Monitor is easy on the eyes

When the NEC/Mitsubishi Multisync FP1375X first arrived in our office, the 22-inch (20-inch viewable) monitor seemed monstrous compared to my normal 17-inch monitor. After lifting the monitor out from its package, the first thing I noticed, aside from its 19.8- x 19.7- x 18.9-inch size, was its weight. But at 65 lbs, the Multisync monitor carries a lot more features than your standard CRT.

"It's a 22-inch CRT monitor and we have reduced the weight compared to previous models," says Francis Abeywardane, product manager of electronics displays for NEC-Mitsubishi. "As far as the size is concerned," says Abeywardane, "we are pretty much at par or better in terms of dimensions, but we did try to reduce the depth of the monitor by recessing the monitor cables." However, it is the multitude of customization and eyestrain-reducing features, not the space-saving dimensions, that make the MultiSync FP1375X a must-see for the high-end graphics users that NEC/Mitsubishi are targeting.

For starters, the FP1375X supports resolutions as high as 2,048 x 1,536 at 50 to 75 Hz (recommended resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 at 85 Hz), has a refresh rate of 130 kHz, and a 3-port USB hub. In addition to the standard screen geometry, brightness, and contrast controls, the monitor's OSM(TM) (On-Screen Manager) allows users to select from four predetermined color temperatures (arranged by their stated Kelvin: 1, 2, 3, and 5) or use the AccuColor^(R) control system to adjust the RGB levels to their own preference.

Two other features that can be selected using the OSM reduce eyestrain due to the magnetic fields interfering with the monitor's signal. "For example," says Abeywardane, "the magnetic fields caused by Earth's rotation cause the screen to flicker. The cross-talking of signals can also cause flicker from multiple monitors being in close proximity of one another. The GlobalSync^(R) feature counters cross-talk and eliminates picture impurities caused by Earth's magnetic fields." The degauss feature, on the other hand, rids the monitor of any other stray magnetic fields, which alter the correct scan of electron beams and affect the purity of screen colors, focus, and convergence.

FP1375X's flat aperture technology also causes less strain on the eyes than standard round/square monitor screens. "Optical encoding also reduces the glare and reflection on the monitor." This, combined with the monitor's high refresh rate, flat screen, and demagnetizing features, make it stand out.

The Multisync FP1375X is aimed at desktop publishing, document imaging, web design, pre-press, animation, and CAD/CAM users. However, for the latter application, Paris Altidis, a staff engineer with Borg Warner Automotive disagrees. "Although the FP1375X delivers clarity, color purity, and brightness, CAD designers don't need all those high-resolution tools," he says. As for the reduction of eyestrain, Altidis notes, "CAD designers did have a lot of eyestrain, but this was solved by moving farther away from the monitor. Eyestrain has since been significantly reduced. For CAD work, if you like the FP1375X's features, there are similar monitors at the same size and at cheaper prices. On the other hand, industrial engineers and computer graphics users do have a need for its advanced capabilities and the FP1375X may just be worth it for them."

For more information on monitors from NEC/Mitsubishi, enter 533 atwww.designnews.com/info.