October 2006 | Margaret Brown
A capable LCD monitor with the controls and functionality needed for digital imaging.
FlexScan monitors may be the entry-level models in Eizo's LCD range but they offer a good cost/performance ratio for a broad range of graphic applications, including imaging. Available with a narrow matte black or grey bezel (screen surround), the FlexScan S1931 presents a simple, sober design that makes images look vibrant and provides an uncluttered viewing area.
. . [more]
FlexScan monitors may be the entry-level models in Eizo's LCD range but they offer a good cost/performance ratio for a broad range of graphic applications, including imaging. Available with a narrow matte black or grey bezel (screen surround), the FlexScan S1931 presents a simple, sober design that makes images look vibrant and provides an uncluttered viewing area.
Eizo includes two novel functions to ensure its LCD monitors display colours correctly. The first is drift correction, which stabilises the brightness level after start-up or when the unit emerges from power-saving mode. The second is an ambient brightness sensor that detects changes in lighting and adjusts the screen so it is never too dark or too bright.
The monitor sits on a sturdy Y-shaped base, which is adjustable through 100mm vertically. It can also be tilted and pivoted through 90 degrees into Portrait mode. A false back on the vertical column conceals the cables. The monitor can also be removed from the base and mounted on VESA-compliant arms or stands.
Ranged along the lower bezel are a sensor (which regulates display brightness according to ambient lighting) and small, circular buttons for adjusting volume (for optional speakers), brightness, input signal selection, left/right adjustment, enter and power on/off. A slightly distracting blue power light on the bottom bezel can be turned off via the on-screen menu.
The FlexScan S1931 comes with a USB cable, a power cord and signal cables and a CD-ROM containing the set-up manual and adjustment software plus ICC profiles for Windows and Mac PCs. The supplied ScreenManager Pro for LCD software allows you to adjust most screen settings via a mouse, which is somewhat easier than using the black-on-black front button controls. We found the factory default settings to be excellent and it's relatively easy to calibrate the monitor via a colorimeter like the ColorVision Spyder2 Pro or GretagMacbeth EyeOne Display 2.
Three colour mode settings are available for selection via the onscreen menu: Custom, sRGB and Text. In the Custom mode you can adjust brightness through 0 to 100%, set colour temperature in 500-degree K increments, adjust the general hue and saturation levels, or set different hue and saturation levels for each primary and secondary colour. A reset function restores the default settings.
You can also emulate the colour characteristics of other LCD or CRT monitors, a useful feature for tasks involving precise colour matching. Eleven preset Fine Contrast Modes allow you to assign specific monitor settings to different applications, including Text, Picture, Movie, Custom, sRGB and a special mode for calibration software. The FlexScan 1931 can also work with two computers connected to it - or in a dual-screen environment driven by a single PC.
ScreenManager Pro also contains facilities for assigning hot key controls to most of the front control buttons. However, since this overrides pre-existing hot key assignments, many users will choose to avoid this control. Note: Windows OS-assigned keys such as Delete, Backspace, Tab or Enter, are not available for assignment. On the plus side, ScreenManager Pro supports multi-monitor set-ups and can be used to control two or more monitors.
The test unit displayed image files beautifully. Compared with a cheaper, business-targeted LCD, the FlexScan 1931 was razor sharp with absolutely no flicker. Blacks were deep and rich and whites clean and pure and the transitions from black to white were very smooth and evenly stepped, with no extraneous colour visible. Colour scales also displayed smoothly, with richly saturated colours that were accurate and vibrant.
Viewing angles were also very good, with little change in picture quality or brightness when we tilted the panel or looked at it from different positions. Although not purpose-designed for video, the fast 8 millisecond midtone (grey-to-grey) response time proved quite adequate for viewing video and the ability to fit optional speakers could make it suitable for video editing and DVD playback.
Eizo backs the FlexScan 1931 with a five-year warranty and applies an Eco Products 2006 label, which indicates it meets strict internal requirements for design, manufacturing, packaging and usage, including the introduction of lead-free solder and chrome-free steel plates. The product name, serial number and total usage time can all be confirmed in the on-screen display menu so users can easily find out when to recalibrate.
Native resolution: 1280 x 1024 pixels
Brightness: 280 cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Colour gamut: sRGB; 16.77 million colours
Gamma correction: 10-bit
Active display size (H x V): 376 x 301mm (Diagonal = 481 mm)
Pixel pitch: 0.294 x 0.294 mm
Interfaces: USB 2.0; D-Sub mini 15 pin, DVI-D 24 pin (switchable)
Power consumption: 45 W (max)
Dimensions (with height-adjustable stand): 405 x 406.5-506.5 x 205mm
Weight: 7.2 kg