Matte vs. Glossy on MBP

[Tom Wolsky]

Thanks Mitch.

And congratulations! When did you become a trainer?

All the best,

Tom

Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop” Class on Demand “Complete Training for FCP5” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy” DVDs

[Martin Baker]

Here’s what I don’t get about the matte vs glossy debate. Today I did a very rare thing and tried to use my matte PowerBook outside. It was useless. Very hard to see the screen at all and this was an overcast day.

To get a matte finish on the screen requires the surface to be bumpy, this diffuses any light coming out of the screen and does the same on any light coming into the screen (i.e. sunlight). It follows that the image is less “pure” on a matte screen than a glossy one because it is being diffused. So why do I read this stuff about matte screens providing better colour rendition than glossy ones? From seeing both screens in the flesh, the glossy ones look far better. Or am I missing something?!

Martin
Digital Heaven, London UK
Unique plug-ins and tools for Apple Pro Apps
NEW! DH_RetroTV and DH_Dream plug-ins for FCP
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[Todd Reid]

I’ve had a glossy MBP for several months now, and I find that I have no trouble with reflection or poor color. I love it!
I do FCP, Photoshop and motion work and I actually feel that the colors are much more vibrant.
But as is mentioned here, it is a personal taste. Don’t take anyone else’s word for anything other than their opinion, look at them both and form your own opinion.
Having said that, get the glossy, it makes the colors look awesome!

[Martin Baker]

The MBP is 3 days old now and I’m massively impressed with it. Definitely the right decision to go with a glossy screen – the clarity and contrast are absolutely fantastic. Blacks actually are black and reflections have not been a problem.

Render times in FCP are 2-3 times faster than my 1 year old (!) PowerBook G4 and Motion runs like a dream.

Martin
Digital Heaven, London UK
Unique plug-ins and tools for Apple Pro Apps
NEW! DH_RetroTV and DH_Dream plug-ins for FCP
NEW! Hot Tips video podcast for FCP