External Monitors at DVinfo.net

Jonathan Gentry · December 17th, 2007, 11:54 AM

I have a calibrated CRT that I use for photo editing and making print critical decisions based on color profiles and soft proofing.

My question: Is there any advantage to working with a calibrated monitor when doing video editing? I assume that video should be calibrated on a display that would more closely represent a TV set?

If I should be editing my video on an external monitor that represents TV output what is a good set up for this to use with Vegas 8.0 Pro?

Thanks!

Glenn Chan · December 17th, 2007, 04:14 PM

The easiest method would be to get a broadcast monitor (if you are making work for video formats like DVD, beta SP, digibeta, etc.).

For SD, a CRT broadcast monitor is the best. $600+.

Kit Hannah · December 17th, 2007, 04:21 PM

You can get broadcast monitors fairly cheap on Flebay, something acceptable probably between $75 & $150. We use an lcd tv to see what the projects will look like, as well as a preview device.

Jonathan Gentry · December 17th, 2007, 09:27 PM

Thanks for the reply. I think I also need to hook this monitor to the computer somehow so I was hoping for some info on that also.

The other question I had related to calibrating my monitor. Is there any benifit to that and does the broadcast monitor need to be profiled?

-Jonathan

Glenn Chan · December 17th, 2007, 09:47 PM

1- Consumer monitors are definitely sketchy. Many (all?) of them will do some creative image ""enhancements"" to the image like trying to make flesh tones correct, over sharpening, excessive brightness, incorrect white point, etc. etc.

2- Buying a used CRT can be sketchy (kind of like buying used shoes... or a used car). They get worse with age.

New-in-box and demo items may be fine.

If you can check out the monitor first-hand, that would also be good.

3- Video work targets similar color gamuts (EBU, SMPTE C, Rec. 709 primary chromaticities)... all three are similar enough in practice that most people gloss over it.

So, you don't really need to profile the monitor. Though it's good to get a monitor with SMPTE C phosphors.

Jonathan Gentry · December 18th, 2007, 12:39 AM

Do I need a special computer card to output to a studio monitor? When you say CRT do you mean a standard computer CRT or a Studio Monitor CRT?

-Jonathan

Mike Kujbida · December 18th, 2007, 05:54 AM

My 2 cents worth here.
Get a decent production monitor like the 15" JVC TMH-150CGU ($465 at B&H or $422 from Provantage).
Study the Color Bars and How To Use 'em tutorial.
If you have a miniDV camcorder, you already have a monitor interface.
Hook your computer's firewire cable to the camcorder and the analog outs of the camcorder to the JVC.

December 17th, 2007, 11:54 AM	#1
Jonathan Gentry Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 183	External Monitors I have a calibrated CRT that I use for photo editing and making print critical decisions based on color profiles and soft proofing. My question: Is there any advantage to working with a calibrated monitor when doing video editing? I assume that video should be calibrated on a display that would more closely represent a TV set? If I should be editing my video on an external monitor that represents TV output what is a good set up for this to use with Vegas 8.0 Pro? Thanks!

December 17th, 2007, 09:47 PM	#5
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	1- Consumer monitors are definitely sketchy. Many (all?) of them will do some creative image ""enhancements"" to the image like trying to make flesh tones correct, over sharpening, excessive brightness, incorrect white point, etc. etc. 2- Buying a used CRT can be sketchy (kind of like buying used shoes... or a used car). They get worse with age. New-in-box and demo items may be fine. If you can check out the monitor first-hand, that would also be good. 3- Video work targets similar color gamuts (EBU, SMPTE C, Rec. 709 primary chromaticities)... all three are similar enough in practice that most people gloss over it. So, you don't really need to profile the monitor. Though it's good to get a monitor with SMPTE C phosphors. Last edited by Glenn Chan; December 17th, 2007 at 10:33 PM.

December 17th, 2007, 04:14 PM	#2
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	The easiest method would be to get a broadcast monitor (if you are making work for video formats like DVD, beta SP, digibeta, etc.). For SD, a CRT broadcast monitor is the best. $600+.

December 17th, 2007, 04:21 PM	#3
Kit Hannah Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 528	You can get broadcast monitors fairly cheap on Flebay, something acceptable probably between $75 & $150. We use an lcd tv to see what the projects will look like, as well as a preview device.

December 17th, 2007, 09:27 PM	#4
Jonathan Gentry Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 183	Thanks for the reply. I think I also need to hook this monitor to the computer somehow so I was hoping for some info on that also. The other question I had related to calibrating my monitor. Is there any benifit to that and does the broadcast monitor need to be profiled? -Jonathan

December 18th, 2007, 12:39 AM	#6
Jonathan Gentry Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 183	Do I need a special computer card to output to a studio monitor? When you say CRT do you mean a standard computer CRT or a Studio Monitor CRT? -Jonathan

December 18th, 2007, 05:54 AM	#7
Mike Kujbida Inner Circle Join Date: May 2005 Location: Windsor, ON Canada Posts: 2,770	My 2 cents worth here. Get a decent production monitor like the 15" JVC TMH-150CGU ($465 at B&H or $422 from Provantage). Study the Color Bars and How To Use 'em tutorial. If you have a miniDV camcorder, you already have a monitor interface. Hook your computer's firewire cable to the camcorder and the analog outs of the camcorder to the JVC.