REVIEW: BenQ MK2442 Part 11

UGRA test

In order to test the suitability of the BenQ MK2442 for digital pre-printing processes, we calibrated it to the UGRA criteria (5800 Kelvin, gamma 1.8 and 120 cd/m²). As expected, the MK2442 does not achieve UGRA certification. However, whilst most modern TN panels only fail when it comes to the grey value criterion, the MK2442 cannot fulfil any of the four test criteria except the white value.

The detailed UGRA UDACT report can be downloaded as a PDF file.

Sound

Two tiny stereo speakers are integrated into the lower section of the panel frame on the BenQ MK2442, projecting sound through a perforated grille towards the front. In addition, there is also a regulated headphone output on the back of the display for a 3,5 mm jack connector.

The front speakers on the MK2442 are as good as invisible.

Interpolation

A total of seven image formats are available in the OSD of the BenQ MK2442: Full, Zoom1 and 2, Panorama, Auto, 4:3 and Underscan.

The available options are also dependent on the image resolution present, at least in HDMI use. Usually, only Full and 4:3 are available. At some resolutions, e.g. 1.280 x 720, on the other hand, Zoom 1/2, 4:3 and Underscan are offered. Although 1.280 x 720 is a 16:9 format, it is not displayed either as full screen or pixel precise, but instead in an intermediate size.

Some resolutions are recognised incorrectly: 1.280 x 800 and 1.360 x 768 are mentioned as not displayable in the manual, but are accepted by the monitor as 1.440 x 900. Fortunately, the MK2442 also still synchronises 800 x 600 and 640 x 480, so the display for boat processes, BIOS menus etc. is not a problem.

Accordingly, undistorted display is only possible with the 16:9 formats 1.920 x 1.080 and 1.280 x 720 as well as all conventional 4:3 formats. However, apart from at 1.920 x 1.080, material is always upscaled.

Naturally, the native resolution of 1.920 x 1.080 pixels is the sharpest, since each pixel is allocated to exactly one pixel. Unfortunately, this cannot be achieved with any other resolution. This also applies to the Underscan setting (if available), which reduces the size of the image somewhat, but still displays 1 pixel per pixel.

Interpolation: Text

In the native resolution of 1.920 x 1.080, the legibility of texts is outstanding. In all other resolutions, interpolation side effects arise, which also have a considerable effect on the legibility of texts even when justified display is possible.

Widescreen formats: