Ask Engadget HD: Best HDTV & secondary video editing monitor for my Macbook Pro?
By Richard Lawler 
posted Jun 18th 2009 12:30PM
posted Jun 18th 2009 12:30PM
"My situation is this: I would like to combine my purchase of a new HD television as both an entertainment unit and a secondary monitor for my computer. I am a freelance video editor, shoot in HD (1080), and use a Macbook Pro 15" (2.4 ghz). I see 32" model as the right size/price range, and I will be sitting between 2-3 feet away from the screen when editing. Given all this context, my questions are these:
1. What features should I weigh most? (refresh rate, mhz, brand)
2. Given this screen size/viewing distance, does the 720p/1080p difference matter much?
I will begin seriously shopping around later this year, but would like some background knowledge before I start talking with sales reps."
Any of you making high definition movies instead of just watching them? Let us, and John, know what you look for in a display in the comments.
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Any of you making high definition movies instead of just watching them? Let us, and John, know what you look for in a display in the comments.
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
At that distance 1080p will be noticeably clearer than 720p. I would look at the KDL-32XBR9 from Sony, or the TC-L32S1 from Panasonic. They are both excellent panels and will give you the 1080p panel that you want for video editing, as well at the great picture for when TV or Blu-Ray viewing is what you're after.
I want BLU-RAY on new MBP's, goodluck on that.
Apple is waiting too long to introduce this great tech!!!!
You will want 1080p so you can view the video you shoot in full resolution. Beyond that you'll want it simply so the display supports the full output your Macbook Pro can do.
Based on your request for it to be a HDTV you'll want something with a built in tuner, which means none of the Apple monitors will work I believe. I don't have any specific recommendations at this time, I'm others will however.
There is no need for a built in tuner if you use a cable or satellite box, or a tivo/HTPC with cablecards.
I work a production house where we develop HD content all the time. Aside from the comments above about 1080p, the next most important thing I think is the ability to color calibrate your monitor. Buying a monitor that allows more controls and a secondary color calibration tool is important. You may or may not be finishing your work on your monitor but that always helps.
We have found that the plasmas (pioneer / panasonic) are quite good for this as they have a natural color gamut. We didn’t like the LCDs but we did our comparisons about 1.5 years ago so the newer crop of them may be better than the plasmas.
Refresh rate isn't as important -- as you will want to be running your work at normal refresh speeds.
All the monitors have HDMI and a simple cable should do the trick to connect the two.
Get yourself a good broadcast monitor.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410274-REG/Sony_BVMA14F5U_BVMA14F5U_14_HD_Broadcast.html
You can find something similar to this on ebay for a pretty reasonable price.
Having full resolution or even a display as large as 32'' isn't as important and color replication and contrast ratio.
If you want something bigger as a client monitor then go for a TV, but don't expect to color correct on it.
That's a nice monitor for a professional. Not sure if upwards of 4K is justifiable for a freelancer. I know I couldn't justify it for me.
A TV isn't really going to do you any good for accurate monitoring. You might as well just stick to the laptop screen.
I'm using a JVC at the moment, it's cheaper but also quite good:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/629307-REG/JVC_DT_V17L3DY_17_LCD_MONITOR_w_HD_SD.html
Otherwise check :
http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/reviews.php
for good reviews especially color-wise.
As usual it all depends what you are willing to invest! :)
make sure you get a tv with 1 to 1 pixel mapping. On most TV's with a VGA port they dont do it. but if you plan on using one of the DVI to HDMI converters you will want to make sure you can turn overscan off.
~Mitchell
This is an excellent question! I have a very similar setup myself. I actually just cut a 105 minute documentary using this type of setup exclusively. After 2 months of cutting, I can say that big screen LCD TVs are the ONLY way to work if you are a freelance editor!
Here's my setup:
Macbook Pro (pre unibody) 2.5Ghz, 4GB ram, 512 Graphics.
DVI -> HDMI Cable
Samsung ln52a550 52" 1080P LCD TV
Logitech Bluetooth Dinovo Edge Keyboard
Logitech V450 Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (NOT Bluetooth, cause bluetooth mice SUCK)
Sofa
Basically, it's a HTPC setup... for editing, and it rocks. I sit 6' away, and have full command of the setup.
I HIGHLY recommend working with LCDs if you're using it as a timeline and viewing monitor. I have excellent results, and all my clients are blown away by the comfort of my setup. IMO, LCDs also offer a much more "quiet" screen, which is great for a timeline monitor. Plasma screens tend to be a bit more "buzzy", and will probably give you a headache if you're using them for a timeline screen.
Two very important things:
1) You GOTTA go 1080P. Just don't even consider 720. There isn't enough resolution to work with unless you're 1080P.
2) You need an LCD with "PC Mode." Basically, PC Mode means 1:1 pixel mapping, so you get stunning results. Many people try to hook up their computers to LCD TVs or Plasmas, and they get awful results. This is because most TVs overscan, sharpen, and post process the image like crazy. With PC Mode, you get beautiful colors and perfect text.
With my setup, I feel like I have a 52" version of the 30" apple cinema display. I'm typing this on my setup right now. In fact, I never even use my laptop screen anymore, because this setup is THAT awesome!
Also, I HIGHLY recommend Samsung. They are truly the best bang for the buck. I've had my TV for 1.5 years, and I'm still blown away every time I turn it on.
Bottom line, before you purchase your set, make sure it has a PC Mode. Typically, it is only ONE HDMI port that supports PC Mode... so keep this in mind as well. I purchased an HDMI switch to overcome this issue, so I can play Xbox 1:1 pixels as well :-)
Check the AVS forums for some really in depth analysis of the model you're considering.
avsforum dot com
Also, I should note that I DO NOT have a 120hz (or higher) set. Personally, I find anything over 60hz looks really weird. You may want to research that, and make sure you can turn the 120hz feature off, because it will really make your framerate look weird!!! Either that, or just buy a 60hz set!
Email me if you have further questions:
blakeharjes at yahoo dot com.
Best,
Blake Harjes
Editor
"PC Mode means 1:1 pixel mapping"
I did not know that. thanks!
So that would be ideal for any use at all including watching stuff off Hulu?
Samsung blows out their colors to make them seem like they have the best picture in the store. If you want to edit video you need to consider less consumer-quality monitors and looks for the industrial types like NEC and the like.
my question is why don't you invest in a Mac Pro for your main editing needs? Trust me when I tell you that editing HD content in Final Cut is much better on the Mac Pro than on the MacBook Pro.
I'm a reality editor working for Original Productions. I'm sure you've heard of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers.
/endplug
If you are using the 2nd monitor as source/timeline monitor then imo any LCD that supports 1:1 pixels will be fine.
If you are trying to have something to use as a client monitor then LCD is fine, same 1:1. If you have something hanging off your laptop like one of AJA's external boxes you can also use a prosumer plasma for very minor color work. They're nothing compared to real calibrated color timed monitors but it might also be fine for whatever you're working on. Odds are if you're cutting primarily on a laptop its nothing too intensive.
If you are working on things that will be broadcast you really need to have two client monitors imo. One that's down converted to NTSC (an older tube display) and one that's full rez HD. I've gotten more than one emergency phone call from promo and development departments who's editors couldn't figure out why their SD footage was flickering on DVD output but not on the HD timeline or LCD monitors.
I use FCP, mini display port to DVI adapter and DVI to HDMI cable to view my canvas on a 32" Panasonic Plasma. I recommend plasma because it's the most natural "film" look (if that's what you're going for). I HIGHLY recommend getting one that is THX certified so it can be calibrated. The fellas above are correct re: NEC and such, but I don't have that much coin. My output is SD, Blu-ray and various formats compatible with computers and gaming machines (PS3, XBox 360, etc). My calibrated Panny gets damn close to my perfectly calibrated 50 Panasonic Plasma and I haven't really heard any complaints about my color correction on other TV's.
And again, as stated above....all this really depends on what you shoot and what your final output will be (broadcast, consumer DVD, Blu-ray, etc)
Hope this helps,
MarginalHDGuru
Places like monoprice now have miniDP-HDMI cables for about $14, so you can skip the DVI part completely. Unfortunately, they don't carry audio (as is the case with DVI).
Well this thread fizzled lol.