Help me choose a dual monitor setup

[Akhen]

I am looking ot setup a dual monitor setup for my animation and video needs, I am thinking of getting 20-20.1" or maybe slightly smaller with 19" (would the size difference be noticable and worth the price).
I really dont know much about LCD's since I have been using CRT's until now (and still will have one for certain needs) but I was wondering what would be better, widescreen or regular, seems like widescreen would provide more viewing space but like I said I really dont know.

So I need help choosing one, needs to be about $300 each, DVI connection and ideal for video and animation but also some gaming for the little that I do. Aside from that I dont care unless maybe having wide viewing angles since I will have two.
I did check out cnet, behardware and tftcentral but each time the negatives seem to outweigh the positives and I cant make a choice.

thanks in advance,

Akhen

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

One of the big things for 19 vs 20 is the aspect ratio and resolution.

I have not owned a widescreen LCD, but it doesn't seem to be a good ratio to use if you're going to have two of them next to each other. So with that, you're usually looking at a 1600x1200 20" vs a 1280x1024 19".

There's a significant resolution and aspect ratio difference there.

With widescreen, you're often getting slightly more horizontal resolution at the expense of a decent amount of vertical space.

For example a 20" widescreen is often 1680x1050
You're getting 80 more in the horizontal direction and losing 150 vertically.
If you're running duals, you're already going to be running pretty wide as it is. I have two 20" LCDs next to each other right now and I wouldn't want them to be any wider than they already are.

 

[Akhen]

I sort of thought of that but having a long horizontal span is nice for video editing, not that 2 regulars wouldn't be nice.

 

[Tifosi248F1]

The "normal" 4:3 ratio screens give you the most viewing space. 20" 4:3 = 1920000 pixels^2 where a 20" widescreen = 1764000 pixels^2. If you're doing animation I'll assume you're using something along the lines of Maya and 3D Studio Max, broken up into 4 viewports. A normal screen would probably make this layout better, having each port at a more typical ratio. And you probably won't be outputing at a widescreen format. I'd say take a look at what you do the most work in, and go from there. If you work with widescreen video or plan to work with widescreen animation output, you might want the widescreen monitors. If you already have a CRT, you could go with one good 20" monitor and use it with your CRT until you have more $ for a second LCD.

 

[Akhen]

I was just debating that, I was thinking 2 20" viewsonics, but what in terms of image quality would be the best buy. I really dont want any of that sparkle when I watch video footage and movies. And so far as gaming goes is 8ms good enough?

 

[Tifosi248F1]

I just got my first LCD on Monday, so I'm hardly an expert. Only thing I can input on is screen size really. It was my biggest concern with most of the recommendations being widescreen, to find the best 4:3 I could. For image quality, in terms of color reproduction, IPS panels are what everyone says to get. From everything in the LCD guide thread, they are usually 8-bit panels with good viewing angles and good brightness/contrast. I got my NEC 2070nx because it was tops on the list of 4:3 as far as image quality, color reproduction, and ok for gaming, which isn't a concern since I use my CRT for that. Sorry I can't be much help with other specific monitors or other areas. For what I do: photography, graphic design, a little bit of 3D for fun, and video/film editing as a personal business, I couldn't be happier right now with my setup. Down the road I can grab another LCD when I feel it will suit me, but until then I've got the best of both worlds. The CRT for gaming and the LCD for work. One thing I havn't figured out yet, if it's just the settings or what, is the LCD is awful with interlaced video. Then again I've only had it a few days and havn't been too eager to fix every setting.