Eizo launches Raptor 2kx2k high-res display

 

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Posted on 7 May 2010 at 11:17

Display specialist Eizo has launched a new 30 monitor compatible with the professional-level 2kx2k format.

Dubbed the Raptor WS3001 and showcased on TechLuv, the screen has an impressive native resolution of 2560x1600 - significantly higher than the 1920x1080 resolution favoured by "high-definition" consumer-grade displays - and a smart in-built scaling system which allows it to accept higher or lower resolution inputs with a minimum of distortion or quality loss.

Although the Raptor is happiest being driven at its native resolution, it can also be fed a 2,048x2,048 resolution - the so-called 2Kx2K format often used in professional video editing, medical scanning, and air traffic control displays - although it does insert 'pillarbox' bars at the side of the image in order to maintain the 1:1 aspect ratio.

If you need as high a resolution as possible but want to make use of the full display width, the Raptor will also accept an impressively high 2560x2048 input, although even at a 30in diagonal screen size that's likely to make your desktop icons pretty hard to see.

As well as its high resolution, the Raptor features a non-dynamic contrast ratio of 900:1, 270cd/m² brightness, and a claimed viewing angles of 178 degrees , along with an integrated two-port USB hub.

Eizo claims that the display is also eco-friendly, drawing just 82 watts in normal operation, compared to 160 watts for a traditional 2kx2k display. However, a true 2kx2k display will have the correct number of pixels, where as Eizo's display has to downscale these high-resolution images. In practice, then, this display is just a standard 2,560x1,600 monitor with hardware downscaling, so it will only appeal to businesses that need this resolution on a tighter budget and would otherwise have to rewrite software to output a 2,560x1,600 image. The Raptor WS3001 is available now, although price is strictly on application.

Author: Gareth Halfacree