Pro LCD monitors

By published

Sony Electronics added two new models to its line of Trimaster LCD monitors for critical evaluation and broadcast video production. The PVM-L2300 23in broadcast-grade monitor is the newest entry in the series, and the BVM-L170 17in panel is Sony's second entry in its series of LCD master monitors for critical evaluation applications, joining the BVM-L230 monitor already used in film and video production. Both monitors incorporate a 10-bit 120Hz LCD panel, nonlinear cubic conversion imaging technologies, 12-bit signal processing engine, optical feedback stability systems and automatic calibration operation.

The PVM-L2300 monitor has 1920 × 1200 resolution and a 10-bit driver. It is designed for broadcast and video production, capable of reproducing images consistent with its BVM-L series counterparts but at a greatly reduced price. The only significant difference from the BVM-L series is the use of a cold cathode fluorescent backlight system.

Both models support multiple color standards, including SMPTE-C, EBU and ITU-R BT.709. The BVM-L170 also supports D-Cinema and the expanded gamut color space offered by Sony's F23 and F35 digital cinematography cameras. The new monitors accept multiple sources, including video signals from analog composite to Dual-Link HD-SDI, PC signals from VGA to WUXGA via DVI-D and HDMI interfaces for the PVM-L2300 (VGA to full HD for the BVM-L170.)

Panasonic Broadcast is making the case that its new 25.5in BT-LH2550 professional LCD monitor offers performance comparable to Sony's 23in BVM-L230 monitor, but at a fraction of the price. A side-by-side comparison of Panasonic's monitor with Sony's BVM-L230 in the Panasonic NAB booth was quite compelling in its color and contrast performance.

The BT-LH2550 multiformat LCD production monitor features an In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel and full 1920 × 1200 HD resolution. The LH2550 offers a wide color gamut, surpassing the ITU-R BT.709 standard by 30 percent, and also delivers high contrast and brightness (1000:1 contrast ratio), 10-bit processing and a wide 178-degree viewing angle. The monitor features a full range of professional level inputs, including two auto-switching SDI (HD/SD) inputs (with switched output), component and RGB and adds a DVI-D input. Additional tools include vectorscope and waveform monitor functions, a split-screen function that simultaneously displays two images side-by-side from two different type video inputs and built-in calibration software that allows the monitor to be calibrated without using a PC.

JVC introduced the GM-F series LCD HD displays that provide full HD 1920 × 1080 pixel resolution, enhanced motion sensor technology, high contrast ratio and an ultra-slim front bezel of 15mm (17mm on the 52in model). In addition to broadcast viewing applications, the three new models — GM-F420S, GM-F470S and GM-F520S — have applications in security and control room applications, digital signage as well as in retail, hotel and public exhibition areas.

LED arrives

Christie showed what it says is the world's first LED-based SXGA+ and WUXGA resolution projection display system, purpose-built for control room and video wall applications.

The new Entero LED is an LED-illuminated one-chip DLP product line that features a “zero maintenance” design. The LEDs are rated at more than 50,000 hours, providing more than five years of operation. The projector features built-in automatic brightness and color management. It also has the ability to automatically match color and brightness for every cube, across the entire display wall, on a continuous basis.

With 600 ANSI lumens of brightness, the LED projection engine is capable of illuminating Christie's 50in, 67in and 72in display cube platforms. Also, these cube platforms feature cross-prism optical screen technology for high brightness and wide angles of view. Sealed optics eliminate the need for dust filters, while heat pipe cooling technology minimizes audible noise.