IPS monitors are high resolution computer monitors that provide clear images and accurate color from almost every angle you happen to view. Unlike other types of LCD monitors, they do not lighten and show a finger trail when touched. They are normally a tool for pro photographers, printers, graphic designers and post-production professionals who demand exacting contrast, details and color replication. IPS stands for in-plane switching, which refers to the fact that the molecules in the liquid crystal layer are switched to be in-plane (parallel) with their glass substrates. Intro to Engineering aside, an IPS LCD or LED monitor can be expected to be easier on the eyes after prolonged use, process signals at a high speed, have better viewing angles and most important, offer nicely detailed images and accurate and consistent colors.
Our article will highlight some of the IPS monitors in B&H's vast inventory. Each of these monitors is a professional machine, up to the task of a demanding pro, but not all of them are out of the reach of a photo enthusiast who wants their working images to appear as strong as possible.
NEC’s 24” offering is the NEC MultiSync PA241W-BK 24” Widescreen LCD Monitor with Wide Color Gamut. Input for VGA, DVI-D, DisplayPort and USB 2.0 are provided and its native resolution is 1920 x 1200 with 1000:1 standard contrast ratio and 360cd/m² brightness. Designed for graphics professionals, it provides 98.1% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB and 93.2% NTSC color gamut covera
ge as well as 6-axis color control for color customization, ensuring that the color you see on screen is what you will see on your final product. 14-bit 3D internal programmable LUTs are supported for calibration and its on-screen displays offer easy adjustment of your screen image. Additionally, NEC’s XtraView+ provides wide a viewing angle up to 178° with minimal off-angle color shift.
A pivoting stand with VESA compatibility offers flexibility and comfort in terms of where and how you view the monitor and AmbiBright light sensing technology will automatically adjust the display’s brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. A small footprint and lightweight monitor also means this display is easy to transport and use on location.
The NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK 27” Widescreen LCD Monitor is a 27” screen featuring 2560 x 1440 native resolution with Dual-Link DVI-D and DisplayPort inputs. 1000:1 typical contrast ratio, 300cd/m² brightness, 7 ms response time and 
178° by 178° viewing angle are its features and it provides 97.1% Adobe RGB, 92.6% NTSC and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage. Similar to the above NEC 24” monitor, its larger size and higher resolution offer more screen space when viewing multiple computers.
The NEC MultiSync PA271W-BK-SV 27" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraViewII is the same PA271W-BK monitor but is bundled with the SpectraViewII Color Calibration Kit. SpectraViewII provides the software and colorimeter for accurate and consistent color performance. During calibration, the SpectraViewII sensor measures color, analyzes these measurements, and using Display Data Channel-Command Interface, sends adjustment commands directly to the monitor as opposed to the video graphics adapter. The SpectraViewII provides multiple calibration settings which can be instantly loaded for easy switching between settings without the need to re-calibrate the display. Monitor locking locks the on-screen display so no changes are accidentally made and status verification automatically checks settings to be sure that changes have not been accidentally made. If they have been, the previous calibration can be restored automatically. The colorimeter function also allows direct and specific measurements to be taken by the color sensor and displayed in formats that are easy to read.
The NEC MultiSync PA301W 30" Widescreen LCD Monitor with SpectraView II offers superior display performance and includes the above-mentioned SpectraViewII software. It is a 30” monitor with 2560 x 1600 native resolution, 98.2% Adobe RGB coverage, 1.07 billion colors, two DVI-D ports, one DisplayPort, two USB 2.0 upstream ports and three USB 2.0 downstream ports.
The Dell Ultra Sharp U2412M 24” LED Monitor has 1920 x 1200 resolution, a 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio and 8 ms response time. A color gamut of 82% and a 178° by 178° viewing angle provide a wide range of consistent colors from most any viewing angle. 16.7 million supported colors, high dynamic contrast ratio and 300cd/m2 brightness complement its viewing features. Multiple inputs, including DVI-D with HDCP, DisplayPort, VGA and four USB 2.0 ports offer connections for numerous devices; 4.5” height adjustability with tilt, swivel and rotate capability allows you to utilize its IPS technology and view the screen from the most comfortable angle. Vertical or horizontal orientation is possible on its stand, which also features a VESA mount if you prefer to wall-mount it. Color temperature can be controlled and a text mode automatically adjusts the screen brightness for easier reading. Dell has gone the extra step by using environmentally responsible materials; no mercury or arsenic in its construction, and halogen-free laminates in its circuit boards consume less energy. Also, PowerNap and Dynamic software dimming minimize power consumption, and security ports and an anti-theft stand lock slot provide theft protection.
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| Dell Ultra Sharp U2412M 24” LED Monitor | Dell UltraSharp U2410 24” Widescreen LCD Monitor |
The Dell UltraSharp U2410 24” Widescreen LCD Monitor provides most of the same features as the U2412M, including the 1920 x 1200 native resolution, 178° by 178° viewing angle and 1000:1 typical contrast ratio, but offers 400cd/m² brightness, 1.07 billion colors and a 6 ms response time. HDCP copy protection is supported via DVI-D and allows you to watch content from a Blu-ray player or from a Blu-ray optical drive on your computer. A media card reader is included for viewing content from a flash memory card, and four USB 2.0 ports are also included to connect a keyboard, mouse, pen drive or other devices.
The U2410 is factory calibrated, so it is out-of-the-box ready with accurate and consistent colors, but it also offers a Custom Color Mode with 6-axis color control for more advanced users who may want to adjust saturation, hue and gain for their specific purposes. Adobe RGB and sRGB 
color spaces are both supported. Also, picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture (two screens at once) are available on the U2410. Like the U2412M, it is protected by Dell’s Premium Panel Guarantee, which will replace the monitor if even one defective pixel appears within the warranty period.
The Hewlett Packard ZR2440w 24” LED Backlit IPS Monitor, like the above Dells, has 1920 x 1200 WUXGA resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 178°/178° viewing angle and 1000:1 typical contrast ratio and 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. A 6 ms response time supports moving graphics and images without blurring or ghosting. Input from HDMI, DVI-D and DisplayPort as well as four USB 2.0 ports are available. Physically, the ZR2440w is particularly slim, with a bezel design that makes it ideal for viewing multiple screens within the monitor. Height can be adjusted and it can tilt, swivel and pivot and quick-release VESA mount means easy wall mounting and removal.
The LaCie 324i 24” Widescreen LCD Computer Display is a high quality professional monitor utilizing a 10-bit P-IPS panel capable of displaying more than a billion colors simultaneously. It features 1920 x 1200 native resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 
400cd/m² brightness, a 178° by 178° viewing angle and fast 6 ms response time. DisplayPort, DVI-D and HDMI digital inputs are available as is an RCA stereo component analog input, 3.5mm mini jack audio output and three USB 2.0 ports. The VESA mount, pivot portrait mode and raise, tilt and swivel movements are all consistent with its quality standards.
The LaCie 324i's color space coverage is rated at an impressive 102% NTSC and 98% Adobe RGB. These wide color gamuts provide the image professional with true, consistent colors for most imaging tasks. Adjustable backlight stabilization balances the background luminosity of your images to fit your working environment and its 20.4”-wide display area permits viewing of two A4 or letter-sized pages side by side with room for additional toolbars and palettes.
Have any questions? Be sure to contact a B&H Sales Professional via live chat, over the phone or in the B&H SuperStore.
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