Field Monitors???

[FOXPhotog911]

Now that Sony no longer makes the 9" ac/dc monitors we've all used forever, what do you use for your live shots?

I've searched everywhere I can think for a portable TV w/tuner, and no luck.

So I ask: What monitor do you use for live shots?

Thanks in advance!

FOXPhotog

[pre-set]

Anything cheap in the 13" TV range. Phillips, Sanyo, whatever. We tend to think of these as disposable anyway, since 1 year or so is about as long as they last in the elements. Often, when someone in the newsroom gets a new monitor at their desk, we put the old one on the trucks and use it until it dies.

[ September 28, 2005, 03:04 PM: Message edited by: pre-set ]

[CHIEFPHOTDOG]

We've actually have had many advancements in regards to Field Monitor Ghetto technology, now we use a commercial 13" monitor which we've attached a handle and a 3' cord which converts the regular coax connector to a bnc connector and just in case it rains, we have a hefty bag, if thiers a glare we either use a cardboard box or a trash can.

[robbrad]

You can buy little 5 inch B&W battery operated monitors for like $30 at Target that's what I keep on my Sat truck but it only get's pulled out for weather lives. It's only a confidance monitor so it doesn't have to be special. That's fine if you don't want to pull power cables but if your running lights anyway then stick a $69 13 inch out there no biggy.

[scott abing]

With the beating things take we use the disposable el cheapo brand 13" tv's. We get ones that also have RCA inputs so we can feed a video signal in from the truck or tune the video at the monitor. We actually have 2 of them in each live van - I think that is so the dayside people can leave the spare resting against the rear door in order to check if my reflexes can stop a monitor from hitting pavement in under a second.

[andypoms]

Easy solution... Get rid of the monitors...

With COFDM (Digital Microwae) on the way, DTV already here (and analog going away, maybe) and Digital Cell Phones (I still have analog - but will be getting rid of them soon) all the sources of delay can screw up the talent. Soon a Microwave Shot will be more like a Satellite Shot. You may as well start training the reporters now, although they can do satellite with out the monitor, why do they need one ENG?

EDIT: I missed a letter...

[ September 30, 2005, 08:55 AM: Message edited by: fmrIntern ]

[svp]

I bought a 5.5" color flat screen tv from Radio Shack for $200. It comes with a base that I mounted on my news vehicles dash so I can hook a deck to it. The reporter can log and watch tape on long trips. It easily removes from the base plate and mounts perfectly on a cheap $30 tripod you can buy at Walmart. Set the TV up on the tripod beside the camera in seconds and its a perfect monitor. I would like to add that this is something I personally bought just to make my job a little easier.

[rugbyphotog]

I just picked up 2 little b/w monitors (5 inch) at circuit city. There were 20 bucks each. Run off C batteries and all you need is a BNC -> RCA adapter.

[pre-set]

Originally posted by fmrIntern:
Easy solution... Get rid of the monitors...

With COFDM (Digital Microwae) on the way, DTV already here (and analog going away, maybe) and Digital Cell Phones (I still have analog - but will be getting rid of them soon) all the sources of delay can screw up the talent. Soon a Microwave Shot will be more like a Satellite Shot. You may as well start training the reporters now, although they can do satellite with out the monitor, why do they need one ENG?

EDIT: I missed a letter... We've been running COFDM micro for 2 years now. There IS a delay, but it's only like 1/10 sec or so - not nearly as bad a satelite delay. That's not an issue - most don't even notice.

[Terry E. Toller]

I bought a 5 inch with TV tuner from radio shack for $200. Great picture! Wouldn't use it to check color balance but great for a live shot or letting a director or anyone else to see your shot and keep them away from your camera.

Markertek just came out with a little 2.5 inch monitor for $89! Tiny! You could attach it to the top of your matt box for the talent to see what is going on. Problem is, I don't believe it has a tuner...