Monitors...and the advantages of HD-SDI capability?

[Jean Déraps]

Hi,
I'm looking into the popular JVC monitors, such as the JVC DT-V24L1DU. There are apparently 2 version of this monitor...one with and one without HD-SDI. I'd like to know what would be the advantage of having HD-SDI for the extra $2000...
By the way, I will be using the monitor for both shooting (in the studio of course!) and grading.

Thanks

Jean

 

[Greg M]

The advantage is that you are looking at an HD image instead of an SD image, assuming you are buying for the Red camera which is HD you need the HD version.
FYI- The Red One only outputs HD-SDI.

 

[Brian Langeman]

Yes, but this JVC monitor also a DVI-D in too. So I guess the better question would be, What are the advantages of using HD-SDI over going HDMI from RED to DVI and using that input? Cause I'm curious too. Although I already have the 17 inch model from that monitor line with the HD-SDI input and will be using it for a field monitor and a temporary grading monitor, until I could get something like the 24 inch model too.

 

[Jean Déraps]

Thanks for your reply.

But can't I monitor HD via the HDMI output? Or am i missing something?

 

[Matthew Rogers]

Thanks for your reply.

But can't I monitor HD via the HDMI output? Or am i missing something?

Yes, you can monitor from the HDMI out on the RED. Plus, the HDMI out give you menus. However, HDMI needs a special cable and HD-SDI just needs a BNC cable. Not to mention that BNC is easier to run over distances.

Personally, I'm probably going to use HD-SDI for 95% of what I shoot. However, if the client wants it and the shoot style allows for it, I will hook my 17" JVC up via a HDMI to DVI cable.

Matthew

 

[Noah Posnick]

I am also considering purchasing a monitor soon for both production and post. I am looking into the panasonic 1700w, but I'm concerned its outdated as it's a fairly old product. The red only outputs 720p anyway, correct?

 

[Adam Glick]

I believe that monitor should support 1080 HD via both analog (component) & "single-link" HD serial digital (HD-SDI) inputs.

To answer your question, for all intensive purposes, they are the same in terms of picture quality. Using short runs over high quality RG6 cable, you would be hard-pressed to be able to detect or measure any discernible difference in image quality in an analog HD signal versus that of the same material over HD-SDI.

However, there are several good reasons that HD-SDI is replacing analog component in most modern professional equipment.

-A single HD-SDI cable can carry HD content over longer distances witout the need for a distribution amplifier. Analog component HD can take up to 5 cables for a single signal -and runs longer than 25 feet are not really possible without boosting/repeating the signal -which induces noise and adds expense and complexity to the setup.

-using a single cable makes distributing, routing and switching HD signals within a facility much simpler and less bulky.

-SDI (and HD-SDI) are largely immune to RF interference or EM noise. This is not the case with component analog HD.

HD-SDI can carry timecode, which is nice for obvious reasons. (However, most HD-SDI based systems still use external RS-422 serial control for frame-accurate interoperability with other equipment.)

As far as HDMI support, while this monitor supports it, you will find that support for this standard is very limited on pro gear.

 

[Brian Langeman]

The red only outputs 720p anyway, correct?

Right. At the moment RED only outputs 720p from HD-SDI and HDMI outs. Could be changed in the future.

 

[Matt Gottshalk]

I have the JVC DT-V24L1DU in my edit suite monitoring the Kona 3 and love it.

 

[Mark Mannschreck]

Just got the DT-V24L1U (no hdsdi) Monday and it's MUCH nicer than expected... using with the Kona 3 and hdlink (to leave the analogue component out for the betacam)

 

[Jean Déraps]

Are there any disadvantages to going the DT-V24L1U (no hd-sdi) route with the HDLink as compared to getting the DT-V24L1DU with HD-SDI (aside from the extra connections)? The HDLink would seem to give more options, especially with the HDLink Pro, which allows for dual-link connections to the 30" apple to work on 2k pixel for pixel...