Medical monitor OK for editing video?

I've seen used "medical grade" monitors for sale, e.g. the Sony PVM-8043MD. Is there anything about these that would make them unsuitable for normal video editing, to check colors, etc? I'd be connecting via Firewire to a Canopus 300 and then component video to the monitor.

MikeR

(originally posted to FCE forum)

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Feb 17, 2008 8:08 PM

Reply
6 replies

Feb 17, 2008 9:07 PM in response to Mike Richmond

If "medical grade" refers to radiology diagnostic monitors, the main difference is many are grayscale only and relatively high resolution, up to 5K, with extra calibration hardware integrated. I would definitely NOT want to use them for video editing. As a radiologist who works with video as a hobby (Final Cut Studio, etc.), I am more impressed with my 30" Apple Cinema Displays than any high-end "medical grade" monitors that can cost easily $10,000 (a few years ago we were using CRTs that cost up to $50,000 each!). I personally believe that most of the medical grade computer equipment is outdated by the time they hit the market since the manufacturers have to get FDA approval for equipment and are reluctant to change anything. More likely, any company advertising "medical grade" is just desperate for an unused marketing angle. If it really is FDA approved, etc., and in use, it is simply overpriced. Equipment aimed at hard-core gamers and real video pros give the best performance.

Mar 28, 2008 1:39 PM in response to Fugitive

You cannot use the computer monitor to edit video. The color space is entirely different. I once had a medical-level Sony PVM series monitor. If you are editing DV, connect it via S-Video to your DV deck or component if you have a component deck. If you are editing SD with a capture card, connect via component from your capture card to the component video inputs of the monitor. Of course, this is not going to work for any flavor of HD editing unless your card or output device will do a downrez from HD to SD.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Medical monitor OK for editing video?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.