Flat panel display...FCP 4.0

[DVX100Shooter]

I just bought my G5 with FCP 4.0 yesterday. I didnt get the Apple screen because I figured I can get a larger flat screen for a lower price. I found a 19inch flat panel display with 1280 x 1024 resolution; Dot pitch is .294mm and Contrast Ratio is 500:1

For video editing is the above spec's good? I am going to also have a NTSC monitor to view the final product on as well.

Now I read that the Power Mac delivers an all digital signal to the Apple flat panel displays. So with that said do I need a screen with digital inputs?

The spec's for the 19inch screen stated something about a 24 pin DVI connector cable for digital. Does that mean I can use this particular screen for editing?

Where can I get a NTSC monitor from as well besides B&H?

[erikbryan]

1280 x 1024 is pretty much minimum size for an editing system IMHO. But certainly usable. All current g4s have an ADC connector and a DVI connector. They also usually ship with an ADC to DVI adapter. Your DVI equipped 19 monitor will take a nice clean digital signal right out of your stock G4.

erik bryan slavin

[DVX100Shooter]

correction, I have a 1.8 G5. Thats true about the digital signal though...

Thanks!

[justinsullivan]

How is it working for you? Did you load it up with RAM?
I have th esame model and with little RAM it seems as slow as a G4.
jsull

[Jive]

I was under the assumption that all (at least current) models of LCD displays have DVI ports. *This is your best interface. *I've just setup a computer with support for 4 monitors. *Unfortunately, as on most dual-headed video cards, there is usually 1 DVI and 1 VGA. *There is a discernable difference in quality between the two interfaces (mostly brightness tho).

FYI: Pretty much ANY flat panel with the same (and often better) specs of the Apple LCDs are cheaper. *What're models are you looking at? *Your specs look very similar to some 19" Dells that I just bought (which are very good by the way). *These could've been had for ~$450 a piece last month! *I just missed the boat and ended up paying $100 more per monitor *:-[. *Still great monitors tho!

[DVX100Shooter]

I havent even turned the computer on yet! LOL! I am going to be getting a display this weekend and I want to add another internal SATA hard drive so I can capture just to that drive and not the system drive. I bought an extra gig of RAM when I bought the system last week so now I have a gig and a half in there so far.

Setting the system up to edit with the different settings, preferences, codecs....seems a little confusing but I have my manuals to refer to! :)

[savage]

Speaking of said subjects + NTSC Monitors, I will be buying a Mac editing system late next week or middle of week after. I have speced it out for 1.8ghz G5, 1.5G of Ram to start (wait until those 1G chips drop) 160G Drive, with a capture drive of 250G a 17" and 20" Display. I will be getting FCP4 and DVD Studio Pro. But I was also interested in an external monitor. Any low-cost/good quality options? Also, anyone know of a good Mini-DV deck, so I can save the heads on my DVX-100?

Thanks.

[DVX100Shooter]

There's a store here in Philadelphia that is a APPLE/MAC dealer and they have 1 gig chips for $99.00. I found that out after I paid $144.89 a piece for 2 chips to give me the gig and half I have now.

www.spingboardmedia.com is the store's website.

I am planning on getting a portable Sony GVD-1000 MiniDV deck that includes a 4 inch flip up screen to use instead of the camera for capturing and recording the final project back to tape. It has FW in and out and a lot of other cool features. The reason I am going with the Sony is because I can also use it on the set for other situations.

As for the NTSC monitor, you can check B&H or Ebay. I just bought a 14 inch Flat Screen TV/Monitor that has S-video and Component jacks on it. I use that to view video that I am capturing and I will use it to view the final project. Since a lot of my work will be going to DVD, I decided to go this route. However, I will get a NTSC production monitor sometime soon though.

[Guest]

Shooter,

Thanks for all the great info, I will continue my research with this new information. Much appreciated.

[savage]

P.S.

While I'm researching, could you possibly point me in a direction for a non-portable deck. I was really looking to use it just for capturing/playing tapes. Unless this portable one offers features that will be of use in other ways, I still need to check it out.

Thanks again.