graphics work on Flat-screen monitors

Hello,

Any graphic artists (pshop users esp) out there using flat-screen monitors? I am currently using a dual-monitor system that is frying my eyes (and brain) and would really like to graduate to flat-screen - esp one that might be extra-wide - to simulate the dual-area that I'm currently used to.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'm not looking for "economy"; price is not an issue.

thanks,

JM

Do you mean "flat screen" or LCD? LCDs don't get there for critical photo editing - gamut problems, dynamic range problems and, above all, viewing angle problems. However I think that virtually all the other suitable CRTs for photo editing are so-called "perfect flat" screens now. Look for models from ViewSonic, Mitsubishi, NEC, LaCie and Sony that use aperture grill type CRTs - Diamondtron, Trinitron. These type of tubes have enough dynamic range and color gamut to display the full usable array of values in a photograph. The other type of CRT, the mask screen, while showing nice color usually can't display quite enough range from its blackest black to its brightest white.

My perception is that there are now fewer monitors on the market that are suitable for photo editing (that have aperture grill screens). I believe the Mitsubishi, NEC and LaCie monitors are all the same under the shell and use the Diamondtron tube. I have a ViewSonic P95f+ and it uses a Diamondtron tube also. I'm not sure that Sony is still making aperture grill monitors - I could only turn up LCD monitors with my last searchs but I could have missed them. There are a few "reference" type monitors with their roots in the video industry that are wonderful for photo editing but their prices will take your breath away. I suppose that Apple has something of their own but I don't know about that stuff. I imagine that I have overlooked a few more economical PC-compatible units, too. Maybe someone else can fill the gaps.

Tim Ellestad

"James Mercola" wrote in message

Hello,

Any graphic artists (pshop users esp) out there using flat-screen

monitors?

I am currently using a dual-monitor system that is frying my eyes (and brain) and would really like to graduate to flat-screen - esp one that

might

be extra-wide - to simulate the dual-area that I'm currently used to.
Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'm not looking for "economy"; price is not an issue.

thanks,

JM

thanks,

I wasn't clear on that: I want to get away from CRT monitors totally.

from what you say, the LCD technology is not "up to scratch" yet for graphic-intensive use?

JM

Hi James -

Yes, the oppinion of virtually everyone that I know in the business, photographer or service bureau, is that LCDs aren't there yet, even at very high prices.

I recently solicited oppinions from NEC and ViewSonic (I haven't owned the P95f+ very long) and I was surprised that techs from both outfits came right out and said that their most premium LCDs (way more expensive than my new monitor) weren't up to real photo prep and editing applications.

Tim Ellestad

"James Mercola" wrote in message

thanks,

I wasn't clear on that: I want to get away from CRT monitors totally.
from what you say, the LCD technology is not "up to scratch" yet for graphic-intensive use?

JM

"Ellestad" wrote in message

Hi James -

Yes, the oppinion of virtually everyone that I know in the business, photographer or service bureau, is that LCDs aren't there yet, even at very high prices.

I recently solicited oppinions from NEC and ViewSonic (I haven't owned the P95f+ very long) and I was surprised that techs from both outfits came right out and said that their most premium LCDs (way more expensive than my new monitor) weren't up to real photo prep and editing applications.

You got lucky. It's not often that you'll get accurate and honest info from manufacturers.

The problem these days is a legion of LCD users who don't know any better, and insist that LCDs are as good as CRTs for graphic work. I see discussions all the time about color casts with different digital cameras, and invariably the debate breaks down into two camps: those with CRTs who can see
the color casts, and those with LCDs who cannot.

Rick

Some people posting in comp.publish.prepress have used the 23" Apple Cinema Display for graphics ... reportedly with good results. And ... these guys really are "pros" when it comes to color ...

The "Apple Cinema Display" is actually made by Sony, and Sony's model number is

Sony PremierPro 23 Wide Flat Panel LCD SDM-P232W/B

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store /en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInf ormation-Start;sid=UTsJ6Un7dnUJnQjvSsgD4gb3jTM1qCO_cH8=?Prod uctSKU=SDMP232W%2fB

There was a relatively recent thread on the Colortheory newslist regarding this. Other people have also recommended the Eizo LCD monitors in that thread.

YMMV ... let us know if you come up with anything.

"James Mercola" wrote in message

Hello,

Any graphic artists (pshop users esp) out there using flat-screen monitors? I am currently using a dual-monitor system that is frying my eyes (and brain) and would really like to graduate to flat-screen - esp one that might be extra-wide - to simulate the dual-area that I'm currently used to.
Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'm not looking for "economy"; price is not an issue.

thanks,

JM

James Mercola wrote:

Hello,

Any graphic artists (pshop users esp) out there using flat-screen monitors? I am currently using a dual-monitor system that is frying my eyes (and brain) and would really like to graduate to flat-screen - esp one that might be extra-wide - to simulate the dual-area that I'm currently used to.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'm not looking for "economy"; price is not an issue.

Here's a good review of the Apple Cinema, which is one of the few that work well for color correction:
http://www.computer-darkroom.com/acd/acd.htm
--

Mike Russell
www.curvemeister.com
www.geigy.2y.net

Hi,

I'm waiting till the Sony/Samsung plant starts turning out 42" and 46" LCD screens (next year? 2006?) for an upgrade.

Best,

Conrad

Conrad Weiler
Camp Sherman, Oregon