confused about monitors
 

Aren't most computer monitors already HD? They all have adjustable resolutions that usually go at least to 1280x720. What do I have wrong here? Why aren't basic computer monitors considered HD?

Most of the discussions in this thread are about various types of VIDEO monitors (generally analog and lower resolution) as opposed to COMPUTER monitors (which are mostly digital and higher resolution).

Analog video monitors range from composite video input at the low end (ignoring modulated or channelized broadcast channels) to the slightly better S-Video input (with separated luminance and chromanance information) to analog component input capable of HD resolutions, and extending into the relatively-rarified SDI (serial digital) world of commercial multicam.

The unfullfilled need of consumer HD field cameras is high defination focus assist as focus is super-critical in high defination as opposed to the easily overlooked, or maybe masked focus errors inherent in SD video. There isn't an off-the-shelf high resolution component input camera monitor with over 480 lines of resolution for much less than $1000, whereas that same $1000 can get a Sony 32" 1920x1080 high def LCD or several 21" widescreen computer monitors. Not that it couldn't be done at half the price if the market numbers were there.

I wish some manufacturer would just add some decent inputs to a UMPC - some of the latest screeens are just incredible compared to the stuff being sold to the video assist market. </rant off1>