The MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II from NEC is a serious, high-performance LCD display, designed to handle your most demanding color-critical projects. This LCD features a 1000:1 contrast ratio, a 2560 x 1600 native resolution with a wide color gamut, and 350cd/m2 of brightness. In addition, it clocks in a super-speedy 7ms response time.
When using the monitor, you'll have at your disposal 1.07 billion out of 4.3 trillion displayable colors. Designed for professionals, the unique screen provides 98.2% coverage of the AdobeRGB Color Space, ensuring that what you see on the screen corresponds to what you'll see on the final product. For tweaking those colors, the included SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution allows you to calibrate your monitor for consistent output. The monitor also features a programmable 14-bit 3D Lookup Table (LUT), among many other color-related features.
So as to establish connections to computers and other devices, this LCD monitor has two DVI-D ports, two DisplayPorts, and a USB 2.0 hub. The hub itself features two upstream ports and three downstream ports. Plus, the hub is integrated with DisplaySync Pro, so you can control two computers with only one keyboard and mouse hooked up to the monitor.
| Panel/Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | LCD Flat Panel with IPS technology |
| Viewable Size | 29.8" Widescreen |
| Brightness | 350cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Viewing Angle | 178° Vertical, 178° Horizontal (89U/89D/89L/89R) @ CR>1 |
| Pixel Dot Pitch | 0.25mm |
| Response Time | 7ms Gray-to-Gray |
| Panel Life | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Colors Supported |
Adobe RGB Coverage/Size: 98.2% / 106.7% NTSC Coverage/Size: 93.3% / 102% sRGB Coverage/Size: 100% / 144% |
| Displayable Colors | 1.07 billion out of 4.3 trillion |
| Signal | |
|---|---|
| Internal Interface | DisplayPort and DVI-D Dual Link |
| Frequency |
Horizontal: 31.5 to 98.7 kHz (Digital only) Vertical: 30 to 87 Hz |
| Sync Type | N/A |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Analog | No |
| Digital |
2x DVI-D 2x DisplayPort |
| Audio Input | None |
| Headphone Jack | None |
| Hub Ports |
2x USB 2.0 upstream ports 3x USB 2.0 downstream ports |
| Speakers | None |
| Mount |
VESA 100 x 100 mm Configuration VESA 200 x 100 mm Configuration |
| Controls | |
|---|---|
| Buttons | Power, Input, Left, Right Up, Down, Reset/PIP |
| On-Screen Display | Yes |
| Auto Configuration | Yes |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Tilt/Swivel Range |
Tilt: Yes Swivel: Yes Height: Yes Pivot: Yes |
| Security | None |
| Safety Compliance | UL / C-UL, CE, Gost/PCT, PSB, CCC, NOM, TUV GS, FCC Class B/Canadian DOC, C-tick, MPR III, VCCI (class 2) |
| Environmental Compliance |
TCO: 5.0 RoHS: Yes |
| System Requirements |
PC or Mac with DVI or DisplayPort Output SpectraView Software Requirements: Apple Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher/Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, XP x64, Server 2003 or Vista 32 bit. At least one available USB port for GretagMacbeth color sensor |
| Power Requirements | AC 100-120V / AC 220-240V |
| Power Consumption |
Typical: 155W (without USB active) / 161W (with USB active) Power Saving Mode: 1.7W (without USB active) / 12W (with USB active) |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 41° to 95°F / 5° to 35°C Storage Temperature: 14° to 140°F / -10° to 60°C Operating Humidity: 30% to 80% (non-condensing) Storage Humidity: 10% to 85% Operating Altitude: Up to 10,000' / 3048 m Storage Altitude: Up to 40,000' / 12,192 m |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) |
With Stand: 27.1 x 18.4 to 24.3 x 11.9" / 68.83 x 46.74 to 61.72 x 30.23 cm Without Stand: 27.1 x 17.6 x 4.9" / 68.83 x 44.7 x 12.45 cm |
| Weight |
With Stand: 41.5 lb / 18.8 kg Without Stand: 27.6 lb / 12.5 kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Big display, Big color
I use the PA301W for photo editing, print proofing, and software development work. The gamut and tonality of this monitor is astounding; it's clearly head and shoulders above mass-market 27-30" displays...Read complete review
I use the PA301W for photo editing, print proofing, and software development work. The gamut and tonality of this monitor is astounding; it's clearly head and shoulders above mass-market 27-30" displays I've used (e.g. those from Dell, HP) for those who require a display for professional imaging applications.
This display has a number of features targeting the professional user that I've not seen touted elsewhere: The included MultiProfiler software allows for complete control of the monitor's capabilities via a native (Mac, PC) application. This eliminates the need to navigate the display's built-in menu system, which is a chore on virtually any monitor. The display has Picture-in-Picture (PIP) capability and can share its USB device ports between two host computers. Graphic and software designers will appreciate color vision modes that simulate each of the various kinds of color blindness.
This model includes the SpectraView II software and an NEC-specific version of the Eye One spectrophotometer. The monitor has a self-calibration mode, which allows for calibration using just the Eye One and no external software. Imaging professionals will generally prefer to create calibrated profiles using the SpectraView II application. Calibration runs are at least as straightforward as with any other calibration system (e.g. those from Datacolor) I've used previously.
One note: if you are planning on using this with a Macbook Pro (esp. Early 2011 or later) or other device using a mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt connection, you'll want to pick up the NEC PA-MDP-CABL cable; this is a direct mini DisplayPort to full-size DisplayPort cable, no adapter dongle needed. I'll futher note that I did NOT have success connecting to the PA301W's DVI connection using an Apple mini-DisplayPort to DVI adapter.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great product if...
... there were no quality control issues. My panel had terrible uniformity problems and even when turning the Digital Uniformity Compensation to maximum the color was unacceptable. On a grayscale there was a ...Read complete review
... there were no quality control issues. My panel had terrible uniformity problems and even when turning the Digital Uniformity Compensation to maximum the color was unacceptable. On a grayscale there was a point where the highlights go from neutral to pink/magenta to green and back to neutral (between 224 and 238). I also own the PA271W and had to exchange it four times though NEC till I received an acceptable panel. Once I got my good panel I have been really happy with this product. Can't see much diference between the NEC PA271W and my Eizo CG234W.
Reviewed by 15 customers
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
What else is there left to say than agreeing with all the 5 stars reviews below.
Calibrating is easy, contrast is amazing, colors are exceptionally brilliant, just love it.
One thing I would like to mention is the non glare screen. No reflections whatsoever which makes it very comfy for your eyes if you're spending a lot of time on front of your screen.
If you are a Photoshop user this is a 'must have'!
And if you have doubts, like I had, about the size don't think any longer and go for the 30" display. It's worth the extra bucks.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
Calibrated quickly out of the box. colors are flawless, size is awesome. I have no regrets for my primary screen.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
I use in on a daily basis to do color managed photo editing work. Awesome monitor. Color calibration is spot on. I highly recommend getting the version with the Spectraview II calibrator - since it is integrated at the hardware level.
The integrated KVM is a big plus - since 3rd party KVMs supporting 2560x1600 is pretty pricey and bulky.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
Bought to use with my Photoshop work. Use off a Mac Mini Server. Excellent in every way. Make sure you have good ventilation. Gets a little warm. Be very careful about what cord you use to hook up to your computer. In my case I must use the Mini display port to display port cable. As far as I can tell if you do not have the NEC BRAND THE MONITOR MAY NOT COME OUT OF SLEEP MODE. It's a know issue with after market cords. So check before you buy the cord. Using the Thunderbolt port with a Mini display port was the only way to get the highest resolution the monitor could support. But WOW once its set up its great.
Pros
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
The image quality is amazing. The SpecraView automatically calibrates your monitor. There is no need to manually adjust setting to optimize and calibrate your moniter. Just tell the SpectraView to start...
Ergonomics are great. It is easy to adjust height, twist and tilt.
Pros
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
As others have mentioned this is a wonderful display to use and runs much cooler then the mac 30" cinema display I was using prior to this one. I also love being able to adjust the height to a more comfortable viewing position.
I did have a problem with the first unit shipped to me, out of the box it had one dead pixel and one red pixel. I contacted B & H and they promptly replaced it with with one that worked properly. I was super happy with how fast and stress free the entire exchange process went.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
I bought this monitor for image editing and it works great for that. The main problem I have is that the included calibration software is Win/Mac only and I use Linux. I can use argyllcms and dispcalgui for calibration and profiling under Linux which works well but I loose the access to the internal in-monitor hardware calibration, which is one of it's selling points.
Also, the plastic(?) protection shield in front of the screen is a bit loose and rattles a little. This should not be happening at this price level.
Other than that I have no complains. The image quality, contrast, color reproduction are all excellent. Price is high but in general commensurate with quality.
Pros
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
I am a professional fine art photographer and require extreme precision in color management. The NEC monitor is absolutely uniform across the entire screen and the color management is exceptional.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
I am a photographer and also photograph other artwork. The reason I got this monitor was when photographing other artwork you need the colors to be exact as the work you are photographing. This monitor does it all.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
... there were no quality control issues. My panel had terrible uniformity problems and even when turning the Digital Uniformity Compensation to maximum the color was unacceptable. On a grayscale there was a point where the highlights go from neutral to pink/magenta to green and back to neutral (between 224 and 238). I also own the PA271W and had to exchange it four times though NEC till I received an acceptable panel. Once I got my good panel I have been really happy with this product. Can't see much diference between the NEC PA271W and my Eizo CG234W.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
This NEC monitor is large and offers beautiful colors and high end quality and features. Color calibration was quick and simple.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
I'm a professional photographer. Previously used the Eizo 240W. This NEC is amazing.
Just on size/resolution alone, this is amazing. Seeing all of your images at 15" x 25" is really something special. It is a lot bigger than a 24" screen.
The color is also fantastic. It takes a little while to warm up, maybe 5 mins, but that's not troublesome. (It suggests you don't calibrate it for 30 mins however, so perhaps the ideal warmup is a bit longer.) I've noticed web based reds are much stronger than on the Eizo, which I imagine is the larger color space.
I purchased the version with the bundled puck as my previous puck was getting on in years. The NEC calibration software is very simple and very intuitive.
The stand, while not the most attractive, is counterbalanced very well. For such a heavy monitor, it is very easy to raise or lower.
Very pleased.
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
I replaced an Apple 30" Cinema Display with the NEC PA301W. My principal use is photo editing and I need a large display to have several windows displayed simultaneously. My system is an Apple Mac Pro that's about 3 years old. The NEC monitor is bright, sharp edge to edge, with excellent contrast and accurate colors. The SpectraView II software and calibration tool is a real plus. SpectraView II and Mac OS Lion are not playing well together yet, and profiles aren't getting saved in the right spot, but that's the only downside I can identify. Apart from its functional performance, the monitor is stylish and unobtrusive on the desktop. I love it.
Pros
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Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
- I can't see the difference between an Eizo and this other than the price tag.
- Ease of use for calibration.
I was gonna say that is a bit heavy but is a 30" screen so let's be real
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen Color-Critical Desktop LCD Monitor with SpectraView II:
I use the PA301W for photo editing, print proofing, and software development work. The gamut and tonality of this monitor is astounding; it's clearly head and shoulders above mass-market 27-30" displays I've used (e.g. those from Dell, HP) for those who require a display for professional imaging applications.
This display has a number of features targeting the professional user that I've not seen touted elsewhere: The included MultiProfiler software allows for complete control of the monitor's capabilities via a native (Mac, PC) application. This eliminates the need to navigate the display's built-in menu system, which is a chore on virtually any monitor. The display has Picture-in-Picture (PIP) capability and can share its USB device ports between two host computers. Graphic and software designers will appreciate color vision modes that simulate each of the various kinds of color blindness.
This model includes the SpectraView II software and an NEC-specific version of the Eye One spectrophotometer. The monitor has a self-calibration mode, which allows for calibration using just the Eye One and no external software. Imaging professionals will generally prefer to create calibrated profiles using the SpectraView II application. Calibration runs are at least as straightforward as with any other calibration system (e.g. those from Datacolor) I've used previously.
One note: if you are planning on using this with a Macbook Pro (esp. Early 2011 or later) or other device using a mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt connection, you'll want to pick up the NEC PA-MDP-CABL cable; this is a direct mini DisplayPort to full-size DisplayPort cable, no adapter dongle needed. I'll futher note that I did NOT have success connecting to the PA301W's DVI connection using an Apple mini-DisplayPort to DVI adapter.
Displaying reviews 1-15