New Monitor vs. LED TV vs. Projector??

[thebeginning]

I've come upon a little cash, and am hoping to upgrade my display system for client viewings (primarily portrait, but I hope to start with weddings too). If I can get a display that will help me process images, all the better.

Here are the factors:

I have around $1300 to spend, max (using the rest for new sample albums)

> I previously showed images on my little 20" widescreen monitor at a desk - I had no complaints and got some great sales using it, but I knew I could do way better. I use this same monitor for editing (it's ~4 yrs old)

> I just moved into a new apartment studio that has a huge blank wall - perfect for projecting.

> I was almost completely decided on getting the Mitsubishi hc3800 projector, but am now considering either getting an LED HDTV (Samsung makes a killer series - had me drooling at Fry's) or even a 27" inch monitor to use on a table or desk again.


Any thoughts? I know it's generally said that projecting is better for sales, but if color representation and blacks are weak I feel like I'll just be annoyed the whole time. heh :)


For reference, these are the monitors I'm considering:

LG W2486L (LED, Very highly rated, 24", 1920x1080, ~$450)

Dell Ultrasharp U2711 (Also very highly rated (practically made for photographers and graphic artists), 27", 2560 x 1440, ~$1100)


It's a toughy.

[DSL_PWR]

I would say after personal experience to skip the dell 27 and go with the UltraSharp U2410 24-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor. It is smaller but has a better picture in my opinion. Other jump up the extra 100 bucks and get the Dell 30".

[dryicerx]

Negative on the Projector... colors suck, dark, not good for your purpose at all. Just my two cents in helping you narrow it down.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by dryicerx

Negative on the Projector... colors suck, dark, not good for your purpose at all. Just my two cents in helping you narrow it down.

Well, I use low end projector for sales and it works pretty well. They are actually real good for the purpose that OP is talking about.


For client viewings I wouldn't worry too much about super hi-res monitors. I would focus on showing the largest size you want to sale IMHO. YMMV.
But a big LED LCD/Plasma TV would be good also.

[XJBaylor]

Originally Posted by thebeginning

I've come upon a little cash, and am hoping to upgrade my display system for client viewings...

You don't need to spend all of that to get what you are looking for. I bought a 47" 1080p LG at Fry's for $699. I honestly can't see needing something better than this for client viewing. It is considered to have more accurate colors than TV's 2-3x the price.

[TimmyTheTag]

If your going the TV route...I say a Panasonic 42" Plasma. You can't beat a Plasma for color rendition and blacks, specifically Panasonic's. Hook it up to a video card on your PC with HDMI and enjoy.

Another option is to buy 2 identical 24" monitors. You can use one for editing. The other can face the client for simultaneous viewing. Calibrate each one so that there are no color differences.

Keep in mind that you will need a video card that supports dual monitor outputs.

[thebeginning]

I've thought about that (both TV's and monitors), but with a projector I'd be able to fit alot more size on the screen. For instance, I'd be able to show the clients literally what a vertical 20x30 would look like on their wall, or even a horizontal 40x60. While I may not market that specific size, being able to is crucial in showing them how small a 11x14 or even a 16x20 looks when on a wall. It's all about comparisons...I've heard from numerous top-end studios that people won't buy what they don't see. Usually they'll buy a size down from what the biggest you show is - if the biggest I can show [vertically] is a 16x24, I may suffer.


As much as I would love to get the color and contrast of an hdtv, I feel like my sales won't be as high as if I got the larger screen.

For reference, a 46" TV has the following dimensions:

Height: ~27"
Width: ~44"

The projector at 12 ft (at 1080p) would have:

Height: 40"
Width: 71"

I'm leaning more towards the projector route, simply because people could relax on a couch instead of sitting at a table or desk.

[XJBaylor]

Why not just have a few samples in your office of the larger sizes? Combine that visual, with the product you are showing them and you should still be able to get the point across.

Originally Posted by thebeginning

I've thought about that (both TV's and monitors), but with a projector I'd be able to fit alot more size on the screen. For instance, I'd be able to show the clients literally what a vertical 20x30 would look like on their wall, or even a horizontal 40x60. While I may not market that specific size, being able to is crucial in showing them how small a 11x14 or even a 16x20 looks when on a wall. It's all about comparisons...I've heard from numerous top-end studios that people won't buy what they don't see. Usually they'll buy a size down from what the biggest you show is - if the biggest I can show [vertically] is a 16x24, I may suffer.


As much as I would love to get the color and contrast of an hdtv, I feel like my sales won't be as high as if I got the larger screen.

For reference, a 46" TV has the following dimensions:

Height: ~27"
Width: ~44"

The projector at 12 ft (at 1080p) would have:

Height: 40"
Width: 71"

I'm leaning more towards the projector route, simply because people could relax on a couch instead of sitting at a table or desk.

[thebeginning]

Yeah, that's what I've thought too, I just didn't want to rule out the possibility that the true value of a projector or large screen is that it's their image on the wall, in exact size.


I'm now considering the HP ld3065 30" monitor, which has some thoroughly impressive reviews. I'd be able to use that as an editing and 'sales' screen, although I'd have to redesign my setup to be more table-toppy.

[Jake]

Showing clients their photos large via projector/large TV makes a greater impact at the sale session. Go as large as you can IMHO. It almost sales it's self.
If your choice is an awesome hi-res color actuate monitor, or a half decent big'o screen, I'd take the big'o screen for client proofing in a heart beat.
But if you want to use it for editing, then stick with a good monitor.

[David Whatley]

If you want to use it for sales, get the projector, if you want to watch football, get the TV and if you want to do editing, get the monitor.
If sales is truely the goal, the projector wins, hands down IMHO.

[robert t]

I had to purchase a new TV recently and went with the Samsung LED. White is white and blacks are black. There is no washed out blacks from the back light. I have been extremely pleased with it's color and B&W reproduction.