LCD Monitors - Component Input

mark-woollard wrote on 3/14/2006, 5:18 AM
I saw an ad for a Gateway 21" widescreen LCD panel, 1680x1080, with component inputs and Faroudja processing. Read a positive review here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1910587,00.asp.

Went to see it at a local dealer. The computer source looked great. Played an HDV production from my Z1 via component and was really disappointed at how soft and noisy the picture was. I had previously played it on a studio grade Sony LCD (23" I think) and was blown away by how good it looked. So I took it to several other 19 - 23 inch LCD TVs in the store with component inputs and got similarly disappointing results--soft and noisy.

I had been thinking about ordering the Dell 21" (with similar resolution) or 24" (1920x1080) models but am now reconsidering. They don't have RCA component inputs but rather require a VGA adapter cable. Is going in VGA going to improve the image? I could go back to the store and try that out, assuming I can get hold of an adapter cable.

Addendum: Just spoke to Gateway tech support. They suggested going component to DVI would produce a better picture. Has anyone tried that? Is there a single cable for that or would I need to go component to VGA to DVI?

Thanks
Mark

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 3/14/2006, 6:52 AM
The difference between component and component DVI would be unappreciable from a technical standpoint, but would more relate to how the monitor processes the conversion. If it's got crappy A to D's, then the component analog would be poor regardless.
Bear in mind, it's going thru significant processing if it is scaling for 1680. Why not look at a 1900 x 1200? Not much/any more cost? We're using Sony 234b's here, loving them.
I havn't seen a low cost component analog to DVI, but there probably exists a converter somewhere in the consumer realm. Miranda and Convergent Design offer these in the professional end.
Coursedesign wrote on 3/14/2006, 9:49 AM
I have one of these Gateway FPD2185W 21" widescreen panels, got it for free as a replacement for an older LCD under service contract.

It is a very very good computer LCD, tilts for vertical view too which is handy occasionally, and the DVI input gives absolutely jaw-dropping quality when fed HD video from an 1920x1080 ATSC tuner.

Ditto for an uprezzing DVD player feeding the component inputs, this screen has a really good picture. I'd have to think there was some camera or monitor setting issue with your problem, it doesn't sound like a cheap A/D problem even.

The Gateway LCD sold recently at Circuit City for $499, full retail is $599.

Dell's 24" is nice, but it's at least $800 on sale (which I think is the case right now through tomorrow).

I haven't seen Dell's 20" widescreen, but it is a great buy for $399 (when on sale).
logiquem wrote on 3/14/2006, 11:27 AM
I have a Dell 2405 wich i truly love for computer work (DVI connec.): perfectly balanced in term of resolution, contrast, luminosity and colors to my taste. But it is definitly not optimised for video/analog inputs. I think you will aslo find it soft and noisy with component in
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mark-woollard wrote on 3/15/2006, 4:15 AM
Spot are using the 234/B monitor for viewing analogue (component) video sources or just computer output? Is the latter DVI or VGA?

If you're feeding the monitor analog video, is it in combination with the Sony MEUWX2 engine?
Spot|DSE wrote on 3/15/2006, 6:14 AM
I don't have the Media Engine. Wish I did. I own the 234b, bought it after being loaned one for the Sony HDV tour and loving it so much. MUCH MUCH better than the very nice Toshiba I'd purchased for about the same price/same size earlier in the year. No analog to it, digital only. Sony also loaned us the MEU, but I didn't see any pressing need for it, outside of being able to calibrate more easily, because we're not feeding analog video in. We also have a BVM with HD/SDI card that feeds from the Decklink, which further dampened need for it.