Production Monitor Questions « Videomaker Community Forums

bmblack
Member

I edit DV in Premiere Pro 2.0. I'm interested in getting a better idea of what my video is going to look like on DVD before I burn it. For example, I'm concerned about interlacing issues, stills being too detailed, slow motion, color, sharpness etc. I'm thinking a production/studio monitor connected to the PC is what I need. Would this be my best option? Money is a bit of a factor.

If a monitor would be a good idea, what would be the reccomended way to hook it up to my PC and use it with Premiere Pro 2.0? The only real outputs I have on my PC are firewire and usb. I am considering possibly getting a new dedicated video card. I also have a Canon GL2 DV Camera.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Wow - What a coincidence! This is the issue I've dedicated this day to!

I am sick and tired of using PP's multi-camera tiny fuzzy windows to select camera shots, because I then have to go back through the whole thing using my still fuzzy 19" LCD monitor to review everything, and because even this picture isn't big enough or good enough to really tell if focus is right on, etc., I have to burn a "beta" DVD and view on a large TV.

So today, we're headed into town (an hour and a half away) to shop for an HD-capable monitor (I'm not doing much HD yet, but want to be ready) that is sharp enough and large enough that I don't have to keep going back over everything and burning beta DVDs.

I am thinking a large (25" - 27") widescreen monitor with DVI and HDMI inputs, might do it. I'm currently using an ATI video card with one DVI and one analog connector and two 19" LCD monitors. I should be returning tonight with some sort of TV/monitor and I'll let you know how that turns out.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

I figured I'd do a search from the VM home page for "monitor", read some VM reviews and buy from one of their advertisers - but guess what?

Put in the keyword "monitor" in the Search box from the VM home page and the first article link that comes up is from September 2002. Hey guys - this is 2007! Five year old reviews on video monitors are not really very helpful.

I suggest hiring a PHP developer to revamp that search engine. Perhaps articles referring to products should filter out after three years?

I didn't have any better luck on the videoguys.com website. Not only does their site have that retro-eighties look, but some of their stuff may not have been updates since the eighties either!

OK, I'll quit complaining and head out to Comp USA, Best Buy and <sigh> Walmart.

Posted 5 years ago #
SpencerStewart
Member

With FCP, a macbook, and an adapter, it is very possible and easy to use a production monitor.

With an adapter that converts mini-DVI to composite/S-Video(Y/C) out, you can use almost any monitor.

I'm sure there are solutions like this for PC's. Simply use an adapter with the 2nd display output.

For HD, I'm not as sure, but there should be an adapter for that.

In relation to production monitors, as long as its nothing too serious, any fair quality TV will do, but it would be a good idea to use a real production monitor. With a production monitor, you can adjust picture/color correctly. I believe there's an article about that in the most recent VM issue.

In the end, I am really glad I can use one, and it's much easier on the eyes. You'll definitely like it.

Spencer Stewart

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Thanks for that, Spencer - but I know I can hook a TV up, if nothing else, through the firewire output and PP2.0 display options.

I would specifically like to know what widescreen monitors (perhaps HD capable) others are successfully (or otherwise) using to be able to fully edit without having to burn beta DVDs and watch on a large TV.

Posted 5 years ago #
paulears
Member

This doesn't really solve the problem - the artefacts that creep in during the encoding process aren't there until the conversion is done, so what looks great on a really good monitor still doesn't mean it will look good on the DVD. The firewire output to a real monitor on PP, however, makes a huge difference - I'd hate to be without it!

Posted 5 years ago #