Digital BW, The Print

Using an analog (CRT) monitor, I notice that the local contrast of detailed
images is dependent on the video card and monitor, even if it is perfectly
calibrated.  I suspect it applies to analog LCD as well, but I drive my LCD
with DVI to avoid the issue.

Using a quality card, like a Matrox I have, shows more contrast in fine
details than using a much more expensive 3D card with the same computer and
monitor.  I believe this is due to the reduced “smearing” of pixels with the
Matrox card.  As a result, I would unintentionally over-process the local
contrast when using the less sharp 3D card.
The calibration and profiling software measures large patches, where the
smearing is less observed, so calibration does not really address this local
contrast issue.

An LCD with a DVI card is more consistent in this regard, but you need a
really good LCD to properly display the dark tones.  I’m currently running
both LCD and CRT.
For my work, I prefer the sharpness and consistency of my LCD to the better
color and gamut of my CRT.  When Eizo class LCD prices drop in half, I will
gladly replace my analog CRT.

Best regards,
John Moody

-----Original Message-----
From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Johnny
Eades
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 8:31 AM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Digital BW] Video Card Importance in Resulting Images

There is one subject I haven't seen discussed very much on this
group, and that is the importance of the video card in the
production of the finished product--the fine art print. Does the
quality of the finished product improve with the better quality of
the video card or not? We all work with monitors as the primary
source of our decisions regarding the progress of our working with
an image from which we ultimately produce a fine art print as the
result of our labors. My question is whether or not a different
video card would produce a different resulting image/print
combination. Those of you with much more knowledge/experience can
see all the implications/ramifications resulting from a piece of
hardware changed in the current procedure we use to create our
images. I would like to hear all opinions and experiences regarding
the changing from one video card to a more refined one.

Your friend in Photography,

Johnny




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