Help Required: Monitor Opinions for 1:1 Setup...

[the_greeze]

Okay guys, I need your suggestions please...

I intend to upgrade the monitors I am using on my rig. I would like to achieve a 1:1 setup and with this in mind have decided to stick with monitors. Projectors are not really practical for me with the way my room is laid out. I'd have to go for rear projection to achieve a 1:1 view and sadly, I simply don't have the space (and squeezing a projected image down that much seems a bit of a waste IMO).

I currently run three LG 42' models (only 720p; another reason I want to upgrade: I want 1080p) at approx 2.5/3.0 feet away. I appreciate that monitors will have bezels but it really doesn't bother me. The LG's probably have about 2" of bezel when butted together but when I'm "in the zone" racing, I don't notice them. That said, I will be looking to buy monitors with the thinnest bezels I can find 👍

I understand that the size of the monitors will come down from 42" to around 24"/27" but that will probably be necessary to achieve the desired 1:1 setup.

I'm now going to have a search on the interwebs for possible solutions and will post back here with my findings. Your comments and suggestions would be most welcome...

*edit* Must be VESA mountable as I'll have to engineer a new stand.

 

[HoiHman]

Just thinking, going back from triple 42" to triple 27" ?

That's a big step back in screensize. Are you sure you won't be disappointed when you them set up.
You will also notice the bezels much more on a smaller triple screen setup, because they will be more in your direct eyesight.

I always thought that triple 46" was the best realistic size, but i could be wrong

 

[Mayaman]

Greeze, I have a video for you I can't reveal till the embargo is over, but you can indeed get 1:1 with front projection. I've been playing like that for months. You only need 5 feet from screen to projector, and only 2 feet using short throw beamers. The immersion is crazy, you'll see when I post the video. Don't give up on it yet. I've seen your space, you have tons of room, and the way I have mine literally doesn't take up any space, especially if you ceiling mount. No bezels, seamless gigantic image.

If projection is not for you then triple Samsung 46" slim bezel is what you want

 

[lemansfanatic]

Greeze, I have a video for you I can't reveal till the embargo is over, but you can indeed get 1:1 with front projection. I've been playing like that for months. You only need 5 feet from screen to projector, and only 2 feet using short throw beamers. The immersion is crazy, you'll see when I post the video. Don't give up on it yet. I've seen your space, you have tons of room, and the way I have mine literally doesn't take up any space, especially if you ceiling mount. No bezels, seamless gigantic image.

If projection is not for you then triple Samsung 46" slim bezel is what you want

Might this setup contain mirrors as well? haha Cant wait to see this video! I know what you mean about the giant projection image vs tripple screen. Projectors have way better top to bottom view but not as much side to side. Just depends on what you think is more important. I like the screen to be floor to ceiling so I can look down the nose of a cockpit like I would in real life. However, this method sacrifices the 180 field of vision that you would get with tripple screens by only using one large screen

 

[Mayaman]

Videos will be posted the 30th

I run triple projectors at 46" with FlyNG warping software.

Running pretty standard 55 degree angles, no mirrors. Both vertical and horizontal are not compromised. Followed a couple tips given from members here and on ISR.

Project cars, F1 2011, NFS shift, IL2 Sturmovic, and others will be featured. Track IR on and off. D-Box 4 actuator integration.

Pics of latest mods including DS sequential, custom flat keyboard mount, custom leather work, etc. review of CSW Base, both rims, CS Pedals V2.

Only thing I'm waiting for is my screen seam curved covers. Right now I'm using some cardboard which works fine but I didn't cut it straight, very difficult to cut perfectly straight.

 

[Roush_fan_99]

If projection is not for you then triple Samsung 46" slim bezel is what you want

I have a 60" Samsung 8000 series (7000 series probably fine too), and not used for sim, but I have hooked it up to my PC once and it's kind of strange, I'm not sure if it's the size (compared to distance away) or if it's because it's LED or both but iRacing seems kind of grainy ( for lack of a better word) and hard on my eyes for extended periods of time, and for some reason I have trouble keeping a steady picture [probably has to do with my $30 10 foot HDMI cable from Fredmeyer and the mass of wires going to and from the Bose Soundbar and subwoofer system (the bose system may be the interference since it goes to the sound system then to the tv from the sound system) ]. The Cable box works just fine though

Point is that there were too many variables for me to tell if it's worth it.
However I can say that the bezel is extremely thin, I think it's advertised at 1.2" 👍

 

[the_greeze]

Thanks for the comments gents 👍

@HoiHman:Yeah, it'd be almost like down-grading. I'm really aware that I'll be losing a lot of screen 'real-estate'. Undecided now. I may pick up a cheap 27" monitor and try it. If it's no good; it's going back to the store.

@Mayaman: Looking forward to the video; sounds like you have some nice toys to show us . Are you running at 1080p with those projectors (I'd like to go 1080p if practical)?

I'll only run iRacing and one thing is confusing me; achieving this 1:1 scale image. My understanding is that the wheel on the screen should be the same size as my physical wheel? The videos I have seen of 1:1 setups have the monitor directly behind the wheel, like about 6" away, to get that scale. If I use similar size displays as I have now (42") will I be able to do that? The reason I ask is that with the current setup, I'm unable to get a FOV that 'shrinks' the on-screen wheel to match the physical wheel. It always looks too big.

Damn, I'm confused about the whole thing now!

 

[left888]

Simon, I have triple 55" Sony's and they are larger then 1:1 I have read a thread somewhere, I think at iRacing where the OP stated that he went with triple 42" screens and they were 1:1 I was thinking of down sizing eventually and after 55" I would not go any smaller then 36"

 

[the_greeze]

Cheers Darren. I'll have a dig around on the iRacing forum later for info. I'm looking at possibly using three Samsung 30" LED TV; model number to follow...

 

[museumsteve]

Definately dont be put off by the thought of going smaller mate I ended up going from around 45" down to 33" screens and I'm confident I'm just about 1:1 now. There's plenty of guides around. Obviously a lot depends on distance from seating position.

I've been buying a few bits for a new single screen project I'm gonna try out....once I've done the next stage of my main one.

I look forward to seeing how you get on.

 

[Mayaman]

Greeze, the 1:1 on the larger screens has nothing to do with the screens. It has to do with FOV, seat positioning, etc. You basically use the FOV editor to set the correct size and FOV for your view. When you see my video you'll see it is basically like sitting in the car, with all the correct sizes including dashboard, switches, etc.

You have to fiddle around a while to get something that feels real. For my setup, when I look through my steering wheel at my guages its basically as if I was looking at a real dashboard. And my screens are NOT right behind my wheel. They don't have to be.

When I post the video you'll see. The camera mounted on a tripod just behind my seat, so its going to looks like I have one of those cams that sits just above a racer helmet.

 

[Hollidog]

If you are in need of a monitor mounting solution, might I suggest Integ Modular Arms Can hold up to 6 screens and all are easily adjustable height and angle wise. Support up to 30kg.

This Samsung has a thin bezel, and only weighs 3kg.

 

[the_greeze]

Here's the link to the display I'm considering. Nothing is cast in stone yet; I'm still undecided.

@Mayaman: I'll certainly check out your video 'cos, man, I'm confused!
@Hollidog: Thanks for the links

 

[Mayaman]

Forget all those thick bezel TVs, it would be a huge step back for your rig. If you're going monitors this is what you want. A guy over at ISR is running three of these and its awesome.

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN46C8000XFXZA

 

[lemansfanatic]

$8100 for three of those?? And they still have bezels anyways? No way thats worth it. Look at those new Qumi pico projectors, or get 3 used BenQ W1200's for $2800-$3000.

 

[Mayaman]

8100? No you can get those for $1200 each from Amazon. thats an old price. I'm just giving him options as to what the best monitor is for the least amount of bezel. Those other suggestions would give him like a 3" bezel. yuck.

I am using Qumi Q2s on my setup. their wonderful and get the job done nicely.

 

[the_greeze]

Well, after a day of mostly trawling the 'net for info it seems that monitor positioning is just as a contentious issue as our ol' favourite; full or seat-only motion!

Opinions vary widely on the best size, seating distance, viewing angle etc. So, I'm going to wait for Mayaman's video review of the CSW etc and get a better idea of what he means. But, I suspect I'll end up going my own way and experimenting with a 30" full HD LED display at a much closer distance than I currently run with the 42" displays. 👍

One of the main reasons for me changing displays is to get full 1080p HD, something that (as far as I'm aware) I can't get out of a Qumi Q2?

 

[Mayaman]

You are correct you can't get 1080p out of them, but we'll see if you still think 720p is not enough. I bought an HD1080p camera just for this.

My main annoyance with any kind of monitor is bezels, bezels will kill your immersion like a mofo. And I know people will say "no it won't", well those people haven't moved on to projectors, with no bezel.

I know I'll get a devils advocate dude in here in 10 minutes saying "Well I run monitor XYZ and I don't even notice the bezels"

Good for you monitor guru, you're wrong. LOL

*bold words*

edit: three 1080p Optoma projectors won't run you all that much. You get a nice curved screen and run Fly Elise NG warping software and you'll forget you ever wanted monitors.

 

[lemansfanatic]

8100? No you can get those for $1200 each from Amazon. thats an old price. I'm just giving him options as to what the best monitor is for the least amount of bezel. Those other suggestions would give him like a 3" bezel. yuck.

I am using Qumi Q2s on my setup. their wonderful and get the job done nicely.

Oh ok, your link above had a price of $2700 for each tv X 3 = $8100. That is pricey for any 46 incher. Projectors arent quite as easy to use, or as rock solid as a flatscreen but they perform a bigger better picture dollar for dollar. A few good entry level 1080p projectors are Epson 8320, BenQ w1200, Pannasonic HC4000. You can find any of those right around $1100-1300 NEW. For that price you get up to 150 inch tv and at least a one year manufacturers waranty. Check here for the best info if you are looking into projectors for your setup:
http://www.avsforum.com/f/68/digital-projectors-under-3-000-usd-msrp

 

[the_greeze]

Oh ok, your link above had a price of $2700 for each tv X 3 = $8100. That is pricey for any 46 incher. Projectors arent quite as easy to use, or as rock solid as a flatscreen but they perform a bigger better picture dollar for dollar. A few good entry level 1080p projectors are Epson 8320, BenQ w1200, Pannasonic HC4000. You can find any of those right around $1100-1300 NEW. For that price you get up to 150 inch tv and at least a one year manufacturers waranty. Check here for the best info if you are looking into projectors for your setup:
http://www.avsforum.com/f/68/digital-projectors-under-3-000-usd-msrp

Thanks for the link.

 

[Mayaman]

Also do some research on projectorcentral.com

projector central has a really good projection calculator with space needed for any size image.

Just google "Projection calculator" and it will take you right to it.

 

[left888]

Forget all those thick bezel TVs, it would be a huge step back for your rig. If you're going monitors this is what you want. A guy over at ISR is running three of these and its awesome.

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN46C8000XFXZA

I have the 65" model upstairs for my blu-ray movie theater. Very nice Television, although it's a tad large for iRacing, not to mention overkill.

You really don't need to pay that much for a racing monitor. A mid range television is all you need, especially when you need 3 of them.

 

[Mayaman]

Yeah three 65" would be pretty nuts. three 46 to 50 inch however is pretty awesome. The smallest I'd go is 32" for a triple setup.

 

[the_greeze]

Yeah three 65" would be pretty nuts. three 46 to 50 inch however is pretty awesome. The smallest I'd go is 32" for a triple setup.

Well, that link I posted (this one) is for a 32" and I'd plan on getting that set at around 18" from me. Anyway, still undecided...

 

[HoiHman]

Any plans for going 3d? If so you might want to consider passive lcd's (LG) so you always take that step later.

 

[Niexist]

While you are doing research, learn about input lag, the whole TV vs monitor thing is a hot debate on the Iracing forum, I use a single 42 inch tv, but over on the iracing forums the general train of thought is that there is a noticable impact on performance when using TV's instead of low input lag monitors.

 

[Mayaman]

Set them to game mode, most upper echelon HD tv have this mode as do my projectors. No lag. Most higher end Samsung and others have this mode.

 

[bumer]

Set them to game mode, most upper echelon HD tv have this mode as do my projectors. No lag. Most higher end Samsung and others have this mode.

There's probably always a lag. Plasma TV's have probably less, others more. Tests have shown, that my samsung d8000 has about 30ms in game mode. Most TV's are in that range in game mode.

 

[left888]

I would stay away from plasma TV's, great picture but they run too hot. Could you imagine 3 of them 12-18 inches from your face? I run triple 55" LCD's and the lag is no different then my 24 inch Samsung's, at least none that I can discern.

When I can afford it I will sell off my 3 55" Sony's and get between a 36-42" HDTV, preferably when they release 120 Hz game mode and not 60 Hz HDMI.

 

[HoiHman]

Set them to game mode, most upper echelon HD tv have this mode as do my projectors. No lag. Most higher end Samsung and others have this mode.

Game mode makes a lot of difference.

Sometimes when i watch a movie on my Samsung UE55D7000 and i forget to put it back in game mode. When i set everyting up for racing, the sidescreens are still in the game mode and the center is not. The whole triple screensetup gets out of sync, with the middle screen lagging.