Ed, you really need a CRT for accurate editing in PS. While LCD’s are getting better, they can not be calibrated accurately, on most, colors change slightly with viewing angle, and they do not have the dynamic range of a CRT. I prefer to use 19" Trinitron tube monitors (Samsung & Sony) but they are getting more difficult to find.
Rgds, MM
The real question for CRT v. LCD is: what kind of work do you do? If you need screen to print matching, MM’s right you’re probably better off with a CRT. If you’re not doing professional work, it may not matter much for you, and you may like the added desktop real estate affored by an LCD. In addition, some digitl LCD’s are reported to be superior to CRT’s, albeit that they tend to be pricey.
Peace,
Tony
I prefer CRT for accurate image editing.
The best monitor money can buy (in my opinion) is the Sony F520 21".
I’m also using the Philips Brilliance 22P40 22", cheaper but hard to setup/calibrate (especially the geometry/distortion setup…)
Mario
The two best monitors are the Barco Reference V and the Sony Artisan. The best for the money is the Artisan, but whether you need that level of precision is up to you and your budget. I have both, and if I were doing it all over, I would buy the Artisan even though the Barco is infinitely more adjustable. What makes the Artisan attractive is that is comes with it’s own custom calibration puck and software that provides a level of calibration precision, particularly in the blacks and grayscale neutrality, that is unmatched until you spend triple what an Artisan costs.
It’s interesting to hear about the viewing angle issue with LCD screens but I’ve found that with mine, IBM Thinkpad a31p, my colors are very close to what I see (I say close because it’s not (obviously) calibrated, and the colors from my print jobs at my good local print shop are close to what I see on my LCD).
So my point is that with an LCD, it’s usually obvious when one’s viewing angle is off since I can see when it’s off (the manufacturer’s recommedation is 95 degrees).
What I’ve heard is that if you have a desktop system, get a tube because LCDs weren’t integrated with the system and LCDs aren’t good general solutions. If you need a laptop, they have better LCD displays because the display is tightly integrated with the systems.
I’m not a pro, so the LCD works for me. Also, for the money, you can get more with the tube than with the money in the 20" range.
John Gregson
John,
While IBM’s LCD’s are OEM’ed from one of only two major LCD manufacturers worldwide, their specs are pretty demanding. Your A series laptop’s lcd has a 170 by 170 viewing angle for collaborative work. It’s a nice machine.
This goes to my point that while urban legend is that CRT is better, it depends on your work, how discerning you are, and exactly what LCD you’re considering that determines the "fit" for LCD’s.
I tested a number of brands and am now currently using a Sony GDM-F520 with the Monaco Optix color calibration system. It has been working out quite well and I am very pleased.
Phosphor,
Thanks.
Will comply in the future.
James
I vote for the Sony G520, served me well for the last two years.
Just looking out for the ease-of-use for all of us, James.
Thanks a lot.
Hi edward
I have a LaCie electron 19 blue IV . I paid around 350 for it,from gateway . Go to their web site at www.lacie.com and check it out. I think you will be happy with it. I can adjust adjust each color and kelvin degrees to name a few. I use optical to precal , calibrat, and profile my lacie. I get the colors and skin tones i see.
Lacie Electron Blue IV 22" here. Returned 3 others before settling on this one. I love this monitor. $650 delivered to my door.
Is anyone using Compaq’s 17" flatscreen CRT with coloreal ? I can’t remember the serial # but there is only one on their site. I am currently using a 15" ( more like 13" viewing ) …same manufacturer, same coloreal technology. I really love my monitor but it’s just too small and I can’t afford much.
Hello
The Lacie 19 is terrific. It has almost perfect geometry. Something I could not make a Sony do.
Mike Engles
Excellent results with Sony 19 inch CRT.
