Monitor Comparison

[Laco Gaal]

hi,

first of all, with the Decklink SDI you will get HD output, with 4:2.2. No 2K, and no 4:4.4 (that would need a 3G-SDI output, or a Dual-Link output).
Secondly, it’s not the display card that gives you “smooth playback”, it just outputs a signal. You will need a fast CPU, fast storage drives, and a cuda card to get real-time playback.
Anyway if you need a HD output only through SDI, the Decklink SDI is the cheapest choice. But be aware, the only “officially supported” card is the HD Extreme, so as far as I remember I saw here a post, that says that BMD tests new Resolve versions with the Extreme only. Anyway, a lot of people using the Decklink SDI without a problem – including me.

As for the display.. if you’re looking for a grading monitor, you’ll face with an SDI input, I’m sure (and it’s the most reliable connector out there).
But if you just need a good monitor, maybe it’s easier for you to output through HDMI with the Intensity card. I think some use them for Davinci.
But with your price range, maybe it’s more advisable to get a used grading monitor, than a new commercial display. You’ll make decisions given what you see, if you grade 10 films this year, and then one year later you’ll buy a calibrated grading monitor, you don’t want to re-grade everything, just because your old monitor was a bit yellowish in the mids. Just my two cents.

Maybe you find one here: https://forums.creativecow.net/cowclassifiedsforsale

[Joseph Mastantuono]

Your budget is too low… Sorry. Sucks but it’s the truth.

Best bang for your buck right now are the Flanders Scientific models. They also have built-in scopes, and a bunch of features, and are very accurate, as the company tests and probes them before going out.Nthey also have hdsdi in.

The problem is that no one has a calibrated monitor in the real world… But home theatres are getting somewhat closer.

I currently have the 23″ model and I’m very very pleased. I like it better than any other LCD “broadcast” monitor I’ve worked with. The problem isn’t just how good the monitor is, it’s how it’s calibrated.

Joseph Mastantuono
http://www.goodpost.net
Color Grading & Post Production Consulting

[Ryan Snook]

Very insightful, thank you. I definitely want to get started off the right foot – with an actual grading monitor. Was the Panasonic I posted about sufficient, do you think? I’ll definitely look for something in the classified ads too. So will it be something I can manually calibrate or have to buy calibrated and take it in for calibration somewhat regularly?

Thanks!

[Joseph Owens]

[Ryan Snook] “Was the Panasonic I posted about sufficient, do you think?”

You should check out Flanders’ website. They do have another sub-grade quality monitor and if you search around, there is some discussion about what goes into a grade monitor and what doesn’t.

jPo

You mean “Old Ben”? Ben Kenobi?

[Ryan Snook]

Any good places for finding used/refurbished Flanders LM-2140W? If not, I’ll be saving… I’m sold!

[Kevin Cannon]

Hi Ryan,

My experience with the Dreamcolor has been that, calibrated frequently and going through the effort to give it a signal that it can process (progressive, not PsF) you can get a very accurate result over HDMI. A few months ago I compared a Dreamcolor, a Flanders, and a Barco digital cinema projector all receiving the same signal from the DaVinci, and I was still quite impressed with the accuracy of the Dreamcolor.

While I would definitely recommend FSI’s grading monitors (especially the 2461w) they don’t necessarily recommend the 2140 for color grading… it’s possible that the Dreamcolor (and the calibration kit) would give you a better solution at a similar price point…

KC

Prehistoric Digital
PhD Grading Suite

[Ryan Snook]

Thanks Kevin. Lets ponder on the price point. HP DreamColor: $2500 + calibrator: $350 + ????: $???? to get HDMI out from Mac Pro which is supported by Resolve.

VS.
Flanders 2140 $2500. I believe it comes calibrated and doesn’t need to be calibrated but if so, can’t you send it in and they do it for free? + SDI DeckLink: $270.

I’m trying to compare the viewing angles, signals, colors, needing to calibrate, grading features: blue/monochrome, ability to possibly use on set via SDI with camera, price, etc.

The HP unless I’m mistaken seems more expensive and slightly more of a pain since you have to work around its inability to be a natural color grading monitor. (inputs, features, etc)

Let me know if I’m over looking something.

Thanks!

[Joseph Owens]

[Ryan Snook] “Let me know if I’m over looking something.”

Not really, you’re doing the numbers. Dreamcolor was rolled out to supply animator cubicle farms, and its big claim to fame is that, for a graphics display, it can approach Rec709, but can be set up so that many monitors can be set up to display the same values. Very important in graphics work… but we work in a different space.

jPo

You mean “Old Ben”? Ben Kenobi?

[Kevin Cannon]

Well, I’d pay special attention to the fact that the 2140 does not have a 10-bit panel, and does not have the same color fidelity engine that the 2461w does… While the Dreamcolor and the 2461w have native color gamuts that exceed Rec. 709 and approach DCI P3, the 2140 only approaches Rec.709… a “99% match” according to Bram Desmet over on the FSI forum.

Although the Dreamcolor requires that you calibrate it more often, it is something you can do yourself and quickly…

I would definitely agree that the Dreamcolor as a pain to work around and could cost more in total… the question is more about the color accuracy of the 2140w, and Flanders is not shy about stating that the 2461w is their monitor for color-critical applications.

Cheers,

KC

Prehistoric Digital
PhD Grading Suite

[Ryan Snook]

Ok, I hear you, and thanks. Can you Ellaborate how to functionally use via some hdmi card and how much this card is, and If calibrating via probe is simple?

Also how often does the Flanders need a calibration?

Thanks