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Pro Monitor Suggestions?
This is kind of a Basic question, but I’m looking for a Pro answer. I was using a Sony PVM-14M4U as the reference monitor on my FCP system, but it’s recently died a death. (It looks perpetually blown out, and the colors are sketchy.) It seems that Sony has discontinued this model, so I’m wondering what people are using for their reference monitors these days?
Some caveats: I work at a small government TV station, so I’m looking for something inexpensive but still professional quality, that I can use to color-correct with FCP. I have _zero_ need for HD, so I don’t need anything top-of-the-line. I just need the equivalent pro monitor to my late lamented PVM-14M4U.
Any suggestions would be most welcome. Right now I’m trying to ‘triangulate’ between two wildy-different consumer monitors, and it’s quite vexing. Thanks.
Steve
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8 Replies
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[Steve Courtney] “I just need the equivalent pro monitor to my late lamented PVM-14M4U.”
Since you have zero need for HD, how about the Sony PVM 14L2 which is a component 14″ Pro SMPTE C monitor? $1,099 at B&H Photo
They also have the Composite version of that monitor which is what I think you have for $499.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com
HD Editorial & Animation for Food Network’s “Good Eats”
HD Editorial for “Assignment Earth”“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
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You could also try the Sony LM-2010. Its LCD monitor that’s cheap and good for what you are doing.
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Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
http://www.schazamproductions.com -
[Wayne Carey] “You could also try the Sony LM-2010. Its LCD monitor that’s cheap and good for what you are doing.”
The only LCD I would recommend are the Panasonic 1700W and 2600W. LCD’s cannot display black well at all in the low end. For a cheap pro monitor you’re better off with the CRT’s while they’re around.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com
HD Editorial & Animation for Food Network’s “Good Eats”
HD Editorial for “Assignment Earth”“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
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Check ebay for used monitors. I bought a used top-of-the-line JVC VMR19OSU monitor for $70!!!! And it works flawlessly. Guys are dumping NTSC monitors left and right.
Ernie Santella
Santella Film/Video Productions
http://www.santellaproductions.com -
Walter, have you seen the Sharp Aquos LCDs? I am using the 45″ which is 1920 x 1080, component input and the blacks are real black, not purple/grey.
I am using it as my grade monitor for SD and HD and comparing finished masters on a Sony CRT HD monitor in the broadcasters tech check area, I am very happy with the match. In some respects it is more critical, particulalry checking codec blocking.
Also 18ms response so no audio sync problems like plasmas.
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Your PVM-14M4U was 800 lines so you may like to stay in that range again. Since those models are about 10 years old it’s probablly a bad idea to try to find another. I think the PVM-L2 is 600 lines and while it would be brand new it should be close to what you are used to. I hope these LCD monitors last as long as the CRT’s last. Panasonic had a BT-Y1390 that was 750 lines and has all the features as your old one and were really nice monitors.
“everything is broken”
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[Michael G] “I am using it as my grade monitor for SD and HD and comparing finished masters on a Sony CRT HD monitor in the broadcasters tech check area,”
As a secondary monitor you can use anything you want. If it’s your only monitor, then no I would not use a consumer LCD monitor. I would go with a panasonic plasma screen instead. The colors are incredibly true on that and almost perfectly match my Sony CRT while displaying true rich black.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com
HD Editorial & Animation for Food Network’s “Good Eats”
HD Editorial for “Assignment Earth”“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
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[walter biscardi] “If it’s your only monitor, then no I would not use a consumer LCD monitor.”
My question was have you seen this monitor. Your assumption that it is not good enough because it is a domestic product is likely to be correct in most instances. However your comment suggests you haven’t seen this monitor as the tech boffins at the broadcast tech check think it is accurate and perfectly suited to grading.
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