Contrast Levels vs Other eReaders

fkm · 12-03-2011, 07:33 AM

Having bought a Kobo recently, I must say I was certainly somewhat disappointed with the contrast levels. For instance, Avenir is a great font but looks awful faded on the Kobo.

For those who have used the Nook/Kindle/Sony, how do you find their contrast levels compare to the Kobo?

Many are using the same Pearl display so would have thought they would be the same but many reviews have said that Kobo's contrast levels are the worst of the latest ereaders.

Also, wondering whether it would be possible for contrast levels to be customised with a firmware upgrade?

filmo · 12-03-2011, 08:49 AM

All new e-ink readers use same screen don't know if they use same rendering tricks. For darker letters try bold fonts. If your looking at readers in stores check what software version it is using. My touch started with about 1.9.4 and now we are at 1.9.14 my Kobo Touch software started with Beta version and is now as about as good or better than competition. Kobo is still working hard to add more features and fix any remaining software problems. Unfortunately most reviews of Kobo Touch are with old software versions.

robko · 12-03-2011, 10:40 AM

The other thing that I find gives washed out text is if you leave your screen refresh at the default "every 6 pages". I know there are lots of people who have no problem with that, but to me after the 1st page it tends to get a little washed out/fuzzy. Could be specific fonts are better at longer refresh. Try lowering this if you still have it at 6.

fkm · 12-03-2011, 12:49 PM

I've had the refresh rate set to 1 page as no question this leads to overall better contrast.

Different fonts also help, but it doesn't take away from the fact that some of the supplied fonts do look a little faded. I don't want to take anything away from the Kobo,
I did a lot of research on the different ereaders before the purchase and overall Kobo's broad format support, form factor, extensive font customisation and on-going updates sealed the deal.

However, in light of the fact that most ereaders these days use the Pearl display, just wondering if contrast levels do differ as per the reviews and if so, might the Kobo's be configurable via a firmware update. I'm hoping so!

robko · 12-03-2011, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkm

However, in light of the fact that most ereaders these days use the Pearl display, just wondering if contrast levels do differ as per the reviews and if so, might the Kobo's be configurable via a firmware update. I'm hoping so!

I've never compared side by side so I can't comment directly on the differences. There must be some level of firmware control on this since from the forums here it appears that a recent Nook firmware upgrade significantly improved the text on it. Not sure if this is something Kobo will do, if it's even possible with their rendering code, or how difficult it would be to implement, but it's becoming a very competitive market so there's always hope!

Shankill · 12-03-2011, 05:32 PM

We sell Kindles at work (the Keyboard and basic models), and I've found its font rendering to be fairly similar to the Kobo's.

m_bisson · 12-04-2011, 04:14 AM

The Kindle appears sharper, but if you get up close I notice the edges are a lot blockier than on the kobo.

taming · 12-04-2011, 07:29 AM

If you go to the fonts menu, you can see that the relative darkness of the fonts is easy to see. Try the different fonts out to see which one is most pleasing to you. I use Delima and have my refresh set for three pages.

ghiavert · 12-04-2011, 05:12 PM

I just got the Nook, and I notice a difference. Don't know the technology behind it, but seems easier to read with sharper display.

fkm · 12-04-2011, 06:09 PM

The Nook got a recent firmware update which supposedly improved contrast and visibility. If this can be done to the Pearl display, don't see a reason why it can't also apply to the Kobo.

These screens are based on the same hardware, so fundamentally, differences must be due to contrast levels/rendering/font selection etc.

I'm surprised no one has raised the issue of contrast (I haven't found any topics on it other than reviews berating the lower contrast rate and speed of the Kobo). Maybe many users haven't had a chance to compare the alternatives side by side (I had great trouble locating a Kobo I could test against the others). My own impression is that there is a difference, maybe not so great, but a not-insignificant difference nonetheless.

It's just something I hope Kobo can look at down the line. They are up against it with the Nook and the Kindle and I think we all want to see Kobo do as well as possible.

monk127 · 12-05-2011, 12:20 PM

I agree, it would be great if the background were a bit lighter. I've read that the Sony & Amazon readers with the same screen have contrast adjustment in user settings. I left a request for it in the firmware wishlist thread in this forum.

David58117 · 12-06-2011, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghiavert

I just got the Nook, and I notice a difference. Don't know the technology behind it, but seems easier to read with sharper display.

What seems easier to read - the nook or kobo?

fkm · 12-06-2011, 06:56 PM

Most reviews out there who are examining the various ereaders tend to see Kobo as the one with the least contrast. It can be compensated for by using certain fonts, setting refresh to one page etc though these solutions ultimately work within the confines of the hardware and its limitations. Rather, a settings option to fundamentally change the contrast level as per your reading perferences/let alone lighting conditions etc

The Nook appears to have done it on their last firmware update in giving better clarity to all text (I heard up to 50% better contrast). The Kobo remains a much better device than the somewhat more antiquated looking Nook. But along with battery life, arguably legibility of text represents the the most important characteristic for the device. It is why I chose it over tablets and smartphones!

So I really hope that Kobo might let us know if this is either feasible as as option and if no, so be it! But if it is, I hope that a firwemare will one day be forthcoming which will deliver said functionality!!

taming · 12-06-2011, 09:11 PM

My husband's Kobo appears to have much better contrast than mine. How is that possible, you ask? He has a black device and mine is white. The text looks darker on the page with a black bezel. I am fine with the contrast on my white Kobo Touch.

ghiavert · 12-09-2011, 08:13 PM

Nook has better contrast than Kobo and it looks like Kindle does as well. Kobo just can't keep up. A real disappointment. But, I can't wait for Kobo to get their act together

12-03-2011, 07:33 AM	#1
fkm Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 1000 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Kobo Touch	Contrast Levels vs Other eReaders Having bought a Kobo recently, I must say I was certainly somewhat disappointed with the contrast levels. For instance, Avenir is a great font but looks awful faded on the Kobo. For those who have used the Nook/Kindle/Sony, how do you find their contrast levels compare to the Kobo? Many are using the same Pearl display so would have thought they would be the same but many reviews have said that Kobo's contrast levels are the worst of the latest ereaders. Also, wondering whether it would be possible for contrast levels to be customised with a firmware upgrade?

12-06-2011, 06:56 PM	#13
fkm Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 1000 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Kobo Touch	Most reviews out there who are examining the various ereaders tend to see Kobo as the one with the least contrast. It can be compensated for by using certain fonts, setting refresh to one page etc though these solutions ultimately work within the confines of the hardware and its limitations. Rather, a settings option to fundamentally change the contrast level as per your reading perferences/let alone lighting conditions etc The Nook appears to have done it on their last firmware update in giving better clarity to all text (I heard up to 50% better contrast). The Kobo remains a much better device than the somewhat more antiquated looking Nook. But along with battery life, arguably legibility of text represents the the most important characteristic for the device. It is why I chose it over tablets and smartphones! So I really hope that Kobo might let us know if this is either feasible as as option and if no, so be it! But if it is, I hope that a firwemare will one day be forthcoming which will deliver said functionality!! Last edited by fkm; 12-06-2011 at 06:59 PM.

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12-03-2011, 08:49 AM	#2
filmo Wizard Posts: 1,326 Karma: 1077205 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: Kobo Touch, Sony T1, Kobo Mini	All new e-ink readers use same screen don't know if they use same rendering tricks. For darker letters try bold fonts. If your looking at readers in stores check what software version it is using. My touch started with about 1.9.4 and now we are at 1.9.14 my Kobo Touch software started with Beta version and is now as about as good or better than competition. Kobo is still working hard to add more features and fix any remaining software problems. Unfortunately most reviews of Kobo Touch are with old software versions.

12-03-2011, 10:40 AM	#3
robko Wizard Posts: 2,454 Karma: 5469320 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Kobo	The other thing that I find gives washed out text is if you leave your screen refresh at the default "every 6 pages". I know there are lots of people who have no problem with that, but to me after the 1st page it tends to get a little washed out/fuzzy. Could be specific fonts are better at longer refresh. Try lowering this if you still have it at 6.

12-03-2011, 12:49 PM	#4
fkm Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 1000 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Kobo Touch	I've had the refresh rate set to 1 page as no question this leads to overall better contrast. Different fonts also help, but it doesn't take away from the fact that some of the supplied fonts do look a little faded. I don't want to take anything away from the Kobo, I did a lot of research on the different ereaders before the purchase and overall Kobo's broad format support, form factor, extensive font customisation and on-going updates sealed the deal. However, in light of the fact that most ereaders these days use the Pearl display, just wondering if contrast levels do differ as per the reviews and if so, might the Kobo's be configurable via a firmware update. I'm hoping so!

12-03-2011, 05:32 PM	#6
Shankill Nameless Being	We sell Kindles at work (the Keyboard and basic models), and I've found its font rendering to be fairly similar to the Kobo's.

12-04-2011, 04:14 AM	#7
m_bisson Groupie Posts: 170 Karma: 25803 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: kobo touch :)	The Kindle appears sharper, but if you get up close I notice the edges are a lot blockier than on the kobo.

12-04-2011, 07:29 AM	#8
taming Trying for calm & polite Posts: 4,012 Karma: 9455193 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mostly in Canada Device: kobo original, WiFI, Touch, Glo, and Aura	If you go to the fonts menu, you can see that the relative darkness of the fonts is easy to see. Try the different fonts out to see which one is most pleasing to you. I use Delima and have my refresh set for three pages.

12-04-2011, 05:12 PM	#9
ghiavert Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Kobo	I just got the Nook, and I notice a difference. Don't know the technology behind it, but seems easier to read with sharper display.

12-04-2011, 06:09 PM	#10
fkm Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 1000 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Kobo Touch	The Nook got a recent firmware update which supposedly improved contrast and visibility. If this can be done to the Pearl display, don't see a reason why it can't also apply to the Kobo. These screens are based on the same hardware, so fundamentally, differences must be due to contrast levels/rendering/font selection etc. I'm surprised no one has raised the issue of contrast (I haven't found any topics on it other than reviews berating the lower contrast rate and speed of the Kobo). Maybe many users haven't had a chance to compare the alternatives side by side (I had great trouble locating a Kobo I could test against the others). My own impression is that there is a difference, maybe not so great, but a not-insignificant difference nonetheless. It's just something I hope Kobo can look at down the line. They are up against it with the Nook and the Kindle and I think we all want to see Kobo do as well as possible.

12-05-2011, 12:20 PM	#11
monk127 Member Posts: 10 Karma: 208 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Sony PRS-T1	I agree, it would be great if the background were a bit lighter. I've read that the Sony & Amazon readers with the same screen have contrast adjustment in user settings. I left a request for it in the firmware wishlist thread in this forum.

12-06-2011, 09:11 PM	#14
taming Trying for calm & polite Posts: 4,012 Karma: 9455193 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mostly in Canada Device: kobo original, WiFI, Touch, Glo, and Aura	My husband's Kobo appears to have much better contrast than mine. How is that possible, you ask? He has a black device and mine is white. The text looks darker on the page with a black bezel. I am fine with the contrast on my white Kobo Touch.

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12-09-2011, 08:13 PM	#15
ghiavert Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Kobo	Nook has better contrast than Kobo and it looks like Kindle does as well. Kobo just can't keep up. A real disappointment. But, I can't wait for Kobo to get their act together