An LCD monitor, or Liquid Crystal Display monitor, is a screen actively sought after as a large format TV screen or an advertising screen as a result of the highest quality images produced on these screens.

Top 10 items to consider when buying an LCD Monitor:

1. Resolution Quality: Some of the key features to consider when buying an LCD monitor are resolution quality and aspect ratio. In the era of Blue-ray and high definition, it is important to buy a Full HD monitor and not go with HD ready.

2. Number of USB Hubs: These hubs usually come with the display. They prove to be very useful for plugging various media devices directly to the display vs. going through a central medial player.

3. Pixel Defects: Sometimes, when the same image is left on the screen for long, the pixels get worn out or are dead. This develops a black or white dot on the screen, thus not producing any image in that area. Pixel defects may be as a result of manufacturing defects. Make sure the warranty covers Pixel defects or spotting defects.

4. Attached Speaker Evaluation: Some monitors come with attached speaker systems. This is usually expensive when compared to the separate speaker system and usually poor quality than a stand alone system. If such an attached speaker system is available in the monitor, then it should be noted that a quick-mute button and readily accessible volume controls should be available in the monitor itself.

5. Viewing Angle: Most new LCD monitors have wide viewing angles. It is important to consider viewing-angle performance if you plan to use the monitor to view images or movies. The best way to judge is to see the unit in person.

6. Digital interfaces: Data interfaces are very important for businesses. For example, as a business you would like to remotely manage and control the various LCD monitors. Businesses should strongly consider LCD information display (also called Professional Displays) vs. an LCD TV. The Professional Displays come with the right variety of interfaces. If entertainment and TV show watching are the only concerns then interfaces are less important as most LCD monitors come with adequate interfaces.

7. Bright Pixel Elimination Feature: New LCD monitors have bright pixel elimination feature that ensures if a failed pixel occurs on the monitor, it is effectively invisible to the viewer. Not a must-have but a good feature to have.

8. Configuration Programming Software: Included programs that let you configure display settings using your computer keyboard or mouse are a big improvement over struggling with tiny front-panel buttons.

9. Portrait Capability: Increasingly portrait format is being used for exhibitions and store displays. Be sure to check that the LCD monitor you are buying supports the portrait format. Using landscape format in portrait can result in reducing the life of the LCD monitor. Portrait-capable LCDs
, however, often have superior viewing-angle performance. Not all LCD monitors.

10. Included Cables: Last but not the least item is to check to see what cables are included. Manufacturers often don’t provide the digital cable on dual-input models.

As a wrap-up, with technologies such as LCD monitors, it pays to buy the new generation solution as it will extend the time you will use the monitor.

Lately businesses are buying large format (>32 inch) LCDs
for video conferencing, boardrooms, receptions, and for a number of applications such as retail showroom advertising and surveillance. A key question being asked is whether they should buy an LCD monitor (also called LCD information display panel) or an LCD TV. Some people think that an LCD TV is an LCD monitor plus a TV tuner and they are surprised to find that an LCD monitor may cost more than an LCD TV. For them, it just doesn’t make sense.

Here’s what is an LCD monitor and what it is not:

A better image for LCD monitor: An LCD monitor produces higher quality images and has high brightness and contrast levels as well. An LCD TV is likely not going to offer the same resolution as an LCD monitor! This is could be very important when viewing data.

A longer-life more rugged-dust proof system: An LCD monitor is a closed end device with no fans and moving parts. An LCD TV usually has a fan, is not a closed box and may have moving parts. Most LCD monitors can be operated on a 24/7 basis however LCD TVs can not and the numbers of hours that an LCD TV can be operated should be checked. Typically LCD monitor has a life of 50,000 hours or more.

An LCD monitor can be operated 24/7: An LCD TV cannot and built for max 6-8 hour continuous operation.

Are you looking to connect displays together for advertising effect? An LCD Monitor can be easily connected together to create a video wall. The bezel can be removed and the gap between the monitors can be minimal and there are connection outlets in the monitor so that an image can be displayed across monitors to seem as one large image. This cannot be done in an LCD TV. LCD Monitors can be connected in a mirror image format so that the same image appears in all the monitors at the same time.

Lower energy consumption: The energy consumed by LCD monitor is very less and since the electro-magnetic radiations emitted are also less, it is also less hazardous to health.
Monitors can be networked: An LCD

Monitor can be connected to the network and remotely controlled and monitored. As a business anyone would want to know which monitors are working and which are not from one central location so that a technician can be dispatched to take care of faulty monitors and this can easily be done incase of an LCD monitor. Further networked LCD monitors allow for remote content management and scheduling as well which is an added advantage for big businesses.

Should you buy an LCD monitor vs. LCD TV? Consider the different variables and make the knowledgeable choice.

We have tested and taken order of a new and superior wireless monitor system.
Sony has stopped making the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) field monitors that have been used for so many years and is switching to LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) models only
We now offer a Panasonic 17-inch high definition-standard definition LCD monitor

WEVI CAM-WAVE Wireless System With Marshall LCD Monitor
This month we take delivery of a new wireless LCD monitor system. We have been using Black Box wireless links with Optex and Teletest LCD monitors. We’ve never been too happy with this combination because of frequent break-up in the signal and a lack of robustness with the monitors but we were not aware of any other system. Well, a new one is available and we’re so optimistic it is a dramatic improvement that we ordered 15 of them. We expect delivery by late January.

The new system uses a WEVI CAM-WAVE transmitter and receiver which transmits and receives both video and audio signals using wireless LAN technology the WiFi system used with computers for wireless networking. In the tests we’ve done we found this to give a more stable and consistent signal than the RF system used in Black Boxes. We had virtually no break-up while walking around with the camera and remote monitor on several occasions. By contrast, we frequently had break-up with the Black Boxes under the same conditions.

There is a delay of about half a second between the transmitted and received image but we don’t have a problem with this and nor did any of the more demanding clients we asked. The ability to also monitor sound with the same kit is a huge attraction. No more need for a separate director’s audio feed using a radio microphone from the sound mixer or camcorder.

You can get the technical features of the WEVI CAM-WAVE by visiting www.wevi.tv.

We are also changing the brand of LCD monitors we’ve been using. The monitors we’ve used until now are what’s been available and are okay. But again, they never impressed us. The 7-inch Marshall V-R70DP is a different story. It is made in the U.S. by Marshall Electronics. It is a robust piece of kit and from the tests we’ve done it has the feel of being more reliable than other portable LCD monitors. It also has a nicer picture with sharper resolution.

This increased reliability has a price. The WEVI-Marshall combination is heavier and more expensive. But these are minor inconveniences to get what we believe will be a superior and more reliable system.

The transmitter fits onto the battery mount on the rear of the camcorder which means you don’t have to Velcro or otherwise secure it to the side of the camcorder. The battery is then mounted directly onto the transmitter and that battery powers the camcorder and transmitter. This eliminates the need for a power cable.

The director has to carry the Marshall monitor with a heavier and larger CAM-WAVE receiver with two antennae and a slimline IDX Endura 7s battery. To also monitor audio, a special cable that goes into a small amplifier has to be carried. This is more to carry but we are having special bags custom made to make it comfortable to carry this larger load and again, we are convinced this is a much better system.

The jury is out and I hope my optimism is not premature. If you’d like to test this new system yourself phone Dennis or John on 020 7622 9888 and arrange to come in and do so.

Sony Now Only Makes LCD Monitors
If you go onto the Sony web site (www.sonybiz.net) and look up the PVM series of CRT monitors most widely used for as long as I can remember you will find “This model is discontinued” beside each one. To replace them Sony is now offering the LMD series of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors. There are a number of reasons for this but high among them is the fact that LCD monitors are environmentally friendlier:

the EU considers CRT monitors hazardous waste because of their high lead glass content
LCD monitors consume less than half as much power as CRT monitors
LCD monitors generate less heat and so can help reduce air conditioning costs
LCD monitors require fewer components
LCD monitors last significantly longer
LCD monitors are lighter and slimmer so cost less to store and transport

If you’re concerned about the environment, you can make a small contribution by going LCD. That sounds good to us so we are going to begin phasing out our stock of CRT monitors gradually. The pressing concern among many lighting cameramen is how LCD monitors compare to CRT monitors when it comes to the purity and quality of the colours and the sharpness of the image when you’re lighting an interview or scene.

Sony contends “the LMD range delivers superb picture quality.” We have tested one and are quite happy with the image. We think the LMD models will become the new standard in the coming year so we have ordered ten 8.4-inch models which should be with us by the end of January. The models include the LMD-9050 which can handle standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) signals including HD-SDI.

The 9050 has been made for broadcast and professional use. It can be battery or mains powered and because it draws less power it will run longer on a given battery than a CRT monitor. It has a full range of inputs: analogue composite, Y/C, analogue component, SD SDI, HD analogue component and HD SDI.

If you’d like to see or try one of these monitors call us during the third week of January and some may have been delivered.

Panasonic 17-inch HD-SD LCD Monitor
We also now offer a Panasonic 17-inch LCD monitor that has HD and SD SDI inputs and the full range of analogue SD inputs: composite, YC and component. If you need a large monitor on location, this is an ideal solution. Unlike large CRT monitors, this one can be powered by batteries. It’s also produces an excellent image and is lighter, slimmer and easier to carry around.

Summary
The world of monitors is changing: CRT monitors are being phased out and LCD monitors are replacing them. This has significant advantages in terms of size, weight, power consumption, flexibility and versatility. Some people may still prefer the colours and image on a CRT monitor but the new LCD models do produce good reference pictures.

If you use wireless monitors a lot, you should try the new WEVI Marshall combination we will be offering later this month. Our tests indicate it is more reliable and produces a better image than other options.