Consumer monitor recommendations

DaVinci Resolve

Consumer monitor recommendations

Posted by Zak Ray on May 31, 2012 at 8:38 pm

Hi all,

So I’m on the lookout for a decent, small (max 42″, ideally something I could use on my desk next to the computer monitors), and sub-$1000 consumer monitor that I could calibrate to Rec 709 for basic, non-broadcast, non-theatrical use. Been looking at Panasonic plasmas, but they’re all a pretty big size (and most come with a price tag to match). Anyone suggestions? Using an Intensity card FYI.

Thanks much!

Harrison Schaaf replied 13 years, 3 months ago 4 Members · 9 Replies
9 Replies

Richard Cooper
June 2, 2012 at 5:43 am

You can get a 42″ Panasonic plasma for well under $1000 and have plenty left over for a calibration. (about $300)

Richard Cooper
FrostLine Productions, LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
http://www.frostlineproductions.com
Zak Ray
June 2, 2012 at 6:12 am

Thanks, Richard. Any specific models you know to perform well? I had some recommendations, but they were all over $1000 (not to mention included 3D capabilities, which I have no need of).

Re: calibration, I’m mostly doing web work and mostly just need something reliable and consistent. Do I need to invest in something like an X-rite, or can I get by on ol’ fashioned color bars?

Thanks much,
-Zak
Richard Cooper
June 2, 2012 at 5:36 pm

I would get what you can afford as long as it is a Panasonic. If you want consumer then get a basic model you don’t need the 3d stuff with all the bells and whistles. Just a basic Panasonic display like this one:
https://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=4841493&pid=1218541224061

As for calibration hire a professional. Best buy has the geek squad and will come to your studio and calibrate the monitor for you to REC 709 specs. Best $300 you will spend. This is of course assuming that you already have a proper i/o card from Aja, Black Magic or Matrox. Connecting via a graphics card is a wast of your money.

Just to clarify, this not the best option but rather the best option within your budget.
If you can afford it, I would suggest a real broadcast monitor like the Flanders….

Best of luck!

Richard Cooper
FrostLine Productions, LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
http://www.frostlineproductions.com
Zak Ray
June 2, 2012 at 6:02 pm

Hm… was hoping for something a bit smaller, but I suppose I can rearrange the space to accommodate a 42″ or 50″.

I’m using a Blackmagic Intensity. Would indeed go for a FSI or Dreamcolor if I could afford it, but alas, not in the cards at the moment.
Richard Cooper
June 2, 2012 at 6:43 pm

I know. It would be great if they made the panny plasmas in smaller sizes. But I believe the 42″ is as small as they get. I mounted my 55″ on the wall above my edit suite and clone ts (and me) love it! Will be upgrading to a 65″ soon.

Richard Cooper
FrostLine Productions, LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
http://www.frostlineproductions.com
William Edwards
June 5, 2012 at 4:27 pm

I was under the impression though that Plasma didn’t come standard with the SDI hookups. That is a separate piece that you need to purchase, at $1,000. How are you intending to hook it up to your system?
Richard Cooper
June 5, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Black Magic intensity card has HDMI
No need for HD/SDI

Richard Cooper
FrostLine Productions, LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
http://www.frostlineproductions.com
William Edwards
June 5, 2012 at 7:33 pm

sdi > displayport > hdmi ?
Harrison Schaaf
January 31, 2013 at 3:15 pm

I appreciate this suggestion a lot, Richard.

However, seeing as I am setting up an editing suite in Beijing, where there is no geek squad, do you think that using the X-Rite i1 Display calibrator would be a viable solution?

I’m assuming the difference is that I would end up creating a display profile in my system preferences, rather than having the monitor itself calibrated. What are your thoughts?

I’m pushing for the FSI, but budget remains an issue.

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