Anyone unhappy with Eizo CG19?

[Kat D.]

I'm planning to buy Eizo CG19 with hood. I can save $145 if I buy at CDW as opposed to B&H where I

have to pay tax since I'm in NY State. But return at CDW means 15% restocking fee. No charge for

exchange at B&H.

 

If I'm pretty darn sure I'll keep it, I'll go with CDW. But betting on monitor makes me nervous.

 

By the way, CDW only sells hood separately, and it's $200. (I've accounted for that in figures mentioned

above.) Is it really worth that much? What about a generic hood? I saw a generic hood for $50 but it

attached with velcro which seemed questionable. How does Eizo hood attach?

 

At B&H, the monitor without hood is $1500, with hood $1600, so only $100 if you buy with monitor.

But, still, I'd be paying more overall because of the tax.

 

Thanks.

[frans_waterlander]

This monitor is not on my short list because it is not IPS technology. The only ones on the list are the NEC LCD1990SXi-BK-SV, around $1000 and NEC LCD2690WUXi-BK-SV, less than $2000, both include the SpectraView calibration software/hardware.

[Kat D.]

Well, I'm still open to suggestions. It's hard to decide when you can't try the monitor out.

I'm not in a location where I can try much. I did try a friend's Apple 23" and was not

impressed. My old Lacie Electron Blue IV CRT is better in my opinion.

[larry_s__indiana_]

Hi Kat, I just bought the Eizo CE210W, and I bought the hood. This is a terrific monitor! I'm

coming from a couple of LaCie CRT's. I'm very happy so far with my purchase (I've had it

about a month)

 

The hood comes in five parts that attach together (snaps?), and then snap to the monitor

on the back. It does not cover the ventalation holes at the top of the monitor. There's a

piece at the top that slides to the right to allow a calibrator to hang from the top. The

inside parts of the hood are covered with a felt-like material that cuts down on reflections.

I think it's too expensive, but I think it's the the best solution available. It is way better

than the hood that came with my LaCies. Is it worth it? For a $100, I'd say yes, for $200,

that's a tougher call. I've never seen the generic hood to compare it with, so you may be

perfectly happy with it. Good luck with your choice.

[patrick_p]

Frans, I believe you're wrong. Eizo CG series are IPS-S technology. In fact they were among the first on the market. Lacie now also makes IPS-S panels. I have the Lacie 319 which comes with a hood. I'm impressed with it, but I hear the Eizo's are better and they better be for the price.

[frans_waterlander]

Patrick,

 

I'm very interested to learn what source of information you have to show that the Eizo panels are IPS. I haven't found it!

 

LaCie doesn't make any monitors. The LaCie 319 is the NEC LCD1990SXi and, at least in the US, is sold at a much higher price than the NEC product.

[patrick_p]

Basically if the contrast ratio is around 400:1 to 500:1 and claims to be wide gamut 99% it is an ips-s.

This site is a good resource for monitor specs and reviews.

 

http://www.prad.de/en/guide/screen1462.html

 

While the LaCie 319 panel is the same as the NEC LCD1990SXi and the NEC SpectraView 1990 there are hardware and software differences between these monitors which justifies the price (or at least tries to).

[morrie_farbman]

I can't comment on the Eizo since I have not used one. Until 6 months ago I used a LaCie Electron Blue IV CRT for about 4 years and was happy with it, espcially the price.

 

I too was choosing between the Eizo and NEC. I ended up with the 21 inch NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXi and have been extremely happy. I use SpectraView II and an Optix. I have not looked at price but the two should be close.

[frans_waterlander]

Patrick,

 

While www.prad.de says that the Eizo CG19 is an IPS monitor, Eizo doesn't make that claim.

 

I'd appreciate if you could tell me what hardware and software differences there are between the LaCie and NEC monitors that justify LaCie's higher price.

[sergey_oboguev]

Give consideration to NEC 1990/2090/2190.

 

You can buy hood separately (I had to tape mine, otherwise it does not hold well) as well as either basICColor or SpectraView II software. NEC SV-packaged monitors come only in black bezel which is somewhat strainful on the eyes, so I bought grey monitor and hood/software separately.

 

I used Amazon as the source for the monitor.

[carl smith]

I'm not sure how it compares, but I have had an NEC 1980SX for over 3 years now and it's been a phenomenal display. I'd definitely consider NEC again.

[Kat D.]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have been researching the NECs. Problem with them is

that you need the Spectraview software, and a lot of places don't sell it bundled with

display or even separately. I read that BasICColor can't be used with the NECS anymore. I

found this on another forum:

 

<<The NEC series has just been upgraded from the 80s to the 90s, so now it's 1990,

2090, 2190 for the respective sizes. My problem is that I've learnt from basICCare (who

are behind basICColor) that they no longer support hardware profiling of the NEC monitors

and further - worse - that NEC does not support hardware profiling of these monitors

unless they are bought as part of the SpectraView package. Even though the monitors are

the same, they change the firmware in the SpectraView versions to allow for hardware

profiling (with their own software). Incidentally, the software that is used with Spectraview

is an OEM version of basICColor, only with NEC drivers. I have all that information from

basICCare people because NEC has sent me from person to person without providing me

with any useful info.>>

 

So I am back to Eizo. I know my Optix XR will work with their software, and calibration

process looks very simple.

 

As for whether the Eizo CG19 is IPS, this is from Eizo site:

 

<<Incorporating the latest LCD technology, the ColorEdge CG19 employs a dual-domain

IPS (in-plane switching) panel, which features wide 170? viewing angles and minimal color

shift when the screen is viewed from off-center.>>

 

http://www.eizo.org/eizo/smpage.fwx?smlanguage=&page=146&PRESS=797

 

Larry, I'm considering the Eizo CE210W, too. Wide might be nice, though I'm afraid viewing

angle would be more of an issue with widescreen. Have you noticed any problems in that

regard?

 

Here is something from another forum regarding that issue. Someone had problem with

viewing angles on new Eizo CE model and this person responded. Sorry I didn't keep the

url.

 

<<The problem you are describing is a known proble with all LCD widescreen monitors,

and with the CE210K and CE240K. Before the CE models were introduced EIZO launced the

S2110W/S2410W models. A lot of photographers thought these models were cheap

ColorEdge models and bought them and expected ColorEdge quality. A lot of the guys got

disappointed (wonder why since the ColorEdge series is more than dobble-3 times the

cost). The main complaint was uneven luminosity and contrast when comparing two

versions of the same image side by side.

 

EIZO then released the CE series under the ColorEdge brand/series. The CE210WK and

CE240WK is basically and upgraded S2110W/S2410W, where they have tryed to solve the

issues people complained about with the S2110W/S2410W. They added improved viable

angle and hardware calibration plus some minor changes, which all resulted in a better

monitor, but you can still experience the issues you have mentioned.

 

There is nothing wrong with your monitor. You will find this problem on all widescreen

LCD monitors. Just be happy you bought an EIZO since most others brands are showing

the faults much more severe.

 

The only solotion for even ilumination and contrast is to go for their ColorEdge CG models

like the CG211K or CG221K, which is the best solution for photographic work. The CE

series are actually aimed at architects and designers from EIZO and not photographers.

 

Kind regards

Klaus>>>

[patrick_p]

Frans, Eizo doesn't make that claim on their website but they also don't claim otherwise. There are only 3 panel types that I'm aware of being used these days MVA, PVA and S-IPS. I'm sure there are others, but you don't see them as much (or I don't). Because MVA and PVA have contrast ratios of 800:1 and up it is a safe bet the monitor is S-IPS.

 

If you want a cheaper version of the CG series you could try the Eizo L797 which uses the same s-ips panel as the CG19. I'm sure there are others by now. How do I know this, I mailed the sales department and asked them about 1.5 years ago when I was in the market. Just ask and they will tell you, it's no big secret.

 

As for hardware and software I don't remember all the information. It is usually things like 12-bit lookup tables and other bells and whistles to help create smooth gradients, accurate colors, contrast and easy adjustability/fine tuning. Read through their websites and request more information from the companies direct.

Check out the broachers, for example:

 

http://www.eizo-downloads.com/downloads/brochures/pdf/ColorEdge4.pdf

 

Whether or not these differences in models justify a higher is a matter of your specific needs and opinion.

[frank_dzambic]

I think the advantage of IPS panels is over other technologies is probably a bit overrated. I'm not saying they're not the best, but I think it's just one of those "urban legend" type things that's started because it's been repeated so many times over the last couple of years on various forums. (Kind of like "loose" seems to have become the new correct spelling for "lose"!) Unfortunately stores that stock many high-end monitors (or even one high end monitor) side by side and calibrated make it pretty much impossible for the average person to do a comparison. Interestingly though, Eizo's CG series is made up of S-IPS panels, and their CE series is made up of S-PVA panels.

 

Hmm, and my last opinion, I'd say that unless you're in publishing or fashion, 99.9% of people don't need a monitor that costs over roughly $1500 or so at most. I don't believe that the average hobbiest will see a dramatic improvement in the quality of their prints by buying a $2800 EIZO CG210 vs a $1200 EIZO CE210 for example. If you have the money to burn, then go for it, but personally I'd rather find something else to do with the money. Like putting it towards a trip to take pictures.

 

That said, if you want to really know what type of panel is in a monitor you're considering, you can go to http://www.flatpanels.dk/panels.php

and type in the model number and it'll tell you the manufacturer and type of panel. You can also try http://aryarya.net/wassyoi/lcdmemo.html

which puts all the models in a list form, but I prefer the first link.

 

Also, you can read an article describing the various technologies here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD

[Kat D.]

Frank:

 

The Flatpanels site is great, thanks. I see that the panel used in Eizo CE210W is

same as used in Samsung 215TW which I bought and returned some months ago. I

found serious viewing angle problems. So I guess I will delete CE210W from my list.

 

Interestingly, the Aryarya site lists different panel for the Eizo CG19 than Flatpanels site. I

think I read somewhere that different panels may be used for same model depending on

availability.

 

Neither site gives specific panel used for NEC 1990SXi-BK, just says S-IPS.

 

It would be so much simpler to be able to try out all of these displays. Researching the

specs is mind-boggling and meaningless in a way.

 

By the way, I certainly don't intend to spend more than $1500. I started out thinking I

could get something for $700. Ha, those were the days. . . CRT days. I do design work that

is printed in addition to my own photographic work. Like all of this technology, what I buy

today will be cheaper and better tomorrow. What a money drain.

[sergey_oboguev]

> Problem with them is that you need the Spectraview software, and a lot of places don't sell it bundled with display or even separately.

 

Both SpectraView software and SpectraView hood are available directly from NEC, at least in the US, by online ordering.

 

> I read that BasICColor can't be used with the NECS anymore.

 

You can check with basICColor directly on the current list of supported displays, but the version I purchased from them several months ago (before SV-II update for 90's series was released) works fine with 2190.

[Kat D.]

Thank you, Sergey. Of course I should've checked the NEC web site.

 

I will look further into possibility of NEC display.

[larry_s__indiana_]

Kat, I don't have any problem with veiwing angle on my CE210W. My day job is a freelance

graphic deisgner so I've worked with large CRT monitors for 15 years or so. This is the best

monitor I've worked with.

 

I think that just because panels are made by the same manufacturer doesn't mean they are

the same monitor. I always read someone saying "A uses the same panel as B so they must be

the same monitor" In my experience that is NOT true.

[Kat D.]

Thanks, Larry. I will take your experience with the CE210W into account. Experience is

more meaningful than specs. . .

[Kat D.]

Just thought I'd follow up and say I got the Eizo CG19 and am very happy. The Eizo

calibration software is so easy to use -- I like it much better than the software that came

with my Optix XR.

 

I could've saved some money with a NEC (or gotten a larger monitor for the same price as

the Eizo), and from what everyone said, it would've been a good monitor. But since their

calibration software is sold separtely, it made a tryout more difficult. I wanted to be able to

return anything I bought if necessary, and I felt I should use the NEC software to

accurately assess their monitors.

 

Only glitch with the Eizo is that Amazon listed the monitor as the model with the hood but

didn't send the hood. I'm in process of straightening that out.

 

Thanks to everyone for their help.

[luchesar_iliev]

Hi,<BR>

<BR>

I hope you're still enjoying your new CG19 a lot. Judging from my experience, you've made the right choice with it.<BR>

<BR>

I used to have a NEC SpectraView 1990 and it was a disaster. The first one that I bought had a severe backlighting leakage and a few stuck pixels. I managed to obtain a replacement, though I had to wait 3 months for it. But the second sample was even worse than the first one. Not only it had the same backlighting leakage, but it also exhibited quite distractive banding in parts of the screen. Worst of all, this time I was refused a replacement with the explanation that my findings were "subjective and incorrect".<BR>

<BR>

Fortunately, in the end I was offered a refund, although almost half an year had already passed. I ran for the CG19 right away, and it was a totally different story. Unlike the SpectraView, it is not flashing with a fancy box or a heavy, colourful documentation, a hood is not included, nor any other accessories. Even the appearance of the monitor itself is quite modest. But you forget about all these things the moment you turn it on -- I think you know what I mean.<BR>

<BR>

To me, it seems NEC were putting too much effort in trying to <I>convince</I> the people how great their monitor was. EIZO, on the other hand, just put their effort into <I>making</I> their monitor great. It might be just a matter of luck of course, but I really think it's more than that.<BR>

<BR>

If you'd like to see some samples, here is the whole story:<BR>

<A HREF="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Is3V">http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Is3V</A>

<BR><BR>

Wishing you many happy moments with your monitor,<BR><BR>

Cheers,<BR>

Luchesar

[luchesar_iliev]

I forgot to mention another, perhaps even more serious problem with the first SpectraView. As you can see from the samples in the other thread, besides the backlighting leakage, it also exhibited two diagonally placed brighter spots with strong bluish tint.<BR>

<BR>

BTW, here's a real-life example of the problems, which, actually, was <B>required</B> from NEC to justify my claims for replacement...<BR>

<BR>

The original picture...<BR>

<BR>

<IMG SRC="http://people.acad.bg/~iliev/various/nec/original.jpg">

<BR>

...and how it looked like on the monitor...<BR>

<IMG SRC="http://people.acad.bg/~iliev/various/nec/monitor.jpg">

<BR>

...and now with some marking...<BR>

<IMG SRC="http://people.acad.bg/~iliev/various/nec/monitor-marked.jpg">

<BR><BR>

Cheers,<BR>

Bilbo

[your_model]

<p>I'm posting in this oldish thread to report that the current calibration software works under Windows 7, 64-bit. I don't own a CG19, but my photo buddy does and I'd like one too. It is desirable because it is small, with the stand removed, and not wide, and I'd like to use it in my car (when not driving).</p>