#Multisync Monitors
16 messages in this thread
OK, folks, once more for the people wh missed it the first dozen or so times:
Those of you who have purchased a multisync monitor for use with your Amiga
system, which one did you buy and why? Right now I'm thinking more about the
expanded graphics modes than the FlickerFixer. I want to get as many opinions
as possible. Thanks.
Harry,
I use an ImTec 1455N — and love it.
-sja
Look into a NEC MultiSync 3D. I looks great on my Amiga and you can adjust it
from the front to have as little or as much overscan as you want.
GreggT
\|//
_OO // Echidna
Gregg,
I haven't seen the 3D, but did take a close look at the NEC Multisync II.
The Imtec is a much better buy.
-sja
Harry,
I don't have a multisync; I bought the Zenith 1490. If the enhanced chip
set simply provides an analog signal at 31.5 kHz, you could probably use the
Zenith, although it definitely won't run off the standard video signal. There
were rumors that Zenith might come out with a multisync version using flat mask
technology, but I don't know where that stands.
The main reason I bought the Zenith was the excellent color saturation–better
than anything you've ever seen. Based on comments around here, though, I
suggest you personally check out every monitor you're interested in. They're
all different, and most of the criteria (other than price and reliability) are
pretty subjective. Be sure you look at both text and graphics.
John
Harry: I ended up buying a CTX 3435 multisync monitor. It was rated as best
buy in PC Digest Magazine. It cost me $430. Unfortunately with the standard
Amiga display mode, it just doesn't use the full capabilities. Would be nice
if there was something to fill in those dark lines between pixels. Sometimes
they even show up in interlace mode. The monitor seems to have nice color,
although a little more glare than I'd like. I stuck a Flickermaster (dark
plastic screen) over the monitor.
Someone earlier left a message recommending the Zenith 1490. We've got one at
work, and although the colors are the best I'bve seen, it does seem to have an
alignment problem. It's very touchy when it comes to outside interference. A
review a few months ago confirmed this. The reviewer got five units, and no
two acted alike. This was early in the production of the unit, so I don't know
if they worked out their problems yet.
Good Luck, Paul
Paul,
Get the program LACE.ARC in LIB 13. That'll set your machine in
interlace mode at any resolution. That'll fill in those blank lines.
Don
Harry,
You'll need a monitor capable of resolving at least 1280 vertical lines if
you want to make use of both new ECS modes. I know Nanao makes a 19" FlexScan
capable of such resolution, and I also believe NEC's Multisync XL can handle
it, but I'm not familiar with any others (altho I know they exist). The Nanao
is a terrific monitor, but with a price to match–3K+. The XL is sharp but
suffers a bit from the usual Multisync flat color syndrome.
-Dave
With regard to multisync monitors on the Amiga, will they be required to
use the enhanced video modes with 1.4? The reason I ask is because I'm going
to be purchasing a 500 and was planning on getting the Commodore 1084S monitor
with it. However, should I just save up some more dough and get a multisync so
that I'm ready for the new graphics modes when they are developed?
Thanks,
John
P.S. If I do get a mulitsync, the monitor will end up being more expensive
than the computer!
(By the way, I'm typing this on my IBM — is there any chance my EGA monitor
will work as a temporary monitor for the Amiga? I have a Samsung CM4531
monitor….)
John,
Yes…the new video modes will require a monitor that'll go to 31.5KHz
horizontal sync…so, yes, a Multi-Sync should be used so you can use all Amiga
video modes.
No, an EGA only montior won't work, a VGA only monitor will work in the
new resolutions…but only with those new video modes, it won't work for
standard modes.
Don
Okay, that answers that question… I think I'll stick with
Commodore's 1084S monitor to save some money. Anyway, will my EGA monitor work
with the current Amiga modes? (This way I can get the 500 now and share my EGA
monitor between the IBM and Amiga until I can afford the 1084S.) The Samsung
EGA supports 2 horizontal scanning frequencies, 15.75 KHz and 21.85 KHz. The
former is for CGA modes(320×200, 640×200) and the later for EGA(640×350). It
seems logical that the monitor should have no trouble displaying Amiga
horizontal resolutions of 320 or 640 and a vertical resolution of 200. As for
interlace or overscan, I don't know. I'm just guessing, though — I'm no more
than a casual computer hobbyist, not a technician… There may be some
intrinsic differences between the Amiga and IBM that would make this
impossible.
John
John,
NO, EGA monitors will not work with the Amiga. The A500, with it's
present video modes uses 15.7KHz horizontal sync and 60Hz vertical sync. Those
are the NTSC standard sync rates (TV sync rates). EGA uses something like
25KHz sync rates for horizontal sync…so will not work with the Amiga.
Don
I thought that the 31.5KHz (available on most multisyncs) only allowed 800×600
resolution (or was that 640×400? I can't keep track 8^) ); Dave K. says the new
modes go to 1280 … Am I missing something fundamental (again)?
Thanks everyone for your answers so far – I'm still shopping, so keep'em
coming!
Harry,
I don't have my notes in front of me, but no…I don't recall anything
about a 1280 resolution mode in the new chipset.
Don
Don, there is a new 1280 resolution mode.
Khalid.
I have a Princeton Graphics Ultrasync. Very nice.
Betty