-
External video monitor necessary?
I need to get a new computer monitor or two, to use with my PowerMac G5 and FCX. I’m a bit confused over whether I need a video monitor as well.
I know it used to be standard to have an NTSC (analog) TV monitor next to one’s computer monitors, since computers do not display color or interlacing correctly. But I was told by someone at an edit facility that LCDs have improved enough in recent years that they do a much better job at representing accurate color.
So, assuming I do the things that others have recommended me, i.e. adjust/calibrate my monitor using color bars and/or the Colorvision Spyder2PRO, could I rely on an an under $300 20″ LCD PC monitor from Dell or HP (I’m looking at the Dell E207WFP and HP W2007)?
If not, could I use a more expensive LCD monitor that accepts s- video inputs, like the 20″ Dell Ultrasharp 2007FP, and pipe the video through my DV camera using firewire and then s-video? Or would it have the same problems as any other PC monitor, by dint of it being LCD?
I understand that to really have a proper color correction, I’d need to use a professional facility. But for lower budget video projects, I was hoping I wouldn’t need that option.
-
3 Replies
-
Well I’m the first to respond, but in a word, get the NTSC monitor even if you have to use a non-broadcast monitorfrom Best Buy. You’ll also need a video interface card as well – like an AJA card. I suggest that you go ahead and get something that will do both SD and HD so that in a few months you won’t be buying the card all over again. it is likely that the video card may cost as much or more than your monitor.
I’m sure that others will chime in likewise.
Richard Martz
MagicMartz MediaFinal Cut Pro HD
Kona LH
After Effects
PhotoShop
Illustrator
Lots of other Fun Stuff! -
Keep in mind that the Viewer and Canvas display a degraded image. The only way to see your true video quality is using an external monitor. So if you really want to see what your video looks like, then you really want something other than your standard computer displays.
I’m not a fan of computer LCD monitors as a display device. Haven’t seen anything to change my mind. The cheapest LCD screen I would consider is the Panasonic 1700W. If you don’t care about a quality monitor, then go down to BestBuy and just pick up whatever TV looks good to you and use it.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com
HD Editorial & Animation for Broadcast and independent productions.All Things Apple Podcast! https://cowcast.creativecow.net/all_things_apple/index.html
Read my blog! https://blogs.creativecow.net/WalterBiscardi
-
Thank you both for your quick replies!
Richard, could you explain why I’d have to get an expensive video interface card? I had been told that all I have to do is run a firewire from my Mac to my DVX100, and then an S-video to the monitor.
And do you agree with Walter, that LCD screens are subpar?
And what would you each say about the Sony PVM-20LI? B&H is selling it for $400 (a LOT cheaper than the Panasonic 1700W).
Also, what if I used my 32″ Toshiba as my monitor? If I get a swiveling TV stand, I should be able to look at it from my desk as I edit.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up