What to look for in video monitors

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DVX100Shooter

Veteran
I am shopping around for a monitor to use while I am editing/ shooting. Other than making sure it has switchable 16:9/4:3 what else did I need to look for? I don't need a large monitor just something where I can accurately check out my colors and levels and all. Now if I use it just for editing does have to have a switchable aspect ratio? I am looking at a JVC TM-A13SU 13" color monitor at EVS. What does underscan do? I don't t think the above monitor has it though.
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

I think underscan is a must, blue-gun only is desireable, and a metal case and DC power are big pluses.  Unfortunately, the TM-A13SU doesn't have any of these features--it's essentially a TV with no tuner.  I'm not sure there's any big advantage of getting the TM-A13SU over the Toshiba 14AF43/44 TV.  You might want to consider a used monitor with more useful features.
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

If you can afford it, buy a Porta Brace cover for your monitor. It will allow you to prop it up at various angles, has pockets for cables, gives all around general protection.
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

thanks...Actually I got the Toshiba sitting right here in front of me! I did a search to see what it looked like and realize I already have it! LOL!
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

"underscan" lets you see the whole frame, not just the "tv safe" area.

"blue-only" helps in calibrating the monitor to make sure you're getting the right brightness/contrast from it.

switchable aspect ratio is something you should not be without.

Adequate lines of resolution is important also, you want 500 or more.

SMPTE-C vs. P22 phosphors is another issue. SMPTE-C will give you accurate color response, they're the best phosphors you'll encounter in a reasonably-priced monitor (meaning, under $1200). Cheaper monitors use P-22 phosphors, which are brighter and more like a television set's phosphors. The JVC monitors all use P-22, I believe. Even the low-end Sony monitors (the L1 and L2) use P-22, you have to go up to the L-5 before you get SMPTE-C.

I agree with Barry_S (as always...) I wouldn't spend $600-$700 on that JVC, I'd either go with the Panasonic BT-H1390Y (about $1150) or the Toshiba TV at around $150.
A variety of inputs and switchable A/B are also desirable, and an s-video connection is a bare minimum requirement.
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

Does that Toshiba do underscan & represent decent colours ???
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

no underscan on the toshiba, but terrific colors.
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

I live on an island in the middle of the med! The only thing available is a 15 inch JVC ( at a suitable price that is ). I have ordered one to use as a broadcast monitor, it does 700 lines and is calibrated but costs half the amount of a sony!
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

the new JVC 15" HD moniter is pretty sweet, is that the one you are talking about?
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

nope I think it is more like this model ( this i sprob the american eqiv) TM-H150CGU
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

Most of the JVC monitors are much cheaper because they're P-22 phosphors, etc. They're not quite the same thing.

But hey, if it does the job for you (especially in your remote location), more power to you!
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

p-22 phosphorus? what would that mean in lay mans terms scotty?
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

that TM-H150CGU is pretty nice actually, 700 lines and you can plug SD and component into it, if your deck has that.

It does have P-22 phospors, but to be fair so does most of the Sony monitors like the standard PVM9. SMPTE-C phospors are great because they are incredibly accurate, but wear out incredibly fast, so after 100 hours they are pretty close. Plus, since nobody in the world really uses P43 phospors, its one of those catch 22 things where sure it is "accurate" but will look different on everyone elses TV or monitor.
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

theos, p22 phospors just use Zinc Sulfide for the Green where P43 phospors use rare earth for the green.
 
Re: What to look for in video monitors

ha ha sorry Barry.. totally skipped over your post somehow.
 
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