What Monitor Do I Need for HDV Editing?

[Stuart Graham]

Hi

I am planning to edit HDV fotage on my PC. I read in this HD FAQ...

HDV DVD Z1 HDV mini DV Z1 HDV hire HDV editing

that you should use a monitor with a minimum 1900 x 1200 resolution for HD editing.

Is this true?

Or can I get away with using my existing 1440 x 900 monitor?

Would the following monitor do the job?

Samsung SM245B+ 24" TFT Monitor Widescreen 1920x1200 3000:1 400cd/m2 5ms

Samsung SM245B+ 24" TFT Monitor Widescreen 1920x1200 3000:1 400cd/m2 5ms H/Adjust VGA/DVI-D Black 3 Years Onsite Warranty Award Winning Monitor - Ebuyer

[Graham Hickling]

Depends on what "should" means. The larger monitor will be capable of displaying the full resolution of the footage, and indeed will be "pixel for pixel" with some monitors which is good.

But .... can you edit productively with a non-full rez monitor? - sure you can!

Regarding the Samsung, large TFT monitor can be a bit problematic because you are viewing different parts of the screen at different angles, which affects color rendering. So there are more accurate monitors ... at a higher price of course.

Ultimately, it's a trade-off between how critical you intend to be with your color grading etc, and how much you can afford to spend.

[Stuart Graham]

Thanks Graham

I will get the 1920 x 1200 monitor later on so I can at least see my HDV footage in its full resolution. But if I can get away with using my 1440 x 900 for now I'll do that.

I can't really afford to spend more than the price of the Samsung as I just invested in a Canon XH A1, I'm excitedly awaiting its delivery.

[Stuart Graham]

I got that monitor Graham. It's really nice and I think my two monitor setup will really help make the editing easier.

[Graham Hickling]

Glad you like it - I have the 22" version of the Samsung, and a 24" Dell, and have been happy enough with both of them.

[Stuart Graham]

Only thing is I think I need a bigger desk now...