves of created ICC profile show relatively strong difference in blue and green tones. Ideally, a curve along the 45 would be ° axis.

The NEC 24WMGX³ offers also a special sRGB profile that was also tested for the desired calibration:

As expected, the sRGB profile that is provided does little. The brightness is reduced compared to the standard profile, but not very far. However be seen in the curves, the blue bias of the ideal history was low. We can hope that the colors of the onscreen display completely correct be a hardware calibration, which the ICC profile would be hardly necessary.

Calibration

By means of calibration and profiling software, as well as the Colorimeters NECs 24 can “-TFT the sRGB color space very dense be approximated.” Can the brightness be easily to the desired 140 m² down cd / m, so half the battle is already won. Also the colour variations can be reduced to a minimum, so that hardly changes must be made in the ICC profile.

Also the black point falls to comparatively good 0.3 cd / m². Using the hardware calibration and subsequent profiling the average deltaE deviation, which provides information on the geometric deviation of the colors in the lab system of her targets, could be reduced to less than 1. Measured is in profiling software in accordance with the deltaE-2000 calculation method. A deviation of 1 is considered it just still perceptible with the trained eye. A total of NEC monitor does an excellent job thus, in particular, still deltaE deviations of just under 2, above all in the Dunkelblau-, Dunkelrot-, as well as in the middle range of gray arise however after all configuration. Also this is however still a quite good to evaluate.

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The maximum deviations according to deltaE2000 to calibrate and profile are in the right list (only dE &GT; 1).
A deltaE value of 1 is with the trained eye can be seen, including a deviation is virtually invisible.
The average deviation of the NEC display is located after the configuration with a deltaE2000 of very good 0,73.

Interpolation

The interpolation is the NEC 24WMGX³ perfectly. The monitor without great loss of quality can master any so stark departure from the native resolution and the correct ratio of the image. This is particularly then extremely handy if, for example, a game not in the full resolution can or should be presented.

Focus

The NEC 24WMGX³ has a peculiar characteristic. By default in particular is what can however easily be corrected on the field system in the OSD of schärft. However, the manufacturer suggests a significantly higher variability of sharpness, as it actually exists. So can adjusted the sharpness in the monitor menu in 0, 4-percent steps from 0 to 100. Actually, something doing but only in very coarse steps. It is about completely irrelevant whether a level between 46 or 70 per cent is set: each of these values results in subjectively the same sharpness. A softer impression, which is in turn only beaten less than 26% resulting only in a range of under 45.4 percent.

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Can be seen different sharpness to a subjectively identical sharpness impression lead.

Viewing angle and brightness

The distribution is subjectively very good, with the naked eye, the illumination is almost ideal. However, the brightness at the bottom and right borders falls off the measurement with the colorimeter is clear. The problem areas of the display are located in the bottom two corners that differ by over 20 cd / m² of brightness of the target m². This aside, the difference is however perfectly acceptable.

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The brightness of the display is calibrated m² cd / m in the Centre on 140,
to then determine the variation shown measuring boxes.

The point of view should be 24WMGX³ the great hobby of NEC. In fact, a very excellent picture emerges when looking from the side or top: while for horizontal deviation from the frontal view are only a small improvement, as well as a minimal loss of contrast, even this small weakness when looking from the bottom is no longer recognizable. Viewed from above represent also a tad lighter, but by no means disruptive acts. Color distortions are anyway not – the Panel provides excellent services so in this respect. Since it is not surprising that frontal examination course no color distortion in the corners or along the sides are.

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NEC 24WMGX³ shows only very light bright spells, specially when looking from above.
From below and from the side of the color impression is very good,
Although is also on the side of a minimal improvement.

Gradients and Borderlands

NECs 24 “-TFT offers an excellent gradient, at least on the digital ports in the default setting.” The output quality on the D-Sub input was, however, rather miserable. The image is blurred and flickers with gradients and therefore show up ugly lines along the color boundaries. The comparison with a full HD LCD-TV, which delivers a crisp sharp and flicker-free picture in same to player, same cable and an identical gradient shows that better off – even analog-. On this point, it is important however to speculate that the D-Sub input of test device works not more error-free.

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Gradient is represented only badly, when the monitor to the VGA input is connected.
The visible color transition flicker in the operation, what bothers. It is an error of the test device to suspect.
Digital connection a quasi perfect results for gradient.

Borderlands are also at maximum brightness, not with the naked eye. Also the edge of the display is not so spotty, which again points to the good black imprint.

Daily test

Onscreen display

The onscreen display offers numerous setting options for the NEC 24WMGX³. In addition to the changes of contrast, brightness, sharpness, or the individual RGB channels also various color modes in the basic settings are. Here also the ambient light sensor can be activated and regulated in three stages (from weak to strong). The optics for the measurement of the brightness of the environment resides on the front in the vicinity of the controls. The backlight of the screen is reduced in low ambient light; the display is accordingly more in bright ambient light. This not only the image quality is optimized – this depends also on the ambient light – it is also automatically saved energy, if it is not necessary.

Because the NEC 24WMGX³ also has a picture in picture function, controls in the OSD is also for this find. However only ever, a digital and an analog source can be combined. The feed is about so not at the same time can be displayed on the HDMI input, as well as the DVI port. For this, it can be very detailed set size and position of the window for the second representation.

Response time and Inputlag

The stopwatch measurement in comparison with a Samsung SyncMaster 226BW no differences between the NEC showed 24WMGX³. The Samsung monitor with TN Panel is regarded as more or less lagfrei; It is impressive that NECs TFT can keep up with A-MVA panel here. The response time of the NEC screen is specified with six milliseconds. To achieve this, the screen has the motion-picture mode. This draws on overdrive, black screen insertion and backlight scanning and prevents such as the tightening of picture elements by high-frequency flicker the backlight and the image itself is therefore not so long appears. When still images – so whenever is not a movie or game – the lower brightness, as well as noticeable flicker of the image disturb greatly.

In the game or a movie the MP modes can help to more fluid movements. For this purpose are three levels to which you want to suppress motion blur vary. In the picture modes “Text”, “Photo” or “sRGB” is the MP mode in principle not to use, what seems only logical, since it is presets for the static viewing. Even without the MP mode is NECs 24 “-TFT but quite suitable to play.” No Corona effects – luminous edges – objects were actually in the game. Minimum distance is only a slight ghosting. The weak ghost image is with December MP mode depending on the strength still very low at all, no more to see, no longer interferes but also at normal pitch.

Film test

The NEC was 24WMGX³ to the PC via DVI as well as on the Blu-ray player BDP-tested 1400 via HDMI. On the PC, as expected, no problems arise, the monitor accepts indemnify any leaked material and renders it in powerful, high-contrast images. However, the image quality on a BD player is more interesting than that. Here is already in the main menu, that the monitor supports unfortunately no 24 p playback. Once apart is the visited but excellent: black level, contrast, sharpness, and the colours shown convincing also via HDMI. Since high definition footage in the 16: 9-format is available, look to users of the monitor also in that very freely define scaling up. To choose a screen-filling representation are available (in 16: 9-content easily stretched in height is, since it is at the NEC 24WMGX³ to a wide screen monitor in 16: 10-format is), a pixel accurate representation, as well as the screen clipping on the right and left sides. The pixel-accurate rendering bar be collected at the top and bottom of in addition which are blue by default, but color be adapt.

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Clip from “the Dark Knight” (Blu-ray). Good contrast, excellent sharpness
(on the move even better to see) and liquid display, despite missing 24 p mode.

The built-in speaker do a passable job in the sound playback. You create what works sometimes well also virtual surround. However, the sound quality is not the better TV, which can in turn hardly provide an adequate acoustic music. For more frequent use in the multi media corner, for which the monitor connecting and screen Yes quite suitable, is to think about the use of external speakers. This should also not be a problem, NECs 24WMGX³ has digital and analog audio outputs.

Conclusion

What gets the buyer of a NEC 24WMGX³ for money? Almost everything you can ask for home use. The monitor offers a very well co-ordinated image that should be corrected only in the brightness down at the factory. He has also excellent point of view, a very good connection range – which unfortunately but a card reader or USB ports has no – and always extremely solid performance in all areas. Good news is that the TFT with A MVA panel also convinces a very fixed response time as well as a Inputlag not observable in this test, also for players. There are added bonuses such as allowing a brightness sensor, which, the backlight can be adapted to the ambient light, as well as an impeccable interpolation and a non existent in the test equipment sounds.

The monitor through a unintelligible flickering in VGA mode, which but was inherent in the test equipment and should satisfy not the rule gets points. In addition, a smoother mechanics would be desirable. A rebuke for the height or the orientation of the display but by no means is this restriction. Here however, the competition provides a tick.

As a whole is the 24 “-TFT to a very successful symbiosis of different worlds.” Graphic designer will look very good compatibility to the sRGB color space. For more lacking the TFT but an extended color space – that will not disturb but hobby photographer. Players will receive a more than competitive display that should satisfy not only the occasional gaming. To bring NECs 24WMGX³ with games from the countenance, you must stick with the nose on the Panel. In the end look forward also movie fans on the image quality and variety of connection and the remote control, which allows browsing in very extensive OSD also from a distance.

NECs TFT is thus truly an egg-laying wool milk sow. Although you should expect not the purest wool, the tastiest milk or the largest eggs of her, but in combining the device is the Chief farm at the far front and rightly so.

Everyday prices and availability:

• NEC 24WMGX³