NEC Multisync LCD2470WNX (black)

CNET editors' review

NEC markets the $820 MultiSync LCD2470WNX as a higher-end widescreen display for enterprise customers. That price tag puts it on a higher plane than many other 24-inch displays that usually run about $600. NEC explained to us that it's because this monitor has higher-end technology than the less-expensive LCDs, but try as we might, we didn't see the payoff. The LCD2470WNX showed a very small uptick in image quality compared to other 24-inchers, and despite being intended for the office, it also has a few consumer-friendly features. But none of the image-quality improvements or extras were enough to convince us to pay more for this display that looks as good as others that cost much less.

Design
Similar to NEC's 19-inch Accusync display we reviewed recently, the LCD2470WNX has a nondescript black bezel. The four-way adjustable stand, however, is a stand-out feature of this display. You can tilt the screen, move it up and down, swivel it on its base, and rotate the screen into portrait mode.

The onscreen menu is also easy enough to navigate thanks to a small joystick among the other buttons. Better though, is that unlike the 19-inch Accusync, NEC's Naviset software actually works on this model. Naviset moves the on-screen menu to the Windows display properties screen, which means you can control your monitor's brightness, contrast, and other settings with your mouse. Naviset does not bring the color temperature controls to the desktop, but it does let you customize the display's preset modes for Gaming, Movies, Photos, etc.

Manufacturer's specs
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200
Dot pitch: .27mm
Pixel-response rate: 6ms
Viewing angle: 176 degrees horizontal, 176 degrees vertical
Connectivity: Analog, digital, USB
Included VGA, DVI

Features
In addition to Naviset, the ostensibly office-oriented MultiSync LCD2470WNX also has a handful of consumer-friendly features. First, it's HDCP compliant, which means that you can use it to watch protected HD content. We're not sure how many offices use Blu-ray or HD DVD players for showing training movies, but at least you have the option. We suspect this capability might enhance the LCD2470WNX's appeal among consumers as well, although you get no built-in speakers with this monitor. We won't consider the lack of underpowered LCD speakers any great loss. NEC's display also comes with a USB 2.0 hub. We more or less expect that from most higher-end consumer LCDs these days, so we're not too surprised to see it here.

Performance
When we compare the LCD2470WNX to two other, cheaper 24-inch LCD's we've tested, we don't find the dramatic leap in performance we hoped to see from a display that costs $200 or so more than its competitors. Its overall image quality ekes out a minor win, largely on the strength of its color quality, and it performs well enough overall, but not enough to set it apart dramatically. Further, one of the features NEC highlighted was this display's brightness, which is supposed to be better both head on and at an angle to the screen. Our brightness test is a straight-on measurement, and this display was nearly an exact tie with the $600 Gateway FPD2485W. And when we looked at the screen from various angles, both in portrait and in landscape modes, the NEC showed no real advantage, as the image on both displays held up.

Support
Despite the fact that we don't find a lot of value in this LCD's higher-end price tag, we continue to like what NEC has to offer in terms of service and support. The standard warranty coverage lasts for three years. Online you get FAQs, software downloads, and other help resources. And if you don't find what you're looking for, you can call the toll-free support line 24-7.

Find out more about how we test LCD monitors.