NEC just sent us word that its MultiSync PA Series 23-inch monitor with an IPS panel is headed for North American shores in November. This is the smallest version of the company's MultiSync PA Series, the largest being the PA271W we recently reviewed.

The PA231W, which was unveiled in Europe last month, is a professional grade display featuring 71.6 percent coverage of the NTSC color space, 75.4 percent coverage of AdobeRGB, and 96.6 percent coverage of sRGB, NEC claims. Perhaps more importantly for photo pros, however, is the inclusion of 3D lookup tables for fine tuning calibration.

Other features include a 1920x1080 resolution, 270 cd/m² brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, AmbiBright ambient light sensor, a DisplayPort, two DVI-D inputs, VGA port, and a USB hub for connecting up to 2 computers and 3 devices. Like its larger siblings, the PA241W and PA271W, the 23-inch model sports what's essentially an integrated KVM switch, so if you do hook up two PCs, you can control both with a single mouse and keyboard. Pretty handy if you take advantage of the picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture functionality.

The PA231W will retail for $679.

NEC Display Solutions Expands MultiSync PA Series with 23-Inch Model

Advanced Technologies, Superior Screen Performance Benefit Professional Graphics Users in Color-Critical Applications

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the new MultiSync® PA231W, a 23-inch professional graphics monitor designed specifically for photographers and users working in color-critical applications.

“The addition of the MultiSync PA231W provides our customers with more options when it comes to choosing a professional-grade display for their workspace”

The MultiSync PA231W offers users enhanced connectivity, including DisplayPort, two DVI-D inputs, VGA and a USB hub. Its unparalleled color performance brings 71.6 percent coverage of the NTSC color space, full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and a high contrast ratio of 1000:1. Graphics professionals will appreciate its 14-bit 3D lookup table (LUT) for precise color calibrations. Additionally, by utilizing DisplaySync Pro™ technology, users can control two computers connected to the MultiSync PA231W with only one keyboard and mouse, each with its own color space. This feature is essential for photographers working in different color spaces and operating systems.

“The addition of the MultiSync PA231W provides our customers with more options when it comes to choosing a professional-grade display for their workspace,” said Art Marshall, Product Manager at NEC Display Solutions. “Key technologies in this product combined with eco-conscious features enable users to depend on their monitors for accurate color, great ergonomics and convenience.”

The widescreen MultiSync PA231W offers the following features:

• 1920 x 1080 full high-definition resolution
• 270 cd/m² brightness
• 1000:1 contrast ratio
• 14-bit 3D lookup tables for calibration
• 75.4 percent coverage of AdobeRGB, 96.6 percent coverage of sRGB and 71.6 percent coverage of NTSC color space
• 46W typical power consumption, 15W in ECO Mode™
• DisplayPort, two DVI-D inputs, VGA and USB hub (2 computers, 3 devices)
• 4-way ergonomic stand with 150mm height adjust, pivot, swivel and tilt
• AmbiBright™ ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on external lighting conditions
• ECO Mode™, carbon footprint meter and cost meter
• DisplaySync Pro controls two computers with only one keyboard and mouse
• Color Vision Emulation allows a quick preview of colors that emulate color vision problems
• ENERGY STAR 5.0 compliance

The MultiSync PA231W will be available in November 2010 at an estimated street price of $679 and ships with a 4-year parts and labor limited warranty.