CRT vs LCD for graphics?

[Willy S]

I´m just thinking how good e.g. iMacs´s 17" or 20" screens are compared to the eMac screen or other CRT screens in terms of color accuracy? Will the final output be the same or very close?

I do quite a lot of Photoshoping but also have limited space in my appartment.

Cheers!

 

[Abstract]

Meh, if you need colour accuracy, I'd suggest a CRT. Whether its the eMac or a Mac Mini + an external CRT. However, I'd get the eMac because of the HD speed.

 

[Jo-Kun]

CRT is the way to go except when you have enough $$$ to buy the LaCie 123 or similar ones wich have a wider gamut wich would be the same as crt's... Eizo has those too similar price setting as LaCie -> same LCD different branding & encasing ;-)

 

[Westside guy]

I've got to disagree - this argument is rather outdated. Unless you are going to spend the $$$ on a really good CRT, I don't think the "CRTs are better for accurate color" argument is supportable. Commodity CRTs - which are what most people buy, and are what you're going to have in an eMac - are just too variable.

 

[bousozoku]

I've got to disagree - this argument is rather outdated. Unless you are going to spend the $$$ on a really good CRT, I don't think the "CRTs are better for accurate color" argument is supportable. Commodity CRTs - which are what most people buy, and are what you're going to have in an eMac - are just too variable.

Exactly. Spend $1000 for a LaCie CRT or guess at what you'll get.

The Apple LCDs are SWOP certified for colour accuracy, so they're supposed to be so good that you can eliminate hard copy proofing.

 

[Daveway]

Exactly. Spend $1000 for a LaCie CRT or guess at what you'll get.

The Apple LCDs are SWOP certified for colour accuracy, so they're supposed to be so good that you can eliminate hard copy proofing.

I wouldn't say my iMacs lcd is color accurate to what my printer prints, but then again there are many variables.

People who are ultimately concerned about accuracy and want an LCD go out and buy $2000 color calibration kits.

 

[emw]

I´m just thinking how good e.g. iMacs´s 17" or 20" screens are compared to the eMac screen or other CRT screens in terms of color accuracy? Will the final output be the same or very close?

I do quite a lot of Photoshoping but also have limited space in my appartment.

Cheers!

As a general statement, LCDs are as color consistent as CRTs, and in many cases more so since you don't have the variability of phosphor decay, EM interference, etc.

However, LCDs also suffer more from directional differences (you pretty much have to look straight on for consistent color, despite the 170° view claims) and can have inconsistent lamping across the width of the display. Apple's displays (the 20" and the 30") are pretty good, but the 23" have suffered through consistency problems from the start.

The iMacs 20" is a slightly different lamping technology to the 20" ACDs, but still will yield reasonably consistent results. Which is really what you need.

Color accuracy comes from profiling the display so that the system understands what it is you are seeing and can adjust the color display accurately via that profile. Systems for doing this have come down dramatically - GretagMacbeth's EyeOne Match package comes in at about $249, and other systems (Monaco Optix XR, ColorEyes Display) are at similar price points, including the colorimeter.

 

[NSiebenmor]

20 inch ACD

The 20 inch ACD is supposed to be a similar model than the Dell 2005fpw. Reviews however don't rate the Dell 2005fpw very high for color accuracy and the ability to display a clean grayscale. Good enough anyway for photo editing. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[emw]

The 20 inch ACD is supposed to be a similar model than the Dell 2005fpw. Reviews however don't rate the Dell 2005fpw very high for color accuracy and the ability to display a clean grayscale. Good enough anyway for photo editing. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I think they use the exact same panel, but the lamping is different in the two displays.

I've never seen a 2005fpw, but the key would be if you can get a reasonably consistent grayscale from side to side and top to bottom. If you can, then you could probably get good color accuracy by profiling it appropriately, and it would be fine for photo editing. If the grayscale is bad, a profile won't help you.

 

[bousozoku]

I wouldn't say my iMacs lcd is color accurate to what my printer prints, but then again there are many variables.

People who are ultimately concerned about accuracy and want an LCD go out and buy $2000 color calibration kits.

You're right, I was imprecise. The Apple Cinema Displays are SWOP certified.

Besides that, who is to say that your printer is calibrated properly?

 

[emw]

You're right, I was imprecise. The Apple Cinema Displays are SWOP certified.

[SWOP cap]

Technically speaking, the ACDs aren't SWOP certified. Systems that use them (KPG's MatchPrint Virtual, etc.) are SWOP Certified using the ACD.

Buying an ACD and running Photoshop doesn't guarantee you good color.

[/SWOP cap]