The MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution from NEC is a professional display with DVI and DisplayPort inputs. It has a native resolution of 2560 x 1440, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and 300cd/m² brightness. Designed for professionals, the unique screen provides 97.1% coverage of the AdobeRGB Color Space and includes the SpectraViewII colorimeter and software, ensuring that what you see on the screen corresponds to what you'll see on the final product. The versatile ergonomics of the monitor provide tilt and swivel adjustment, height adjustment, and full 90° pivot, allowing you to use the monitor in portrait mode.
| Panel/Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | LCD Flat Panel |
| Viewable Size | 27" Widescreen |
| Brightness | 300cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Viewing Angle | 178° |
| Pixel Dot Pitch | 0.23mm |
| Response Time | 7ms Gray-to-Gray |
| Panel Life | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Colors Supported |
16.7M 97.1% coverage of AdobeRGB color space |
| Signal | |
|---|---|
| Internal Interface | DVI, DisplayPort |
| Frequency |
Horizontal: 31.5-93.8/118.4kHz Vertical: 50-87Hz |
| Sync Type |
Separate Sync: TTL Level (Positive/Negative) Composite sync: TTL Level (Positive/Negative) Composite sync on green: (0.3Vp-p negative 0.7Vp-p positive) |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Analog | None |
| Digital |
2x DVI-D DisplayPort |
| Audio Input | None |
| Headphone Jack | None |
| Hub Ports | 3x USB |
| Speakers | None |
| Mount |
VESA 100 x 100mm Configuration VESA 200 x 100mm Configuration |
| Controls | |
|---|---|
| Buttons | Power, Select, Source, Plus, Minus |
| On-Screen Display | Yes |
| Auto Configuration | Yes |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Tilt/Swivel Range |
Tilt: 30° Swivel: Not Specified by Manufacturer Pivot: 90° Height Adjustment: 5.9" (150mm) |
| Security | None |
| Compliant Standards | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| System Requirements | Source with DVI or DisplayPort Output |
| Power Requirements |
AC 100-240V 50/60Hz Power Consumption: 117W Without USB Hub Active, 131W with USB Hub Active |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 41-95°F (5-35°C) Storage Temperature: 14-140°F (-10-60°C) Operating Humidity: 30-80% (non-condensing) Storage Humidity: 10-85% Operating Altitude: Up to 10,000' (3048 m) Storage Altitude: Up to 40,000' (12,192 m) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) |
With Stand: 25.2 x 15.6-21.5 x 9.3" (640 x 396-546 x 236mm) Without Stand: 25.2 x 14.9 x 3.3" (640 x 379 x 84mm) |
| Weight |
With Stand: 30 lb (13.6kg) Without Stand: 21.2 lb (9.6kg) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
NON-GLARE MASTERPIECE
After 30-days of use with my 2009 MacPro I now feel that I can provide a fair assessment. [...].My first impression was favorable in terms of build quality, a well-designed ...Read complete review
After 30-days of use with my 2009 MacPro I now feel that I can provide a fair assessment. [...].My first impression was favorable in terms of build quality, a well-designed stand, and a beautiful silky smooth NON-GLARE panel. The matte black exterior with clean lines and good styling is consistent with a pro-level display. The bezel is a slim 7/8-inch wide and is not near as bold or bulky as illustrated in the marketing line-art. The controls are well placed around the lower right corner for easy manipulation.Set-up:I followed the PDF manual but unless you're familiar with professional displays, it may not be all that helpful. In fact, I ended up calling tech support for clarification on a few points. Based on some reviews I've read here, I can say that most perceived problems have more to do with procedural miss-steps than actual defects. Keep in mind this display is designed with features to support two computers so matching the USB ports is important. In short, when you select USB-1 from the menu, be sure you connect USB cable to the corresponding USB port. BTW: The display is pre-set to 200cd which is super bright so you will likely want that toned down quite a bit.Calibration: I purchased the unit with SpectraView II colorimeter and frankly, I can't imagine using this display without it. Even if you're not a photog' you will immediately see the benefits after calibrating the unit. Speaking of which, the calibration process is very easy and quick. You simply remove the white protective cover; tilt the display back about 10-degrees, position the counter-weight on the top edge of the bezel, plug the USB connector directly into the computer and run the software. The self-run process takes about 45-seconds and it's done. You will see instantly how the white balance changes nicely. Accessories:I was lucky to be in the market when B&H & NEC offered a special price along with the free Hood and extra display port cables. I'm still waiting for those items to arrive but its all gravy at this point. Summary:Overall I'm happy with this display and it's certainly a refreshing upgrade from the garden variety of bright glossy panels on the market today. B&H is a good company and I order from them quite often.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Worked Great – For A Day!
I set it up Christmas Eve and was impressed with the colors and versatility of this display. Unfortunately, it died suddenly on Christmas night while I was using Photoshop. I just cut off, ...Read complete review
I set it up Christmas Eve and was impressed with the colors and versatility of this display. Unfortunately, it died suddenly on Christmas night while I was using Photoshop. I just cut off, went blank and would not come back on despite my trying every troubleshooting trick mentioned in the CD manual and online support.
I returned it Monday. I think I would have loved the NEC, but it quit in the middle of an important project and I can't risk that again.
That said, I think if you get one that works you'll love it!
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Reviewed by 42 customers
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I was tired of "print surprises" and need a monitor that would display a duplicate to what I would receive back from the lab
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I am a professional advertising photographer and we need a high quality calibrated monitor to edit images and work on them in PhotoShop.
The calibration was spot on and the deepest blacks and whiteist whites are readily discernible.
So far, no drawbacks in the first week or so.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I received my NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution from B&H on the date promised, and in perfect condition. Carefully packed in over-wrap box and padding w/ OEM packaging inside.
I had done some research before purchase and the monitor lives up to the reviews found on line and the advice I received from folk on the Luminous-Landscape web forum.
I must say that the SpectraView II calibration system is the easiest and most straight forward to use of any other solution I've had.
I use this monitor for photo editing of large digital files.
I would happily recommend this monitor to anyone doing photo editing and the like.
The matching NEC hood that I purchased is also very nice. It is expensive for what it is, but is is well made. In my opinion the hood should be included with the monitor.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
photo processing
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
After using NEC CRT monitors and various LCD monitors over the last 20+ years for my photo editing and occasional video editing I have finally retired the CRTs with the purchase of the NEC PA271W. With the increased desk space available it makes for a lot more room and less clutter. A 21" CRT requires too much space.
I got the PA271W with the SVII and puck package, initial calibration was very easy but since I got this primarily for color managed work flow for printing getting a screen to print match wasn't as easy. I had been calibrating the CRTs and LCDs with a Spyder 3 and with a little tweaking the match was spot on with the CRTs and adequate on the LCDs. Getting a screen to print match with the PA271W with the SVII software was a chore for me. After playing with the calibration for a day I gave up and used the free MultiProfiler software with a good match. I went back and read the manuals for the monitor and SVII software (something I usually do but in this case I didn't). I then did a calibration with the SVII software using white point along with other setting values I got with MultiProfier and with a little tweaking I was spot on. In my opinion the SVII software is a little confusing. After playing with it and comparing settings with MultiProfiler I have a better understanding of how to use it and get very good matches but you actually get pretty good results with just MultiProfiler.
In summary what I like and dislike after about 1 month of use:
+Luminance is even across the whole screen, absolutely no fall off at the edges or corners.
+Color gamut is exceptional.
+I can have multiple targets stored for different papers and switch with a mouse click (cool!).
+Accurate calibration.
+2 DisplayPorts, 2 DVI Ports.
+10bit when using the Display Port and a10bit capable video card
+? PIP haven't tried this yet but might be interesting.
+Less expensive than the PA301W with not that much loss in screen size
+ Much less expensive than EZIO with just as good of a display (my opinion, time will tell)
-Puck counter weight, come on I've got to use gaffers tape to keep it on.
-Gets hotter than my other LCD monitors.
-Confusing software until you get used to it. How about some online tutorials NEC!
-Can't use the SV software with my other monitors (comes up not supported) need to do further research on this.
-Makes me long for a 2nd to use in portrait mode (maybe a PA241W) just dreaming.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I bought this monitor to use for photo editing with Photoshop and Photoshop Lightroom. I found no cons with this monitor and I know in previous reviews people was complaining about Aspect Ratio 16:9 which is doesn't bother me at all and about USB outputs on monitor. There is a lot of monitors with bells and whistles but the picture quality is very poor. I think USB outputs supposed to be on your computer itself and not on monitor. I only have color calibration device attached to the monitor all the time, everything else I have connected to my computer. I bought LaCie 324i before I bought NEC and then I got replacement from LaCie and then I returned second one back to manufacturer because those monitors had a difference in color. Right side was tinted with purple color on first one and second monitor has big purple circle in the middle of the monitor. I highly recommend this monitor to photographers or videographers to whom color are very important. Also I recommend to buy this monitor with Spectra ViewII Calibration Solution by NEC.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I do alot of photography as a serious hobby and I like making and selling prints (portraits and high school sports). I also work from home on my real job and I'm starring at a screen for 8 hours a day using Outlook, Word, and Excel. Then in the evening its several more hours when I'm working on my photos. So I needed a screen that was good doing both. I had been using a 24 inch Dell for the last 5 years and an old cheapy second monitor. I had calibrated the Dell with Spyder 3 and I would say that 95% of the time the prints I made on my Epson 3880 looked very close (never perfect - but usually close enough). My cheapy second monitor died so I needed a second monitor. I decided to make the Dell a second monitor and get a monitor suitable for better color calibration. Hence the PA271W purchase.
I have editied a few dozen photos (14 bit raw files in Lightroom 3) using the calibrated PA271W and and every print is an exact match. Simply incredible.
I was worried about the issues that some report with color uniformity or the concern about black print on white background or the "sparkle" effect. So I bought the 27 inch instead of the 30 inch because I have never seen these screens and I didn't want to spend another $1K and be disappointed. But I see no issues with the screen and the uniformity is simply great. My only regret is that I did not go for the 30 inch. Maybe next year I'll add the 30 inch and totally dump the Dell.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
This is my second NEC monitor with Spectraview II color calibration (both are in service). Like the first, it was easy to set up and calibrate. No dead pixels or other issues [...]I use it primarily when editing large file digital images in Photoshop and Lightroom. Screen size is more than adequate for my purposes and the savings compared to the 30" version is very substantial.One small nit...I wish it had more than one USB port.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
Easy to work with and a beautiful picture.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
When my 30" Samsung 305T broke down for the third time and Samsung issued a 100% refund to my surprise, I had to find a replacement fast. The choice of 30" monitors suitable for professional photography is very limited and the only one that looked a really good deal was the NEC PA301W-BK-SV equivalent to the MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV. But it cost $2549: much more than the 27". This was beyond our budget so I decided on the 27" with color calibration. The only way this monitor could be improved upon would be if I had been able to afford the 30" In every way it has been an outstanding buy. The color calibration works flawlessly. The only surprise has been the difference those 3" make. I am still getting used to having less screen real estate than you get with the 30". But as value for money, this is the best deal around.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
Calibration was a breeze using SpectraView II color calibration software and hardware. Matte screen. No dead pixels. I was anxious about printing but monitor and print correlation was excellent. Some images needed a small boost in saturation in the greens and reds for the prints. It came with a dual link to displayport cable about six feet long and also a displayport to displayport cable of same length. I like the ability to adjust the monitor up and down as well as tilting forward or backward or turning from side to side. The monitor can be used in landscape or portrait orientation. No issues with a G5 Mac running Leopard.
Cons: Except for a USB port on the right side of the monitor, all other ports are underneath so they can't be seen without tilting the monitor which is not an option in my setup.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I am photographer and use this monitor for photo processing and retouching. I used to have two smaller monitors and PA271 is so much better; great size and resolution. Colors were good right away and it is even better after super simple calibration. I also like its KVM ability; it is very neat. Both my pc and mac are connected to this monitor and they share keyboard and mouse between them.
The only problem with this monitor is lack of detailed documentation.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
Used for Photo retouching, design, layout. This monitor has reduced my eye strain over a previous monitor (23") with smaller gamut. Also has reduced brain strain as I try to process in my mind what my modifications might be doing that I can't see on screen. No longer a problem. Bravo NEC! Get the calibration. This is a great deal. If you use your monitor to make money, buy it now!!!
I used to go by my apple laptop monitor as reliable colour, but now I see how much smaller the gamut was. Skin tone variations have become apparent which were not even apparent on an older high-end monitor. BRAVO!!!
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I have had the monitor for 2 days, outstanding color (for an LCD, I have had Radius Pressviews, Lacies, used Barcos, etc), pretty good documentation (READ the manual).I am using the monitor for high-end color correction, photo manipulation and some video post work.Started the Mac computer up on day 2 using a 3rd party cable - Mini display port to Displayport adapter cable. Monitor would not come on, no power light at all. After some searching documentation, I remembered reading in Quick Start setup section, "NOTE: 1. Please use a DisplayPort cable with a DisplayPort logo." Well you guessed it, my cable is not. As soon as I unplugged the cable from the monitor it came on.I will be getting the right cable/adapter.I have registered for the limited time "Free Accessories" PA-MDP-BNDL Mac User Mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable + USB cable and PA271W-BK-SV* 27" HDPA27 hood. [...] These should be included with the monitor, or at least available to order with it. That is why I am not giving it 5 stars.Otherwise a feature laden product, outstanding for the money!
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
Very adjustable, great picture quality, easy set-up, confusing documentation, very easy color calibration. If you require color management for photography, this monitor is great for image quality, size, and configuration. Spectra vision II works great.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I am coming from having owned an HP display and a Samsung. Both did their job well, but I had a tough time with each getting a well calibrated screen. After doing some research and comparing other models in the price-point, the NEC seemed like a wise choice. So far it has not let me down. The Spectra-View software does an outstanding job of getting my colors, spot on. The added screen real estate over my previous 24" models is nice as well. This is a great monitor for those interested in getting accurate colors for their photo and graphic work.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
I use this monitor for editing raw photographs in photoshop. I particularly like how easy it is to profile this monitor using the included spectra view II software and custom calibrated NEC screen sensor thing. It took me a couple of tries at attaching and detaching the USB cord between my monitor and my pc to get the software to recognise the monitor but it eventually did. From that point on it has been smooth sailing. With it set up next to my 6 year old Eizo flexScan L997 (which I calibrate with my eyeone match software), I can really see the wider profile of this NEC. It is most apparent to me in the reds.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
good value, using two PA271W-BK 27"
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
Good:
- The picture is incredible. Sharp, great color, good contrast, and impressive brightness (when you need brightness).
- The color calibrator solution is second to none. It's literally turn-key. All you need to do is slap it on the monitor and press calibrate and it does it's thing.
- In-monitor soft-proofing is a huge win for those with applications that DO NOT support color proofing.
- Spectraview software is incredible. Lets me recall monitor settings and profiles instantly. Uniformity adjustment is very cool too.
- Built-in KVM is a really nice touch.
- 10 bit color is neat, though good luck finding a video card that supports it.
The nitpicks:
- Would like to see a card reader (atleast CF + SD) built-in to the monitor. I'm sure 99.999% of the users of this monitor also take photos. Would be a great touch.
- Would like the stand to go up a little higher.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution:
After 30-days of use with my 2009 MacPro I now feel that I can provide a fair assessment. [...].My first impression was favorable in terms of build quality, a well-designed stand, and a beautiful silky smooth NON-GLARE panel. The matte black exterior with clean lines and good styling is consistent with a pro-level display. The bezel is a slim 7/8-inch wide and is not near as bold or bulky as illustrated in the marketing line-art. The controls are well placed around the lower right corner for easy manipulation.Set-up:I followed the PDF manual but unless you're familiar with professional displays, it may not be all that helpful. In fact, I ended up calling tech support for clarification on a few points. Based on some reviews I've read here, I can say that most perceived problems have more to do with procedural miss-steps than actual defects. Keep in mind this display is designed with features to support two computers so matching the USB ports is important. In short, when you select USB-1 from the menu, be sure you connect USB cable to the corresponding USB port. BTW: The display is pre-set to 200cd which is super bright so you will likely want that toned down quite a bit.Calibration: I purchased the unit with SpectraView II colorimeter and frankly, I can't imagine using this display without it. Even if you're not a photog' you will immediately see the benefits after calibrating the unit. Speaking of which, the calibration process is very easy and quick. You simply remove the white protective cover; tilt the display back about 10-degrees, position the counter-weight on the top edge of the bezel, plug the USB connector directly into the computer and run the software. The self-run process takes about 45-seconds and it's done. You will see instantly how the white balance changes nicely. Accessories:I was lucky to be in the market when B&H & NEC offered a special price along with the free Hood and extra display port cables. I'm still waiting for those items to arrive but its all gravy at this point. Summary:Overall I'm happy with this display and it's certainly a refreshing upgrade from the garden variety of bright glossy panels on the market today. B&H is a good company and I order from them quite often.
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