Review: NEC Multisync LCD3090WQXi 30in TFT

When testing TFTs, we use a hardware calibrator to evaluate the range and accuracy of displayed colour.

The calibration process uses the PC’s graphics card to correct inaccuracies in the monitor, usually producing a difference in the appearance of graphics on screen.

The LCD3090WQXi showed virtually no change before and after calibration because it’s spot on to start with. The display allows you to plug a hardware calibrator (not supplied) into a special port. An on-screen menu pops up automatically and takes you through the process without the need for an attached PC. This method of calibration, combined with enhanced 12-bit colour look-up tables, achieves a higher level of accuracy and produces smoother colours with no banding. A wide colour gamut allows the display of colours impossible on lesser displays.

We’ve seen other displays that can do this, including low-cost TN-based products, but without the level of colour accuracy of the LCD3090WQXi’s IPS panel these displays are often more trouble than they’re worth.
The fully adjustable stand is very robust and solidly built. It has a 190mm height adjustment and can rotate into landscape mode.

NEC’s on-screen menu is also easy to use, despite the huge number of options within it. Button functions are displayed directly above the buttons themselves, eliminating any confusion as to their function. This is especially important considering 30in displays hardly ever have an on-screen menu.

If you work with colour-critical applications, want to match on-screen images to a printer or simply want the best-looking display possible then you can’t do much better than the LCD3090WQXi.