Monitor for Streaming Video

[tstafford]

I recognize my use case is unusual. Hopefully people can provide constructive suggestions rather than telling me why I'm an idiot for using my computer (and money) this way. I am not a power user. I don't create content, code or anything like that. I use my Mac for entertainment, web browsing and light productivity (office, e-mail, etc.). None the less I am in front of a computer much of the day - so I will pay for quality.

I have a laptop (MBP 14 base) and a Studio (base) on the way - keeping both. The Studio will be connected to my two ASD (which the MBP currently drives) and I want to add a third monitor. I bought the Studio because it can support three (or more) displays. (I like a lot of real estate).

I will use the third monitor mostly for streaming video. I like having something on when I am working, surfing, etc. The ASD does this quite well and I am fine to buy a third. But before I do that I thought I would post and see if anyone has a suggestion on a better option for this particular use case. Ideally the monitor would have a great picture, decent internal sound and would allow brightness/sound adjustment via the Mac UI. It's somewhat less important that it support retina quality text - so I could potentially be convinced to give up 5K. I'm also open to hearing why the rumored mini-LED, promotion monitor would be worth paying up for.

Thanks in advance.

 

[HDFan]

ASD

?

 

[arw]

?

Apple Studio Display

The ASD does this quite well and I am fine to buy a third. But before I do that I thought I would post and see if anyone has a suggestion on a better option for this particular use case.

A general thought without a specific recommendation:
The ASD is 5K while video content is (mostly) up to 4K.
So for video consumption, a 4K display is not only cheaper than the ASD but is also better suited as it can display 4K video pixel perfect (1:1) without scaling anything up so you get the best sharpness.
In regard to Pro Motion: Video content (Bluray / Netflix) is mostly 24p (~24 fps) and at best 60 fps (high frame rate movies). So for currently existing content anything higher than 60 Hz refresh rate would make no difference. And I doubt it will emerge as most cinema content is still 24p.

 

[tstafford]

Apple Studio Display

A general thought without a specific recommendation:
The ASD is 5K while video content is (mostly) up to 4K.
So for video consumption, a 4K display is not only cheaper than the ASD but is also better suited as it can display 4K video pixel perfect (1:1) without scaling anything up so you get the best sharpness.
In regard to Pro Motion: Video content (Bluray / Netflix) is mostly 24p (~24 fps) and at best 60 fps (high frame rate movies). So for currently existing content anything higher than 60 Hz refresh rate would make no difference. And I doubt it will emerge as most cinema content is still 24p.

Thanks. This is why I asked. I figured for this particular use the ASD might not be the "best" option.

I'd be curious if anyone can recommend one that would work well - picture quality, sound, easy to use, good looking, etc. I have searched and nothing I've found is compelling or at least nothing is obviously better than the rest of the pack. Seems there are many at ~$500 that are all well reviewed and could probably do the job.

Example: maybe this would be a good choice for this purpose:

SAMSUNG 32" M80B UHD HDR Smart Computer Monitor Screen with Streaming TV, Slimfit Camera Included, Wireless Remote PC Access, Alexa Built-in (LS32BM801UNXGO)

Everything you need is right in your screen. Watch, work and chat - all without connecting a separate PC - with the Smart Monitor. Your favorite content, productivity and video call apps are built-in for a simpler and more stylish desk setup that’s a joy to use every time.

www.amazon.com

 

[mystery hill]

Since you were willing to pay the price for a third Studio Display, I’d consider an LG C2 OLED TV. I don’t think you’d find many displays better than this for streaming video.

4K
OLED
120Hz refresh rate
Dolby Vision

LG C2 OLED TV Review - RTINGS

 

[tstafford]

Since you were willing to pay the price for a third Studio Display, I’d consider an LG C2 OLED TV. I don’t think you’d find many displays better than this for streaming video.

4K
OLED
120Hz refresh rate
Dolby Vision

LG C2 OLED TV Review - RTINGS

Interesting you say that. I was considering it earlier today - I have a G2 and love it. OLED is terrific. Price is not an issue.

I think 42" is too big for what I want, but I'm not sure. Not sure I can get a VESA arm that will handle the C2 (it uses 200x300) - but maybe I can live with the stand.

I'll consider this again. I appreciate the suggestion.

 

[tstafford]

Since you were willing to pay the price for a third Studio Display, I’d consider an LG C2 OLED TV. I don’t think you’d find many displays better than this for streaming video.

4K
OLED
120Hz refresh rate
Dolby Vision

LG C2 OLED TV Review - RTINGS

As is evidenced by the thread re: the rumored new Apple display show the monitor thing is both highly personal and equally contentious!

I for sure wanted to find an alternative to the ASD as a third monitor. I did something I haven't done in years - went to both BestBuy and Electronics Express hoping to try out the Samsung M8. Neither had it and more or less only keeps *junk* on the floor. So that went nowhere. I guess I could have ordered from AMZN and returned if I didn't like it but I don't feel good doing that.

I also tried connecting my MBP 14 to my G2 to see how I liked OLED for this purpose. My honest take - mixed. On the negative side at native resolution I thought the text looked like crap. It was fuzzy even at a distance. However when scaled to 1920 x 1080 it looked darn good - totally acceptable. On the positive side - when connected via HDMI to HDMI it provided 60hz and HDR support. Looked very good when showing HDR content from YT. And of course the sound was terrific compared to any computer monitor.

End of the day - I decided just to go with a third ASD. If the LG OLED had looked crisp at native resolution it would have been a tougher decision. But I wasn't willing to compromise at all at these prices. The LG, while a bit cheaper, is within hand grenade distance of the ASD once one adds a high quality monitor arm that can support a display of that size. And while 1920 x 1080 looked acceptable, it is large and kind of defeats the purpose. There's more real estate (as far as I can tell) on a 27" ASD vs. a 42" scaled C2.

Until someone makes a better option, I'm on the ASD.

 

[benwiggy]

I decided just to go with a third ASD.

I've mentioned this before, but in case you didn't know -- in Audio MIDI Setup.app, you can make a Multi-output device that uses the speakers of all 3 ASDs at the same time!

 

[arw]

Until someone makes a better option, I'm on the ASD.

Sound aside, you already know how great videos look on the ASD although some scaling is performed.
And you never know what you might change in your setup, then you already have another 5K display that can be used equally well for all kinds of productivity stuff.

 

[tstafford]

Sound aside, you already know how great videos look on the ASD although some scaling is performed.
And you never know what you might change in your setup, then you already have another 5K display that can be used equally well for all kinds of productivity stuff.

This was important too. I am fairly sure my wife will want to update from her 2015 iMac soon - disappointing that it is losing Apple OS upgrades. One of my ASD will make the perfect transition for her along with a Mini. And if there's a new monitor option for me at that time I'll make a change.