LCD Monitors are the work-horse of every computer setup, weather laptop or desktop your monitor has to represent the entire computer world, before your very eyes. The quality of that picture and the clarity of your window into the computer world comes down to the technology in the panel. IPS Panels are the professionals of the LCD world, for video editing these monitors are essential, photographers and graphic designers swear by them. HP’s newly released ZR-series Performance Displays use the latest IPS technology to provide a powerful salvo in the Über Monitor battle. There are four new members of the ZR series, with prices ranging from $729 USD to the unbelievably low $189 USD for the little brother of the family, the ZR2040w 20″ LCD.
The secret to professional looking images as it turns out isn’t just down to the camera you use. Editing and preparing your digital media requires the right tools for the job. Professionals have had a secret sitting on their desks for years now, with the rise of the digital photographer and home editing studio their secret is out. IPS high-color panels allow you to work with your digital content in its natural form. Most standard TFT LCD monitors say on the side of the box 16.7 million colors but the truth is they only do 80% of that, meaning that some colors in your photo’s or video won’t be properly represented. With high end camera’s like Nikon’s 7100 bringing high resolution and color digital photographs to the masses it may be time to consider an IPS panel.
The entire ZR family inherits all of the benefits of IPS technology, wide viewing angles and bright sharp colors make even a cheap IPS panel pop when compared to a standard monitor. The IPS panels make use of the industry standard sRGB-class color gamut – range -. The sRGB color space definitions are an industry standard for web browsers, digital cameras and printers and also matches the color space used for HDTVs and video editing – Rec. 709 -. The combination of LED back-light and IPS panel gives the ZR family 2-million-to-1 dynamic contrast ratios, with deep blacks and bright colors the HP Performance Displays definitely live up to their name.
HP has served up an Über monitor without the Über price tag. The ZR2740w ticks all of the boxes to fit the Über monitor category. WQHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 in 16:9 aspect ratio over a 27″ display provides for a super sharp 3 megapixel display. Up to 1.07 billion on-screen colors enables ultra-smooth transitions and accurate color representation. Strong industrial looks cement the ZR series in professional market. The stand allows the usual endless adjustments to height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, allowing landscape or portrait orientation.
The three remaining members of the ZR series 24″ ZR2440w, 22″ ZR2240w and 20″ ZR2040w continue the use of IPS panel technology. All three provide true 16.7 million colors. Resolution of 1920 x 1080 for the 22 and 24″ displays, dropping down to 1600 x 900 in the ultra cheap 20″ ZR2040w. At $189 USD this is the cheapest IPS panel on the market. The ZR2440w provides a nice middle ground for the value conscious. At $489 USD for a 24″ IPS panel it isn’t the best value, you will pay for the little extra screen size.. Using full Hi-Def. 1920 x 1080 resolution along with 16.7 million colors the 2440 delivery’s a crisp colorful picture at a reasonable price. The ZR2240w smaller 22″ display still maintains the full hi-def. resolution of the 24″ model but shaving off 2 ” of display saves quite a wad of cash. At $289 USD it’s nearly half the price of the large 24″ display, making the 22″ the value king of the family. Hi resolution, great color and solid features all for $289 USD. The baby of the family is the 20″ ZR2040 that still delivers a rich, bright and accurate picture but sacrifices display size and resolution for cost. Still $189 USD is hard to argue with.
With the introduction of 4 new ZR Series Performance displays HP has changed the game, IPS panels are now within everyone’s grasp. The high end ZR2740w is naturally the most expensive of the new models at $729 USD, still it is extremely good value when you consider the spec’s. The 27″ panel provides a monster resolution of 2560 x 1440, 1 billion color display as well high contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. The black brushed aluminum bezel and slim lines will help the ZR series fit into any office or design studio, in fact the clean industrial design could easily blend into a home studio or gaming setup. HP’s 4 new ZR Series IPS Panels are aimed squarely at professionals in animation, game development, broadcast, computer-aided design, design and graphic arts, where performance and visual quality are imperative. The pricing makes these professional quality monitors available to us all. Long live the new King, IPS.
HP ZR2740w 27-inch LED Back-lit IPS Monitor detailed specs:
- Display size (diagonal) 27″
- Resolution 2560 x 1440
- Display pixel 0.233 mm
- Brightness (typical) 380 cd/m²
- Contrast ratio (typical) 1000:1 static
- Viewing angle 178° horizontal; 178° vertical
- Response time (typical) 14 ms typical; 12 ms grey to grey
- Input signal 1 DisplayPort in; 1 Dual-Link DVI
- Bezel color Black and brushed aluminum
- Tilt and swivel angle Tilt: -5 to +35°; Swivel: ±45
- Display features Plug and Play, Anti-glare, I/O Ports, 4 port USB Hub
- Price: $729 USD
Source: HP’s ZR Series Professional Displays
Buddha’s Brother out…
