A few questions about referencing

[MGPMatt]

Ok I'm sure there might be a **** storm to follow this, but let's hope now.

I've been using FCP for about 2 years now and mostly film live concerts with a few promo or in the studio videos here and there. Something I've always noticed when seeing other editors suites or videos/pics on these forums is that everyone has an extra reference monitor. I'm not really too familiar with these monitors, their output, etc so I guess i'll start from the basics?

What are the benefits in having one and not just watching things in the Viewer in FCP?

I'm sure prices are all overthe place but if I'm not filming in HD and would just want a good mid level reference monitor how much would I be looking to spend and what are a few strong staples?

Are there any other accessories or anything else I'd be looking at investing in as well?

I hope you guys and point me in the right direction and I really would appreciate any help!

Thanks!
Matt

 

[NoahK]

Main thing is for seeing true colors and motion characteristics. What you have on your desktop is an RGB proxy conversion of your YUV footage. So you are not really seeing the actual look and color of your material and therefore you won't be able to properly finish it in a consistent and reliable manner without having a properly calibrated broadcast monitor. Typically you'd also need something to feed the video- like an AJA Kona 3 for example if we're talking HD.

Noah

 

[Cools]

Here's my laptop setup:

I use an entry level JVC 17" SD monitor that I picked up for around $700 last year.

I connect to it using an S-Video cable from a Canopus ADVC 110 (digital/analog converter) that is connected to my MacBook Pro using FireWire.

Nice and simple setup (even used it to power an 11 feet wide LED screen last year at a festival).

Hope this helps.