OT: Monitor recommendation?

bbcdrum wrote on 5/2/2004, 9:34 AM
My 5 year old Iiyama 19" Vision Master 450 CRT monitor is finally on its last gasp. I have been looking around for a replacement but, so far, have not found one that I like.

I have been looking at 19" LCDs and CRTs. Most of the LCDs seem a bit fuzzy to me, especially with text, certainly not as sharp as my Iiyama. As for CRTs, I don't like the lines of the Aperture grill type monitors so I have been looking at higher end Shadow Mask and Slot Mask (I think that's what they call the hybrid shadow/aperture technology). I have not found one that I like, especially since some manufacturers are discontinuing their non-aperture grill models.

Any recommendations on a monitor that will look good with Vegas and also display text clearly?

Thanks.

Comments

beerandchips wrote on 5/2/2004, 9:57 AM
I use a Samsung 191T. Look it up at Samsungs web site. I like it. 700 bucks.
Dell sells the same monitor with their logo, can't think of the model number but it is the same monitor for 100 less. I'm sure others have good recommendations as well.
johnmeyer wrote on 5/2/2004, 10:31 AM
My old eyes couldn't take looking a CRT anymore. I looked all around a year ago, and the Samsung SyncMaster 172T had all the others beat by a mile in terms of specs that are important for digital photography and video editing. In particular, make sure you get one with the fastest response time (or motion will tend to blur), and widest viewing angles. Also, you definitely need monitor calibration software with an LCD (you do with a CRT as well, but it makes a bigger difference with the LCD). The reason for this is that most LCDs are set up to completely blow out the highlights of any picture. Looks great on spreadsheets, but kills photos and videos.
danstine wrote on 5/2/2004, 10:32 AM
I just got a Sony SDM-HX93 and I like it quite a bit. Due to the size of my workstation, I could only fit an LCD. Of course, I've never previously owned a high end LCD, but it compares very favorably to high end CRTs I have used at previous jobs. I've got a vision impairment, and I was having a difficult time doing color adjustment with my previous monitor. One of the things I like about this monitor (besides that it is nice and sharp), is that it has a mode hardware switch on the side that toggles through modes called PC, Auto, Game, Movie. Game is very bright, and works well for me when I'm working up close and personal so to speak, but then I can quickly switch to PC mode, roll back and watch a preview.

Dianne
Grazie wrote on 5/2/2004, 10:47 AM
Oh yes JM! I got 2 x 17" Samsung SyncMaster 172 . .Vs . .really nice. Good price too here in UK.

Grazie
JakeHannam wrote on 5/2/2004, 10:51 AM
I have had good luck with an old ViewSonic 17PS (still going strong on my boy's computer).

I just bought a NEC-Mitsubishi DiamondPro 930SB (PC World best buy) and am very happy with it so far. It is a 19-inch model.

I like to look for monitors that have a good range of resolutions and good refresh rates. Good refresh rates at ALL resolutions (e.g. 85 HZ or higher) is essential for reducing eyestrain. The DiamondPro goes up to 87HZ at 1600 x 1200 and, of course, higher than that at the lower resolutions. I paid about $450 for mine but almost a hundred of that was for shipping.

LCDs still have limitied resolutions (max 1280 x 1024) but will eventually go much higher I would suspect. If you do any graphics (e.g. Photoshop) you will want to go with a higher resolution for the increased screen real estate. For that reason, I chose NOT to get an LCD.

P.S. The Mitsubishi is an aperature-grill but I do not notice the lines.

Jake
craftech wrote on 5/2/2004, 12:27 PM
I have two refurbished 21" Dell D1626HT monitors. They are rebranded Sony Trinitron monitors. The first one I bought at a computer show for $400 5 years ago. The second I bought last year from Overstock.com for $160 shipped. I tested that one for two months before I put it in the basement because the first one is still working like new.
If you can find one from a place that will give you a good return policy, I HIGHLY recommend the monitor. The Sony version cost over $1000 in it's day. The build quality was much better back then as well for ALL monitors.

John

PS: I don't know why they are widely available "refurbished", but I can tell you that whatever the original problem was with them it had to be minor.
Jay_Mitchell wrote on 5/2/2004, 12:44 PM
Here are my three recommendations for thin besel LCD Monitors. Thin besel is best for working with a twin monitor setup.

1. Samsung 193P. 19", 800:1 Contrast, 20 MS Response Time. $ 750. Online

2. Nec LCD1980sx. 19", 700:1 contrast, 25 MS Response Time. $750. Online

3 . Nec LCD1960nxi. 19", 500:1 Contrast, 25 MS response Time. $650 Online.


I own two of the NEC LCD1980sx's and they are perfect for editing on a twin monitor setup. Just, make sure that you have a NTSC Monitor to check your critical colors, against.

Jay Mitchell

SCVUG

Host / Moderator
bbcdrum wrote on 5/3/2004, 7:52 AM
Thanks for the recommendations! I have some homework (and auditioning) to do now.
VZUAL wrote on 5/3/2004, 8:16 PM
329dkw

You need to determine the audience for your work. If it is just you and you like a CRT monitor, that is one thing. We recently went to all digital FPDs (Sharp). The main reason is that none of our clients use CRTs anymore, so there is no sense in developing or fine tuning a (technical) production to a great CRT when it will never be seen there. CRTs are phasing out and eventually most will be found only in the Horn of Africa and Cuba. That official notice on the CRT referencing Sweden means that the tube was manufactured in a manner that incorporated what was believed at the time to be the right number of LEAD atoms in the glass to attenuate hazardous XRAYS generated by the electrons hitting phosphors inside. A few XRAYS can manage to get through, and if you have spent as much time over the years as I absorbing those and others in airliners at high altitude, the new, alternative monitor technology is even more appealing.