I'm trying to figure out a decent location monitor for the FX1.

As much as wanting to be able to check the image, I want to allow my clients to see the HD image as we're shooting.

So, how about using an LCD computer monitor on location?

Out from the camera with the component connection, convert to DVI or VGA with an adapter (if one exists) and go to the monitor.

Thoughts?

You could, except that your computer likely can't display and decode the transport stream in HD. keep in mind you can use the cam in HD mode while sending composite or Y/C output to an SD monitor. Not quite as sweet, but for framing/composition/lighting, it should serve fairly well.

I wasn't thinking of running it through a computer, straight from the camera to the monitor (using an adapter of some kind to go from component to DVI or VGA).

I used to have an old CRT connected via VGA to an RCA HD tuner back before I had an HDTV. No computer, straight connection. In this case the HD tuner had a VGA out.

Using something like this:

http://www.ps2modchip.com/VGAA.php

Plug the component from the camera into this, and then output via VGA to a computer monitor, either CRT or LCD.

I have my doubts as to the quality of the modchip box. The phrase "HDTV Colorimetry Matrix" doesn't tell me much about the conversion. Also, will a 16x9 image be letterboxed on a 4x3 display? Can I use a 16x9 monitor? Will the signal be downsampled to VGA? How does it handle de-interlacing 1080i onto an essentially progressive display device?

There's probably a reason why this costs ten times as much:

www.blackmagic-design.com/site/hdlink.htm

I've seen this unit in demo and it is impressive. Fortunately, the price of used Apple Cinema Displays has dropped now that the new, silver-bezel 23" and 30" are out. Now if someone could figure out how to power it from an Anton Bauer Brick, and Porta-Brace would make a travel case...

I have my doubts as to the quality of the modchip box. The phrase "HDTV Colorimetry Matrix" doesn't tell me much about the conversion. Also, will a 16x9 image be letterboxed on a 4x3 display? Can I use a 16x9 monitor? Will the signal be downsampled to VGA? How does it handle de-interlacing 1080i onto an essentially progressive display device?

There's probably a reason why this costs ten times as much:

www.blackmagic-design.com/site/hdlink.htm

I've seen this unit in demo and it is impressive. Fortunately, the price of used Apple Cinema Displays has dropped now that the new, silver-bezel 23" and 30" are out. Now if someone could figure out how to power it from an Anton Bauer Brick, and Porta-Brace would make a travel case...

On preview:
I forgot the HDLink was only SDI.
Component>SDI converter?
www.shotview.com

I have hp's L2335 23" 1920x1200 lcd both home and at work.
It has analog hd component in straight from camera. No additional boxes or anything. Picture quality isn't exactly high end broadcacst quality, but neither is the price...

Yeah, I figured that the HDLink, etc. would be too pricey for anyone in the market for an FX-1/Z-1. How can the LCD's best be run off battery power to make it an effective field monitor?

Use car battery and an inverter.
Usually if setup is big enough to have "clients" on set, there's also electricity around...

See:

http://www.hdtvbuyer.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=30493

and

http://www.erg-ventures.com

for the ERG HDM-EV85, (not cheap, though).

I had a shoot 2 weeks ago that used 2-Z1's and a CineAlta. The show shoots mostly exteriors and the DP wanted an HD display. Well, I have a JVC 1910 with HD-SDI, YPbPr and other cards but I didn't want them schlepping around a 60lb. $15000 studio monitor. Coincidentally, I ordered and received a Samsung 17in HD LCD 16:9 monitor receiver w/YPbPr inputs that I bought for my kitchen. While we were testing it (the Samsung) at the store, we figured we'd try hooking up the 900 and the Z1's. Yes, it worked and gave a very good representation of the camcorder's image. We shot 30p stuff and added a 1000w inverter that hooked up to the camera trucks battery. Ran a 50ft stinger to home base and it worked fine. The shoot is now done and I can safely report that the 17in TV is on my kitchen wall on a cool OmniMount , 5 days later than anticipated. I would think several manufacturers have LCD sets that will give an OK (read: suitable) image. (The 900 in 24p also was able to be displayed but had some minor retrace noise in it). Not perfect, but only $700. Including the wall mount.