NOTE: A more up-to-date spec sheet and FAQ is available here
Hey community,
We’ve just revealed our first prototypes, and as with every major update, we’re following up with a deeper dive into what’s changed, an update of our provisional spec sheet, and an update of our frequently asked questions. We’ve updated answers to questions from our previous FAQ where needed, and have added a number of questions that have come in through support and social media, as well as right here in our community!
Specs & features update
| Spectrum | Model 1 | Model 2 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
| 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) |
| contrast ratio | 1000 : 1 typical | 1000 : 1 typical | 1000 : 1 typical |
| 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) Alternate Mode video input USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer power output up to 20V / 5A (100W, USB PowerDelivery) |
1x DisplayPort (1.4) Alternate Mode video input USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer power output up to 20V / 5A (100W, USB PowerDelivery) |
1x DisplayPort (1.4) Alternate Mode video input USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream USB 3.1 upstream connection to computer power output up to 20V / 5A (100W, USB PowerDelivery) |
| USB Type-C | 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream power output up to 5V / 3A (15W) |
1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream power output up to 5V / 3A (15W) |
1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream power output up to 5V / 3A (15W) |
| USB Type-A | 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream power output up to 5V / 2A (10W) |
2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream power output up to 5V / 2A (10W) |
2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) downstream power output up to 5V / 2A (10W) |
| 3.5mm minijack | 1x headphone / speaker output from video input source |
1x headphone / speaker output from video input source |
1x headphone / speaker 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 | Picture-in-picture (PiP) mode Split-screen mode |
Picture-in-picture (PiP) mode Split-screen mode Quad split-screen mode |
Picture-in-picture (PiP) mode Split-screen mode Quad 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 |
| Kensington lock compatible | No | No | No |
| built-in speakers | No | No | No |
| Adjustment | |||
| controls | 1x Power button 1x 4-Way joystick (OSD menu controls) Controls are centered on the back of monitor |
1x Power button 1x 4-Way joystick (OSD menu controls) Controls are centered on the back of monitor |
1x Power button 1x 4-Way joystick (OSD menu controls) 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 adjustments 1 | Select video input source (DisplayPort 1 / DisplayPort 2 / USB-C / HDMI / auto switch input), Select USB hub source (USB-B / USB-C), 3.5mm output volume (increase / decrease), Presets (load default / load user presets / save user presets), Brightness (increase / decrease), Color space (DCI-P3 / emulated sRGB), Contrast (increase / decrease), Color temperature (cool / normal / warm / user defined), Gamma (increase / decrease), Max refresh rate (144Hz), Variable refresh rate (on / off), Overdrive (off / normal / high / user defined), Backlight strobing (off / short / medium / long / user defined), Backlight dimming (local / global / off), Aspect control (pixel-perfect / interpolated / 1 : 1) | Select video input source (DisplayPort / USB-C / HDMI 1 / HDMI 2 / auto switch input), Select USB hub source (USB-B / USB-C), 3.5mm output volume (increase / decrease), Presets (load default / load user presets / save user presets), Brightness (increase / decrease), Color space (DCI-P3 / emulated sRGB), Contrast (increase / decrease), Color temperature (cool / normal / warm / user defined), Gamma (increase / decrease), Max refresh rate (240Hz), Variable refresh rate (on / off), Overdrive (off / normal / high / user defined), Backlight strobing (off / short / medium / long / user defined), Backlight dimming (local / global / off), Aspect control (pixel-perfect / interpolated / 1 : 1) | Select video input source (DisplayPort / USB-C / HDMI 1 / HDMI 2 / auto switch input), Select USB hub source (USB-B / USB-C), 3.5mm output volume (increase / decrease), Presets (load default / load user presets / save user presets), Brightness (increase / decrease), Color space (DCI-P3 / emulated sRGB), Contrast (increase / decrease), Color temperature (cool / normal / warm / user defined), Gamma (increase / decrease), Max refresh rate (144Hz), Variable refresh rate (on / off), Overdrive (off / normal / high / user defined), Backlight strobing (off / short / medium / long / user defined), Backlight dimming (local / global / off), Aspect control (pixel-perfect / interpolated / 1 : 1) |
| Eve Spectrum Stand | |||
| 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 (with stand, landscape) (W x H x D) 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) 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) |
|
| dimensions (stand only) (W x H x D) 4 |
200mm x 430mm x 227mm | 200mm x 430mm x 227mm | 200mm x 430mm x 227mm |
| weight 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 |
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
Prototype update
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.
Scope
Last week we revealed our first prototypes, and we’re really excited to see Spectrum in physical form. That said, the functionality in this round of prototypes is limited. It is still too early to test things like high-speed performance, so the most exciting things we can measure for you at this time are its size and weight (and we’ve updated the above table accordingly). As the firmware continues to be developed, more and more of the monitor’s features will become available.
That doesn’t mean these prototypes are useless. Their main purposes are to test the industrial design (ID) and offer a platform for firmware development.
Testing the ID includes things like making sure the various parts fit together properly, making sure the assembly process is suitable for mass production, and checking the color, material, and finish (CMF). Locking down the ID will allow the manufacturer to start sourcing materials, and to create the tooling needed to mass-produce the final product. Since Models 2 and 3 share the same ID, their development runs parallel in this field.
At the same time, the electronics are all there, and firmware updates are exactly what’s needed to unlock more of Spectrum’s potential. As these prototypes make use of the 4K display assembly, all current firmware developments are based on this panel. A lot of these efforts should carry over to Model 2, allowing its development to catch up quickly once Model 3 is ready.
Logistics
COVID-19 has made this phase a little harder than we’d like, as we cannot travel to China. Because of this, initial testing on the prototypes is therefore done by our manufacturing partner. Though they have great tools for testing, their camera skills aren’t always stellar, as evidenced by the final shot in last week’s assembly video.
We did hire a local production company to make sure we could share some better images with you. They were able to take high-quality photos and even some video of Spectrum in the short period between when our prototypes were assembled, and when they were shipped to us for further testing.
At this point, our design team has their hands on the first prototype, and you can read more about their findings below. The second prototype, which has a slightly different paint and finish, will take a small detour before also ending up at the office, so the CMF of the two prototypes can be compared.
Meanwhile, the firmware engineering team in Taiwan doesn’t need anything so fancy as a fully-assembled prototype. As long as they have Spectrum’s circuitry and a display panel, they’re good to go!
Design
The most notable design change since our last FAQ article is the increased size of the ‘port box’ on the back of the monitor. As mentioned before, this is a result of switching to our new scaler. The electrical engineers needed more room to make sure these newer chips were implemented without affecting temperatures or performance.
Findings so far
With the prototype in hand, we’ve made a few initial observations, all of which we shared with the manufacturer to improve the next round of prototypes. Some are cosmetic and seemingly small, but important to get the right look and feel for Spectrum. The team has called out things like mismatched paint finishes between the monitor housing and the plastic parts of the stand, as well as components that don’t properly meet up, creating small gaps.
Other issues are of a more functional nature, like the ports being recessed too deep into the housing, which makes them harder to use, or the joystick material being too soft to be effectively used.
Of course, even though these are issues that we are looking to get fixed, coming across them in these prototypes is not a bad thing. After all, finding flaws with the design, assembly, and finish, is exactly what this stage of development is about! Our team has come up with extensive feedback for our manufacturer and continues to pay attention to all the little details.
Community feedback
Of course, we’re not alone in evaluating our prototypes, and we’ve already received valuable feedback from you. Like the unpainted metal around the bottom ports: being mostly out of view, we didn’t make too much of a fuss about it. But based on your input, we are now looking into powdercoating or otherwise treating the metal frame to make Spectrum look its best, even from less obvious angles!
That also emphasizes the importance of our community’s continued involvement in the development. If you see something off about our prototypes (and we have more content about them in the pipeline), be sure to speak up! Maybe we’ve already found or even fixed the issue. But maybe your perspective highlights something we hadn’t noticed yet. By working together, Spectrum can only get better!
FAQ
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?
At this time, many properties, such as the panel, size, design, port selection, control placement, and general features, are already locked down. This means that most specifications can no longer be changed. 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 doesn’t 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 calibrated for white point. We are still looking into further factory calibration, and more information will be made available as development continues.
Is a Delta E calibration of <1 possible off the assembly line?
Yes, but we are evaluating the additional cost and time it will take. The current estimate is that 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?
Yes, Spectrum will be able to store a color calibration profile. We are still working out the exact formats supported.
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.
Does VESA DisplayHDR400/DisplayHDR600 certification add to the cost or not? What does it mean?
The key requirements for these certifications are high enough brightness and covering 95% 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 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 adaptive sync?
Spectrum will be G-SYNC Compatible certified. This allows Nvidia 10-series graphics cards and newer to make use of its variable refresh rate features, without the monitor requiring a specific Nvidia G-SYNC module that would drive up the cost.
Spectrum will also be FreeSync Premium Pro certified. This standard was formerly known as ‘FreeSync 2’.
Will there be a G-SYNC or G-SYNC Ultimate version of Spectrum?
No. G-SYNC modules add a lot of additional costs, 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?
Both FreeSync and G-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 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 black screens look perfect on our first prototypes, but you can expect more information to follow as production nears! 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 Dots 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 display.
Will Spectrum allow single-strobing at 50/60Hz?
This is generally a feature found in CRT displays, and very, very rare in flat panels. We have not looked into this yet, but are aware that it may pair nicely with our pixel-perfect upscaling for retro gaming aficionados. We will look into the possibility, but can’t promise anything at this time.
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?
We had hoped to have Spectrum automatically switch USB inputs based on which input is active. Sadly the hardware does not support this, and you’ll have to switch between USB-B or USB-C input manually.
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, will be determined at a later prototyping stage.
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, with different overdrive profiles. No defaults have been decided yet, so please specify what kind of profiles you are interested in. We want control over overdrive to be as granular as possible 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. Now that we’re on to the electrical engineering stage, we should be able to 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?
The electronics to drive the panel are still being developed, but we aim to meet TÜV Ergonomics, TÜV Flicker-Free, and TÜV Low Blue Light requirements. We will share new information as development and testing continue.
Will Spectrum’s firmware be open-source?
This is a planned feature, but the exact details are still being worked out. We’re very interested in your input about what features you would like to see!
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.
Adjustments
What features will the OSD have?
We’ve discussed ideas for the OSD with our community and have already received many suggestions, including frame rate counters, crosshairs, in-depth color- or performance-tweaking options. We’re not done developing it yet, so be sure to add your two cents!
Electrical and Operating Requirements
How is Spectrum powered?
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.
Because of this, 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.
Warranty and Service
What is Spectrum’s warranty like?
The current warranty policy for Eve products can be found on our website. But as we near the shipping date we will add more Spectrum-specific terms, including things like the pixel defect policy. Expect our warranty to be in line with other monitor vendors.
Can I pay extra for a perfect pixel guarantee?
We strive to provide pixel-perfect panels to all our customers and have no plans for additional 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 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. That said, we are now looking to improve the look of this area by treating the metal subframe.
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.
Of course, we can’t actually do this until we have monitors, so this will happen closer to the shipping date. Ideally, reviewers get a mass production model so that their experience matches your own.
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 will try to get our prototype in front of cameras and critical eyes, 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. (It is already available for pre-order today at major Finnish tech retailer Verkokauppa!) 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!
Can I pay using anything other than a credit card?
We’ve heard your requests to be able to pay through PayPal, debit card, Klarna, or others. We would like to offer as wide a variety of payment options as possible, but at this time we are limited to credit card payments only. We hope to offer more payment options in the future.
I’ve placed an order for Spectrum, can I still change it to a different model?
Yes, you can. Just contact our support team through the contact form on our website. They will be able to adjust your order for you.
Will there be a crowdfunding campaign for Spectrum?
We’ve decided not to go this route. The development has already been funded, and unlike the initial launch of the V, we now have our own system in place for reservations and orders.
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.
How much will it cost to ship Spectrum?
Shipping fees will differ based on country, duties, taxes, and other factors. At this time, we estimate the price of shipping to the continental US at $ 15, and shipping to countries within the European Union at € 20. More details will be released as we have them.
From where does Spectrum ship?
Shipping will be done regionally to most countries. For example, if you ordered from the EU, your package will come from a regional warehouse in Germany or the UK; therefore, duties and taxes will already be included in the product price. The same goes for the US and other major regions.
I’ve placed an order for Spectrum, how do I make any changes to it?
If you need to update your order information, change or cancel your order, or add or remove something from your order, please contact our support team through the contact form on our website. They will be able to adjust your order for you.
Will there be import taxes or similar fees?
Import taxes vary and depend on the region you are importing to. You may want to contact your local customs office to get more information on taxes and import fees as they apply to you. Alternatively, you may be able to pick Spectrum up in a physical store near you: let us know where you want us to offer our products in this topic!
Who will deliver Spectrum orders?
Shipping partners may vary per country, and exact carriers will be determined at a later time. If you have particular questions about which logistics company will deliver Spectrum in your region, we recommend contacting our support team once shipping starts.
When will Spectrum ship?
At this time, the Models 2 and 3 are slated to ship in Q4 2020, with Model 1 following in Q1 2021. More information about shipping will be revealed as it becomes available, but this will be closer to the shipping date. It is already possible to reserve the monitor on our order page!
We will look into the minimum brightness measurement and thermal testing on our samples.