Hey community,
It’s been a while since we refreshed our spec sheet and FAQ, so here’s an update with all the latest information and some new details. As usual, if you have any other questions, be sure to let us know in the comments!
Spec sheet update
| Spectrum | ES07D01 | ES07D02 | ES07D03 |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Size | |||
| monitor size | 27" diagonal | 27" diagonal | 27" diagonal |
| display area | 597.7mm x 335.7mm | 597.7mm x 335.7mm | 597.7mm x 335.7mm |
| aspect ratio | 16 : 9 | 16 : 9 | 16 : 9 |
| Image quality | |||
| native resolution | 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD |
2560 x 1440 Quad-HD |
3840 x 2160 Ultra-HD ‘4K’ |
| pixel pitch | 0.2334mm | 0.2334mm | 0.1557mm |
| pixel density | 109ppi | 109ppi | 163ppi |
| brightness | 400cd/m² typical 450cd/m² peak |
450cd/m² typical 750cd/m² peak |
450cd/m² typical 750cd/m² peak |
| HDR | HDR10 Media Profile VESA DisplayHDR400 certified |
HDR10 Media Profile VESA DisplayHDR600 certified |
HDR10 Media Profile VESA DisplayHDR600 certified |
| displayable colors | 1.07 billion | 1.07 billion | 1.07 billion |
| color gamut | 98% DCI-P3 100% sRGB |
98% DCI-P3 100% sRGB |
98% DCI-P3 100% sRGB |
| color depth | 10-bit (8-bit + A-FRC) | 10-bit (8-bit + A-FRC) | 10-bit (8-bit + A-FRC) |
| color accuracy | Individual factory calibration D65 white point |
Individual factory calibration D65 white point |
Individual factory calibration D65 white point |
| contrast ratio | 1000 : 1 typical 10 000 000 : 1 dynamic |
1000 : 1 typical 10 000 000 : 1 dynamic |
1000 : 1 typical 10 000 000 : 1 dynamic |
| viewing angles | 178° horizontal 178° vertical |
178° horizontal 178° vertical |
178° horizontal 178° vertical |
| surface treatment | Low-haze, 20% anti-glare | Low-haze, 20% anti-glare | Low-haze, 20% anti-glare |
| Speed | |||
| response time | 1ms | 1ms | 1ms |
| frequency range | 48Hz – 144Hz | 48Hz – 240Hz | 48Hz – 144Hz |
| adaptive sync | G-SYNC Compatible certified FreeSync Premium Pro certified |
G-SYNC Compatible certified FreeSync Premium Pro certified |
G-SYNC Compatible certified FreeSync Premium Pro certified |
| Technology | |||
| panel technology | Nano IPS a-Si TFT LCD | Nano IPS Oxide TFT LCD | Nano IPS Oxide TFT LCD |
| backlight technology | Bottom edge-lit KSF LED | Bottom edge-lit KSF LED | Bottom edge-lit KSF LED |
| backlight dimming | Yes (global dimming or 8-zone local) | Yes (global dimming or 16-zone local) | Yes (global dimming or 16-zone local) |
| curved panel | No | No | No |
| touch-enabled | No | No | No |
| pen-enabled | No | No | No |
| Ports | |||
| HDMI | 1x HDMI 2.0a video input |
2x HDMI 2.1 video input |
2x HDMI 2.1 video input |
| DisplayPort | 2x DisplayPort 1.4 video input DisplayPort 1.4 video output for daisy-chaining |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 video input |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 video input |
| USB Type-C | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 video input USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer power output up to 20V / 5A (100W, USB PD 3.0) |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 video input USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer power output up to 20V / 5A (100W, USB PD 3.0) |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 video input USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer power output up to 20V / 5A (100W, USB PD 3.0) |
| USB Type-C | 1x SuperSpeed+ USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2, up to 10Gbps) power output up to 5V / 3A (15W) |
1x SuperSpeed+ USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2, up to 10Gbps) power output up to 5V / 3A (15W) |
1x SuperSpeed+ USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2, up to 10Gbps) power output up to 5V / 3A (15W) |
| USB Type-A | 2x SuperSpeed+ USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2, up to 10Gbps) power output up to 5V / 2A (10W) |
2x SuperSpeed+ USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2, up to 10Gbps) power output up to 5V / 2A (10W) |
2x SuperSpeed+ USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2, up to 10Gbps) power output up to 5V / 2A (10W) |
| 3.5mm minijack | 1x headphone / speaker analog audio output from video input source |
1x headphone / speaker analog audio output from video input source |
1x headphone / speaker analog audio output from video input source |
| USB Type-B | 1x USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer |
1x USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer |
1x USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer |
| HDCP | Yes (HDCP 2.2) | Yes (HDCP 2.2) | Yes (HDCP 2.2) |
| Features | |||
| simultaneous active inputs | Split-screen mode | Split-screen mode | Split-screen mode |
| VESA mount compatible | Yes (VESA Mounting Interface Standard 100mm x 100mm) | Yes (VESA Mounting Interface Standard 100mm x 100mm) | Yes (VESA Mounting Interface Standard 100mm x 100mm) |
| variable overdrive | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| backlight strobing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| built-in speakers | No | No | No |
| VESA mount compatible | Yes (VESA Mounting Interface Standard 100mm x 100mm) | Yes (VESA Mounting Interface Standard 100mm x 100mm) | Yes (VESA Mounting Interface Standard 100mm x 100mm) |
| Kensington lock compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustment | |||
| controls | 1x Power button 1x 5-Way joystick (OSD menu controls and quick actions) Controls are centered on the back of monitor |
1x Power button 1x 5-Way joystick (OSD menu controls and quick actions) Controls are centered on the back of monitor |
1x Power button 1x 5-Way joystick (OSD menu controls and quick actions) Controls are centered on the back of monitor |
| status lights | 1x User-adjustable power indicator light (default behavior: solid white when on, pulsing white when stand-by) |
1x User-adjustable power indicator light (default behavior: solid white when on, pulsing white when stand-by) |
1x User-adjustable power indicator light (default behavior: solid white when on, pulsing white when stand-by) |
| OSD Languages | 6 English, Chinese, Spanish, German, French, Japanese |
6 English, Chinese, Spanish, German, French, Japanese |
6 English, Chinese, Spanish, German, French, Japanese |
| OSD settings 1 | Video input source, USB hub input source, 3.5mm output volume, Split-screen, Low-latency mode, Crosshair, Frame rate counter, User presets, HDR, Color space, Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Color temperature, Gamma, Backlight dimming, Aspect ratio, Adaptive sync, Overdrive, Backlight strobing, HDMI mode, USB-C bandwidth priority, USB hub, Uniformity correction, OSD language, OSD position, OSD transparency, OSD time-out, LED behavior, LED color, Display device information | Video input source, USB hub input source, 3.5mm output volume, Split-screen, Low-latency mode, Crosshair, Frame rate counter, User presets, HDR, Color space, Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Color temperature, Gamma, Backlight dimming, Aspect ratio, Adaptive sync, Overdrive, Backlight strobing, HDMI mode, USB-C bandwidth priority, USB hub, Uniformity correction, OSD language, OSD position, OSD transparency, OSD time-out, LED behavior, LED color, Display device information | Video input source, USB hub input source, 3.5mm output volume, Split-screen, Low-latency mode, Crosshair, Frame rate counter, User presets, HDR, Color space, Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Color temperature, Gamma, Backlight dimming, Aspect ratio, Adaptive sync, Overdrive, Backlight strobing, HDMI mode, USB-C bandwidth priority, USB hub, Uniformity correction, OSD language, OSD position, OSD transparency, OSD time-out, LED behavior, LED color, Display device information |
| Eve Spectrum Stand | |||
| material 2 | Anodized cast aluminum | Anodized cast aluminum | Anodized cast aluminum |
| vertical tilt 2, 4 | Yes (7° down, 23° up) | Yes (7° down, 23° up) | Yes (7° down, 23° up) |
| horizontal swivel 2 | No | No | No |
| pivot 2, 4 | Yes (90° landscape to portrait rotation) | Yes (90° landscape to portrait rotation) | Yes (90° landscape to portrait rotation) |
| height adjust 2 | Yes (122mm) | Yes (122mm) | Yes (122mm) |
| stand removable 2 | Yes (with quick-release button) | Yes (with quick-release button) | Yes (with quick-release button) |
| Size and Weight | |||
| dimensions (without stand) (W x H x D) |
615mm x 363mm x 44mm 3 | 607mm x 351mm x 44mm 4 | 607mm x 351mm x 44mm 4 |
| dimensions (stand only) (W x H x D) 2, 4 |
200mm x 430mm x 227mm | 200mm x 430mm x 227mm | 200mm x 430mm x 227mm |
| dimensions (with stand, landscape) (W x H x D) 2, 4 |
607mm x 571mm x 227mm (highest) 607mm x 449mm x 227mm (lowest) |
607mm x 571mm x 227mm (highest) 607mm x 449mm x 227mm (lowest) |
|
| dimensions (with stand, portrait) (W x H x D) 2, 4 |
351mm x 707mm x 227mm (highest) 351mm x 617mm x 227mm (lowest) |
351mm x 707mm x 227mm (highest) 351mm x 617mm x 227mm (lowest) |
|
| weight 2, 4 | 2.0kg (stand only) | 4.7kg (without stand) 6.7kg (with stand) 2.0kg (stand only) |
4.7kg (without stand) 6.7kg (with stand) 2.0kg (stand only) |
| Electrical and Operating Requirements | |||
| power supply | External power adapter | External power adapter | External power adapter |
| power input | 110V - 240V, 50Hz - 60Hz | 110V - 240V, 50Hz - 60Hz | 110V - 240V, 50Hz - 60Hz |
| Limited warranty | |||
| duration 5 | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| pixel policy 5 | ‘Zero bright dot’ pixel policy | ‘Zero bright dot’ pixel policy | ‘Zero bright dot’ pixel policy |
| In the box | |||
| contents | Eve Spectrum Power adapter Power cable Quick start guide |
Eve Spectrum Power adapter Power cable Quick start guide |
Eve Spectrum Power adapter Power cable Quick start guide |
Product is still in development; specifications may be subject to change. | 1 Other OSD features yet to be announced | 2 Stand sold separately | 3 Measurements based on design files | 4 Measurements based on prototype sample | 5 For warranty details or instructions, please refer to the warranty policy
Firmware updates
Low latency mode
Low latency is a mode popular among those who use a TV as a gaming display; it turns off a lot of the image processing and enhancement common in TVs to achieve a noticeable and crucial improvement in input lag and panel responsiveness. Low latency mode in Spectrum works differently, as there is no image post-processing to disable. Instead, it uses a line buffer to streamline input and output refresh rate between 48Hz and 144Hz, reducing frame processing time compared with using a traditional frame buffer.
Crosshair style
From your comments, it’s apparent that a simple dot is the most popular crosshair style preference in our community. We have provided three styles for the firmware team to play with – a dot, a simple cross, and an upside-down triangle for those who want to add a splash of Eve-style to their aim. We are currently exploring letting the user choose their preferred crosshair shape and color, including a dynamic inverted color which makes the crosshair stand out no matter what is in your sights.
Compatibility modes
Earlier firmware versions contained a DisplayPort 1.2 compatibility mode, for use in the rare cases where a device doesn’t quite understand what to make of our DisplayPort 1.4 monitor. Since then, our firmware team has enabled automatic detection of such situations, and Spectrum will now automatically behave like a DP 1.2 monitor if it thinks that showing its true colors might confuse your device.
Instead we have found that some older devices can have similar issues recognizing HDMI 2.1 screens, so our OSD will still feature a compatibility switch… …but it will be for HDMI instead of DP.
The joystick
In a previous topic, we replaced a broken joystick board and mentioned the redesign of our stick. Today, it’s time to upgrade the joystick cap!
The cap will be spray painted for added grip in the final product.
Both ends of the joystick have been modified to improve the user experience. The stem which connects to the control board has been adjusted with tighter tolerances, ensuring that the cap to stays firmly in place without the need for glue. It’s length has been reduced to give a more precise control over the stick where you can better feel each satisfying click. To top it all off – quite literally – the cap has been redesigned with a smaller, slightly curved surface that better conforms to the user’s fingertip for comfortable grip.
FAQ
For ease of reference, we’ll refer to the 144Hz QHD model as Model 1, the 240Hz QHD model as Model 2, and the 144Hz UHD ‘4K’ model as Model 3, as listed in the spec table above.
We have combined the questions from previous FAQs with new questions from the community, support, and social media, and have updated the answers. So if you’ve got a question about Spectrum, we might just have your answer here!
Most popular questions
I prefer spec X over spec Y, can we still change that?
This close to mass production, very few things can be changed. Properties such as the panel, size, design, port selection, control placement, and general features, are already locked down. We’re not at the finish line yet, though most changes from here on will likely be minor tweaks and firmware updates. Of course, we will still call on our community to make sure we get the details just right.
It could be that this is not the monitor you’re looking for. Maybe you would have preferred a bigger one, or a smaller one, or one with a different panel type or port selection. That’s okay! Spectrum is the first monitor Eve developed, but there may be many more in the future. Just stay tuned, and let your voice be heard when next we start a monitor project!
Does Spectrum support display stream compression (DSC)?
Display Stream Compression is a technology where a video signal is compressed at the source device and decompressed at the display. This way, more video data can be sent using the same amount of bandwidth, allowing for refresh rates and resolutions that would otherwise be unattainable. It is the reason Spectrum will perform well, even if your computer does not yet have an HDMI 2.1 port.
The standard for this is set by VESA, and they describe the compression as ‘visually lossless’. One reviewer described its effect as such: " And to our eye, even though it is being compressed, there is no fidelity loss. Just way more efficient use of the available bandwidth."
Model 1 supports DSC 1.2 as part of the DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 standards. Models 2 and 3 support DSC 1.2 as part of the DisplayPort 1.4 standard, and DSC 1.2a as part of the HDMI 2.1 standard.
Will these ports suffice?
We get many questions about HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0, and whether the port selection we have is suitable for our high-end panels.
Model 1 supports 1x HDMI 2.0a and 3x DisplayPort 1.4 (one of these over USB Type-C). Because the panel doesn’t require any signal beyond what these connections can provide, those are more than sufficient to drive this display at its native resolution and maximum frequency. The only thing HDMI 2.1 might add, is adaptive sync support over HDMI, which would be great for next-gen console users. The scaler upgrade required to make this possible will add a lot to the cost, bringing the price more in line with Model 2, which does already support this.
Models 2 and 3 support 2x HDMI 2.1 and 2x DisplayPort 1.4 (one of these over USB Type-C). HDMI 2.1 is brand new, and these will be some of the first —if not the first— panels to market with this feature. DisplayPort 1.4 supports Display Stream Compression (DSC), which applies what VESA describes as a ‘visually lossless’ compression to the images being sent to the monitor to make better use of the available bandwidth, enabling the high resolutions and refresh rates Spectrum offers. Though we’ve pressed for a scaler that supports the new DisplayPort 2.0 standard, these parts are simply not available yet.
Image quality
Will Spectrum be factory calibrated for color accuracy?
Spectrum will be individually color-calibrated on the production line, to a D65 white point. With the calibration technology now implemented into the firmware, our next prototype production run should let us better test its color performance.
Is a ΔE of <1 (color differences imperceptible to the naked eye) possible off the assembly line?
Yes, but we are evaluating the additional cost and time it will take. The current estimate is that ΔE (Delta E) calibration will add eight to ten minutes per monitor, which about doubles the total time each monitor spends on the factory line. This reduces the production rate and increases cost, which is why most monitors are calibrated for white point only.
Will Spectrum be able to store a color calibration profile?
Though Spectrum will be able to store its own factory calibration file, we were unable to make it possible to store a custom user calibration profile in the firmware.
Will Spectrum use chroma subsampling?
Spectrum will take a chroma 4:4:4 signal, as all PC monitors should. That said, much modern content (not only streaming services but even Blu-ray discs) makes use of 4:2:0 subsampling. If that is the video source, then, of course, we can’t magically make the missing pixel data reappear. Luckily, the difference is negligible when dealing with high-resolution video content.
What does VESA DisplayHDR400/DisplayHDR600 certification mean?
The key requirements for these certifications are high brightness (up to 400 or 600 cd/m² respectively), and 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. It’s not the same HDR experience that some TVs offer today with 1000 nits brightness, and it doesn’t offer OLED’s contrast ratio. But in return for a relatively small one-time certification fee, customers can be assured that our monitor offers at least this level of image quality.
Does Spectrum support Dolby Vision?
Spectrum does not have the 12-bit color depth that is the main requirement for Dolby Vision. It does, however, support HDR10, which is based on a 10-bit signal.
Do contrast ratios on the new oxide panels differ from Model 1?
Based on our tests so far, the contrast ratios do not differ between panels.
What kind of backlight does Spectrum use?
The backlight module uses white LEDs along its bottom edge, and is coated with a nano-particle layer (hence ‘Nano IPS’) that further filters out unwanted light frequencies. This allows for a wider color gamut and more accurate colors. In Spectrum, this coating is based on potassium hexafluorosilicate (K2SiF6), which leads to the more common name ‘KSF LED’ for this type of backlight solution.
Speed
Will Spectrum support variable refresh rates (adaptive sync)?
Spectrum supports the VESA Adaptive Sync standard, allowing for variable refresh rates on PCs and next-gen consoles.
It will be FreeSync Premium Pro certified to ensure smooth compatibility with AMD graphics cards (this standard was formerly known as ‘FreeSync 2’), as well as G-SYNC Compatible certified to ensure excellent compatibility with NVIDIA 10-series graphics cards and newer.
Will there be a G-SYNC or G-SYNC Ultimate version of Spectrum?
No. G-SYNC modules add a lot of additional cost, and our current solution offers a variable refresh rate experience to anyone, whether they have an AMD graphics card or a recent NVIDIA card.
What is Spectrum’s frequency range for adaptive sync?
Adaptive sync will kick in over 48Hz, which is in line with other monitors currently on the market. This means that the frequency range will be 48Hz through each monitor’s maximum refresh rate.
Can Spectrum be used to display content at lower frame rates?
Limitations of the technology used make 48Hz the minimum. However, Spectrum supports low framerate compensation (LFC) and can emulate lower refresh rates. For example, to display 30 frames per second, it will run at 60Hz and refresh twice per frame.
Don’t IPS panels typically max out at 4 ms response time?
1ms is a response time that was previously unthinkable in an IPS panel, and that is part of what makes these panels so awesome. Technology is constantly improving, and with Spectrum, you won’t have to choose between good colors or high speed! LG’s own 27GL850 is already on the market if you want to look into what tests and reviews have been done of their 1ms Nano-IPS panels.
Technology
What is the difference between a-Si and Oxide IPS panels?
a-Si and Oxide refer to the material that makes up one of the layers of the IPS panel. a-Si stands for ‘amorphous silicon’ and has been the most common IPS technology in recent years. The Oxide panels use a new material that allows for the improved performance of Models 2 and 3.
Will Spectrum be affected by IPS glow and backlight bleed?
Nobody wants bleed, but a choice will always have to be made in quality control about what is acceptable, to keep the costs in check. We’re happy to say that so far, black screens look perfect on our prototypes! That said, it’s not magic. It’s an IPS panel, so expect it to behave like an IPS panel.
Are there other monitors out there using these panels?
Yes. LG makes our display panel, and also uses it in their own monitors. Model 1 uses the same panel as LG’s 27GL850; model 3 uses the same panel as the LG 27GN950. Though these monitors share the same display panel, they do not offer the same feature set as Spectrum.
Does Spectrum have a Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF)?
No. Quantum Dot is a different kind of backlight filter than what is used in our display panel. There is nothing wrong with quantum dots, but the technology is not licensed to all display manufacturers. The results are very similar to what the nano-particle layer accomplishes in our Nano-IPS displays.
Will Spectrum allow single-strobing at 60Hz?
Yes. Though this is generally a feature found in CRT displays, and very, very rare in flat panels, we are aware that it may pair nicely with our pixel-perfect upscaling for retro gaming aficionados.
Will there be a version of Spectrum with built-in speakers?
Not this time around. When we discussed speakers before, there were a few people who really wanted them to keep a clean desk. Most, however, seemed to agree that the sound quality of built-in monitor speakers generally leaves much to be desired, and preferred using higher-quality external speakers or headphones.
Will there be a pen- or touch-enabled version of Spectrum?
We would love to, but after investigating it, we realized it would increase the cost substantially. So we will keep it in mind as a possible future product. Anything is possible!
Does Spectrum have a fan?
We know that some high-end monitors require active cooling. There are no fans in Spectrum. Even so, there seem to be a lot of fans of Spectrum!
Connections
Does Spectrum have a Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) switch feature?
To drive the built-in USB ports, users can choose either the USB-B or a USB-C port for the upstream connection to the computer, and choose which of the two is active from the OSD menu. We didn’t plan on it, but with this option to choose, we’ve effectively built a KVM switch into the monitor.
How are the downstream USB-ports prioritized?
The user can either manually select the source port for the built-in USB hub, or let Spectrum decide. If set to automatic selection, the USB-C port will be used for the hub when USB-C is set as the image source, or the USB-B port will be used for the hub when HDMI or DisplayPort is set as the image source.
Can I drive all the features of Spectrum with a single cable?
With a single cable, Spectrum can power your device, receive a video signal from your device, and enable the use of the other USB ports on the monitor for your device. This requires your device to have a USB Type-C port that supports USB-PD power input, DisplayPort Alternate Mode or Thunderbolt 3 Alternative Mode, and regular USB data. Examples of such devices include the Eve V and MacBook Pro.
What cable do I need to connect Spectrum to my device?
Spectrum can be connected to any DisplayPort port with a DisplayPort cable. To ensure all the monitor’s features are available, make sure the cable is certified ‘DP8K DisplayPort’.
Spectrum can be connected to any USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode or Thunderbolt 3 Alternate Mode. Please make sure the cable supports data transfer, as some cables are meant to charge devices only. If you want to charge your mobile device through Spectrum, your cable also needs to be rated for at least the maximum power draw of your device. In this case, it is also not recommended to exceed 2m of length.
Spectrum can be connected to any HDMI port with an HDMI cable. To ensure all the monitor’s features are available, make sure the cable is certified ‘Premium High-Speed HDMI’ for Model 1, or ‘Ultra High-Speed HDMI’ for Models 2 and 3.
Are there any negative side-effects to daisy-chaining monitors?
For Spectrum Model 1, daisy-chaining a second monitor through the first will limit the refresh rate of both to 60Hz.
What do I need to enable HDR support?
Your source device needs to have an HDMI 2.0a port or newer, a DisplayPort 1.4 port or newer, or a USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Additionally, your device needs to support the HDR10 Media Profile.
Does Spectrum have a Thunderbolt 3 port?
Spectrum does not have a Thunderbolt 3 port. It serves no purpose for the display itself; at best, it would allow for more extensive docking options for peripherals. Sticking to the USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI standards allow Spectrum to work with as broad a range as devices as possible.
Will Spectrum work on my Thunderbolt 3 device?
Because the Thunderbolt 3 Alternative Mode spec encompasses DisplayPort 1.2, you should be able to use Spectrum on your Thunderbolt 3-enabled device. You may incur limitations too, for example, resolution or refresh rate. If your Thunderbolt 3 port also specifically supports the DisplayPort Alternate Mode, there should be no such penalties.
Special Features
Will the monitor support pixel-perfect integer-ratio upscaling?
Yes. This will be the default behavior for input signals below native resolution, but it can also be turned off in the OSD. This will be a popular feature with retro gamers, keeping their pixel art from being blurred!
The exact resolutions supported and how each is handled, is being worked on by the firmware team.
How will Spectrum handle input signals at higher resolutions than native?
We don’t expect problems here, but just like exact upscaling methods and how they will be applied, the downscaling methods will also be tested and tweaked at a later prototyping stage. Of course, we will keep you informed!
Will Spectrum support various overdrive profiles?
Yes, we are working with BlurBusters to ensure the default profiles will provide a good experience right out of the box. Additionally, we offer a user-defined setting with granular control so that you can tweak it to your heart’s content.
Can Spectrum simultaneously use backlight strobing and variable refresh rates?
We intend to offer backlight strobing at variable refresh rates with a consistent overall brightness, similar to Asus’ ELMB technology. With adaptive sync and motion blur reduction being worked on by the firmware team, we should soon start testing more and more of these features to ensure they meet our standards.
Spectrum is not showing up on the website of Certification Company X. Is it really certified?
Since the monitor isn’t out yet, it won’t show up on anyone’s list of certified devices. By the time it ships, samples will have been sent out, tested, and certified as described (though it can take time for these lists to be updated). We have already been in contact with some of the bigger companies responsible for these certification tests, and expect no issues.
Will Spectrum be comfortable on my eyes?
Our aim is to meet TÜV Ergonomics, TÜV Flicker-Free, and TÜV Low Blue Light requirements. We will share new information as testing and certificaitons continue.
Will Spectrum’s firmware be open-source?
This is a planned feature, but the exact details are still being worked out. Some of the code in use belongs to our chip manufacturers and not to us, so we may not be able to publish any or all firmware code. We are finalizing the ability for end users to upgrade the firmware, so that the possibility is at least there!
Will there be Spectrum-specific software?
At this time, there are no plans to create custom supporting software for Spectrum.
Why is the Spectrum stand sold separately?
We are selling the monitor and its stand separately. That way, people who want to use a VESA monitor arm to mount their monitor (and our surveys showed that that’s quite a lot of people!) don’t have to pay for a part they don’t need. So people who don’t need it save money, but you don’t pay extra to get the stand.
I already have a monitor arm, will that work?
Apart from a mounting point for the Spectrum stand, the monitor has mounting holes that follow the VESA Mounting Interface Standard 100mm x 100mm.
Third-party stands that do not mount through the VESA standard are not supported.
Electrical and Operating Requirements
How is Spectrum powered?
Spectrum uses an external power adapter that connects to the monitor using its own plug, so it does not take up any of the monitor’s ports. We are looking for an adapter that is suitable for use around the world, accepting input ranging from 100-230V, with the wall plug on a replaceable cable using a C5, C7 or C13 plug or other such industry standards.
With the ability to deliver up to 100W of charging power through its USB Type-C port on top of its own power needs, it was unfeasible to use an internal power supply. It would add to the size of the monitor, and the added heat generation would necessitate adding a cooling fan to the design.
Warranty and Service
What is Spectrum’s warranty like?
The current draft of the Spectrum warranty policy can be found here. Key features include a 3-year limited warranty period, zero bright dot pixel policy, and 14-day DOA period with a new replacement and free shipping.
Can I pay extra for a perfect pixel guarantee?
We strive to provide panels without pixel defects to all our customers and have no plans for an additional paid pixel defect warranty at this time.
Design
How thick will Spectrum’s bezels be?
Model 1 is bounded by a thin frame to keep it in place and has an additional aluminum bottom bezel to cover up some electronic components. There is a thin border around the active display area. This combined ‘bezel’ measures approximately be 6mm left and right, 8mm on the top, and 20mm at the bottom.
Models 2 and 3 only have the thin frame to keep the panel in place and the border around the active display area. This border is part of the display panel itself, and cannot be removed – we could hide it with an actual bezel, but that would defeat the purpose. These combined ‘bezels’ measure approximately 5mm left and right and top, and 10mm at the bottom.
Why does Spectrum Model 1 have a bigger bottom bezel?
We would love to see completely bezel-less monitors, as the trend has been with, for instance, smartphones. However, the market for desktop panels has not caught up to this yet. Many display panels, including the one used for Model 1, have electronic parts that aren’t completely behind the display panel itself. The bottom bezel is there to hide them from view.
Will Spectrum feature edge-to-edge cover glass?
Though we really wanted to offer edge-to-edge cover glass, we were not able to get the display panel coating required to enable this option. As such, we’ll have a non-glossy panel with a low-haze anti-glare coating. Because of this same limitation, we can also not offer a non-glass glossy finish on Spectrum.
What cable management options do Spectrum offer?
The triangular hole through the Spectrum stand doesn’t just subtly refer to our company logo, it also offers an excellent location to bundle the cables connected to your monitor. Where you take them from there is all up to you. The possibilities are endless!
We have left a gap in the anti-slip pad at the base of the stand. This allows you to easily route cables for your keyboard and mouse back onto your desk.
Why is the housing around the bottom ports not the same as around the side ports?
Because of the way the housing is molded, it is not possible to manufacture it in one piece with ventilation at the top, and fitted ports on the side and bottom. We have looked into covering the bottom with a separate insert piece, but this added a relatively lot of complexity to the manufacturing and assembly process.
As the bottom ports are generally not in view, we opted to allow access to them through a large opening. We do paint the metal sub-frame so that Spectrum looks good even from below.
What materials is Spectrum made of?
The housing of Spectrum is made of high-quality plastics. Model 1 features an aluminum outer frame and bottom bezel. Due to the way the display panel is mounted in Models 2 and 3, the outer frame is part of the housing; therefore, it is also made of high-quality plastic. Spectrum’s stand is made of aluminum.
Will Spectrum or its stand be available in different colors?
At this time, just the color scheme as shown. That said, we are open to suggestions for the future.
How can I get my hands on those awesome renders of Spectrum?
We’ll try to post as many pictures as we can so that you can download, ogle, and share them to your heart’s content. That said, if we put everything out there all at once, we won’t have anything new left to share…
Third Parties
Will Eve call on external monitor experts like TFTcentral or RTINGS for tuning advice?
Totally – dependent on them being on board, of course. We have been in contact with journalists and influencers specialized in monitor performance, and some have expressed interest in working with us to make sure Spectrum looks its best. We will ask them to test prototypes and ask for feedback about tuning and changes. This will not just happen after release, but during the development process already.
Will Spectrum be sent to reviewers?
We can tell you it’s awesome, but we’re biased. And specs rarely paint a complete picture. So as we have done in the past, we will definitely make sure our monitor ends up in the hands of many of your favorite testers and reviewers. We haven’t yet decided who will receive Spectrum for review, but as we have done in the past, this is something we’ll definitely discuss with our community.
We want the reviews to give you an honest look at what Spectrum customers will receive. To that end, we will send final, finished units out to reviewers, from the same production line that customers’ monitors are shipped from. Reviewers will require time to test the product and create their content (a process that can take up to multiple weeks depending on the reviewer).
Until then, we do want you to hear first-hand opinions from people who aren’t part of the Eve team. In the past, we would have organized a community get-together where many community members can come together around a single prototype to geek out about tech. COVID-19 has made that a lot harder. Instead, we are working to send out some prototypes to community members to give you that non-Eve perspective.
Logistics and Timelines
Where will I be able to buy Spectrum?
The main point of sales will be our own web store. That said, we will also look into sales partners such as Amazon as we have done for the V, and are reaching out to physical retailers around the world to carry our products. This will give customers a physical point of contact and enables things like seeing the product before you buy it.
What is Spectrum’s price?
We have decided on a pricing model where the price increases dynamically based on sales. This has a number of benefits: we keep manufacturers and investors happy with high initial volumes, give our team peace of mind about the demand for our product, provide additional revenue later on to cover marketing, distribution, support, and reward our community of crowd-developers and early adopters with the best possible pricing. You were here first, and you deserve the best deal!
We don’t want to be perceived as a discount house making ‘cheaper products’. In fact, we feel our crowd-developed products are better than our competitors, using premium materials and packing all the extra features you want that improve the user experience. We always look to offer the best experience and the best value, not necessarily the lowest price. But if you also like low prices, you don’t have to wait for a sale to get a good deal: the best time to reserve your own Spectrum is always now!
What has been done to ensure setbacks from previous projects won’t affect Spectrum?
We’ve changed our business model and the way sales are handled to avoid a number of issues that have plagued us in the past. More details about what changed can be found in this topic.
When will Spectrum ship?
At this time, the Model 3 is estimated to ship April 20th, 2021, followed by Model 2 on April 30th. Model 1 will follow later in Q2 2021. Shipping estimates are updated as more information becomes available. It is already possible to reserve the monitor on our order page, where you can also always find the latest shipping date estimate for each model.
I have questions about payment, shipping, or warranty
Please have a look at our Balance Payment FAQ, there’s a good chance your question is answered there!
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