Loardkaos and Tempus you are both wrong.
Never trust general statements like brand A is better than brand B. Sometimes even the highest quality monitors occasionally don't perform as promised.
Like fingerprints, All monitors are unique and there are variations in all electronic components. Even companies that use the same CRT can produce widely varying quality of products. In the real world, all things are not equal, when it comes to the electronics, assembly, and quality of alignment at the factory wrapped around the CRT.
For example: designers from different companies can interpret the application and design notes from the CRT manufacture slightly different, thus there is variation in the electronics design. Some manufactures are more interested in volume than quality. These types of manufacturers will take a shorter amount of time aligning the monitors convergence, geometry etc. on the assembly line.
Manufacturers do not modify the CRT, most manufacturers purchase the CRT and deflection yoke as a combination from the CRT manufacturer. Thus the CRT manufacturer does most of the alignment of the two. I have found in this case the specifications published by the CRT manufacturer are typically wider than manufacturers who purchase the yoke and CRT separately and do there own alignment. In general check the manufacturer specifications for convergence, this is usually a good indication of how well the tube and yoke are mated.
At one time most monitors where manufactured in Japan. As the market put price pressure on the manufacturers they move production to places like Taiwan. Now most production has moved to Mainland China, Korea and other countries where the cost of labor is cheaper. As a matter of fact it is difficult these days to even figure out who designed a specific model and who is actually the manufacturer. In my 15 years plus in the monitor industry, I have visited many of the monitor factories in the Far East. You would be surprised to find out who is doing the designing and manufacturing of your favorite products. In all cases I'm under an NDA so I cannot disclose details. Most so-called manufacturers rely on multiple different OEM manufacturers to design and produce their products. Just because it has brand "XYZ" and company "XYZ" is a real manufacture, it does not mean they actually designed and produced the product. OEM manufacturing is very common in the industry, not only monitors but many electronic components. The only way to find this information is to contact the manufacturer and ask.
All of the items I mention above have a direct impact on the price and quality of the final product. Other impacts on price can be directly attributed to the marketing costs of the manufacture and the cost of doing business.
When you purchase an electronic device what you are really purchasing in my opinion is the company that sold you the product. What I mean by that is, will the company stand by its products should you have a problem. How easy will it be to get in touch with their tech support should you need them. Do they offer special services like enhanced warranties that you may require etc. Do your homework before you make a purchase. For example, Find ask the manufacturer what their convergence specs are.
Convergence is one of the key measures of a monitors image quality. Unfortunately most manufacturers do not publish brightness specifications or convergence so I recommend that you call and e-mail the technical support line of the manufacturer and reseller before you buy. First time how long it takes you to reach a human or an e-mail response and then ask them some questions about the monitor you are considering. You don't want to sit on hold; you want to talk to knowledgeable people. They aren't trained to "polish" the answers like sales reps might, but you'll get a sense for how technically competent and knowledgeable they are and how the company will treat you after the purchase.
Good Luck
Jim Witkowski
Chief Hardware Engineer
Cornerstone / Monitorsdirect.com
Jim at
http://www.monitorsdirect.com
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