In the process of wrestling with monitor tradeoffs, we have come across a great new monitor.
It is the Samsung UE590, and in the case above, 28” on the diagonal.
The monitor uses an AC to DC external power brick, which means it can be powered off the ship’s mains. It is also pre-programmed for view angle selections, of which the lean-back modes are of particular interest. Without this option, we have found that the contrast setting needs adjustment when changing monitor angle. We have ended up with this 28” Samsung at the great room helm, and the 32” Samsung at the main helm on the Matrix deck.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 26, 2016)
April 26th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
I’m wondering if there would be any advantage to having the control console angled slightly down at the front (up at the back?), or even tilt and height adjustable (an in-port adjustment), to enable a more overhead view of the monitors etc.
Obviously, the console would have to be raised overall to provide enough leg room underneath the front edge, but it could allow for a more relaxed sitting arrangement and reduced reflection.
Just surmising since this is very hard to assess without actually being on the boat. Tall folks are often put to this challenge to find their comfort zone.
April 26th, 2016 at 8:45 pm
Hi PJ:
The monitors are hinged. And the nav desk on the Matrix deck is angled as well.
April 26th, 2016 at 7:01 pm
Did you go with TN panels over IPS for any reason other than the external power brick? IPS tends to have significantly better off angle viewing, better saturation and contrast, etc. . IPS also tends to be better with shock and vibration–one of the reasons it is favored in portable devices, (phones and tablets). Also curious why you didn’t go with a touch screen?
April 26th, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Howdy Gene:
These monitors have the best off axis viewing – horizontally and vertically – we have ever seen. Touch screen is not something we find very usable in rough weather. As far as shock loading goes, this has not been a problem in the past with normal computer monitors.
April 27th, 2016 at 12:58 am
An interesting point. What form of input do you suggest for rough weather? A mouse sliding around could be dangerous I imagine so maybe a track ball or some sort of joystick?
April 28th, 2016 at 2:36 am
Simrad is mouse or trackball compatible, and we prefer the trackball. But we will also have a dedicated Simrad control head at each station.
May 6th, 2016 at 9:57 am
Great find! Do they run on 12 volt?
May 8th, 2016 at 3:08 am
Hi Arch:
We will know the voltage range within a week or two. If not battery voltage certainly a small DC-DC power supply should do the trick.
May 8th, 2016 at 11:30 pm
WRT to the bifold doors on your big screen cabinet….would this be an ideal tambour door installation? There are nice ones in wood and aluminum eliminating inadvertant bifold damage, not to mention better looking.
May 12th, 2016 at 6:43 pm
Hi PJ:
We have used tambour doors in many situations, but in this case the multiple small segments were not visually acceptable.