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Switching to one massive screen?

Greg

Senior Member
Thinking about going from 2x 27 inch displays to one massive one (36+)

Has anyone switched to that kind of set up and if so do you enjoy it? I noticed more big composers doing that lately, some examples below:



Seems great for dealing with the massive track counts, I worry about eye strain and ergonomics though.
 
I worry about eye strain and ergonomics though

I'm not a pro with a deadline driven workflow, but I use a 55" 4k tv as my monitor. I believe it actually reduced eye strain because you can sit further away from it a bit, so you're we are not constantly focused at screens 10 inches from your nose.

A few technical caveats about using a 4k TV as a monitor, though:
Two essentials - (1) direct LED backlighting. For computer use, edge lighting is not even enough. And (2) make sure your input will support 60 fps. 30 feels jittery for computer use.
And not essential, if possible, use HDMI 2.0 and find a tv that supports 4:4:4 at 60 fps. The 4:4:4 will avoid color fringes on very small text and look clearer.

EDIT - just make sure that the 4:4:4 support is also at 60 fps, not just 30 fps.
EDIT #2 - also turn off all sharpening on the TV, that actually is counterproductive for computer type use which is full of sharp hard lines already.
 
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I've posted about this before, but I tried a 40" 4K TV and didn't like having to turn my head that far to see the edges - the screen was actually too big for me. Whoda thunk it.

So after a few days I went back to my 30" Apple Cinema Display, which is just right, and I have the TV at 1080p hanging from the ceiling 5' away (I use it as a second monitor for parking instruments, plug-ins, etc., as well as another sound reference - it's available as a sound output device on my Mac).

The dot pitch, i.e. the text etc. size, is about the same on the 40" 4K and the 2560 x 1600 30" Cinema Display.
 
Same question as the OP for me.
Currently using one 27' display and hesitating to complement it with another 27' or more probably 24' (not a big desk) or to replace it with a 32' or 34'.
I feel like having two displays would be easier (and cheaper since I already have one)... But I haven't pulled the trigger yet.
 
Same question as the OP for me.
Currently using one 27' display and hesitating to complement it with another 27' or more probably 24' (not a big desk) or to replace it with a 32' or 34'.
I feel like having two displays would be easier (and cheaper since I already have one)... But I haven't pulled the trigger yet.
2 displays can be nice, but for me i much prefer to be able to look straight ahead for the majority of my computer work. With a dual-display setup, I'm always looking off to either side, which can cause some neck strain after a while. Unless you align your chair with one of the screens, of course.
Another reason why i avoid "studio desks" and stick to standard flat-top large desks. Much easier to get the display configuration you want without getting in the way of other things like rack gear and/or speakers.
 
I went for a 32" 4k recently and for me it seems perfect. I sit kinda close to the thing, so it works without scaling and this way I have a lot of screen real estate. I use WindowGrid to quickly rearrange windows side by side. I think that with all those programs shifting towards more of a one-window-design, one single display could be the way to go in the future. Although I am considering getting another display for video for scoring to picture purposes one day.
 
That's the thing. Scoring to picture and having the video + 1 Kontakt instance + an EQ open, for instance, fills my 27' screen way too much. I'm afraid one big screen would gimme some air but would still be too crowded.
 
I switched to a single 43" screen two years ago and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. It's wonderful and can accommodate a LOT, but like Jdiggity I've added a smaller screen off to the side too. I could live without that if I had to, but it's nice to be able to move video or plugin windows off the main screen.
 
You have a 43" and still like a second screen. Even if you said you don't need it, it says a lot...

I moved from two 27" 2k monitors to a single 43" 4k monitor, but eventually needed to add a 2nd screen back to my setup.
Aaaaaaaand then a third...

This goes in the same direction :)
 
I think at the end of the day what matters is amount of pixels. So with one 4k display it's double the space compared to 2 Full HD displays...
One of the most important things for me while using one single screen is a good window management workflow. So I've got WindowGrid (as mentioned earlier) and often make use of multiple virtual desktops as well (allthough the latter doesn't really have to do anything with single vs multiple screen setup, it is just very useful in any case, where you have to manage various windows/programs).
 
After testing a few different scenarios, including 2 ultra wide 21:9 displays side by side, I went back to 16:10 (1920x1200) 24" units.

I'm currently using an array of 3 with a TV above them. Screen estate feels more efficient that way.
I find it especially easier for window management.

3LCDS01-3.jpg
 
Personnally, I chose to have my second screen vertical.
I use this vertical screen for :
- Cubase : very convenient for my long list of tracks (orchestral) and for my long expression maps. These 2 points are more important for me than having the tracks/music in landscape (which sometimes misses me)
- read/study score sheets

So 1080 screens are enough for me for the moment
 
Well, with eyesight not anymore what it used to be, I enjoy using a 55" 4k TV as main monitor.

But to make viewing comfortable from a relatively short distance, I positioned it as low as possible, so that you can just see the bottom screen over the keyboards. Less eyestrain than if you're looking up at it.

Only petty is that Cubase still doesn't do proper Hi-DPI scaling, but Studio One fortunately does and looks terrific :)
Roberts studio 20190412_131954 cr.jpg
 
You have a 43" and still like a second screen. Even if you said you don't need it, it says a lot...

Yes! But two small screens would be too little for many of us here - and a large screen basically replaces two smaller screens. I'd much rather have one large and a smaller screen, than three small screens.
 
Well, with eyesight not anymore what it used to be, I enjoy using a 55" 4k TV as main monitor.

But to make viewing comfortable from a relatively short distance, I positioned it as low as possible, so that you can just see the bottom screen over the keyboards. Less eyestrain than if you're looking up at it.

Only petty is that Cubase still doesn't do proper Hi-DPI scaling, but Studio One fortunately does and looks terrific :)
Roberts studio 20190412_131954 cr.jpg
Sorry for the offtopic but, Which are those very low profile keyboards?
 
Both Win10 Pro Desktop PC DAW(s) display with dual monitors ... (2x -24") 1920 x 1200 / (2x -27") 1920 x 1080.

Have 3rd Desktop PC driving 55" 2160 x 3840. Tried Reaper and everything on single screen was not acceptable versus dual screens (extended). Surely personal issues, but will stay with (2) displays.

Proximity to 55" UHD screen also a notable factor. Articles searched suggested close viewing distance to take full advantage. Personal experience is uncomfortable unless further back. imho
 
I went to a 43" screen and really like it. I'm not sure what the exact resolution numbers I have it set at, but on a Mac, it's the middle setting. Probably about 50% more than 1920x1080. It doesn't maximize the amount that goes on the screen, but it's easier for my elderly eyes to read than full-on 3840x2160.

The biggest advantage for me with this, as opposed to side by side 27" screens, is the height. With coding, for instance, I can see a lot of lines with less scrolling.
 
I've been thinking about One Giant Screen too, but hate to change anything so....

I have five but mainly use three -- two regular monitors for the DAW and notation, and a third for Pro Tools. And a fourth for satellite PCs. Plus, when I am scoring to picture or need that extra screen, a big TV screen that's digital and has good resolution so that's for picture or whatever.
 
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