Viewing images - advice - LCD vs CRT

[jmilkins]

Hi all

I'd like some advice please. I currently use a good quality 21inch Hp p1120 flatscreen CRT which I am happy with (though I really should calibrate it.).

However my desk set up is very cramped - I have to view the screen at only 40 odd centimeters (15.5 inches) distance. An LCD would give me much more space on the desk and a better viewing distance. But I am worried about a decrease in greyscale (e.g. deep blacks) and colour performance.

I respect the views here and you all view images much as I do so I'm seeking advice and a recommendation on quality LCD monitors about 19 - 20 inches.

Is it a viable option and if so what monitor would you recommend.?

Thank you very much

 

[photogdave]

I do 90 % of my daily computer work on a Samsung SyncMaster 940BW 19" LCD. It is inexpensive and works well for general purpose stuff.
For serious photo editing I power up the Apple 17" CRT that's also hogging a lot of my desk real estate. But there is no substitute for a CRT!
Even with televisions CRT is better. Some of my friends have $2000 Sony LCD and DLP TVs but my 26" Panasonic 1080i CRT blows them away and it was only $500!

 

[jmilkins]

Thanks Dave - this is kind of confiming my thoughts. Hmnnn.. I might just end up with eye strain but better image quality!

 

[40oz]

CRT's are the best, hands down. But they take up more room. Thankfully, they tend to be cheaper.

If you have limited room, get an LCD if you can afford it. The increased viewing distance will offset any quality difference, IMHO. What good is "the best" if it hurts you to use it?

Personally, I have ~20 inches between me and the wall behind my desk. I think I will move it out 6" and move my monitor back 6" tomorrow morning, due to you bringing this to my attention. I have a 17" CRT, and rear of the pedastal is about 9" in front of the rear of the CRT. So I can sit the monitor pedestal 3" in from the edge of the desk and be fine.

Regardless of your monitor, you still have to translate colors and contrast on-screen to colors and contrast on a printer, so I don't feel that absolute fidelity in a monitor is all that necessary for most usage. A good friend is a professional graphic artist, and uses his Macbook for 90% of his work. He has a CRT, but convenience trumps all, I guess.