Display Enlightment by NCX

My solution to those who do not own a colorimeter to measure the brightness of their display is to use a search engine to find reviews with 0-100% Menu or OSD colorimeter measurements of the brightness, contrast and black depth to get an idea of how bright a display is. My display buying guides and are based off of my own reviews and reviews from over fifteen sites linked to in my post linked below:

Monitor Review Resource Center by NCX: Best Monitor Review Sites

Here are three examples of the Brightness and Contrast Colorimeter Measurements of the 0-100 Menu or On Screen Display settings for the Viewsonic XG2703-GS:


The brightness and contrast measurement charts are from the Viewsonic XG2703-GS reviews by:

Alexander Gryzhin (=DEAD=)
PC Monitors
Playwares

More reviews can be found in the Viewsonic section of my Best Reviewed Flicker Free 144-165hz 1440p monitors buying guide and in the Viewsonic section of my Best Reviewed Flicker Free 27" 1440p AHVA/IPS/PLS monitors buying guide.

The second solution is to figure out how bright the room lights are, or consider using curtains if sunlight is the only light source. Check the box the light came in to see if the lumens (brightness) is listed, and/or check the bulb itself. Many lights do not have any information printed on both the box and bulb which makes determining their brightness impossible without a colorimeter.

I use a CFL ceiling light which I purchased for 15$ (Canadian) plus tax over three years ago. CFL lights loose brightness over time, and if broken are hazardous. Similar LED equivalents exist, but they cost significantly more. Here's an example of a similar, but slightly warmer or more orange or yellow 5000k 2500 lumen LED light byLohas. I am not endorsing this light since I have not used it, however given the potential safety issues I suggest spending more on an LED light. Also note that buying directly from Lohas may not be the cheapest way to get these lights.

Find out out which display Menu or OSD setting equals to around 140cdm/2 if going to use a 2500 lumen light as a ceiling light in a room with no other light sources. If wanting to use a 2500 lumen light as a bias light (light placed behind the display) to avoid glare and reflections on the display cap the display brightness at 100cdm/2.

If wanting to set the display brightness higher a brighter light is needed to combat the higher display brightness. A 4000 lumen bias light (light placed behind the display) can combat a display outputting around 200cdm/2 and less than 250cdm/2. I also own this Feit Electric 4000 lumen 5000k LED light which costs 35$ US/50$ CAD and only needs 38w of power which is a low enough amount to work with most lamps. The light is heavy though, so make sure to put it in a lamp that will not fall over.