 
CRT & LCD Monitors
My very first monitor, in my computing world, was a 15 inch TV. Course, at that time my mass storage facility was a cassette tape. Those were the days... At any rate, my most recent previous monitor was a ViewSonic A90 CRT. I had it for a number of years and it went thru a couple of systems with me. Unfortunately, it died. I was working on a database problem and I left my 'puter on 24hrs a day. I do this a lot so I won't forget, or at least have a better chance of remembering, what I was doing. Even though the screen was blanked, the monitor still had power. Well... it did. That's what died... no power. Some quick checks were made for any obvious problems but nothing was found. I do not have the neccessary equipment to trouble shoot it so, I called around about repairs. Out of the question. For the amount they were asking to fix it, I could buy a brand new one ... which is what I did. Now then, my 'intermediate' display was/is a 15 inch ViewSonic VA520 LCD. This was originally purchased for my wife but she complained that it was to blurry. At the time I was only sitting at it for short time periods and I didn't think it was that bad. At any rate, it has been my shop display for some time now. It was ok for that. I never could find the response time for it, but I'm sure that it was 25ms or greater. Quit a difference between the A90 and the VA520, besides the size. The LCD picture was not as clear as the CRT. So, before I invested anything in a new display ... we needed to research. For CRT's the selection would be easy, just get another ViewSonic A90 or whatever their, ViewSonic's, newest comparable model is. However, for the LCD screens it is a little more involved. In order to get a good screen you need to have a fast response time. It seems that 25ms or better is the magic number. At least for the response time. The other number of importance is the dot pitch. The response time concerns blurriness and the dot pitch concerns graininess... at least as far as I can see. The CRT's win in the picture quality hands down. At least at this point in time, 30 Mar 05. So, the two main reasons to move to an LCD display would be less Power Consumption and Smaller Footprint. Course, I wonder a little on that last one. The main thing to decide on is which LCD monitor to get. I have purchased a Sony SDM-HS95P/B. The Lord was with me on this one. He directed me to a very good LCD. I stopped by the local 'puter store with my wife and whilst we were looking, one of the clerks pointed out this monitor. My wife liked it right away. Not sure how much of that was cause of the sales person and how much was cause of what was displayed. With the 0.294mm dot pitch, it is a little grainy. But it is not blurry, cause it is fast, 12ms response time. Or am I just telling myself that cause of the speed. ViewSonic has a monitor that I was interested in also. It has a 0.26mm dot pitch at 16ms response time. Now then, what is going to make the biggest difference, response time or pitch?? I'll have to go back to the store to figure that one out. Whilst I am figuring out which way to go, you can look at some monitor information on the following two locations. A. CRT Comparisons - B. LCD Dot Pitch Selections Alllrighty now. I went back to the 'puter store and the Lord was with me again. They had moved the monitors around and there was only one, a Samsung, in between the Sony and ViewSonic monitors. My neighbor was with me and he also was impressed with the Sony. With it mixed in among the other monitors it looked the clearest and the best. I think it is mainly cause of the rich vibrant colors that it produces. On closer inspection I could not see a big difference in the 'graininess' of the screens. I'm not sure where I got the 0.26mm figure for the ViewSonic cause I can't find it again.?! So, if you are needing a new monitor and can afford it, I am recommending this Sony HS95P. I, and all my relatives and friends like the colors. This is one of the best screens I have had, or seen. I have an R/C simulator (Real Flight G2) on this PC and it performed well and looks great. Matter of fact, I was noticing how much realer the trees looked. I thank the Lord for pointing this one out to me ... and for making me wait. This was a recent addition to my local Computer Store. One closing comment: I have read some reviews that were rather detremental to this display device. Their biggest complaints dealt with the frame and adjustability. Contrary to the complaints of others, there is some adjustability. The 'case' has a tail that folds out for stability, just like a picture frame. It is not real loose and you can adjust the straightness or angle of view. At least for proper ergonomic positioning. You can not tilt it down. So, if you are the type of person who lays down while you are typing, this will not work for you. The height is another question. I think it is a little on the low side. However, I have a power box and I set my monitor on top of it. The extra one and a half to two inches makes it better for me. As for rotatability, I don't see a problem. I can twist this 19 inch monitor just as easy, if not easier, as I could my big 19 inch CRT. Just like a large picture, you can twist it for better viewing to someone else. And you don't have to worry about the back end hitting something. This Sony LCD monitor is just like everything else in this world. Some are gona love and some are gona hate it. However, I do believe that those who buy it and take time to get used to it will love it. Don't make the mistake that I made and look at all the specs. Just look at the monitor quality... and enjoy.
Dead Pixel Policy
Amazon.com Product Description: Designed for such high-end applications as gaming, multimedia, and graphic design,
the SDMHS95P from Sony is a 19-inch active matrix TFT LCD monitor with the power and
flexibility to fit just about any computing need. With support for both analog and
digital inputs, the SDMHS95P is compatible with a wide range of video cards, while
its slim design neatly fits with today's sensibilities and ergonomic needs.
The ViewSonic A90 19-inch CRT monitor features 18 inches of viewable area. The screen is specially treated to minimize glare and reflection. Its ViewMatch feature lets you adjust the temperature and intensity of colors, allowing for more accurate screen/printer matching. The A90's horizontal dot pitch is .23mm with a 1,600 x 1,280 maximum resolution. A three-year limited warranty comes standard.
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X-Black LCD technology delivers photos and video with true-to-life intensity. Vivid video game animation pulls you into the action.
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