Originally posted by: billingsgate
Originally posted by: xtknight
Flat-panel CRTs don't exist.
I've been happily using flat panel CRTs since 2000, so I'm not sure how you can say they don't exist. Maybe I'm not using the correct jargon, but the front of the screen is not curved like a normal CRT. It's flat. So no distortion of the image. And compared to normal CRTs, the color looks better and more natural. Flat panel CRTs were always marketed to pros, so among CRTs I suppose there have also been distinctions between "consumer" and "professional" tubes. The cost difference was quite substantial.
I've been using ViewSonic and Samsung ones (both use Sony tubes). Two were lost during a lightning storm (NEVER trust surge protectors. They DON''T WORK in the event of a direct or even nearby hit), and now my last one is shivering and dying. I'd get another flat screen CRT if I could find one. I really don't like the look of even the best LCDs. But now I'm forced into getting one.
My opinion is that as technology marches forward, quality moves backwards. Take digital audio, for example. I'm no audiophile, but even the best MP3s sound like fuzzy crap to my ears (any piano high notes sound as if someone put a sponge on the piano strings) compared to CDs, and CDs sounds noticeably compressed compared to vinyl. There are clear and explainable technical reasons for this.
DVDs don't produce nearly as good a picture as videotapes. But, again, DVDs are "modern" and digital, so for that we put up with pixellated, compressed images, and leave the clarity of videotape behind.
Similarly, LCDs don't produce nearly as fine and accurate an image as CRTs. Even on the best LCDs I've looked at, the pixel boundaries are clear to see, so when sitting 12 inches from the monitor like I normally do, it's like looking at an image through a window screen. The anti-aliasing of text on LCDs makes me feel like my eyes are out of focus, and if you turn off "Clear Type", it becomes jagged and even harder to read. CRTs have no input lag issues, offer the full gamut of colors. The disadvantages (pincushion effect, etc.) are easily adjustable. But LCDs take up less desk space, same as fuzzy-sounding MP3s take up less storage space. So I guess we're stuck with them. I'm just trying to find the least-unacceptable LCD. The more I research and try them out, the more I wish I could wait another 3 or 4 years until the technology improves to the point where images match "old fashioned" CRTs!
Yeah these are called flat-screen CRTs actually since panel implies more or less the whole device.
LCDs on average offer a wider color gamut than CRTs. One of the very few, if not the only CRT that did otherwise was the Mitsubishi RDF225WG somewhere in the thousands of dollars. In contrast, you can get a wide gamut (~97% NTSC) LCD for $340 (like the L227WTG) or less. I believe they have 110%+ NTSC gamut LCDs in the works (primarily LED-backlit which are also a pretty penny right now, but the Samsung XL20 is $2000).
For instance, the aperture grille Diamond Pro 930SB vs. the 2690:
http://www.digitalversus.com/d...=61&p1=689&ma2=52&ph=7
Of course, gamut's only one area. You might also want to look at
color accuracy (lower is better) where the 2690 is also very good. Unfortunately, they didn't have the standard gamut 2490 listed but it'll be about as good with the same gamut as the Diamond.
Contrast isn't too important for photo editing. You can see light tones clearly on the NECs even with around a 400:1 contrast. Although most reach 750:1 if you do not use ColorComp (which IMO is not necessary). An Iiyama aperture grille reached 11,000:1 I believe but I'd guess most CRTs are something like 4,000:1-7,000:1.
Sounds like the LCD2490WUXi is the perfect LCD for you given that you do TV-target stuff, which is sRGB, especially for HD. I'm pretty confident you'll be happy with it after trying it for a week or so. As you imply though unless you want to browse around Craigslist or Ebay you'll have to get used to LCDs.
ClearType is not necessary and it's a pretty poor implementation. I recommend using the standard AA only (ClearType off). It works pretty well to me. The sharper text of an LCD took me a little time to get used to.
All LCDs are actually quite similar to each other. They are made with a matrix of transistors that has an unlit pixel lining in it for technical reasons. CRTs have a tube where the uncoated portion is not nearly as dark of that of an LCD. So you can't expect high end LCDs to look any "smoother". Although, glossy coatings significantly help make the LCD screen appear smoother. You'll get used to it, don't worry. I came from a CRT just like you.
Do note the 2490/2690 have a decent amount of input lag. It is not disturbing for me for what I do (mostly general use), although it might be a consideration for gamers where there is a significant amount of input and immediate, anticipated response. It doesn't sound like it would bother your purposes (photo editing or Flash). It might be a shock coming from a CRT esp. if you use it over 60 Hz but again you'll get used to this if you force yourself to. Having a very nice-looking LCD with great viewing angles is hardly the worst thing in the world anyway. And turn on OVERDRIVE in the advanced menu for faster response time.
You shouldn't expect a black as dark as you'd get on a well-adjusted CRT; no LCD can offer this. However, what the 2490 can offer is a great display of darker shades. Note that you
will want to get the SpectraView version with a calibrator and internal-LUT calibration software. Especially you, and I'm not kidding. Otherwise, the first 10 or so shades of dark won't be very visible and that may not help your transition. If you can not find the SV 2490 you can get the SpectraView software and colorimeter off of NEC's site ($250 I believe). At least in the US...
After internal calibration the LCD2490 can be an amazing reference monitor, perhaps even more accurate than a CRT, however it won't have the contrast. Anyway, you have reached an unbiased place so if you have any questions about what to expect I can probably answer that. I think you've already decided that you're probably going to dislike any LCD for about a week or so, but I wonder what will happen after a week of using it? Some of the disadvantages like response time don't really impact most peoples' usage that much even if you can see or notice them (unless you game all day, where admittedly it won't be as fast as a CRT and may be nagging).