Need new CRT suggestion

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Hi,

My CRT is fading, so I need a new one. I'll be starting color managed
work flow with CS2 and creating professionally printed photographic
products, including framed enlargements. I'll probably go with a
19-inch, and I have $200-$500 to spend.

The reviews of CRT's seem to be scarce and old. The reviews seldom
mention their performance in photographic uses. The VMPro454 and the
Viewsonic G90fb-2 mentioned in a previous thread don't seem to be
available anywhere (although the G90fb is).

Can anyone recommend an excellent quality CRT that will fit my
criteria?

TIA
Duncan

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Believe it or not the amount you propose it not sufficient for a top end CRT
with reliable performance stats.
Double that number and look for space for a 21 inch behemoth.
If you are calibrating your monitor with a device set up to detect it you
will find that most middling CRTs do not have the range from black to white
that you supposed was a main reason to buy the CRT to begin with rather than
an LCD.
The advantage of a CRT over most LCDs in this price range is the appearance
(but not necessarily the reality) of a more stepless gray-scale/color scale
to the viewer in the range of tones that most people can perceive with the
naked eye. This is the main advantage of CRTs for image processing, and one
that may not be as important as it seems as you get used to using the tool
that you have to work with.
The better consumer level LCDs, at the top of the price range you mention,
may suit your needs quite well. Unfortunately it is difficult to audition
LCDs and CRTs in stores for purposes of photoprocessing and magazine/web
reviews are not always reliable.
My experience, using calibrated monitor/printer/scanner has been that
middling level CRTs work quite well for this purpose (actually better than
comparably priced LCDs) with considerable cost savings. I do not believe
there is considerable performance difference between CRT monitors at similar
price points other than whether the device has a Triniton based or
aperture/grill based CRT. Just make sure the monitor has front panel
controls for light/dark, contrast and color temperature controls.
I presume you realize color management does not guarantee WYSIWYG print to
monitor matching but should reliably get you within spitting distance, so
you have to work with your monitor for a while under different ambient
lighting conditions because this strongly influences what you think you see
in the monitor and the print.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Annika1980 wrote:
> >Can anyone recommend an excellent quality CRT that will fit my criteria?
>
> Lacie Electron Blue 19". It's a beauty. It has all the controls
> needed to calibrate and even features a viewing hood to keep ambient
> light away from the screen.

I'll second the LaCie answer. I also had good results with a 19 inch
Gateway with a Trinitron tube. I use both and they are very stable.

Tom

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Viewsonic has decent tubes but their supporting components are
cheap. You'll get a good picture, but not longevity.

Much better are the NEC/Mitsubishi Diamondtron tubes, which
are what LaCie use in their 19 and 22" ElectronBlue CRTs. You
can get the same tubes for less money by buying NEC directly,
e.g. the FE2111SB: http://www.monitoroutlet.com/782017.html

Diamondtron tubes are brighter and have a wider color gamut
than the Trinitrons, and they run rings around any LCD in the
same price range (or even at 2-3x the price). Also NEC uses
quality components so you should get the same great image for
at least a few years beyond their 3-year warranty. I bought a
2040U in 1999 and it's still functioning perfectly. I use LCDs
for text work but always use the 2040 for color correction.

"Kitt" <niteman3d@gmail.com> wrote in message news:1126276616.527107.214900@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> I just bought this one and am tickled to death with it. Got it from
> Dell for $366 to my door. There was a 5% across the board discount, I
> found another $35 coupon with Google and the shipping was free. Dell
> does charge tax in PA, so it was $340 something plus tax. I saw it and
> the NEC equivalent several places for around $400, but they are getting
> scarce, as are all CRT's. Make sure you check the web via Google or
> some other search engine for rebates and coupons on every potential one
> you narrow it down to. I was surprised Dell gave me credit for the
> second discount, but they did and it will tell you yea or nay as soon
> as you enter the coupon code. I got the black case, but it comes in
> beige as well:
>
> http://www.epinions.com/cmhd-Monit [...] y_~reviews
>
>
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna [...] sting.aspx
>
> This is the coupon code from Tech Bargains for $35 off any Dell
> purchase over $300 and it says it is stackable with the other %off
> that's already there. Good till 9/15. Find it with a Google for "Dell
> Coupons" and it looks like the free shipping is still in force. If I
> recall, my exact total was $365.65 including PA sales tax:
>
> 64DW9D95?$T9S?
>
>
> Kitt
>
>
> Duncan Chesley wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > My CRT is fading, so I need a new one. I'll be starting color managed
> > work flow with CS2 and creating professionally printed photographic
> > products, including framed enlargements. I'll probably go with a
> > 19-inch, and I have $200-$500 to spend.
> >
> > The reviews of CRT's seem to be scarce and old. The reviews seldom
> > mention their performance in photographic uses. The VMPro454 and the
> > Viewsonic G90fb-2 mentioned in a previous thread don't seem to be
> > available anywhere (although the G90fb is).
> >
> > Can anyone recommend an excellent quality CRT that will fit my
> > criteria?
> >
> > TIA
> > Duncan
>

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Fri, 09 Sep 2005 13:09:35 GMT, I <BioColor@aol.com> wrote:

>Can anyone recommend an excellent quality CRT that will fit my
>criteria?

Many thanks to all for the discussion. It was a big help. I'm leaning
toward one of those LaCie monitors.

Duncan