LCD Computer Monitor for Editing - Recommendations?

DukeONuke

New member
Hi All! Gleamed some good info from everyone on the Monitor topic – “Apple HD 30” Cinema Display ?”, but I'm looking for a less budget intensive LCD Monitor for my new Mac Pro, then the Apple Cinema Displays (ACD). When I can get two monitors for the price of one ACD I'm inclined to lean that direction. Any suggestions on Monitors would be greatly appreciated. Here are some more pointed questions:

For video editing is it best to have 2 separate monitors and in what configuration: 22Wide+20Standard, 20W+20S, 24W+20S, 20W+20W, or what? I realize it's kind of subjective, but what do you find works best for you? Is it best having a wide screen and a standard, 2 wides, or 2 standards, Or just one big screen? And what size’s work best for you?

Also do you find it very helpful to have rotatable screens; going from a horizontal to vertical max length? Can that be helpful in managing workflow and editing?

Here are some of the Computer Monitors I’ve been looking at:
Monitor……………………………..............……Rez……….......Contrast....Response...Cost
Westinghouse 22”W (LCM-22W2)……1680x1050….700:1…......5ms...........330
Mag Innovision 22”W (LT2219WDB)..1680x1050….1400:1…....2ms...........270
Samsung 22”W (226BW)...................1680:1050....3000:1......2ms............330
Samsung 20”S (204B)........................1600:1200....800:1........5ms...........320
LG 20”W (L204WT).............................1680:1050...1400:1.......5ms...........310
Dell 22”W (E228WFP).........................1680:1050...800:1.........5ms...........276
Dell 20”W (E207WFP).........................1680:1050...800:1.........5ms...........259
Dell 24”W UltraSharp (2407WFP).......1920:1200...1000:1.......6ms...........629
Dell 20”W (2007WFP) ........................1680:1050...800:1.........?................360

Any that I should be wary of? Any I should most consider? Any I didn’t consider that I should most consider?

As stated before I’m trying to save some bucks, but I definitely want to get the most bang for my buck, and get a good reliable monitor that I’ll be happy with. In looking at stat's it seems that the Samsung 22" has the best Contrast Ratio’s
(3000:1) and Response Times (2ms), The dell’s seem to have the worst response times (16ms black to white, and 6ms grey to grey - and I’m not really sure what the difference is between those - anyone?). However I have a friend whose workplace runs the Samsung 204B and is having problems with them...so that's making me a wary of the Samsungs.

Also some Monitors have additional connection options such as:

The Dell UltraSharp 20" has:
1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI
4 x Hi-Speed USB downstream - 4 pin USB Type A
1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
1 x Hi-Speed USB upstream - 4 pin USB Type B
1 x composite video input - RCA
1 x S-video input - 4 pin mini-DIN

The Dell UltraSharp 24" has:
Above +
1 x component video input - RCA x 3
9-in-2 card reader

Westinghouse LCM-22W2 has:
1 D-Sub mini 15 pin
1 DVI-D
1 AC-in
1 Stereo mini jack
1 Composite in
1 S-Video
1 YPbPr (component video input - RCA x 3)
1 Audio In

Connections question is: If it has DVI-D are all the other connections really needed? If so what for? Are the extra connections worth the price increase (in dollars and ease of use)?

So what is your sage advice on the above topics?

- Duke
 
For editing, I would recommend a Matrox MXO connected to a 23-24" display. I use a Dell 2405. You cannot just connect a DVI monitor to the second DVI port of your Mac video card and use Apple Cinema Display mode. This is displaying a proxy rather than an image in proper color space. So, you either need to go SDI from capture card to SDI monitor or SDI to SDI->DVI converter and then to DVI monitor. The MXO at $995 represents the most reasonable solution for editors who merely need to preview accurate video from the timeline. It also allows you to downrez to SD in RT as well as gives you SDI (with audio), Component and Composite video.

Ned Soltz
 
Hi DukeONuke,

I just happen to buy recently two LG L204WT and all I can say is WOW...

About extra connections,
there are welcome if you need them, I could use component any time

About the response time,
anything below 15 is more then OK.

About the 3000:1,
LG L204WT suppose to be 2000:1 and thats true if you put everything to auto... and you are willing to destroy your image. The truth is that they are no more then 400-600:1 when you calibrate them correctly.

best
Andreas
 
Another vote for the Dells...I've got two 2005FPWs and LOVE them. But, for actually monitoring the footage, check out the MXO or maybe a Decklink option and get yourself a real HD monitor.
 
Thanks Folks for the info!

Ordered the Dell 22”W (E228WFP) from Costco....so I've got 90 days to return it if I have buyers remorse or decide I want something else. Planning on buying a second monitor soon though too.

So what is everybodies preferred configuration on a two monitor setup? 2 identical size screens, or mix it up? And what size's do you prefer? Is bigger always better, or does it just depend on your desk space?
 
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