I am finally upgrading system. The problem at hand is finding a good monitor. I had a few in mind but in researching I found that S-PVA and IPS panels would be better for best color reproduction. So IPS is out of my price range and I am looking for S-PVA monitors. A little difficult because the manufactures don't list what is what. Most of what I see are TN panels which are lower cost but color is not as accurate. So does anyone think it is important to go S-PVA panel or just get a good TN panel? Anyone know of some S-PVA's around $300-350? Hobestly O would like to get a 24 in. I believe many said the highest you should go is 22 for liquid but i also have exp pro and plan on staying in Avid NLEs. Everything I found on the internet is discontinued or $500. still searching

I have wrestled with the exact same question and have come to the conclusion that money spent on anything above a TN monitor is....well....wasted.  I have come believe that (for my slice of Event video) it is more important for the color to be pleasing to the eye, and consistent across the project, more so than drop-dead accurate.  Unlike photo editing for printing, or graphics & illustration design, our work is viewed on an instrument--usually a TV--whose color is set to a viewer''s taste, and influenced by many factors such as where it was shot, changing ambient light when viewing, wall color, and even how long the set has been on.  Couple that with the fact that broadcast "safe" colors restricts the available gamut, and I concluded that I did not need anything better than TN monitors.

That's my thinking, but I would love to hear other opinions as I am no expert--that's for sure.

I spent the difference on a Spyder to help my 2 monitors (and printer) look close to each other, and reasonably close to a "standard."  I would recommend that purchase to everyone.

For my work, I could not agree more with the above. But it depends on the business you are in. Advertising agencies, for example, are likely to hold you strictly accountable for control over the color. Theatrical projects as well. In those kinds cases color was often thought through very carefully before you were hired. It's your job to stay with the program. Of course, they are also paying you enough to make this worthwhile.

Also when I look at show reels I do admit one thing I look for is color. It tells me something about just how well the videographer sweats the details.

Yea I think I will just go with a TN panel. Its started to get little bit to much. I could go with a PVA but like I said they are harder to find in the price I am looking for. If I find a 22 in I might go for that. I am trying to upgrade to here I will not have to worrier about it for some time.

Strongly recommend a 1920 x 1200 monitor vs the 1080 vertical. You'll prefer the extra space for multiple tracks. They can be had for $280 or so over at newegg.

I have to pay taxes if I use Newegg plus shipping. I seen some good prices at Amazon.BH Photo Vid was ok too.

For what it's worth, the difference between TN (Twisted Nematic) monitors and S-PVA (Super-Patterned Vertical Alignment) or IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitors is in the number of colour bits that they are able to handle.  NT are 6 bit monitors, meaning that they can display 6 bits of each of the three RGB colours, for a total of 18 bits, or 2^18 = 262,000 colours.  The S-PVA and IPS monitors can handle 8 bits per each RGB colour, or 2^24 = 16.7 million colours.  The newer Eizo monitors even have 10 bit colour capability, but they are not cheap.  The TN monitors use "dithering" to extrapolate additional colours and usually advertise that they can display 16.2 million colours.  The TN monitors usually have much faster response times which is good for gaming.  The S-PVA (and the more professional IPS) monitors have slower response times, but as long as the response is less than 33 ms (for 30 frames per second), that it all that is required for video editing.  Most modern PVA-type monitors seem to have typical response times anywhere from 8 ms to about 16 ms, although you have to read several reviews on any one model to determine how the response time is measured.  Different manufacturers and different testers have their own creative way of testing and describing response times.

Most of this information comes from web sites such as this one: http://www.digital-cameras-help.com/photography/articles/s-pva-panel-lcd-monitors-for-photography/

I would suggest to do a bit of research to determine what is the most suitable type for your work.  I have two computers, one with a single TN monitor which I use for work and Internet activity, and another, more modern and faster computer with two S-PVA monitors for video editing.  My monitors are 19" 4:3 types and didn't cost too much.  Whenever the NextGen product comes out, I may go for a larger, wide angle (16:9) monitor, such as a 24" which has the same screen height as my present 19" 4:3 monitors.  I plan to stay with the S-PVA type (such as the Samsung 245T) because I like the colours that are displayed by these monitors compared to my cheap ProVIEW TN monitor.

The 245t is to much for me. I have decided to go with Samsung or HP 2509m. Still deciding on which Samsung. I went to BestBuy today and saw the XL 2370. I have learned that many of the panels come from samsung anyway.  It had nice blacks and deep color, 1980 x1200. I haven't seen the HP in person yet but have seen the 20in which looked pretty good.

dew:

I have learned that many of the panels come from samsung anyway. 

dew,

Yes, Samsung make LCD panels for most of the suppliers, but I can't find a definitive web site that lists who makes which monitors and which model names and numbers are actually the same beast.  If anyone can help with a link, it would be appreciated, not only by myself, but I am sure by others also.