HD Monitoring on a Budget

D

DP StrangeLove

Well-known member
I have a 1k budget for an HD monitor, I know it's not much and won't get you too far in high quality in this industry, but I was wondering what my best options are. Currently, I am deciding between the Dell 2405, or a high-end consumer HDTV, like the Sony WEGA. One question I have off the bat, do I need an HD converter box, like Blackmagic HDLINK that runs beween my computer, Apple G4 Laptop, and the Sony HDTV to display and playback my 720p footage in FCP in realtime? If not, how do I run the HDTV off of my laptop?
Secondly, what would be the best overall monitor to have? I know that the dell 2405 has much higher resolution, and is better for on-set Focusing, Color Correction and editing, but what would be the best monitor to play back footage on? I have been hearing reports of the Dell being too sharp, thus displaying more noise. I want my client to see review the footage in the best possible way, the cleanest, and how the audience will see it. Also, would it be near-to-impossible or just not recommended to use the Sony for Focusing?
Thanks
benjamin:beer:
 
if your budget is limited to 1k, i would recommend the samsung 242mp. its 24" and 1920x1200, same as the dell. the advantage over the dell is, that the samsung is hdcp certified. it should be good enough to monitor the hvx image on set via component. if you want to use it for color correction later on, i would consider a true 1st class hd monitor($$$). i can`t comment on your other question, because i am on pc, sorry.

bye bye
MAS
 
The dell can very well be the way to go, and you can monitor it directly from the camera.

If you're on a G4 laptop, I can see no way you can use the HD-Link or equal products, as you'll need an HD-SDI stream to convert, and you won't get that from a laptop right now. So for editing... Decklink HD + HD-Link on a G5 (PCI-X) is sort of the cheapo setup.

Gunleik
 
Thanks for your suggestions. I guess it will be between the Dell and Samsung. What's the Samsung retail at? Dammm..so no deckline HD on my laptop, but I though my powerbook could do everything!
 
As for FCP I use 'Audio/Video Setting' / 'digital cinema desktop preview - Full Screen' on a second dvi display with my G5. This works just fine through DVI. I have a G5 desktop so maybe the G4 laptop won't be up to it. If you have a fast machine with lots of VRAM it should work. You can plug in a VGA monitor with the supplied DVI/VGA adapter to test it out.
Good luck!
Sam
 
Since your on a limited budget, I suggest the Dell. You can get it under $800 and still have enough to add a stick of memory or 2.
 
for those of us that arent in 2 to 3k range for a production monitor, i came across a 19" widescreen samsung 940mw which is a computer monitor with a tuner, 1440x900, component, dvi, vga, s-video and rca inputs.
i put it next my friends dell 2405, we put up a grey card and macbeth chart and it look very similar.
i know this isnt a proper monitor but for $449 plus tax its not a bad solution for now and its easier to transport because of the size than the dell 2405.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top