Broadcast reference monitors ensure your production looks excellent. If the image is out of focus, or there’s something in the background that shouldn’t be there, having a reference monitor on-set will help you swiftly resolve the issue. Due to how useful these devices are, you have to be wary when shopping for monitors. With the help of a guide to finding the right reference monitor, you can avoid making simple mistakes that could lead to low-quality results.
Production Needs
An essential part of our guide to finding the right reference monitor is on-set monitor integration. It can dive into is the specific way you want to use the monitor on set. Common qualities you want to look for in a reference monitor are brightness level, image resolution, and extra features—all of which can help your broadcast display professionalism and consistency.
Reference monitor qualities like weight and size will be more dependent on the specific task at hand. If you want an on-camera monitor, you’ll need to find a small, lightweight monitor that will accommodate the mobility. However, if you need a reference monitor for crew members sitting off to the side, you can go bigger and heavier because you don’t have to accommodate for factors such as the camera operator’s comfort.
Available Budget
When shopping for reference monitors (and this goes for all types of video production equipment), you need the available budget. As mentioned above, reference monitors are a key part of video productions, so you should commit to a monitor from a reputable brand if you want the best results.
If you buy from lesser brands simply to cut costs, you’re going to wind up with a less reliable production tool. On the other hand, if you invest in a high-quality reference monitor, it’s going to give you high-quality results—it’s as simple as that. Do the proper research when shopping for a broadcast reference monitor to make sure you’re ready to commit to one with the budget you have at your disposal.