Can you suggest a good Monitor? (for editing)

F

FilmBoy77

Veteran
I'm looking for a good monitor at least 21-24 inches for editing video and graphics -- what do you suggest? What should I be focusing on specifically in terms of specs?
 
what's your budget? computer monitor or video monitor? IOW, is it connected to a graphics card via DVI or display port or a video capture card via SDI or HDMI?
 
I'm open on budget, but would like to keep it under $500 if possible. This is for a computer monitor. I was planning to use it as a second monitor I can connect to my iMac. It's just a regular display port on the back so I'm assuming I just need a connection that would go from that to whatever the new monitor has.
 
If you want a relatively low cost 2nd monitor for color reference and grading the best choice is a current generation consumer plasma TV, LG or Panasonic. Second best would be a standard back light LCD TV, not an LED model. LG's are true 10 bit displays and ISF certified, meaning they can be accurately color calibrated. Plasma especially will give better image quality than any sub $1k computer monitor. Display port to HDMI cable is all you need.
 
Now that definitely sounds interesting and makes sense.....using a consumer plasma tv for my second monitor....seems like I can't get one smaller than 42 inches though, do they not make plasma tv's smaller than that? might have a space issue on the desk i have when placing that beside my 21 inch iMac...loving the idea though
 
For plasma each pixel contains three pixels (one of each colour) and are expensive to shrink down smaller than 3x3mm or 4x3mm depending on model. No-ones going to pay more for a smaller TV so for the HD price point 42" becomes the smallest practical size. Unfortunately for editing that means you ideally want to sit a distance of 3x the vertical height of the screen away for proper viewing otherwise you're going to see the pixels. For a 42" that's just over 5'. If you have the room available to set yourself up like you might feel it a pleasingly cinematic way to edit. I've certainly thought about it.

On the other hand plasma does have an issue with burn in. It is much improved since the early days but still exists. My plasma takes about 20 minutes on pause to develop a noticeable burn-in and I have left it on the menu screen of a DVD over night a couple of times, after falling asleep on the couch. The burn in is really significant overnight but takes about 10-15 minutes to disappear completely with usage. I imagine that unless you use it as a TV in between editing sessions then menu bars and the like will burn in significantly and possibly permanently over time but I'm just speculating and erring on the side of caution. LCD can go much smaller but the colours and sharpness aren't as nice. Plasma is at its best in the dark whereas LCD performs better in a bright room. Plasma truly is spectacular in the right conditions and I am considering using my TV as an editor in the future or at least hooked up as a second monitor dedicated to playback while editing on a normal computer monitor.

Do some research to determine the best technology for your needs. Google 'videophile' and you'll not only find a swag of opinionated (and infuriatingly correct) individuals but quite often charts of the optimum settings to program into your TV for particular usages. My first TV many moons ago had sharpness, contrast, colour and brightness. My current TV has approaching 150 settings. Like I know what any of them do. That's what the internet is for. The factory presets are designed to look good in the store. Videophiles will help you fix that.
 
For a computer monitor, look at HP or Dell. You should be able to find a pretty decent 23" or 24" in that price range.
 
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