My current video monitor setup is a 17” laptop screen and old 17” LCD monitor. Snagged an older 42”, 720p Panasonic flat screen TV last night for 5$. Going to give it a run as a single monitor setup. I’ve heard that’s too big and not fine enough resolution for a DAW monitor. I have some room to set it back a ways so we shall see. If it doesn’t improve my setup I will have a TV for sale at a good price soon
A friend who has a studio has a TV for a monitor. He said he left it on for a long time and now the DAW image is burned into his TV. I don't know how long it was on or if that is a problem with today's TVs. I just thought I should let you know.
PS - I can't contact him as he took a job in another state.
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
720p is not high enough resolution with such a big screen and the built-in graphics card of my laptop. The refresh rates are only 59 and 60 Hz, and it's about to drive my eyes nuts!
I also cannot adjust the displayed size of the computer screen - and it's cutting off about 1/2" on every edge. There might be a way to adjust this with the remote, but part of the 5$ price for this TV was that it did not come with a remote. There's not enough buttons on the TV to go deep into the setup.
I'm really not all that disappointed - with the exception that it's pretty heavy compared to an LCD TV of the same size, so setting it up took me some time and sweat.
Not sure if it won't work because you're on a laptop or if it could be something else. I have my 42" hooked up to my desktop and it works just fine. I'm running Windows 10 and have the screen resolution set to 1920 x 1080 which is the recommended setting. (See photos below)
I’m still trying to figure out why anybody would want a 42” screen
My 27.5” Mac display gives me a perspective of my DAW and plugins that is comfortably close to what physical equipment would look like at the same distance on my desk.
Boatloads of FWIW’s, etc.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
FWIW, I stopped using 720 years back. 1080 works much better on larger screens. That said, even at 1080, for computer display a 32" screen seems about where the trade off happens for me. YMMV
720 is like an older 1280 display laptop being enlarged on a bigger screen. Most laptops are at least 1440, and even these are fading away fast, so using 1080 minimum is a much better benchmark/standard.
Many software specs are disregarding 1280 as being fully supported these days (including web apps); it's simply getting to be old/deprecated. Thus the original $5 price tag <grin>
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I’m still trying to figure out why anybody would want a 42” screen
My 27.5” Mac display gives me a perspective of my DAW and plugins that is comfortably close to what physical equipment would look like at the same distance on my desk.
Boatloads of FWIW’s, etc.
Bud
Well for one thing, if I have someone over to work on a song they can easily see what I'm doing sitting on the couch behind me in the studio.
Also when doing fine editing on parts like vocals where you need to take out breaths or tame some harsh consonants it makes it a lot easier to see what you are doing.
Actually, when using a (almost comically) large screen, I generally drop the resolution to 720p. This, as someone previously mentioned, enlarges everything on the screen. This is usually a comfort thing, as reading small 1080p text on a large screen three feet away can give you awesome headaches. You can adjust these things in the user setting (such as scaling), but dropping the resolution is just a quick and dirty way to do the same thing.
Be a little weary of 1440p (Or 2k) Monitors. Not every application has native 1440 support, so you might find yourself battling upscalling.
If I was to pick the next great thing for studio LCD/LED/OLED monitors, it would be the Ultra Wides. These guys will show you tracks for days, and look amazing (bonus points if you get a curved one). Unfortunately the industry as a whole is becoming a little turbulent. We were complacent with a 1080p standard for well over a decade, but now there is so many choices between 2K, 4K, Ultra Wide, HRD, 60-120Hz, curved, etc. Unfortunately when dealing with so many options, the support is not in place yet, as early adopters of 4K have found out.
Just remember, the size of the screen does not automatically equate to more content you can fit in there.
Also, just to confirm, unless you leave the exact same screen on for months or years, screen burn just is not a thing anymore.
C-sharp when you cross the street… or you’re going to B-flat.
I bought a flat screen TV last year. One of those smart TV's. I think it's 37" or there abouts.
I'm using it as my studio monitor. I use the HDMI out from the DAW video card into the HDMI 1 input. It took a bit of playing with the video settings to get it looking right but it works great now.
I can stream Netflix and Sling if I get bored, and if I want, I could put up an antenna and get the local Raleigh stations off the air.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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