Suggestions for a monitor? (Update 12/17/20)

scotner

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What kind of monitor is everyone using for playback? I am currently using a 22" 720P tv and I am ready for an upgrade. I would like a 4k TV but I do not have room for anything larger than a 32". I can find an inexpensive 42" 4k but smaller screens are hard to find and not cheap. I considered a 4k computer monitor but I do not think that the screen adjustments can be made without being connected to a computer and having the proper driver installed. I would like to have something between 28" and 32". Any suggestions?
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mat200

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What kind of monitor is everyone using for playback? I am currently using a 22" 720P tv and I am ready for an upgrade. I would like a 4k TV but I do not have room for anything larger than a 32". I can find an inexpensive 42" 4k but smaller screens are hard to find and not cheap. I considered a 4k computer monitor but I do not think that the screen adjustments can be made without being connected to a computer and having the proper driver installed. I would like to have something between 28" and 32". Any suggestions?
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Hi scotner

Do you have 8MP / "4K" cameras - if so definitely get a "4K" display.

TVs are probably the most affordable option.

I use Reviews and Ratings and look for what is a good deal when I needed a 4K TV.

Walmart, Best Buy, Costco had some good deals last week - there could still be a few good deal out there.
 

fenderman

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4k display will not really help as you dont need a 4k display to view 4k cameras - the benefit of these cams is the detail when you zoom in. With a 32" display it makes less sense.
If this will be an always on display, look for a unit with the lowest power consumption.
 

bp2008

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You don't need a PC or drivers to configure a monitor unless it is using USB for video, which is very rare.

The resolution sweet spot in the 27-32 inch range is 2560x1440, also known as "QHD". 1920x1080 monitors are cheaper but I wouldn't get one larger than 27 inches at that resolution. Make sure you get one with an HDMI input if you want to connect it to an NVR.
 

scotner

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<Do you have 8MP / "4K" cameras - if so definitely get a "4K" display.>
I have two 4k and five 5MP. I plan to add one or two more but I am not sure which resolution. I am currently viewing at 1280x1024 so it is hard to say.

There were some good deals on 4k TVs in the last few days but most were for a 42". I have to sit too close for one that large.


<4k display will not really help as you dont need a 4k display to view 4k cameras - the benefit of these cams is the detail when you zoom in. With a 32" display it makes less sense. >

That is why I wanted a 4k display. the little TV will not let me zoom in without breaking up.

<You don't need a PC or drivers to configure a monitor unless it is using USB for video, which is very rare.>

I am using an HDMI input from the NVR. Looking at my computer monitor I do not see anywhere in the monitor's menu to change screen resolution, only through the computer. I do see in the display menu for the NVR where I can change screen resolution. So I can bump it up there and use a computer monitor as long as I get a monitor that is capable of displaying that resolution? A 4k computer monitor is less expensive than a 4k TV of comparable size.

My NVR display is currently at 1280x1024. Other options are 1920x1080 or 3840x2160@ 30 or 60 fps. No option for 2560x1440. I have a spare HD monitor that I could connect to bump it up a little but it maxes out at 1920x1080.
 

fenderman

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<Do you have 8MP / "4K" cameras - if so definitely get a "4K" display.>
I have two 4k and five 5MP. I plan to add one or two more but I am not sure which resolution. I am currently viewing at 1280x1024 so it is hard to say.

There were some good deals on 4k TVs in the last few days but most were for a 42". I have to sit too close for one that large.


<4k display will not really help as you dont need a 4k display to view 4k cameras - the benefit of these cams is the detail when you zoom in. With a 32" display it makes less sense. >

That is why I wanted a 4k display. the little TV will not let me zoom in without breaking up.

<You don't need a PC or drivers to configure a monitor unless it is using USB for video, which is very rare.>

I am using an HDMI input from the NVR. Looking at my computer monitor I do not see anywhere in the monitor's menu to change screen resolution, only through the computer. I do see in the display menu for the NVR where I can change screen resolution. So I can bump it up there and use a computer monitor as long as I get a monitor that is capable of displaying that resolution? A 4k computer monitor is less expensive than a 4k TV of comparable size.

My NVR display is currently at 1280x1024. Other options are 1920x1080 or 3840x2160@ 30 or 60 fps. No option for 2560x1440. I have a spare HD monitor that I could connect to bump it up a little but it maxes out at 1920x1080.
The image will break up just the same on a 4K monitor. That’s an image quality issue not a monitor issue.
 

DsineR

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I am using an HDMI input from the NVR. Looking at my computer monitor I do not see anywhere in the monitor's menu to change screen resolution, only through the computer. I do see in the display menu for the NVR where I can change screen resolution. So I can bump it up there and use a computer monitor as long as I get a monitor that is capable of displaying that resolution? A 4k computer monitor is less expensive than a 4k TV of comparable size.
You have this backwards - a monitor has a fixed native resolution, but is capable of displaying other resolutions. The source to the monitor (in your case, a NVR) has options to output different resolutions. Optimally, you want to output to match the native resolution of the monitor. You do not change resolutions at the monitor.

At 32" max monitor size, recommend not using a TV. Go with a monitor, 4K or 1080p - then set your NVR to match the native res of the monitor.
 

scotner

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You don't need a PC or drivers to configure a monitor unless it is using USB for video, which is very rare.

The resolution sweet spot in the 27-32 inch range is 2560x1440, also known as "QHD". 1920x1080 monitors are cheaper but I wouldn't get one larger than 27 inches at that resolution. Make sure you get one with an HDMI input if you want to connect it to an NVR.
Would there be any advantage in a QHD monitor since the NVR does not offer a 2560x1440 output? You would still have to select the 1920x1080 wouldn't you?
 

DsineR

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Would there be any advantage in a QHD monitor since the NVR does not offer a 2560x1440 output? You would still have to select the 1920x1080 wouldn't you?
No advantage, skip 2K res (2560x1440) and go with standard 1080p or 4K.
 

scotner

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I thought I had made a decision. I like the features and price of the Samsung below. I called B&H to ask a couple of details and they were less than enthusiastic about using a computer monitor for surveillance due to screen burn in. They suggested a dedicated camera monitor. The closest thing I have found so far is the Speco Technologies M284K but it is $140 higher. Back to the drawing board.


 

mat200

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I thought I had made a decision. I like the features and price of the Samsung below. I called B&H to ask a couple of details and they were less than enthusiastic about using a computer monitor for surveillance due to screen burn in. They suggested a dedicated camera monitor. The closest thing I have found so far is the Speco Technologies M284K but it is $140 higher. Back to the drawing board.


HI @scotner

I'd not worry about screen burn in with the newer monitor / tv tech. Monitors and TV are now very affordable and do much better with regards to burn-in compared to the older CRTs we used to use.
 

DsineR

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Agree with @mat200, and the B&H rep doesn't have a clue - both the monitors you listed are LED Backlit monitors with same chance of image retention & burn in (almost nil). These are not the older Plasma TVs - LEDs, IPS, OLED, etc. are much more forgiving with static images.
 

scotner

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Agree with @mat200, and the B&H rep doesn't have a clue - both the monitors you listed are LED Backlit monitors with same chance of image retention & burn in (almost nil). These are not the older Plasma TVs - LEDs, IPS, OLED, etc. are much more forgiving with static images.
I wondered about that and even asked him about the difference. He wasn't very clear but said that the surveillance monitor had some technology to prevent burn in. The monitor will not be running 24/7 because I shut it off late at night and turn it back on during the day. I may go with the Samsung yet.
 

scotner

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I received the Samsung UR55 Series 28" IPS 4K UHD Monitor LU28R550UQNXZA a few days ago. It is the perfect size for where I want it. The picture is great and quite capable of displaying anything the 4k or less cameras can output. It also has two HDMI ports and one Display Port 1.2 input. No speakers but it has a headphone output so I need to find a soundbar or a powered speaker. I have not found a power consumption figure for it, only that it draws .3 watt in standby. Unlike my HP 23" HD monitor, after being on for hours it is not even warm to the touch so I don't imagine it takes much to run it. Making the deal even sweeter I found this on sale at Best Buy for $260/ free shipping and this item qualified for a $25 statement credit from my CC company. Happy camper all around.
 
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