Computer monitor blues at DVinfo.net

Matt Betea · June 26th, 2003, 10:53 PM

I've purchased two different 19" monitors from Dell. All I've read about these monitors previously has been nothing but praise. The first one was the NEC FP912SB, I sent that back after 2 days. The focus was out of whack, incredible amounts of distortion and I couldn't even load a profile for it. So I figured I would try out choice #2, the Viewsonic P95f+B. Again, read great things about it. Colors are good, profile loaded, text wasn't an issue. But it's lack of sharpness is. When you have a 1 pixel stroke in Photoshop in the middle of the screen and it looks like a 2-3 pixel stroke, that isn't a good sign. So this one is going back. I've read a few others that have had problems with monitors from Dell. I'm beginning to think they might be taking refurbs or defects and trying to pass them off as new. I know my eyes are not messed up and I would like to think I know quality when I see it, these aren't it.

So, what are you guys using for monitors? I'm looking at 19" preferably and maybe 21". I'd really like to try out a Lacie, but I can't seem to find anywhere in the US that sells them? But I'm reconsidereing that now too because I believe Lacie uses NEC/Mitsubishi's tube.

Or maybe I just have too high of standards for a monitor, being babied by my Viewsonic PF775, that has an incredible image. But they are pricy still. Thanks for any advice or recommendations.

matt

Robert Knecht Schmidt · June 26th, 2003, 10:59 PM

I've got a ViewSonic 17GA and a ViewSonic GA771 sitting side by side--they're virtually identical 17 inchers that have kept their color and sharpness throughout the years. Couldn't be happier with them. If I wanted to go to 19", I'd want to stick with ViewSonic.

Eric Lian · June 27th, 2003, 12:08 AM

I'm using the 19" Ultrascan P 990 Trinitron that came with my 1998 Dell Dimension XPS R450, and a 21" P1130 Trinitron that came with my Dell 8200 in 2002.

They are both excellent monitors.

I am so satisfied with the "Trinitron" tag that I don't buy a computer monitor or television unless it says Trinitron.

Just a humble opinion...

Lars Siden · June 28th, 2003, 06:20 AM

Hi guys,

I had a different approach to videoediting and monitors - I've choosen a TFT 19" Samsung 191T. I know that the colors aren't "right" compared to a TV. But on the other hand, a CRT monitor isn't a TV either, so now at least I have a dead-on-sharp picture where I can see ALL details. For color preview I use my 32" Philips Widescreen TV.

Only my 2 cents..

// Lazze

June 26th, 2003, 10:53 PM	#1
Matt Betea Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: detroit, mi Posts: 187	Computer monitor blues I've purchased two different 19" monitors from Dell. All I've read about these monitors previously has been nothing but praise. The first one was the NEC FP912SB, I sent that back after 2 days. The focus was out of whack, incredible amounts of distortion and I couldn't even load a profile for it. So I figured I would try out choice #2, the Viewsonic P95f+B. Again, read great things about it. Colors are good, profile loaded, text wasn't an issue. But it's lack of sharpness is. When you have a 1 pixel stroke in Photoshop in the middle of the screen and it looks like a 2-3 pixel stroke, that isn't a good sign. So this one is going back. I've read a few others that have had problems with monitors from Dell. I'm beginning to think they might be taking refurbs or defects and trying to pass them off as new. I know my eyes are not messed up and I would like to think I know quality when I see it, these aren't it. So, what are you guys using for monitors? I'm looking at 19" preferably and maybe 21". I'd really like to try out a Lacie, but I can't seem to find anywhere in the US that sells them? But I'm reconsidereing that now too because I believe Lacie uses NEC/Mitsubishi's tube. Or maybe I just have too high of standards for a monitor, being babied by my Viewsonic PF775, that has an incredible image. But they are pricy still. Thanks for any advice or recommendations. matt

June 28th, 2003, 06:20 AM	#4
Lars Siden Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sweden, Stockholm Posts: 469	Hi guys, I had a different approach to videoediting and monitors - I've choosen a TFT 19" Samsung 191T. I know that the colors aren't "right" compared to a TV. But on the other hand, a CRT monitor isn't a TV either, so now at least I have a dead-on-sharp picture where I can see ALL details. For color preview I use my 32" Philips Widescreen TV. Only my 2 cents.. // Lazze __________________ Sony HDR-CX130,Canon 5DMKII,i7 930@4.0, 12gb memory, 3x SSD + 2x1Tb(stripe), Geforce 480, Dual 24", Win 7 x64

June 26th, 2003, 10:59 PM	#2
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	I've got a ViewSonic 17GA and a ViewSonic GA771 sitting side by side--they're virtually identical 17 inchers that have kept their color and sharpness throughout the years. Couldn't be happier with them. If I wanted to go to 19", I'd want to stick with ViewSonic. __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

June 27th, 2003, 12:08 AM	#3
Eric Lian Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sonoma County, CA Posts: 61	I'm using the 19" Ultrascan P 990 Trinitron that came with my 1998 Dell Dimension XPS R450, and a 21" P1130 Trinitron that came with my Dell 8200 in 2002. They are both excellent monitors. I am so satisfied with the "Trinitron" tag that I don't buy a computer monitor or television unless it says Trinitron. Just a humble opinion...