NEC Multisync EA271U

£955/$569 www.sharpnecdisplays.eu

Size 27-in Ratio 16x9 Resolution 3840x2160 Brightness 350cd/m2 Contrast ratio 1000:1 SRGB gamut (claimed) 100%

Adobe RGB gamut (claimed) 78.1%

The NEC Multisync EA271U monitor has a corporate feel to it, supporting ‘cost-saving device management’, whereby all connected NEC devices can be controlled from a central location. There’s also a wide range of eco-friendly settings.

Standard and ‘photo’ viewing modes are accompanied by text, gaming, movie and dynamic modes, but there’s no preset for the Adobe RGB colour space. Connection ports include DP, DVI and HDMI, along with a USB 3.0 hub. Unusually, the Multisync EA271U also features built-in speakers, though with an output of only 2W each, they’re of limited aural appeal.

Used in its SRGB preset, the NEC proved disappointingly inaccurate for colour rendition, with a red colour cast. Switch to the default viewing mode, however, and this monitor really shifts gear, producing spectacularly accurate colours. Brightness uniformity is boosted by a dedicated uniformity-enhancing mode.

PROS Built-in speakers; fantastic performance potential

CONS ‘Corporate’ slant to features; needs adjusting for best results