Dell HDTV for monitoring in post

[mgalvan]

Hey guys,

What do you think of this TV for monitoring HD footage? Will it work?

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/lcd_w1900?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Just looking for cost effective solutions for this new camera.

Thanks,

[soarprod]

Yeah, its good for 720p but I would argue that a conventional monitor would work well - Run dual monitors for editing.

[mgalvan]

By conventional, you mean one of the Apple HD cinema displays? Also, I notice that a lot of HDTV monitors can run native 720p and 1080i. What about native 1080p footage (like after we extract the 24p out of the 1080i stream).

[harlan]

I personally wouldn't recommend it. After testing a plethora of HD capable LCD panels, the only one I'd whole-heartedly recommed is the 23" Apple Cinema HD display. The 20" & 30" are both great panels, but the native resolution of the 23" is 1920x1200 which is only slightly more than 1080 HD. The 23" will display native 1080 without image scaling which is hugely beneficial from a WYSIWYG standpoint.

If you can move beyond computer displays and go for one of the new Pansonic or Sony Production monitor (CRT or LCD) - I'd reccommend them as well.

Personally, I have 2 VariCam packages & a CineAlta package, and I use the Apple 23" Cinema Displays for On-Set monitoring on all of them (using RGB to DVI convertor boxes). I also use one of them for Post work with FCP.

The Dell will work, but it's native resolution is isn't the greatest. We tested HP, Dell, Apple, Sony, and a few others, but the Apple panel beat them all hands down in terms of image quality, interlace capability, color reproduction, and resolution.

Hope that helps.

harlan

[mthornton]

Not for color corrections.

Apple 23" Plus AJA Converter $695 and a puck to calebrate your color for about 2k total.

Now you're talking real cheap HD monitor.

Mthornton

[soarprod]

the new dell 24in is 1920x1200 and only $1,000 vs apple 23in @ $1,600

[fiercecurry]

Or a 23" Apple Cinema Display with a Blackmagic Design HDLink for $695.
But you will need a Blackmagic Decklink HD card, to get the SDI out and convert it to a DVI stream into the Apple or any other display that supports HD resolutions.

[hvpz]

the new dell 24in is 1920x1200 and only $1,000 vs apple 23in @ $1,600
Between both, you have the Benq FP231W $1400. : http://www.benq.us/Products/LCD/index.cfm?product=435&page=features

Here a review :
http://www.svconline.com/mag/avinstall_benq_fpw/

[mthornton]

the new dell 24in is 1920x1200 and only $1,000 vs apple 23in @ $1,600


You can not calabrate the Dell like the 23" Apple.

Mthornton

[thisiswells]

Personally, I have 2 VariCam packages & a CineAlta package

Harlan,
Can you hire me as a camera operator ? :thumbsup:

[mgalvan]

You can not calabrate the Dell like the 23" Apple.

Mthornton

So there is absolutely no way one can calibrate these TVs at all?

[mthornton]

Not as easy as the 23" with a PUCK and software $199.

Mthornton

[harlan]

Harlan,
Can you hire me as a camera operator ? :thumbsup:


LOL!!! Not if you live in Texas! :)

[thisiswells]

HaHa.

[JeanD]

harlan,
I was wondering whether you were have heard anything about the new Dell 2405

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-4221&link_number=

Do you have any idea on whether it would be possible to calibrate it using on a Macintosh? By the way, what hardware and software do you use to drive the monitor? (I'm referring to the RGB to DVI converter box you mention). I'm also wondering whether or not you could drive the Dell monitor directly, since it has an s-video input)

Thanks for your information

JD

[mthornton]

Yes, this one can be calibrate too and the specs looks great, but may not be true 1920x1200!

Max Resolution: 1920x1200 (WUXGA)
Do some home work!

Port(s) Total (Free) / Connector Type: 15-pin D-sub / DVI-D / S-video / Composite / Component / 4 x USB 2.0
Compatibility: PC

[FatDaddy]

mthorton - tell me about this PUCK and software you speak of?

Thanks.

[mthornton]

Try this one, it's one of many on the market!

http://www.colorvision.com/profis/profis_view.jsp?id=101

Mthornton

[FatDaddy]

Will this dial in my CRT (panasonic CT-2789) monitor? I thought this stuff worked on computer not CRT's without bluegun and bars...

interesting...

[mgalvan]

So I guess it would be better to go with the Apple monitor instead then?

[melyncolly]

http://www.dealtime.com/xPP-Monitors--21____25_-max_resolution__list__1920_x_1200

I've been looking to a similar solution for a future computer im building. After taking into account the hastle of using a TV as a monitor, i looked for monitors that could run 1920x1200. This site has all the stats from contrast ratio to brightness, and the dell 2405FPW beats out everyone. If you cant drop 1000 on a monitor you could shoot for the 2004FPW, the 20in, but the native runs a good 2 or 300 lower.

[harlan]

The Sony 23" is a great monitor as well, but I still highly recommend the Apple unit. An interesting side note: The "Panel" manufacturer for the Apple CinemaHD displays mentioned that they're the same panels found in the Sony & the HP displays of the same size - the difference is that the units that go inside the Sony & HP displays don't meet Apple spec and are relegated to the Sony & HP.

[Jarred Land]

Well.. I just ordered the24" Dell monitor. Not as a reference monitor but just to replace my aging 19" panel.. just want more real estate.

Apple is nice, but i cant bring myself to buy it. Im a PC guy (i know the displays work with PCs) and its starting to really hurt walking by that apple booth at NAB every year.. you damn guys got some serious stuff there and the advantages are fading.

[mthornton]

Not in HD editing, read up on FCP5 and HDV and HD in general.

No PC software combo can compete with G5 FCP5 for Editing HD materials.

FCP5 is a swiss army knife for editing HD anything.

Mthornton

P.S. I fixed PC for 10 years for a living! I had to buy a MAC.

[TimeKoder13]

Interesting lobbying going on here. I was just in B&H today, saw this big ass monitor and asked the sales guy "can you use those for color correction?" him- "NO!" me-"I didn't think so, but every once in a while somebody's trying to convince me that I can cc on the cinema display or the Dell. You need a broadcast hd mon for ccing right?" him-"Yeah. Come in tomorrow. We're demoing all the new Apple stuff." just another opinion...I just left my buddy's place. Don't you hate people who just buy stuff and haven't a clue? He's got a brand new huge Aquos HD, Sony 7 speaker surround setup, dvd changer, 2 new computers (G4s for some reason, which he claims he paid 6k for in a "steal" his brother in law hooked up for him) and "uh, could you help me hook up my computer and cam???" I get there and he has not a single computer interface or fw cable. So I end up hooking up the et sys for a burger and fries. The whole time thinking; "did he just say he paid 3k for a 1.42 G4 and a 17" display???" weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeddd killllsssss!!! And he's unemployed...things that make ya go hmmmmmmmmmm?????????

[ChuckS]

Yes, this one can be calibrate too and the specs looks great, but may not be true 1920x1200!

Max Resolution: 1920x1200 (WUXGA)
Do some home work!

Port(s) Total (Free) / Connector Type: 15-pin D-sub / DVI-D / S-video / Composite / Component / 4 x USB 2.0
Compatibility: PC
The Dell Ultra Sharp 2405FPW 24-inch Wide Aspect Flat Panel LCD Monitor is a very good monitor and calibrates fine with the Spyder ColorVision system.

I have a 23” Cinema display and the Dell 2405 and am glad that I saved the money, I can’t tell much of a difference. Why don’t you think this is a true 1920x1200?

I recommend the Dell 2405FPW.

[kyle_doris]

a friend of mine just bought this Dell monitor and he's loving it.

[natob2]

I am filming this monitor on a motion control stage as we speak. (I produce sometimes for Dell) It's a beautiful looking monitor. Haven't turned it on though.

[ArkhamFilms]

You guys might want to read about Mike Curtis' (www.hdforindies.com) problems with his Dell 2405 before buying. I too was thinking about buying it, but I won't until the problems with his are fixed. Some highlights:

"I don't know if it's my own unit, as I've only seen one mention of it on the Dell & hardforums.com sites, but I get lines/bands in the video image when viewing HD content over the component inputs. Within 10-15 minutes it makes the monitor useless to evaluate content - wavy lines throughout. White type wobbles & vibrates side to side"


-CJ

[Jarred Land]

Ive had this 24" for about 2 weeks now.. and have had no problems, In fact its probally the best monitor I've ever had.

[mr._guiyotinne]

What about component video from a DVD, Jarred? Mike said it was his problem. I guess it´s just some units with this kind of issues.

The other one i´m concern about was scaling, but if using decklink is gone then there´s just the component thing...

[Erik Olson]

Yes, what about scaling on the Dell? A lot of the time, it is really difficult to decipher the terminology they use when describing AR modes (e.g., wide, full, cinema).

I'd like a mode called RAW or ACTUAL along with a numeric H/V pixel breakdown of the incoming signal. I guess that might be a pipe-dream. Also a little confused on how two 4:3 images fit side-by-side on a 16:9 monitor... hmm. Is this accomplished by displaying only two 720 x 480 (1440 x 964) images floated within the "raster"?

1.33:1
+1.33:1
=2.66:1 on a 1.77:1 AR monitor?

e

[Antoine_Fabi]

I normally use two 19" LCDs with Final Cut Pro...

How could i use a 3rd monitor for HD ?

thanks

[Mr. Prexy]

So wait, you cannot CC unless you have this puck thing? AE, FCS, etc doesn't allow you to?

[ArkhamFilms]

I normally use two 19" LCDs with Final Cut Pro...

How could i use a 3rd monitor for HD ?

thanks

An extra video PCI card, or an RGB to DVI converter.
-CJ

[ArkhamFilms]

So wait, you cannot CC unless you have this puck thing? AE, FCS, etc doesn't allow you to?

I'm assuming the "puck" is the puck-like calibration tool you stick on your monitor to get the best possible calibration for true color, like this one:

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail~dpno~517283.asp

Both FCP & AE color correct without it, but the question is, is your monitor calibrated to display it properly?

-CJ

[Mr. Prexy]

I dunno yet, haven't purchased the software. I plan to get the FCstudio suite with a dual G5. But I will be using a 20.1inch Dell Flat Panel LCD with it. How can I calibrate it properly?

And what is the main advantage of having two screens for editing instead of just one? Cut on one, play on the other?

[ArkhamFilms]

I dunno yet, haven't purchased the software. I plan to get the FCstudio suite with a dual G5. But I will be using a 20.1inch Dell Flat Panel LCD with it. How can I calibrate it properly?

And what is the main advantage of having two screens for editing instead of just one? Cut on one, play on the other?

The screen real estate you get from having more monitors is more than worth it. Essentially more space for all your apps' windows.

-CJ

[speedbump]

Thanks for the hdinforindies.com link, that's an interesting blog.

I wonder if the guy has a power problem, as in, unclean power? Or maybe he's right, the monitor is reporting the video siognal so accurately that Macrovision, which was never designed with these kinds of tolerances, is hosing the picture. he should put a video stablizer ($50 at Soundtrack) on it and see if that fixes the problem.

[Jarred Land]

the 24" is the same as 2 17" side by side.. but without the little lines in the center. That is what I hated about dual monitor setups, the timeline would have the friken line in the middle that drove me nuts. this 24" is much more efficient, and I still have a second 19" tft as a second monitor that I use for the bin. Once you go wide you will never go back.

[Jarred Land]

oh as for HDTV... mine works fine, I have fed it WMV-HD dvd's and HD cable and has no issues, so far.

[ChuckS]

I normally use two 19" LCDs with Final Cut Pro...

How could i use a 3rd monitor for HD ?

thanks
Normally I used two 19” CRT’s, although I’m sure I lost a little screen real estate it is much easier to use the single 24” flat panel. I don’t make the monitors in the NLE much bigger (although I could), I use a 19” broadcast monitor for CC and I have a 60” big screen that I use for screenings.

As far as reliability, I have had mine for a couple of months and it works great – not problems. I know this sounds trivial, but one of the things I like about this monitor is all the different inputs – USB, flash memory slots, VGA, DVI, component, sVideo. It really cuts down on cables and I get my desk back.

[TiVo]

You can not calabrate the Dell like the 23" Apple.

Mthornton

Sure you can, it's called powerstrip or displaymate:

www.displaymate.com

www.download.com/PowerStrip/3000-2086_4-10395724.html?tag=lst-0-1

Then new Dell 24 inch would be a great choice at 1920 x 1200. You can get if for $999 and it's reviewsare saying it as good or better than the apple 23" in quality.