Is 505 contrast much better than PRS-500?

DojoPat · 05-14-2008, 12:14 PM

Hi -

I got my PRS-500 cheap a few months ago, and am happy with it, except
for the gray background. The words are definitely hard to read in dim light.

I'm told that the 505 has a much greater contrast, and a "whiter" shade of gray.

Can anyone confirm that the 505 screen is much better?

Thanks!

Ervserver · 05-14-2008, 12:16 PM

It's much better, easier to read, no ghosting. Faster page turning

HarryT · 05-14-2008, 12:23 PM

It is specifically the readability in low light levels for which the 2nd Gen "VizPlex" screens show the greatest improvement. I always had to use to use a reading light in the evening with my PRS-500. With my Gen3 (which uses the same screen as the 505) I can comfortably read in normal ambient light.

DojoPat · 05-14-2008, 01:54 PM

That's good to hear. I've got $300 burning in my pocket, and I think it may go to purchasing a 505 upgrade.

:-)

astra · 05-15-2008, 04:00 AM

Thread 1

Thread 2

BenG · 05-15-2008, 08:08 PM

Yes, the background is lighter and the black print is darker.
Is this solely because of the Vizplex or is it partly due to the 8 colors available, which I don't think all devices with the Vizplex screen have.

Ervserver · 05-15-2008, 10:43 PM

sign up for the Sony card and you will only have to burn $199

Quote:

Originally Posted by DojoPat

That's good to hear. I've got $300 burning in my pocket, and I think it may go to purchasing a 505 upgrade.

:-)

HarryT · 05-16-2008, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenG

Yes, the background is lighter and the black print is darker.
Is this solely because of the Vizplex or is it partly due to the 8 colors available, which I don't think all devices with the Vizplex screen have.

Nothing to do with the 8 vs. 4 grey-scales. "Black" is "Black" no matter how many grey-scales you have

.

BenG · 05-16-2008, 12:13 PM

But the "black" is blacker on the 505 compared to the 500 and not just in contrast to the background.
It's especially noticeable on the information bars at the top or bottom of the page.

HarryT · 05-16-2008, 12:47 PM

It is indeed, but that's due to the VizPlex screen, not the number of grey scales. It's equally "black" on the Gen3, which has the same VizPlex screen as the 505, but only 4 grey-scales.

BenG · 05-18-2008, 01:29 PM

Thanks. I haven't seen any screens other than the 505.

chiral · 05-22-2008, 12:10 AM

Yes, except in full sun, which seems to ionize and weaken the image.

Try this experiment -- in full sun shade a portion of the screen. With the other hand flip the page. You will see the shaded portion much darker.

05-14-2008, 12:14 PM	#1
DojoPat literature lover Posts: 62 Karma: 82 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New York Device: Sony Ereader PRS-505 & PRS-300	Is 505 contrast much better than PRS-500? Hi - I got my PRS-500 cheap a few months ago, and am happy with it, except for the gray background. The words are definitely hard to read in dim light. I'm told that the 505 has a much greater contrast, and a "whiter" shade of gray. Can anyone confirm that the 505 screen is much better? Thanks!

05-15-2008, 08:08 PM	#6
BenG Home Guard Posts: 4,730 Karma: 86721650 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Alpha Ralpha Boulevard Device: Kindle Oasis 3G, iPhone 6	Yes, the background is lighter and the black print is darker. Is this solely because of the Vizplex or is it partly due to the 8 colors available, which I don't think all devices with the Vizplex screen have. Last edited by BenG; 05-15-2008 at 08:12 PM.

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05-14-2008, 12:16 PM	#2
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	It's much better, easier to read, no ghosting. Faster page turning

05-14-2008, 12:23 PM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	It is specifically the readability in low light levels for which the 2nd Gen "VizPlex" screens show the greatest improvement. I always had to use to use a reading light in the evening with my PRS-500. With my Gen3 (which uses the same screen as the 505) I can comfortably read in normal ambient light.

05-14-2008, 01:54 PM	#4
DojoPat literature lover Posts: 62 Karma: 82 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New York Device: Sony Ereader PRS-505 & PRS-300	That's good to hear. I've got $300 burning in my pocket, and I think it may go to purchasing a 505 upgrade. :-)

05-15-2008, 04:00 AM	#5
astra The Introvert Posts: 8,307 Karma: 1000077497 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United Kingdom Device: Sony Reader PRS-650 & 505 & 500	Thread 1 Thread 2

05-16-2008, 12:13 PM	#9
BenG Home Guard Posts: 4,730 Karma: 86721650 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Alpha Ralpha Boulevard Device: Kindle Oasis 3G, iPhone 6	But the "black" is blacker on the 505 compared to the 500 and not just in contrast to the background. It's especially noticeable on the information bars at the top or bottom of the page.

05-16-2008, 12:47 PM	#10
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	It is indeed, but that's due to the VizPlex screen, not the number of grey scales. It's equally "black" on the Gen3, which has the same VizPlex screen as the 505, but only 4 grey-scales.

05-18-2008, 01:29 PM	#11
BenG Home Guard Posts: 4,730 Karma: 86721650 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Alpha Ralpha Boulevard Device: Kindle Oasis 3G, iPhone 6	Thanks. I haven't seen any screens other than the 505.

05-22-2008, 12:10 AM	#12
chiral Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 674 Join Date: May 2008 Device: 505	Yes, except in full sun, which seems to ionize and weaken the image. Try this experiment -- in full sun shade a portion of the screen. With the other hand flip the page. You will see the shaded portion much darker.

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