<p>Consider the Matrox MXO2 products. The Mini model allows you to gain blue gun control of a normal consumer HDTV, solving the big issue with calibration of these large displays. The MXO2 Mini is under $500, other models include features like hardware H.264 encoding and more advanced interfaces.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-07-06T16:17:58.223Z
2011-07-06T16:17:58.223Z
RatVega
<p>There's a loose binning of monitors into 3 categories:</p>

<ol>
<li>Consumer equipment [$500 - $1500] Dell U-Series LCDs, Panasonic Viera Plasmas</li>
<li>Entry-Level Monitors [$2500+] FSI, HP DreamColor</li>
<li>High End Monitors [$$ - $$$$] eCinema, TV Logic</li>
</ol>

<p>Some of the features of non-consumer monitors that you'll want to learn about are:</p>

<ul>
<li>HD/SDI inputs</li>
<li>Additional outputs</li>
<li>Colorspace and signal type support, such as 4:2:2</li>
<li>"Higher" bit depth, such as 10-bit</li>
<li>LUT programmability</li>
</ul>

<p>If you're asking for low-cost, without already knowing these monitors, then I <strong>strongly</strong> suggest you stick to the first category, and use something like the DataColor Spyder calibration puck.  Getting that top 5% of color accuracy comes at a steep price, and since it seems you're just starting out, you probably want to stick with the 95% solution.  Upgrade only when you have specific need for the features.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-07-06T15:52:47.217Z
2011-07-06T17:25:19.993Z
2011-07-06T17:25:19.993Z
Clint Torres
<p>I am in the market for a low-cost, color-correcting monitor. Please help me define "low cost." I don't want to skimp out but don't want to buy top dollar either. I know good monitors cost money.</p>

<p>I will be using the monitor for both Video and Photography. What features/specs should I consider a "bare minimum" so, hopefully, I wont need to buy two.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-07-06T15:26:24.240Z
[Shopping recommendations are generally off-topic](http://meta.avp.stackexchange.com/questions/20/what-do-you-think-about-shopping-recommendations), especially non-specific ones.
Matthew Read
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-07-06T16:55:49.113Z
@Dave: We don't really allow "shopping recommendation" questions on this site, but I edited your question so you can get some of the information you need to get you started.
Robert Cartaino
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-07-06T17:26:09.787Z
In terms of photography - this is a good read http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/1687/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-monitor-for-photo-processing.
rfusca
<monitors><color-correction>
What should I be looking for in a low cost color correcting monitor?
Dave
# What should I be looking for in a low cost color correcting monitor?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2011-07-06)

I am in the market for a low-cost, color-correcting monitor. Please help me define "low cost." I don't want to skimp out but don't want to buy top dollar either. I know good monitors cost money.

I will be using the monitor for both Video and Photography. What features/specs should I consider a "bare minimum" so, hopefully, I wont need to buy two.

**Tags:** monitors, color-correction

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: [Shopping recommendations are generally off-topic](http://meta.avp.stackexchange.com/questions/20/what-do-you-think-about-shopping-recommendations), especially non-specific ones.  
> **username_2**: @username_0: We don't really allow "shopping recommendation" questions on this site, but I edited your question so you can get some of the information you need to get you started.  
> **username_3**: In terms of photography - this is a good read http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/1687/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-monitor-for-photo-processing.  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_5 on 2011-07-06. Score: 6 | Accepted answer

There's a loose binning of monitors into 3 categories:

1. Consumer equipment [$500 - $1500] Dell U-Series LCDs, Panasonic Viera Plasmas
2. Entry-Level Monitors [$2500+] FSI, HP DreamColor
3. High End Monitors [$$ - $$$$] eCinema, TV Logic

Some of the features of non-consumer monitors that you'll want to learn about are:

* HD/SDI inputs
* Additional outputs
* Colorspace and signal type support, such as 4:2:2
* "Higher" bit depth, such as 10-bit
* LUT programmability

If you're asking for low-cost, without already knowing these monitors, then I **strongly** suggest you stick to the first category, and use something like the DataColor Spyder calibration puck. Getting that top 5% of color accuracy comes at a steep price, and since it seems you're just starting out, you probably want to stick with the 95% solution. Upgrade only when you have specific need for the features.


---

### Answer by username_4 on 2011-07-06. Score: 1

Consider the Matrox MXO2 products. The Mini model allows you to gain blue gun control of a normal consumer HDTV, solving the big issue with calibration of these large displays. The MXO2 Mini is under $500, other models include features like hardware H.264 encoding and more advanced interfaces.


---

