REVIEW: BenQ MK2442 Part 9

The MK2442 offers three pre-defined modes: Warm, Cool and Normal. After a brief analysis of the uncalibrated colour temperature, it could actually be guessed that the colour mode "Warm" is the most similar to the sRGB standard. Nonetheless, we used the factory setting "Normal colour" by way of comparison, since this term would lead many users to believe that this mode is the closest to the sRGB standard.

Comparison of factory setting "Normal colour" with sRGB standard

Factory setting	sRGB standard	Measured
White point / Kelvin	6500	7534
Brightness / cd/m²	140	212
Black point / cd/m²	0,00	0,23
Contrast / x:1	Native	921
Gamma / average	sRGB (~2,2)	2,13

The typical disadvantages of many factory settings are also visible on the BenQ MK2442. The brightness is much too high, the colour temperature is very high and the gamma is unstable. The deviations from the sRGB standard cannot be overlooked. The white point in particular is a good 1.000 Kelvin to cool. The deltaE deviations in the grey and colour values are already rather large at an average of 4,2 deltaE. Green and blue in particular stand out with deviations of 9.1 and 6.4 deltaE respectively. The contrast almost reaches the manufacturer’s indication of 1.000 at 921.

Since the factory settings are very important as a starting point for most users, we have prepared a more precise representation of the white point (D65) with the aid of HCFR. The excessively low red share in all settings offered on the monitor is noticeable. The image also looks cool in the colour setting Normal. Our measurements with the colourimetre revealed R:G:B distribution of 84:103:114 percent at 140 cd/m² (Brightness 35, Backlight level 1). The average colour temperature is around 8.200 Kelvin.

Colour temperature gradient (uncalibrated) with 140 cd/m² and colour setting normal.

A satisfactory even distribution of the colour shares (without calibration) could only be achieved when the R:G:B was set to 50:47:46. In order to maintain the brightness of 140 cd/m², the brightness regulator must be reduced to 34 and the backlight set to Level 2. The resulting image looks considerably warmer and more colour neutral than in the factory settings. The measurement plot shows the positive effects on the colour temperature: white now measures around 6600 Kelvin and as the grey level drops, the colour temperature increases considerably. Although this result is better overall, it is still not really good.

Colour temperature (uncalibrated) at 140 cd/m² and R:G:B = 50:47:46.

With regard to the adjustment options for the colour temperature, the user hardly has a chance of achieving natural white display without expensive measuring equipment. None of the pre-defined settings offered for the colour temperature (Normal 48:48:50 / Warm 50:48:49 / Cool 44:45:50) comes even close to neutral white display and in addition, the colour temperature depends largely on the grey level.

In the factory settings, the white point is rather cool at 8,200K and will be unsuitable for most environments. Although the white value D65 (6500K) is only a recommendation, it is often used, especially in the monitor sector.

Profile precision: sRGB

After calibration to sRGB, we checked the profile precision when the monitor was calibrated. Low deviations allowed us to conclude that the monitor characteristics have been captured correctly and remain stable as long as the measuring device is functioning correctly. The CMM (Color Management Module) colour management software can thus transform as well as possible into monitor RGB (the monitor colour space sets the limit at the latest). If the deviations rise noticeably at a later point, it is time for a new calibration and subsequent profiling.

The user also benefits in unmanaged environments from the changes to the screen settings and graphics card LUT (or in this case, the monitor LUT), which should give rise to a neutral grey axis as well as the required gradation and white point.

<< < 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 > >>

No Comments available

you have to be registered and actual logged into the forum to write comments.
go to the forum!

Advertising