Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Flat Screen Monitor opinions

This is topic Flat Screen Monitor opinions in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 11-14-2003, 12:39 AM:

Knowing that many of tou guys probably already have flat screens, which ones should I look at for myself? I want to buy a 17" in th every near future. This monster KDS 19" CRT is dying, and it's killing my eyes... I'd like to upgrade my wife's KDS also with a 15" flat screen.

Opinions on ViewSonic? Others?

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 11-14-2003, 12:45 AM:

ViewSonic makes a nice flat screen monitor. Sony makes ones of similar quality for a whole lot more money.

If you're interested in LCD displays, NEC MultiSync LCD displays kick the crap out of anybody else's.

Avoid Samsung at all costs.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 11-14-2003, 01:07 AM:

If you are willing to give CRT monitors another chance, check out LaCie flat CRTs. I have one, it is by far the best monitor of any kind I have ever seen. It gives a very stable image which is nice for the eyes, and has very good color and geometry.

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 11-14-2003, 01:21 AM:

I've been using ELO brand flat screen touch monitors on my RTS boxoffice and concession stations over the past year. So far, so good.

Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 11-14-2003, 01:28 AM:

I have a 17" NEC MultiSync 1760v and I love it so far. I've had it about 2 months and have had no problems yet.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 11-14-2003, 02:30 AM:

I bought a Sony flat screen monitor recently (can't remember the model number) and I took it back because it sucked my ass. I don't like monitors sucking ass. It was over $500. It looked good at a glance, but colors weren't 100% true. It would have some difficulty between red and greens, etc. This wouldn't be apparent to the average moron, but to this moron it sure was. For mission critical work in graphics and video, you have to stick with CRT or Apple's Cinema Display (the one that costs like $70,000 per pixel).

LCD has a ways to go before it is acceptable.

Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 11-14-2003, 03:49 AM:

We have some Ilyama (I think that's the right spelling) in our Cad suite that are very good, but quite expensive. The ordinary ones we have in most other places are various makes, newer ones tend to be better than older ones, but there's not much difference from make to make, at a similar age and price.

They are sharper than typical CRTs, and have better picture geometry but rapid movement, and accurate colour reproduction can be a problem. Whether this would be important to you In your application, you would know better than me.

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 11-14-2003, 03:56 AM:

What are the advantages of a flat (not LCD) screen monitor or TV? What is a regular monitor called? I dont know what I have a sony VAIO but not sure of anything else.

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 11-14-2003, 03:06 PM:

I went to Office Depot today on my normal rounds, and saw a Samsung that 'caught my eye'. They also have some ViewSonics. Most of the 17" monitors are in the $400 price range.

The three year warranty on my KDS expried the fist of the month. I thought I had until mid-December to send it back.. Oh well...

Posted by Erick Akers (Member # 875) on 11-14-2003, 03:12 PM:

ViewSonics Are Great,low in cost and the performance is compairable to many more expensive models.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 11-14-2003, 03:43 PM:

Their (Viewsonic's) LCD projectors are great, too. There are so many unknown names showing up on monitors, I've got the feeling there're probably 3-4 shops in China that make all of them.

Posted by Joe Smith (Member # 190) on 11-14-2003, 03:46 PM:

If I was getting a new display I'd get a NEC lcd display. We use the 18" model LCD1860NX at work and they're great. They currently cost from $ 480 to $520. Their previous models (LCD1830 & LCD1850) were also great. Of about 200 installed so far, I only had 2 out-of-box failures (vertical row of stuck pixels on both), and one failure (bad power supply) after being in use for 4 months. Image is bright and clear. I believe their warranty is 3 years.

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 11-14-2003, 10:04 PM:

Viewsonic makes decent flat panel displays for a variety of budgets. However, keep in mind the very common 1024 X 768 and 1280 X 1024 maximum limits for most flat panel displays.

To get a flat panel monitor that shows 1600 X 1200 native pixels or better, you have to spend some serious cash. The 23" Apple Studio Cinema Display costs $1999. Sony makes a similar unit (using much of the same components as the Apple unit) that is compatible with Windows PCs, but it costs over $2200.

Then there's that 9.2 megapixel Viewsonic monster that runs about $8000.

Posted by David L Parlier (Member # 1944) on 11-15-2003, 12:31 AM:

I have had no problems with the ViewSonic, NEC, or Sony LCD flat screens. I found that the Sony LCD's cost just a tad more. If you are looking for something on a budget check out CTX. I have had no problems with them (so far) and for $365.00 w/ free fedex shipping and no sales tax (www.newegg.com) you can't go wrong if you are on a budget.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 11-15-2003, 07:55 AM:

I'm confused, are we talking about flatscreens (CRT) or LCD displays.

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 11-15-2003, 08:49 AM:

Sorry,

I'm only concerned with LCD monitors. I'm done with CRT's at this point. So far, the Viewsonic VE700 & VA720 are what I'm eyeing up. Both are under $400 w/ shipping to my door.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 11-15-2003, 11:01 AM:

OK, now that I'm on the same page. There's a difference between "flat screens", which are physically flat CRTs, and LCD displays.

Anyway, my previous comments stand... avoid Samsung LCD displays at all costs.

Also, there's a reason that any company with money to blow buys NEC LCD displays... they simply kick ass. Viewsonic are good to and would be the display I'd buy if I couldn't have an NEC.

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 11-17-2003, 04:45 PM:

Anyone know about KDS LCD screens?

http://us-depot.com/kdsrad515lcd.html

I'm really leaning toward this Viewsonic, but if the KDS is favorable...

http://us-depot.com/viva17.html

[Confused]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 11-17-2003, 07:14 PM:

Who makes the Dell LCD screens?

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 11-17-2003, 07:36 PM:

I don't know who Dell uses, but they do seem a tad bit overpriced. For what they're asking on some 19" monitors, I can buy something like a 20" Planar monitor with true 1600 X 1200 native resolution for less money.

IMHO, flat panel monitors are only good when you are in a crunch for desk space. Otherwise they are a freaking rip off. When the manufacturers can get some of those 16:10 ratio 23" screens down below the $1500 level then things might start looking slightly more sensible. For under $800 I can buy an excellent quality CRT 22" screen with 2048 X 1536 resolution. So what if it weighs 80 pounds and demands a big desk!

Posted by Don Bruechert (Member # 1538) on 11-17-2003, 08:13 PM:

I have the 20" Planar and I really like it. You can ask Rachel for her opinion - she uses it too. Bright and colors seem reasonably accurate (I do lots of photography and want accurate colors). I had been fantasizing about getting an LCD for some time, and was waiting for the 20 incers to get into the "decent" price range. This is a $1299 monitor I managed to get brand new from MicroWarehouse for $900 because the rep owed me a favor [Embarrassed]

)

I have a strong preference for viewsonic myself - they make good stuff, and I have rarely seen one of their products with a problem. They guys are also right too - NEC kicks ass... the best word I think I can come up with is "vibrant".

Watch out for the cheap-ass wal-mart stuff. For LCD you not only want to look at the pixel size and maximum native resolution, but also the contrast ratio - don't get one below 500:1 (typically referred to as 500). You will notice a big differnce in your color rendition and brightness between lower and higher contrast ratios.

Had I not got this incredible deal on the Planar (Planar is supposed to be the supplier of the NAV displays in US jet fighters), I would have bought a 17" viewsonic without thinking twice.