Video bandwidth with CRTs

[Ken90630]

Hey, All,

Can anyone educate me about what the "video bandwidth" spec means with regards to CRT monitors?

I'm comparing a Viewsonic G220fb (21") to a Samsung 1100DF (also 21"), and one of the few differences in specs seems to be that the Sammy has a 340 MHz ("maximum") video bandwidth and the Viewsonic's is 'only' 250 MHz (doesn't say "maximum" though).

What exactly does video bandwidth affect or denote? I clicked around a bit on some monitor sites and can't seem to find anything more than a vague explanation.

And while we're on the subject, if any of you own either of these two monitors, I'd appreciate any comments you might have about them. Other than the video bandwidth spec and the Sammy's very slightly better horiz dot pitch, my choice appears to be one I could make with a flip of a coin.

 

[imported_TheCadMan]

The higher the number say 340Mhz allows you to have higher resolutions at higher refresh rates. Depending on the quality of the CRT and your resolution preference you should find the one that best suits you. Here is a list: (the bottom numbers are in MHZ)

Resolution 60Hz 75Hz 85Hz 95Hz 100Hz
2048 x 1536 270 338 380 - -
1856 x 1392 226 282 320 357 -
1600 x 1200 162 203 230 250 280
1280 x 1024 108 135 158 176 186
1024 x 768 65 79 95 106 112
800 x 600 40 50 56 63 67
640 x 480 25 32 36 40 42


Hope this helps.

 

[jagec]

from thecadman's post, it seems you'll be able to run both monitors at at least 1600x1200, 85-95Hz, which I think is just about right for 21" monitors. Is there a big difference in price?

 

[Ken90630]

Thanks, guys.

You're the man, CadMan! Think I'll print out your chart for future reference. Very helpful.

I'm planning on running at 1280 x 1024 -- with anything higher than that, everything's too small to my eyes. Per your chart, either of these monitors can run at a refresh rate of 85 Hz, which should be nice and flicker-free. Heck, either of these will even run 1600 x 1200 at 85 Hz, so I can choose either one and not have to worry about it. Very nice.

Jagec: Yeah, you read the chart the same way I did. And the prices are virtually identical (excluding refurbs, which I don't want). Per Pricegrabber.com, I can get the Viewsonic for $4 less -- in other words, irrelevant. I'll check out BizRate and Pricewatch before I pull the trigger & buy, but these companies clearly know what the other is charging for their competitive monitors! The Sammy's horiz dot pitch is .20mm vs. the Viewsonic's .21mm, so I may give the nod to the Sammy for no other reason than that. Otherwise, they're virtually identical on paper. For around $440ish, either looks like a pretty decent deal.

I'd kill (well, almost) for a 21" Hitachi CM 823FB, but I've scoured the Web for hours and there are none to be had, in black, on the face of the earth. (It's a discontinued model.) All I could find was one beige one. Yuk.

Thanks again, guys.

 

[yhelothar]

Most monitors will be blurry before they hit their rated video bandwidth anyways, such as the Mitsubishi 2070U with a video bandwidth of 380MHz gets blurry at 280 or so. I'd take it as a grain of salt.

 

[Ken90630]

Good to know. Thanks.