In these days of SDI, HDSDI, 3G, HDMI and whatnot, the number of video sources and devices that demand monitoring is always diversifying. While there have been a couple of distressing indicators regarding the long term viability of the 3D market, there is still presently an evergrowing level of 3D acquisition and content, which will call for its own in-depth monitoring. And its not all about the most advanced, digital technology either. The great amount of analogue equipment still getting used means there exists still a substantial requirement for composite and component monitoring. All this means added expenditure for studios and broadcasters, but is felt particularly acutely by rental businesses. With such a variety of possible requirements, it can be difficult for rental companies to decide which type and quantity of monitoring equipment to purchase.
Rental companies also have to be aware of the increasing number of applications and features clients expect LCD monitoring equipment to have. Many clients now expect audio level metering to be possible through their LCD monitors. A modern monitor therefore needs to be capable of de-embedding and displaying up to 16 channels of audio - with each channel having its own Audio Meter with user-adjustable reference levels.
Today,
LCD monitors
should also be capable of monitoring waveforms in various aspect ratios, positions and transparency options. Built-in Waveform Monitors don't simply offer clients the capability to keep track of luminance. Customers can prevent out-of-range conditions (e.g. overexposure or blacker-than-black errors) with the help of adjustable warning limits.
User-adjustable Clip Guide functions can be found on lots of modern LCD monitors, enabling over-and-under exposures to be properly displayed during different conditions. Any exposures over or any blacks under certain user-defined levels will automatically change colour on the Waveform and picture as selected.
In order to emulate CRT monitor gamma characteristics, corrective software algorithms are used on non-linear curves. Correcting three non-linear colours at the same time is a complicated requirement, but in built gamma correction correctly match panels and channels.
A possible disadvantage of
LCD monitors is the fact that changing the luminance level can impact on the white balance. This could result in colour-matching problems, as greyscale has got to maintain the same colour temperature in order to display colours correctly. In order to remedy this issue, some LCD monitors now feature a one button solution, which uses an industry standard colour analyser to help make calibration simple.
