Small Video Monitors...Worth Considering?

[generallee]

Hi,

I'm considering purchasing a used Sony Trintiron PVM-9L2 9" color monitor. It looks like a good NTSC production monitor with all the bells and whistles, etc. However, it is only 9", so is that considered too small for good restoration/color correction work?

Background

I've been looking for a "small" monitor for my editing system. I've been using a Sony 13" monitor, but it only has composite and component connections. My iMac's miniDVI to TV adapter only offers composite and S-Video outputs. I've been looking for a monitor with S-Video inputs, but cannot find one in my price range (either FREE or CHEAP!).

I'd like to keep everything in the chain S-Video. Component is OK, but since most of my work is with old SD video, I think it's overkill right now. And besides, I know of no "easy" way to convert S-Video to component with buying a rescaler box, or something - which would cost more money.

I know from experience that smaller monitors always produce better pictures due to the condensed nature of the CRT, etc. So, my question is, what is considered "too small" for a good NTSC monitor that will provide an accurate representation of the edited video?

Thanks!

Bob

[edDV]

The 9" PVM's are usually used as field monitors or in a rack.

The specs are all equal to the 14"/20" models except frequency response is less at 6 MHz but that is still adequate.
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/docs/brochures/bkm120d%20brochure.pdf

So it comes down to screen size. I use a 14" PVM connected S-Video myself and sit close to it. I guess the main issue would be getting close enough to see noise and digital artifacts that would be more obvious on a larger screen.

I also use a cheap 20" consumer CRT TV without comb filter connected composite to evaluate lowest common denominator NTSC color performance and overscan. I calibrate levels on both with SMPTE color bars from a DV timeline (FCP, iMovie, Premiere or Vegas) via Firewire and Canopus ADVC-100. This is more accurate than monitoring off the display card.

[generallee]

Thanks edDV. I actually just purchased a Panasonic BT-H1390YN 13" High-Res Broadcast Monitor for a good price on E-Bay. So, this is better than a 9", but I agree that sitting close is a good idea. I also have the other 13" Sony that is composite/component, so I will also use that as a lowest common denominator test monitor with a composite connection.