PAL here and I've used Ext mon Cheapo TVs and now my 720+ Line JVC - I have CRTs over LCDs anyday .. The other advantage is that Preview is away from the LCD editing area .. more real estate available .. I'm assuming you meant Previewing on the area you were/are editing - on an LCD? Is this correct?
For LCD need 1900x1200 to see HDD at best. Many will say you need a quality NTSC TV (preferably HD) as this the way your work will likely be viewd, but I say go with the better LCD and if you get your video as good as it can be then let the broadcaster worry about the NTSC bit. The 23" Sony XBG WEGA Widescreens are fine. Yes, must get widescreen thats a given.
The fact is CRTs are not going to be with us much longer. Manufacturers have either scaled back their glass product lines or ceased production altogether.
So your content is either going to be viewed on LCD or plasma. I suspect LCD will eventually prevail over plasma.
This isn't all such a bad thing, a HD glass monitor will set me back around $35K, an LCD $3K. Factor in the cost of keeping the CRT in calibration and it's a no brainer. Sonys latest studio monitors are all pretty well LCD as well.
Having said that I just bought a very second hand Sony studio monitor for $20! Tube is OK, only has some wierd electronics fault so I think I got a bargain, if not anyone need and anchor for their boat?
Bob.
i have 2 pc monitors, i sony studio monitor, and my brand new lcd - i fed them all with a test video i made to calibrate 'clients' tv's, and i don't care what anyone says, the sony pro looks right, followed by one of the crts, and if i sent the lcd to 'entertainment' on it's preset, it looks as good as the pro minotor - problem is, i'd be blind in 1/2 hour working with the lcd at that level of brightness....
another couple of years and yes, lcd's will rule. till then, the boat achors win out,