External Monitors
 

Could the collective group comment on what equipment you use for externally monitoring your final video. I use Sony Vegas, and have just been using a small 13" TV for an external monitor, but it has finally given out. I am seeking advice as to what I should replace it with. Is it worth the price of broadcast monitors? If so, does anyone know a good source for these....

thanks,

Chris

If you want to do critical color correction for something that will go out to DVD or broadcast, it would be prudent to make your color correction decisions using a broadcast quality monitor that has SMPTE-C phosphors for accurate color matching and the proper controls for calibrating the monitor. Video will always look different on a computer display that it does on a video monitor, so using a professional-quality video monitor rather than a television set provides a baseline standard that you can count on.

I've been using a Sony PVM-8042Q 8" Field Monitor since 1999. There are newer models on the market today to consider that range in features, inputs, and sizes. I chose the PVM-8042Q becuase I could use it as part of my editing system as well as a field monitor and larger monitors were both too expensive and I would never lug them with me for productons. The PVM-8042Q can be powered in addition to AC with either 2 batteries that slide into the monitor or via a 12 volts power connector. Features to look for when shopping for a monitor include: Component input, S-video input, any other inputs you may need, e.g. SDI, underscan, 16:9/4:3 switchable, AC and DC operation, and all the usual suspects in terms of controls including blue-gun switch.

LCD HDTV Monitors
 

I looked far & wide for a replacement monitor for my 13" CRT. I wanted to get the Maxent 26" LCD TV (with every input you need except IEEE 1394) @ Costco for $485. However family and fiscal realities lead me to the ProView 17" LCD HDTV (still at 1280 x 768, w/all the inputs!!) for ~$350, again at Costco. My eye gave the 26" Maxent and the 17" Proview and 17" AOC TV's nearly identical crisp image scores. I like the ProView a great deal. I just need a third monitor out solution for my editor.