Computer Monitors

[kimba325]

Hoping someone out there can help with our debate. We are trying to decide the best way to view digital latents. The majority of our viewing will be to evaluate prints to determine whether they are AFIS quality. We are looking at dual monitors, but also found out that we could go widescreen and split the screen to view to images at once. We are at a lost as to whether we should concern ourselves with the resolution of the monitor. Our current graphics card has a max resolution of 2048 X 1536. We are unsure if the resolution really does influence the quality of the image (getting told yes it does by some and no it doesn't by others). Or is it something visually we would not notice between getting something close to our max resolution offered by the graphics card versus our current monitors which have 1280 x 1040 as a max resolution. Any input (if possible in laymens terms) would be greatly appreciated

Kimberly Warner
Tucson Police Dept.
520-791-4499 ext. 1480

[Peter Griffin]

I would suggest asking this question in the Anandtech forums under Hardware and Technology – General Hardware (http://forums.anandtech.com/) since they deal specifically with computers and technology and you will find people much more knowledgeable on the subject. I built a computer recently and they pretty much provided me with all the information I needed.
As for widescreen vs. dual screen I would go widescreen since I find it much easier to look at one screen then have to shift back and forth between two…especially when doing comparisons, but that is just my opinion. I think any new widescreen monitor you buy nowadays is going to be at least 1680x1050 which should be fine for looking at your digital latents.
pg

[George Reis]

The resolution of the monitor in pixel dimensions describes the maximum number of pixels that can be displayed on the monitor. That's all. It doesn't describe the bit depth of those pixels, the pitch of them, etc. So, just going by the number of pixels is not really telling you that much regarding sharpness (which I think is the question you are asking). There are some monitors out currently that can display pretty large color gamuts, and if I were looking for a new one today, that would be one of the key factors I would consider. The reason for this is so that I can better see subtle tonal differences in my images. All that said, most current higher end monitors should be of good quality and provide decent images.

George

[kimba325]

George-

In regards to the color gamuts...if I was looking up specs on monitors where would this be listed? And what value should I be looking for as a good choice?

Thanks for you input.

[George Reis]

Monitors that have a wide color gamut - such as Adobe RGB - and a high bit depth (10 to 12 bit) would be likely to include this in their specs. I haven't been monitor shopping lately - but the Eizo monitors are considered to be among the best (although quite pricey). I think LaCie also makes some high bit, large gamut monitors. I'm sure there are others - just look at the top monitors from your favorite manufacturers and you should find several to choose from.

Of course, be sure you have a video card able to support the resolution and bit depth at a decent refresh rate.

George