Can you use a portable dvd player as a lcd screen?

yes, as long as it has video inputs.

The quality won't be very good, so if you are thinking about buying a DVD player to do this, consider a liliput (search)
 
ok thanks.. but it will deffently work.. filming in HD, it should show in the lcd scree of the portable dvd player?
 
corycross, if it has video inputs yes, however it will not be an hd image, most of these small dvd screens have less than SD so dont use it for focusing
 
yea i dont need it for focusing.. though, I saw a sony portable dvd player there, that had really god resolution.ha... but ok. I just need ot ti flip the image for me really... thats it
 
I would recommend getting a larger say 19 inch, hd lcd tv, bigger and not as easy to move around, but small enough to work. plus its hd, larger image, more color options and most you can flip internally.

Jason
 
I'd say it depends on what you're using it for. As a full fledged focus or color reading tool, try something else.

I know someone using a dvd player for a jib monitor so he's only using it for framing and his results have been pretty good. It's definitely a cheaper option if that's all you're after.
 
Last edited:
dvd player as monitor

dvd player as monitor

Yes portable DVD players make FINE makeshift LCD screens, BUT they SUCKKKK when using them outside. As long as you're indoors they work just great. Just make sure you buy one that has either S vid INPUT or RCA jack INPUTS (depending on the OUTports on your cam).
 
There is no workaround for good gear if one wants to make a truly professional motion picture.

Technically, this solution works...but I think it only works for amateur productions. There are too many other elements to consider...color, contrast, brightness and focus will not be represented accurately on a portable DVD player.

A laptop is a better solution. If it has the right inputs, a laptop monitor can be far better calibrated and is far higher resolution. Theoretically, you need a laptop on set anyways.
 
ive used a dvd played for framing with my kessler crane before, it worked fine. good option if you cant afford a quality monitor, but need something larger than the cameras lcd
 
I got a LG portable dvd player that had the most AMAZING screen when playing dvds. Unfortunately, when plugging into the AV in it looks like CACA, and it's very hard to see without a full hood, a towel on your head, and a courtesy flag.

Good thing I only paid 65 bucks shipped to my door.
 
Couple of threads on the Sony DVP-FX820 being used as an inexpensive, portable 8" 800x480 monitor solution. Composite A/V in only, but has a pretty decent screen that folds flat. I tried one out and think the output is acceptable until you can step up to one of the more expensive and better quality field monitors. They're usually available at your local Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. so you could try one out and return it if it didn't end up working out for you.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=121801

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?p=92592

Cheers,

PS: If you do try one out, make sure that it is the FX820 model and NOT the FX810 model; worlds apart in image quality...
 
Last edited:
Brilliant idea!! I wonder why no one has thought of this before. I've tried on a pair at an electronic store and was amazed at the picture quality and also that could still see what was going on in front of me. Like wearing shades. I suppose this would be very useful in the field. Very interesting idea.
 
I just got one for my Jib. Although I'm going to build something better, I cut a piece of plywood, secured it with a shelf bracket, then attached the dvd player with velcro for a test run. It's great for framing the shot on a budget.
 
Prodigi Pictures said:
There is no workaround for good gear if one wants to make a truly professional motion picture.

Technically, this solution works...but I think it only works for amateur productions. There are too many other elements to consider...color, contrast, brightness and focus will not be represented accurately on a portable DVD player.

A laptop is a better solution. If it has the right inputs, a laptop monitor can be far better calibrated and is far higher resolution. Theoretically, you need a laptop on set anyways.
Click to expand...

All that is true, but you can output to an HD monitor to check focus, or a laptop/waveform monitor etc, and then to a little LCD for a jib. I know I don't put either my CRT or my Macbook on the jib. Gets a little awkward.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top