Best monitor for graphic design work

[brucenz]

Hello

I do graphic design and layout work including editing photos and images in Illustrator and Photoshop and other applications. I create material for commerical printing and as PDFs.

I have 2 CRT monitors (dual display) but wonder whether I could get a CRT or TFT monitor to replace the CRTs.

Could other graphic designers doing the same type of work please give me their opinions and experience.

Thanks
bruce

[Ned]

I think it's mostly personal preference and budget. CRT will give you the truest colors, but the LCD displays are better for your eyes, not causing the screen flicker that you don't notice, but works behind the scenes. Plus how can you beat the look and convenience of a nice lightweight display like a TFT?

[VtImpaler]

You make material for print? ->>> CRT ALLWAYS!

It's true the LCD monitor it's better for your eyes but it's bad display quality.
LCD/TFT is best for people that play games on computer or for programmers.
I've ben in some Ad Agencies and never saw in the DTP department LCD/TFT monitors. In Saatchi & Saatchi i saw 2 but they use them to keep the menus from Photoshop ;)

[Dan Harrill]

I've been working on my apple displays for awhile now and I personally don't think there is anything better out there right now.
They are a bit pricey but if you got the funds to throw down you won't be disappointed.

[brucenz]

Thanks everyone - now what about the claim that high definition LCD/TFT monitors can replicate the colour clarity and correctness of a CRT. For instance: http://www.acer.co.nz/acer/akc/monitorslcd.nsf/Page/RWP0B2FD924E0E329DFCA2572330019CECE?
which has a Maximum Resolution of 1920 x 1200?

Bruce

[balou]

Do a search on monitors in this forum. There's been many conversations about this in the past on other threads.

[Ned]

I doubt that any LCD monitor could replicate the color correctness of a CRT, personally (though Apple and Dell displays have the best reputation in that respect).

Whereas I agree with Impaler that CRT is the obvious "best choice" for print production as far as quality of work is concerned, I really think that other factors can far outweigh that aspect. I have been around long enough that I would easily put my physical and mental health above any amount of money I may get for having "perfect color" in my jobs. Just my opinion, but when you get to my age, you'll understand where I'm coming from. :D

[frailer]

Been wondering about this too, lately. There seems to be 2 levels in LCD/TFT. Apple, and then everyone else. Most of the latter seem to be in the 1024x1240, ( in that arena, anyway). As a result, they look pretty average.
Apple seem to use a much higher (finer) res. Users seem to rave about them. Anyone got the tech background to this?

[Rocketpig]

Been wondering about this too, lately. There seems to be 2 levels in LCD/TFT. Apple, and then everyone else. Most of the latter seem to be in the 1024x1240, ( in that arena, anyway). As a result, they look pretty average.
Apple seem to use a much higher (finer) res. Users seem to rave about them. Anyone got the tech background to this?

Apple uses the same screens as other high-end monitors so the only real difference is the backlight, industrial design, and color correction (if you're using an Apple monitor on a PC, scratch that one).

[CamarotaDesign]

I'm just gonna throw this out:

When you pay attention to the cmyk build numbers (ink levels, color breakdown, etc) It really doesnt matter what monitor you use, because you should be paying attention to those levels.

We just got some work to print from a high profile, award winning design agency and the files they sent were set up ridiculously. No attention paid to this sort of thing, and unless me and the prepress department fixed the numbers, some of the photos would have turned out very bad.

for example:

60m 60y is way too hot for an overall facial tone, I dont care where you take that file to, that face is gonna turn out red.


Please people, if you can't get your colors to print out right, what good is your color theory? Look at the Numbers, not the screen.

[wienerdog]

I'm just gonna throw this out:

When you pay attention to the cmyk build numbers (ink levels, color breakdown, etc) It really doesnt matter what monitor you use, because you should be paying attention to those levels.

We just got some work to print from a high profile, award winning design agency and the files they sent were set up ridiculously. No attention paid to this sort of thing, and unless me and the prepress department fixed the numbers, some of the photos would have turned out very bad.

for example:

60m 60y is way too hot for an overall facial tone, I dont care where you take that file to, that face is gonna turn out red.


Please people, if you can't get your colors to print out right, what good is your color theory? Look at the Numbers, not the screen.

I usually run test-prints and see where I'm at and make adjustments as necessary. I can't say that I pay attention to the CMYK values of my colors. If I'm digitally painting, I'm trying to make judgments on color based on what I see, not what number comes up. However, when designing something and using specific colors, I usually go Pantone or at least have a CMYK chart around to judge how it'll look in print.

It is a LOT easier to have a properly calibrated monitor for use with print colors. I have long-suffered with whatever monitor is less expensive. I just bought a decent and really inexpensive Westinghouse model 19" wide screen LCD because I can't afford to go Apple yet.

[MikeTheVike]

I'm just gonna throw this out:

When you pay attention to the cmyk build numbers (ink levels, color breakdown, etc) It really doesnt matter what monitor you use, because you should be paying attention to those levels.

We just got some work to print from a high profile, award winning design agency and the files they sent were set up ridiculously. No attention paid to this sort of thing, and unless me and the prepress department fixed the numbers, some of the photos would have turned out very bad.

for example:

60m 60y is way too hot for an overall facial tone, I dont care where you take that file to, that face is gonna turn out red.


Please people, if you can't get your colors to print out right, what good is your color theory? Look at the Numbers, not the screen.

I agree with this, I love the benefits of having a LCD

[Broacher]

http://fastcompany.com/video/general/perceptivepixel.html

[DesignerScott]

Since I still do everything with my tablet, and an external LCD I do everything based on CMYK builds, Pantone Swatches, and Press Proofs.

[CamarotaDesign]

:eek::eek::eek: That was amazing, wow.

Theres the future right there.

http://fastcompany.com/video/general/perceptivepixel.html

[Rocketpig]

When you pay attention to the cmyk build numbers (ink levels, color breakdown, etc) It really doesnt matter what monitor you use, because you should be paying attention to those levels.

Amen to that. I try to color correct my monitors but I don't get in too much of a fuss doing it. Close is good enough.

When it comes to print design, I put on what I call my "Print Goggles". Everything I do is based off the numbers I use and a Pantone swatch book. I guesstimate a lot of the numbers but after working in a print shop for almost two years, I have most basic color combos burned into my brain.

[Broacher]

If that's the future, it's not for me. Give me my dollar-store sketchpads and some good markers/pencils instead, and let the techno-nerds play with executing my better ideas.

Just like better communication technology doesn't translate automatically into better communication, better visualization technology is no guarantee for better visualizing results.

::pfffttte:: ( << ye old farte statement )

[CamarotaDesign]

If that's the future, it's not for me. Give me my dollar-store sketchpads and some good markers/pencils instead, and let the techno-nerds play with executing my better ideas.

Just like better communication technology doesn't translate automatically into better communication, better visualization technology is no guarantee for better visualizing results.

::pfffttte:: ( << ye old farte statement )

The pony express called and your... heheh just kidding.

Actually, I really agree with you on an art/design level. But I was thinking more on a mass consumer level. I can see these types of computers becoming the new thing in like 15-20 years. They're just too cool for people to not want them. I'm sure they have some advantages as well over traditional keyboard and mouses. This thing also reminds me of the computer in 'Minority Report' that they use to go through the mental images from those 3 visionaries or whatever.

[Broacher]

Remember when 'afforable' CG first came out for TV broadcast studios-- remember the news back then? Ugh. Overkill (still quite a few of those around!)

If anything, more often than not, we need LESS graphic communication out there. That's my heretic statement for the day.

[colonel5]

I've been working on my apple displays for awhile now and I personally don't think there is anything better out there right now.
They are a bit pricey but if you got the funds to throw down you won't be disappointed.

I agree, hands down there is not a better monitor out there that I've seen

[brucenz]

Thanks everyone for your comments. To be safe I persuaded my employer to buy 2 19" CRT flat screen monitors. One of my old CRT 17" actually went black and started smoking 4 hours before the new ones arrived. Anyway here I am now sitting in front of too huge 19" inch monitors and I'm starting to feel like I am lost in all that screen. But I could blow one print job up to 1600% and expand it across the 2 screens so I could get some very sharp detail on the entricate graphic details. The more I thought about it the more I prefer TFT flat screens even if the colours would look wrong but I'm going to have to have the CRTs for a few years to come. Hopefully by then a 42" flat screen lcd will be developed I can attach to my office wall, show colpirs perfectly and I will be able to close the door and watch movies with my surround sound 7 speaker sound system when the boss is out. lol.

Bruce

[vxtaper]

That multi-touch monitor seems like it would be horrible for your eyes...

[Jentherabbit]

Apple uses the same screens as other high-end monitors so the only real difference is the backlight, industrial design, and color correction (if you're using an Apple monitor on a PC, scratch that one).


Hi,
Re: your post- I loved my Viewsonic (before it fried yesterday). They tell me thay cant replace it because they are fazing out their CRT's. " no market anymore" what about for designers! I said !
they said- "yeah their a little upset."

anyhow- so what to do.... they'll give me a pro series LCD instead. Has anyone had any experience with Viewsonic LCD'S?

Also what did you mean re: no color correction with PC using apple monitor... and
can you or anyone suggest a specific monitor- CRT or LCD....