What would your perfect LCD monitor include?

[Luis Sinibaldi]

Hi Jess,

Thanks for your input.

For the level, I would think that it would be easier to make the whole PIP transparent (being that the electronics to make the PIP are already there) than to come up with new electronics that grab a video image, crop the image and overlay it over an existing image. I'll check on the transparency possibilities.

 

The cheap downconverters don't go from HD-SDI to composite, nor from RGB component (HD) to SD composite. Again, I'll see what I can do, but I don't promise anything.

 

As for the dunk, ahhh. I think I understood you exactly. (weird, I understood it, then I though about it, and said. wait I don't think that's what he meant. he would have the camera in a case, and his steadi would all get wet??) If everything goes as plan, I could have a way for it to survive that dunk you talk about. But it would be a temporary thing. you couldn't submerge it for long periods, that entails a whole new set of problems.

 

Thank you for you input, and again, if anyone cares to chip in, I'm listening.

 

Sincerely,

Luis

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Hi Rob,

Thank you so much for you input. (as for Guru, I'm not sure I qualify, but thanks)

 

As why Boland stated that there is no good demand for 7" monitors, I'm not sure. They are a bigger company and must have done some market research.

 

For me the decision came because I wanted more than 800x480 pixels. I have an HVX and bought a 35mm adapter (Redrock M2 to be specific) and pulling focus is a nightmare with the on board LCD. So I looked at the Marshall and wasn't happy with viewing angle nor with brightness and resolution.

 

As far as I know, there is only ONE LCD screen that has 1024x768 and is under 10" and that is the one I decided to go with. (this was at least at the time of my R&D.) My guess is that unless Panasonic is making their own LCD screen (which they might or be buying from the same supplier as my mnf.) the $4890 Panasonic monitor probably is the same LCD screen as mine. Panasonic BT-LH900A

 

So my decision is purely based on resolution. if there was a 7" LCD screen with that resolution and viewing angle I probably would have gone that route. (since I will be using it for shoulder mount operations and weight is an issue)

 

What I'm working on which is the difficult part for me is, Frame-generator and Electronic level. (the electronic level I might have to leave out. But I'll look into it also)

Louis,

One more question . . . .

when can we field test your Frankenmonitor . . . .

 

I know Job and I can't be the only ones wanting to test a new monitor?

 

Build on!!!

 

Oh and the frame line and Electronic level are Icing on the cake . . . .at least for me, analog level is what I have to work with all the time anyway. . . .LOL . . .

[Luis Sinibaldi]

Rob,

 

Like I said, my monitor will be shown at DV expo in Burbank tomorrow at the Redrock Micro booth. That is actually my prototype which I'm dropping of to them tonight. I'm having some cables delivered tomorrow, and if it all works out, I will have the first production model to them by 11am.

(the production model has nicer buttons with custom options and the 1st battery plates for Vmount & Gold mount. but the image of the prototype is identical to the production models)

 

Other than that, you are more than welcome to call me and either schedule a time to come see it, or maybe I can meet you somewhere. Just send me a pm with your number and I'll give you a call.

 

Thanks for your interest.

 

Luis

[Jess Haas SOC]

I do steadicam work, and I do underwater work, but I don't do them at the same time. :-) The request was merely another non steadicam related use for the monitor. Sorry for the confusion. Of course it would be nice to be able to do what this guy did: http://www.fluidmotionfilm.com/page/steadicam_seadoo.html

 

or atleast stand out in the rain.

 

~Jess

[Luis Sinibaldi]

That crazy stuff. on a seadoo. Nice.

 

well. let me come up with some drawings and figure it out and we'll see what happens.

 

Thanks,

Luis

[Nicholas Davidoff]

Gentlemen,

 

I'm an L.A. based operator currently researching equipment options as most of you are. I've been following this thread closely and although I'm impressed with the features of Mr. Sinibaldi's Carrion monitor, I've noticed some issues in the specs that have yet to be addressed. Such as --

 

On a minor note, aren't rear mounted connectors preferred over top mounted? Maybe you don't have the clearance in this housing to mount on the back, but as far as Steadicam applications the rear housing can probably be extended to accomodate the connectors and wouldn't be an issue regarding performance. Many of us are used to monitors that are over eight inches long.

 

And my main issue is this -

 

Since the very beginning of this thread, our #1 demand in our "dream LCD" seems to be SUNLIGHT VIEWABILITY. "High brightness" is a highly relative and inaccurate term. We're talking a number of 1000 nits and up as Mr. Fletcher has many times re-iterated. An LCD for marine or military applications. The key words here being TRANSFLECTIVE, anti-glare, anti-reflection and optical bonding. Very important requirements in any pro level high brightness monitor intended to be viewed in DIRECT SUNLIGHT. Many of these features are offered in these LCD examples --

 

http://www.planarembedded.com/products/ope...e/outdoor/lc08/

http://www.planarembedded.com/products/mariner/lx0801pti/

 

Perhaps LCD screens like these can be integrated into a Steadicam monitor. Forgive me if I'm missing something here, but I don't understand how Mr. Sinibaldi's 350+ cd/m2 is gonna cut it.

 

1000+ nits. Transflective. Optically bonded. Isn't this what we're all talking about?

[Jess Haas SOC]

I agree about the connectors on the top. My suggestion was to flip it and put the connectors on the bottom. As long as there is enough clearance around the mounting hole this should work fine for my intended mounting setup. Connectors on the back is a more standard setup, but if he does wish to seriously weather proof it I think connectors on the bottom would be ideal.

 

If the connectors are on the bottom it might be prudent to add some sort of protection along the lines of what sony uses to protect the buttons on the front of their monitors. This picture might help: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/410246.jpg

 

That would keep the BNC connectors form getting damaged if the monitor is rested on the bottom as well as giving you a place to attach cables for a strain relief. Of course this is again for off steadicam purposes as it wouldn't really matter when used on a steadicam.

 

 

While his current version isn't all that bright what we are talking about is the steadicam version which he said will be available with 1000+nits.

 

Luis, have you looked into transflective technology? It seems to be the future of sunlight viewable LCDs, but I am not sure if the technology is there yet for screens this size. Would be nice if it was.

 

~Jess

[Luis Sinibaldi]

Nick,

As Jess has stated, I am looking to adapt my current models to make a MEGA model for you guys. and although the 350nits (which is probably around 500 or so. but I have to test this before I give real specs) is not enough for your needs, I am talking to the mnf. about re-vamping the back lights to boost it up above 1000nits. I believe I stated this before. :)

 

As for transflective technologie, I am looking at that. I am at the mercy of what the mnf. can do to the current screen. But I am confident that I will have something that will be pretty amazing regarding sun readability. (as I've mention before, I've taken the monitor out in the sun, and its performed better than my expectations. and that was without a hood of any kind. So I'm sure with more anti-reflective coatings, and brighter, it will be amazing)

 

and the connectors will be at the bottom as far as I am planing it. I will spend some time at Tiffen reviewing their Steadicam models and how they are mounted, but I'm sure I can come up with something that almost everyone will be happy with.

 

Again, keep the comments coming, and I'll do my best to satisfy your needs. :D

[MarceloKron]

Hi guys... take a look at this web site... I thing they have transflective monitors

http://www.sunlightlcd.com

 

I found that one... may be a good chose?

http://www.sunlightlcd.com/6-inch-daybrigh...bchh6400hd.html

 

 

I'm in Brazil, Sao Paulo... for me, is very hard to get a closer look, if you guys have the chance to see it live please send me a feed back ok!?

 

 

regards!

[Richard W. Davis]

I agree about the connectors on the top. My suggestion was to flip it and put the connectors on the bottom. As long as there is enough clearance around the mounting hole this should work fine for my intended mounting setup. Connectors on the back is a more standard setup, but if he does wish to seriously weather proof it I think connectors on the bottom would be ideal.

 

 

~Jess

 

 

I respectfully disagree with your connectors on the bottom idea for improved water resistance. Unless you operate with the monitor oriented flat on its bottom the connectors would be more exposed. The standard of putting them on the rear puts them in a protected position from the elements because we usually have the monitor at a roughly 45 degree angle (or flatter ) for MOST applications.

 

 

If you are going to try to seriously penetrate the steadicam market make sure you include the standard PRO 8 pin Lemo connectors for Power and Video input(or the Hirose for Tiffen sleds). This is what Greg Bubb did when he built the TB-6 and by being plug and play with existing rigs . Best,

 

Rich Davis

LA

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Rich is right on the connectors. Louis, as you can see, many people want many things. While these off-Steadicam uses sound great, that will drive the price up and then people will complain about that. What/who are you really making this monitor for? Steadicam Operators. Thus, make a Steadicam monitor - not an underwater/onboard monitor. The 8-Pin Lemo that is on the PRO monitor and the TB-6 is a must. You don't even need the heavy 4-Pin XLR because you can always make and adapter from Lemo to XLR. I made one of these for my TB-6 back in 1998 when I bought mine thinking it would allow me to use it off Steadicam. In the decade since, I have used it off my rig exactly zero times. Less connectors makes for less expense, less weight, and increase the ease of weather proofing. I'd take a page out of the TB-6 book and use the sole 8-Pin Lemo. From there, anyone can have a cable made to anything. Put the connector on the back along with a BNC input for emergencies (that can also act as a pass through for video).

 

I wouldn't bother with a downconverter. It will drive the price up and frankly, the more features that are in the monitor, the more reasons you will need another one of these monitors (which could be good for you) as a back up. If you put all these features in there & it fails, you will not only need a back up monitor, but a back up down-converter, level, frameline, etc. I would include the framelines though since this is built into most of our monitors out there (in PRO world; Tiffen keeps their frameline generator in the sled housing).

 

Also, one feature I use ALL the time and have never seen on another monitor besides the TB-6 (and one of the many reasons I still use it) is a variable zoom control for picture size. In addition to the usual preset 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1 switches, you can manually zoom the image size to your liking. This is a HUGE plus and a feature I'd very much hate to live without.

 

Thanks.

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Hi guys... take a look at this web site... I thing they have transflective monitors

http://www.sunlightlcd.com

 

I found that one... may be a good chose?

http://www.sunlightlcd.com/6-inch-daybrigh...bchh6400hd.html

 

 

I'm in Brazil, Sao Paulo... for me, is very hard to get a closer look, if you guys have the chance to see it live please send me a feed back ok!?

 

 

regards!

Marcelo,

This site http://www.sunlightlcd.com/6-inch-daybrigh...bchh6400hd.html

resembles the Boland an aweful lot . . .which doesn't exist as of yet

[Brant S. Fagan SOC]

Gents--

 

 

The Boland 8.4" DayBright HD-SDI and composite video monitor DOES exist and is sitting in my workshop getting put through some tests this week.

 

So far, I can tell you all that this monitor is very, very good. Looks great even with "crappy" videotap footage fed to it via NTSC (SD). Even with direct sunlight on the screen and lots of snow blindness from the recent snow fall.

 

The next step is to feed it some HD-SDI material later this week. Report to follow.

 

Regarding the sunlightlcd.com referenced above, I checked their site and found that the 8.4" unit they offer is in fact made by Boland and this information is clearly visible in the spec drawings shown on their site.

 

I will try and post some picture(s) of a screen under hard Steadicam® use on daylight exterior with direct and indirect sunlight later in the week.

 

Best,

 

Brant "monitor quest" Fagan

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Gents--

 

 

The Boland 8.4" DayBright HD-SDI and composite video monitor DOES exist and is sitting in my workshop getting put through some tests this week.

 

So far, I can tell you all that this monitor is very, very good. Looks great even with "crappy" videotap footage fed to it via NTSC (SD). Even with direct sunlight on the screen and lots of snow blindness from the recent snow fall.

 

The next step is to feed it some HD-SDI material later this week. Report to follow.

 

Regarding the sunlightlcd.com referenced above, I checked their site and found that the 8.4" unit they offer is in fact made by Boland and this information is clearly visible in the spec drawings shown on their site.

 

I will try and post some picture(s) of a screen under hard Steadicam® use on daylight exterior with direct and indirect sunlight later in the week.

 

Best,

 

Brant "monitor quest" Fagan

----------

Hey Brant,

I wasn't speaking of the 8.4" but of the 6.5" sorry for the confusion. Mike over at Boland told me it just wasn't financially viable to get 6.5" LCD screens cut and that I shouldn't hold my breath for the 6.5". Maybe in the future

 

 

Rob "Also on the monitor quest" Vuona

[Luis Sinibaldi]

Hey Guys,

Just a quick update, I'm getting the screen re-vamped with brighter backlights. The mnf. says it should be around 1300nits. :)

I'll keep you informed of when I get it and let you know about running times, etc...

Luis