What monitor for correct color?

My Viewsonic VX900 died. It's $180 to get it fixed, or I start shopping. I don't recall it has much color correction capability so I'm shopping.

I've heard CRT is more color-correct than LCD. True?

I can spend about $400 +-. I don't spend much time at the desktop, normally use laptop on the couch. However; I'd like to set my desktop up with color correction.

Recommendations for style (LCD or CRT) and brand / model?

Also; I'd like a modestly accurate (not hairsplitting accurate and expensive) color correction system (spyder). If it could also color correct my laptop, would be nice. Recommendations? $200 +-

Get any decent monitor and a calibration software package. I have the 19" Viewsonic VA902b LCD because the price was right (a tad over $200) and the Pantone Huey calibration kit. It's more than fine for my needs since I have monitor and printer profiles set up to make everything match. Calibration and profiles are more important than a specific brand of monitor.

Many LCD monitors, especially those provided on laptop/notebook computers, are unable to function properly for critically editing photos. One of the worst problems is not being able to see the same color and brightness level as you move your viewing position around. Test this with any monitor you may be considering. View a steady image (not the stupid videos often displayed on monitors at a store) and move around relative to the monitor while critically viewing the display for brightness and color. If you see ANY change while moving, forget that monitor.

Also, you want a monitor with the greatest "contrast ratio" that you can get so that it will be better at showing the image's highlights and shadowed areas properly. The cheapie LCD monitors don't cut it for me in this arena.

Any specific model recommendations? Obviously, I need one that has the needed setup options like RBG color sliders. Any others I should look for? I've seen phase, some have color temperature selections (I think the Viewsonic VX900 had 3 selections in Kelvin).

Also; I use 2 different printers at home. An inkjet and cheap Dell color laser. However; I also send out to have prints made. Is there an "Industry standard" printer profile for Kodak prints? Fuji Prints? stuff like that?

Look up LaCie CRTs... they might be out of your price range, but there are many others. Oh, and a colorimeter (calibration device) like Eye One is necessary if you want accurate color.
Good luck!

cmM.

I'm fond of Sony Aperture grill CRTs.
If you get a CRT.. make sure it's "flat" and that it's an Aperture Grill

So far as LCDs goes, I posted some comments here.

Going for maximum contrast ratio will probably lead to you finishing up with a *VA (MVA or PVA) panel, when IPS is arguably the better choice. The dialogue in that thread between me and UncleDoug draws out this point.


Avoid TN based LCDs - they're unsuitable for colour critical work because the colour changes as your head moves around the screen. If you go for an LCD, you'll need a decent calibration setup to get accurate colour from it.


I still haven't RMAed the 2005FPW with the dark stain, by the way - I'm holding on until all settles with the 2007WFP banding issues (solved by a firmware update on the monitors, but it's not something the user can apply). I don't much mind if I get another 2005FPW in exchange or a 2007WFP, but I don't want to exchange a monitor with one fault for a monitor with a different fault!

David

Thank you for all the suggestions.

I don't understand some of the acronyms (IPS, MVA, PVA).

I don't really care about getting "BLASTED WITH A GREAT DISPLAY". I am very frustrated with print colors being different and my goal is accurate photo editing.

David: I'm reading the technical link you sent. Thanks much, that's exactly what I needed!

I love my Sonys. They don't manufacture them anymore, and only have one on their site but you might be able to find one on the net. I've had my G520 for 4 years and it still looks wonderful.

This site has a database of LCD monitors. Whilst it's not necessary perfect, it agrees with the data I have on the panels I've looked at.

David

I have been shopping for a new monitor as well and find most online shopping sites lack detail infomation, so I emailed Dell Canada to request the model numbers of any 19 or 20 inch with the S-IPS panels. Their reply was that they are all PVA. Is LaCie the only monitor still available with these panels?

Unless I'm very much mistaken, Dell 2007WFP uses a 20.1" LG-Philips S-IPS panel. See, for example, http://www.prad.de …w-dell-2007wfp-part8.html

You need to make sure you get an A01 revision panel if you buy a 2007WFP - the A00 revision has a flaw in that you can't disable a type of video processing that can cause banding even if you drive the panel at its native 1680x1050.


I have a 2005FPW, which is the earlier model, though it uses the same panel. Unfortunately my monitor is one of two that I've heard of that has developed at dark stain at the top of the screen. I intend to RMA it, but not until the dust has fully settled over the 2007WFP issue, in case I get a 2007WFP as my replacement. I wouldn't mind a fixed 2005FPW, though.

David

Thanks David,
I have emailed the same person again at Dell Canada and mentioned
the 2007WFP monitor this time. His product manager is the one who told him that they were all PVA panels with the word PERIOD after saying that, so my second email may ruffle some feathers..oh well if they want my money I want to make sure their information is correct. Will post the reply I get as this may clear up confusion if others are planning to buy this model.

Can anyone help decypher some of those acronyms. My head is buzzing!!!

X-bit’s Guide: Contemporary LCD Monitor Parameters and Characteristics

http://www.xbitlabs.co​m …er/display/lcd-guide.html