ntsc broadcast monitor vs. regular TV at DVinfo.net

Josh Martin · December 7th, 2003, 08:16 AM

How much difference am I going to see in my editing if I use a regular TV (maybe a 13" sony wega) for external monitoring than if I use a broadcast monitor? Will it be noticeable? Will it be very subtle? Aren't people going to watch my stuff on a regular TV anyways, why not see what they're going to see. Also some people say that using a TV will hinder your color correction, why not use your LCD computer screen, the colors should be much more close to actual than a CRT anyways, right? I don't have the answers, but I'm looking. Please advise.

Boyd Ostroff · December 7th, 2003, 08:48 AM

There should be a significant improvement. But more specifically, don't go out and get a 13" WEGA, they're really mediocre and you're just paying for the name. I had one a couple years ago and was very disappointed with the quality, and even worse, it died about a year later. Now I'm actually a big fan of Sony stuff and also have a 20" and 27" WEGA. But they are completely different animals. The 13" model doesn't even have s-video input, you need to go up to the 20" for that. If you're going to use a regular 13" TV then you might as well just buy on price.

I'll let others get into more detail on this topic, but your computer monitor is also a bad route to go for color judgement...

Bill Pryor · December 7th, 2003, 11:36 AM

It's difficult to setup a TV with complete accuracy since it doesn't have bluecheck.

Boyd Ostroff · December 7th, 2003, 12:48 PM

True, but if you are using one then you might find this link helpful. You will need some sort of primary blue color filter, such as Roscolux R80.

Mike Rehmus · December 7th, 2003, 04:10 PM

The issue isn't whether the TV can show a good picture but can you see the 'real' picture.

A television is designed to correct the video to create a pleasing picture. It will show you a nice picture even if the top IRE value is around 75%. Not too informative. It also corrects colors. some televisions allow some of the automatic controls to be turned off. But you never know just how much is switched on or off.

A NTSC production monitor is designed to show you the video as-is. That is very important in adjusting your video in post. It is the same idea as using Nearfield Monitors to listen to your audio.

In all cases, video and audio, the intent is to avoid coloring the signal with the visual or audio transducers.

December 7th, 2003, 08:16 AM	#1
Josh Martin Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 29	ntsc broadcast monitor vs. regular TV How much difference am I going to see in my editing if I use a regular TV (maybe a 13" sony wega) for external monitoring than if I use a broadcast monitor? Will it be noticeable? Will it be very subtle? Aren't people going to watch my stuff on a regular TV anyways, why not see what they're going to see. Also some people say that using a TV will hinder your color correction, why not use your LCD computer screen, the colors should be much more close to actual than a CRT anyways, right? I don't have the answers, but I'm looking. Please advise.

December 7th, 2003, 04:10 PM	#5
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	The issue isn't whether the TV can show a good picture but can you see the 'real' picture. A television is designed to correct the video to create a pleasing picture. It will show you a nice picture even if the top IRE value is around 75%. Not too informative. It also corrects colors. some televisions allow some of the automatic controls to be turned off. But you never know just how much is switched on or off. A NTSC production monitor is designed to show you the video as-is. That is very important in adjusting your video in post. It is the same idea as using Nearfield Monitors to listen to your audio. In all cases, video and audio, the intent is to avoid coloring the signal with the visual or audio transducers. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

December 7th, 2003, 08:48 AM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	There should be a significant improvement. But more specifically, don't go out and get a 13" WEGA, they're really mediocre and you're just paying for the name. I had one a couple years ago and was very disappointed with the quality, and even worse, it died about a year later. Now I'm actually a big fan of Sony stuff and also have a 20" and 27" WEGA. But they are completely different animals. The 13" model doesn't even have s-video input, you need to go up to the 20" for that. If you're going to use a regular 13" TV then you might as well just buy on price. I'll let others get into more detail on this topic, but your computer monitor is also a bad route to go for color judgement...

December 7th, 2003, 11:36 AM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	It's difficult to setup a TV with complete accuracy since it doesn't have bluecheck.

December 7th, 2003, 12:48 PM	#4
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	True, but if you are using one then you might find this link helpful. You will need some sort of primary blue color filter, such as Roscolux R80.