For surgeons, image quality and performance are everything when it comes to high-definition monitors. Aside from the specialized advances some models offer, such as wireless signal transmission or glasses-assisted 3D viewing, it's all about the clarity and crispness of the image on the screen. Here's a simple idea for a head-to-head trial: Roll different cart-mounted monitors into adjoining ORs for comparison between subsequent cases. This will tell your doctors everything they need to know about color accuracy, sharpness and the depth perception that high resolution brings. Keep these factors in mind when outfitting your OR with HD monitors.

• Compatibility. If you're not overhauling your entire system, be sure the monitor you're considering can accommodate your imaging equipment's input.
• Screen size. To ensure visibility at close range, and to avert collisions with other equipment, 26 inches is the largest-sized screen you should install around the OR table.
• Location. Any monitor placed within the sterile field must be "medical grade." That is, it must be constructed without cooling fans or vents to prevent the risk of particulate contamination, must meet certain electrical safety standards, and must be easily cleaned and disinfected between cases.
• Mounting. Are your cart-, arm- or wall-mounted monitors going to be visible and accessible to physicians and staff in their various positions during various procedures, even those who are left-handed?
• Service. Which company's reps can offer assistance with monitor mounting, cable installation and staff training? When the equipment isn't working as it should, who'll be immediately accessible and reliable with the troubleshooting? Many times this comes with image quality: If a company provides a good product, they'll deliver good service.

Barco
MDSC-2124
(866) 360-3545 ' www.barco.com/medical
List price: $5,995
FYI: A 24-inch, widescreen, LCD surgical monitor, the MDSC-2124 features a high-definition resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. Its brightness and lag-free, artifact-free imaging deliver sharp, accurate, panoramic views. Its broad input connectivity accommodates integration with many HD endoscopy cameras, room and boom cameras, ultrasound devices and patient information systems for real-time, high-resolution images.

Eizo Nanao Technologies
RadiForce LS560W and Large Monitor Manager
(800) 800-5202 x145 ' www.radiforce.com
List price: $151,075
FYI: An alternative to multiple-monitor use in surgical environments, the RadiForce 56-inch, DICOM-calibrated monitor provides the ability to view large volumes of information on a single screen for improved workflow efficiency and time savings. Unlike the use of multiple monitors, there are no color differences from panel to panel and less potential for distraction while scanning from screen to screen. Image placement and sizing is easily arranged with the Large Monitor Manager, which accepts 21 inputs simultaneously.

NDS Surgical Imaging
Radiance HD Surgical Display
(866) 637-5237 ' www.ndssi.com
List price: $4,500 to $13,000, depending on size
FYI: Available in sizes ranging from 19 inches to 55 inches, NDS's Radiance line of flat-panel displays support signals from a wide range of imaging and information systems for high-resolution visualization of minimally invasive surgery in the digital OR. Selected models feature multi-modality that enables split-screen or picture-in-picture display, or touchscreen technology. The new, 26-inch Radiance G2 High-Bright incorporates LED backlighting for brightness and color correction technology to match industry standards.

NEC Display Solutions
MultiSync MD301C4
(866) NEC-MORE ' www.necdisplay.com
List price: $3,499
FYI: This 30-inch, widescreen, medical-grade, diagnostic display features a high-resolution, high-contrast screen performance and broad connectivity for image source input. Digital uniformity control provides accurate imaging across the screen, out-of-the-box calibration to the DICOM grayscale display function ensures uniform luminance, and an ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on the room's lighting conditions.

Olympus
OEV-261H
(800) 848-9024 ' www.olympusamerica.com
List price: not disclosed
FYI: Specifically designed for use with Olympus's HD flexible endoscopes, surgical camera heads, EndoEYE video laparoscopes and other visual instruments, the 26-inch OEV-261H features 1,920 x 1,200 high-definition resolution, a 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio, high contrast ratio (1,000:1) and a wide viewing angle to deliver optimal and accurate image reproduction at the completion of the imaging capture and processing chain.

Panasonic System Networks
EJ-MLB26U-W
(201) 271-3254 ' www.panasonic.com/visionsystems
List price: $5,995
FYI: The 26-inch, high-definition, widescreen, medical-grade monitor (also available in 32-inch and 37-inch versions), features in-plane switching technology for high accuracy color and image reproduction from low to high brightness as well as a high contrast ratio at almost any viewing angle. Viewing options include user-selectable and independently adjustable picture-in-picture or side-by-side displays of 2 HD images. With multiple inputs, there's no need to purchase additional input boards.

Skytron
GDM Z3 LCD
(800) SKYTRON ' www.skytron.us
List price: $6,300 to $7,300
FYI: Skytron's medical-grade LCD display supports both high-definition and standard-definition imaging sources. Built-in color correction delivers optimal reproduction of skin tones and anatomy under the varying color temperatures of different lighting. Image pan and zoom controls lets users manipulate display sources from a front panel menu. Memory settings enable the recall of physicians' preferences. A cable back cover protects and secures video signal connections to each imaging device.

Sony Electronics
LMD-2110MD
(201) 930-7320 ' www.sony.com/hdforsurgery
List price: $1,995
FYI: A 10-bit signal processor lets this 21.5-inch, high-definition, widescreen, medical-grade LCD monitor create lifelike images with smooth gradation and accurate color consistency. It accepts a wide variety of standard-definition signal inputs and HD input via either HDMI interface or analog component connectors. An HD-SDI input is possible with the addition of an optional input board. A lightweight, compact design means easy integration among other surgical technology.

Steris
Surgical- and Medical-Grade Monitors
(800) 548-4873 ' www.steris.com
List price: $7,895 to $16,995
FYI: Available in a range of screen sizes suitable for the surgical field or wall-mounting, Steris's widescreen LCD monitors support nearly every type of native standard- and high-definition signals from imaging devices with no signal conversion difficulty, image degradation or image lag. Constructed to medical-grade standards, they're compatible with all medical, safety and emissions requirements. Factory calibration to DICOM standards ensures image consistency.

Stryker Endoscopy
WiSe HDTV Surgical Display and Transmitter
(800) 435-0220 ' www.stryker.com/endoscopy
List price: not disclosed
FYI: Stryker's flat-panel monitor, coupled with a transmitter that delivers uncompressed 1080p HD resolution images wirelessly, reduces cable clutter in your OR, the tripping hazard it can present, and equipment wear and tear from repeatedly connecting and disconnecting cables between cameras and monitors. The system's token keys create unique codes between the monitor and transmitter to protect the wireless signal's quality from interfering with other OR electronics for a secure, exclusive transmission channel.