Don't overpay for features you don't need.

Monitors differ in many parameters: diagonal, brightness, response speed, color rendition. Their significance varies depending on the purpose for which you are buying the item.

Compact HP 20kd monitor with good color reproduction

If you use your computer to just surf social media and occasionally watch videos on YouTube, you don't need a fancy monitor with a higher resolution and additional features. Models costing up to 7 thousand rubles and a diagonal of 19–21 inches are suitable. Less than 19 is worth taking only if the budget is very limited and there is very little space on the table.

Full HD resolution is not necessary: ​​at such a diagonal you are unlikely to notice the difference between it and HD, so there is no need to overpay. But it’s better to choose an aspect ratio of 16:9 - this is the format for which websites are made and videos are shot. That is, the monitor should be rectangular, not square.

These inexpensive models have approximately the same characteristics, so you can choose based on reviews and how much you like the monitor in the store.

What to buy

• Acer EB192Qb - reliable, with good color rendition.
• Philips 200V4LAB2/00 - built-in acoustics, no need to buy speakers.
• HP 20kd - only 19.5 inches diagonal, suitable for a small desk. Excellent color reproduction thanks to the IPS matrix.
• Philips 223V5LSB2/10 is just a good inexpensive monitor.
• ASUS VP228DE - has built-in speakers and a blue light filter to reduce .

LG 25UM58-P monitor with 21:9 aspect ratio

Office employees with non-specific tasks, such as managers, can buy the same monitors as for surfing the Internet. But since in the office we spend 8 hours continuously at the computer, the ability to adjust the angle and height of the monitor is useful - this will help strain your neck less. Typically, such monitors cost from 9 thousand rubles.

Other features that may be beneficial to health include: blue filter, anti-flicker, anti-reflective coating. After a day of working behind such a monitor, your eyes get much less tired.

For accountants, analysts, and employees who work with large spreadsheets, monitors with an aspect ratio of 21:9 (UltraWide) are suitable. They are wider, so more information fits on one screen.

Another useful feature for work is the ability to rotate the monitor vertically. Some people find it more convenient to work with texts and tables. This trick can be useful for copywriters, editors, journalists, lawyers or accountants.

At the same time, it’s not worth overpaying for high resolution, color reproduction or response speed if you don’t work with graphics - none of this is useful in regular office work.

What to buy

• BenQ line - monitors with vertical rotation, height adjustment and blue filter.
• Dell SE2419H is an inexpensive monitor with an IPS matrix and tilt adjustment.
• LG 25UM58-P is a monitor with an aspect ratio of 21:9.
• LG 24MB37PM-B is an inexpensive monitor with built-in speakers, vertical rotation, height adjustment and good color reproduction.
• Acer K202HQL is an inexpensive compact monitor with built-in speakers. Lots of positive reviews in online stores.

Monitor LG 43UD79-B with a diagonal of 42.5 inches and a resolution of 4K

In fact, it's better for watching movies. With the same diagonal size, viewing angles and image quality, it will be cheaper than a monitor. In addition, TVs are usually better at conveying dynamic images.

But if you want to take a monitor, focus on the following indicators:

• The diagonal is at least 24 inches, and preferably 30, to make it more convenient to watch a movie from the couch or in a large company.
• The aspect ratio is 16:9 - most films and almost all TV series are shot in it.
• Resolution minimum Full HD (1,920 × 1,080 pixels). If you are a fan of high quality, you can get a 4K monitor (3840 × 2160 pixels). Just keep in mind that to play 4K movies you will need a powerful video card.
• IPS or VA matrix for better color reproduction and high viewing angles - in a large company, for those sitting at the edges, colors will not be distorted.
• Wall mounting.
• The frequency is 75 Hz, and preferably 100 Hz or more, so that dynamic scenes look clearer and more impressive. This indicator is not the most important, since video usually looks good at 60 Hz.

Don't overpay for UltraWide and a curved screen. In the UltraWide format, only some films look good, and, for example, you will watch TV series with black bars on the sides. A curved screen is convenient for one person, but if you watch a movie in a group, the image will be distorted for those sitting at the edges.

What to buy

• Acer RG270bmiix - 27-inch diagonal, IPS matrix, good brightness and color rendition.
• LG 27MK430H-B - 27-inch diagonal, Full HD resolution, wall mountable.
• ASUS VA326H - 31.5-inch diagonal, 144 Hz refresh rate, curved screen.
• LG 27UD58-B - 27-inch diagonal, 4K resolution, costs less than other monitors with this resolution, but the frequency is only 61 Hz.
• LG 43UD79-B - a diagonal of as much as 42.5 inches, IPS matrix, 4K resolution - a full-fledged TV replacement.

Monitor HP 27w 1JJ98AA with very thin frames

The main thing in such monitors is color reproduction. It should be maximum so that the colors are not distorted. They are best conveyed by an IPS matrix. It also has the highest viewing angles - from the side the image looks the same as from the front, making it convenient to show your work to colleagues.

The monitor's surface must be glossy. Matte reflects less glare in the sun, but distorts colors too much, so it is not suitable for artistic purposes.

The diagonal must be at least 24 inches to allow more elements to fit on the screen. You can even take a monitor with an aspect ratio of 21:9 to make the work area even wider.

Frequency in artistic tasks is not so important, so you don’t have to overpay for it. A curved screen is optional. If your budget is limited, you shouldn’t overpay for it, but if you have the money, you can take it. Then the edges of the image will be constantly visible in peripheral vision - there will be no need to turn your head while working.

What to buy

• LG 25UM58-P is an inexpensive UltraWide monitor with good color reproduction.
• HP 27w 1JJ98AA - Full HD monitor with a diagonal of 27 inches, almost frameless.
• LG 29UM69G-B - UltraWide monitor with a diagonal of 29 inches, fine-tuning color reproduction.
• LG 27UK650-W - 4K monitor with a diagonal of 27 inches and excellent color rendition.
• Samsung C49J890DKI is an expensive professional monitor for architects, engineers or designers. Diagonal - 49 inches, resolution - 3,840 × 1,080 pixels, aspect ratio - 32: 9. A good alternative to using 3-4 monitors simultaneously.

Samsung QLED Curved Monitor C24FG73FQI

In a monitor, the frequency is important for gamers - 100 Hz for amateurs and at least 180 Hz for professionals, so that the picture does not lag behind the events of the game.

Other options depend on your gaming requirements:

• The TN+film matrix copes better with fast dynamic images, but its color rendering is slightly worse than that of VA or IPS. The VA matrix reacts a little slower and costs more, but it reproduces colors better. If speed and savings are important, take TN+film, if a beautiful picture - VA.
• If your computer is not very powerful, take a monitor with Full HD resolution - the video card will still not handle more. The more powerful it is, the higher the resolution available to you: 4K monitors will require the latest generation video cards, such as the GeForce GTX 980 Ti.
• Consider monitors with an aspect ratio of 21:9 and even 32:9 and 32:10. They significantly expand viewing angles and promote deeper immersion in the game, especially if the monitor screen is curved.
• For a smoother picture, choose monitors with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies. They are practically the same, but they only work with their own video cards: G-Sync with Nvidia, and FreeSync with AMD Radeon.
- a curved UltraWide monitor with very rich colors, but a frequency of only 100 Hz.
• ASUS PG248Q - 4K monitor with 3D support.

1. Look beyond the specifications: manufacturers sometimes intentionally inflate them. For example, viewing angles of 178° may be stated, but in fact the image on the sides will be distorted. Or the stated diagonal refers to the monitor including frames, and the actual screen diagonal is half an inch smaller. It’s better to choose several monitors and find a comparison of them on the Internet or just look in a store to see which image you like best.
2. Don't go for curved screen monitors unless you're a professional or a fanatical gamer. They look nice, but they are too expensive to just watch movies and surf the Internet with.
3. In stores, some monitors are called gaming monitors. This does not mean that the monitor is good, suitable for gaming or not suitable for work. The “game” signature is simple, and you shouldn’t rely on it when choosing.
4. Many modern monitors do not have DVI-D and D-Sub connectors for connecting to a computer, but only DisplayPort and HDMI. If you have an old computer, make sure it has the necessary connectors to connect a monitor.
5. In the store, don’t let them charge you with additional services like paid checking for dead pixels. You are obligated to check the monitor on them anyway. And if you find defects in the house, you can in any case exchange the defective product.

The life hacker may receive a commission from the purchase of products featured in the publication.

Hello friends! In today's publication we will talk about the sizes of computer monitors.

From this article you will learn:

About sizes in general

All physical dimensions of the screen, be it a computer monitor or a TV, according to standards, are usually measured not in centimeters, but in inches. In pixels, such a parameter as screen resolution, that is, length and height, is measured.

At the same time, these quantities are not correlated (not interconnected) in any way, since the size of the pixel, that is, the elementary point showing the image, can be different. Therefore, there are no adequate tables showing this ratio truthfully: with the same dimensions, monitors may have different ratios.

Today, the optimal screen resolution is 1920x1080, which meets the Full HD broadcast standard. What sizes are there: maybe 19 or even 34 inches, but the most common is a screen with this resolution and a diagonal of 24 inches.

This is exactly the standard that you should focus on when choosing a screen. Read more about monitor aspect ratio.
Users often have a question: does monitor size affect performance? Only partly, since it primarily depends on the resolution (you can read in more detail).

This should be taken into account when building a gaming PC: the higher the resolution, the more pixels the video card has to process simultaneously, and the more powerful it must be. On the other hand, large monitors allow you to fully enjoy your favorite game, completely immersing yourself in the virtual world.

Medium and small screens, for example, 21.5 diagonal, are more suitable for work than for entertainment. This is an ideal option for an office or government agency.

Choosing a monitor size based on the area of ​​use

And now in more detail about what size monitor is best suited for what tasks.

Up to 18 inches

Quite rare modifications that are almost no longer produced today. The scope of application is work and only work, and in those areas where the device is supposed to be used not constantly, but periodically.

For example, in an enterprise warehouse: a storekeeper makes a receipt or write-off of material assets, which takes no more than an hour, and goes on to do other things, of which there are plenty in any warehouse.

In addition, such a monitor can be used by a streamer as an additional one: display a picture from the game on his big cool monitor and broadcast from it, and use a small monitor, for example, to display a chat to communicate with viewers.
They say that it is also very good for everyone in general to monitor donations in real time on such a display: even when a small amount is received, the mood improves. And a good mood is half the success of any stream.

18 to 22 inches

Popular models used mainly for work, mainly in private companies.

Regarding government agencies, one interesting pattern has been noticed: the budget for upgrading the computer park is either not allocated at all, and employees have to use ancient small monitors, or it is allocated in excess and is spent stupidly, so each employee is bought a huge “TV.”

It’s not very convenient to work with this, and it takes up space on the desktop.

In private companies, where enterprising management counts every ruble, a large monitor can only be placed at the reception - to create an image, and in the admin’s closet, so that it is convenient for him to do his admin duties.

Most employees are provided with monitors of exactly the designated size - it is quite convenient to work with this, and no one will overpay for extra inches. Capitalism, however.

22 to 26 inches

The ideal monitor size for a keen gamer: the picture is clearly visible, without having to turn your head to see what is happening in the corners of the screen. Naturally, if there is slight discomfort, the device can be moved further away or moved closer, depending on the desired effect.

Please note that the minimum recommended distance at which your eyes should be from the display is at least 50 cm.

Better yet, one meter - it has been noticed that they will get less tired this way.

26 to 32 inches

This diagonal is more suitable for a media center or home theater used for watching movies. It is desirable that such a monitor have a wide viewing angle so that the picture can be seen from anywhere in the room.

Energy consumption, brackets and other nuances

I won't go into too much detail on this, but there are some things to consider as well. When choosing a monitor based on size, it is important to remember that the larger the diagonal, the more energy the device consumes.

If there are several computers at home and each is equipped with a huge display, the utility bill may become an unpleasant surprise for the owner.

Naturally, the larger the monitor, the more material is required for its production and the heavier it is. The stand on which it rests must be suitable for and support the weight of the device.

The same goes for wall-mounting brackets: the larger and more massive the monitor, the stronger the bracket and connection needed to mount it on the wall.

And finally, I want to once again emphasize that size directly affects the price: the larger, the more expensive the device will cost. This is quite logical, since the most expensive part in the display is the matrix.

When choosing a monitor for work in the office or for home use, one cannot help but pay attention to such a critical point as the diagonal. Monitor resolution, manufacturer and other characteristics are, of course, no less important, but in this article we will build on this indicator.

The computer market, without exaggeration, is oversaturated with displays of different types and sizes. Therefore, it is sometimes very difficult for an ordinary user to make the right and informed choice. Let's try to figure out how the diagonal affects the other characteristics of the device, and discuss which models are best to pay attention to.

What are we looking for?

First, let's look at the state of affairs in the modern computer market. Very often, when choosing this kind of device, the question of where exactly the monitor will be used (what diagonal we need - more on that below) does not arise. In the understanding of most users, a good device simply must be universal: you can work with it around the clock, play until late at night, comfortably surf the Internet, and also watch your favorite TV shows and movies.

These desires are quite understandable, but then why on the market, instead of several universal monitors, do we see a whole bunch of devices that differ from each other very slightly? The answer is quite simple - to increase sales. Agree that you will choose devices and the same monitor diagonals from a manufacturer that represents its brand with dozens of models, and not from a company whose range is limited to three devices, even very good ones. In addition, almost any more or less significant brand is not averse to creating the illusion of choice for its future consumer.

But among all this diversity, there is definitely that particular device and that monitor screen diagonal that is considered the best in its segment. We’ll talk about how to find them among all this heap in this article. It’s worth mentioning right away that the diagonal of the monitor is measured in inches. Some manufacturers, for some reason that is not entirely clear, try to measure dimensions in feet, centimeters or something else, but the international computer market is unshakably based on inches, as is our article.

Monitor diagonals

Screen diagonal is one of the critical characteristics that helps distinguish one device from another and significantly affects the price tag. In principle, you can do it by eye. Judging by the reviews of most owners, 18.5-inch devices are considered small devices, 19-21.5” are considered normal, 23-24” are large, 27” are huge, and more than 30” is something in the “ Wow!"

Monitor diagonal (dimensions)

Let's try to somehow systematize this general data into a more or less attractive picture, where everyone can choose their own optimal option. We will talk about ordinary monitors that can be bought in a store, that is, they do not pretend to perform any specific or highly complex tasks.

18.5-20 inches

This niche can be called budget or office. Due to its low cost, this kind of equipment is in great demand among organizations, as well as among buyers who, for some fundamental reason, prefer small diagonals of monitors (for a child this would be fine, I just need to look at the photo on it, etc.) or simply limited in funds.

21.5-24 inches

Judging by raw statistics, approximately a little more than half of all monitors purchased this year are in this category. Naturally, all creators of games, websites, videos and other content for the personal computer know about this, so most developers test their products before release on this particular group. The universal type of device in this case is an IPS/*VA monitor (24” diagonal).

27 inches

This is a rather promising segment with its own nuances. If you buy an inexpensive model with such a diagonal, then at a standard working distance, which is about 70 cm from the eyes, you can see individual pixels in the image, and the overall picture will seem a little rough. Therefore, if you are limited in funds, it is better to take a more intelligent matrix, but with a smaller size, that is, a high-quality IPS monitor (diagonal 17-24”).

30 inches or more

This is for the most part an exclusive niche with very steep prices. The maximum monitor diagonal in this segment was seen in the Sharp device - 43 inches. Devices with such dimensions are not popular, and they cannot be called consumer products due to their high cost and large width. That is, the opposite edges of the monitor are out of the user’s field of vision, and in order to cover the entire usable area of ​​the device with his gaze, he has to rotate his head.

Even less common are monitors, one might even say systems where several devices are installed. They have their undeniable advantages (for example, excellent realism in games), but for such an expensive set to work correctly, you just need a monster, not a computer. High technologies do not stand still, and such systems are being replaced by virtual glasses and other devices that allow you to immerse yourself in virtual reality as much as possible. But nevertheless, they are not able to displace ordinary monitors (at least for now).

Optimal options

Why you should choose 24-27” monitors:

• on a screen with a larger diagonal, much more data is available and there is no need to actively use scrolling;
• massive objects (maps, complex tables, drawings, etc.) are very poorly visualized on small screens;
• modern games on a large monitor have more realistic notes, because the entire visual space is occupied by the screen;
• The average lifespan of today's monitors is about 10-12 years, and buying an inexpensive and small device is not very reasonable in terms of practicality.

There are many myths that devices with a diagonal of 24 inches or more tire the nervous retina and spoil vision (the “eyes run wide” effect). In fact, this is nothing more than a strange legend, because you get used to a good and large screen quite quickly, but on the contrary, it’s a terrible discomfort.

Diagonal, resolution and aspect ratio

In order to find the optimal ratio of monitor diagonal to its resolution, it is necessary to take into account a number of certain factors. Most media content for personal computers, such as games, Internet resources, videos, etc., are developed for standard aspect ratios, that is, 16:9.

In addition, the developer designs different resolutions for his products, where for complete balance it is necessary to clearly know: what, where and how.

Monitor resolutions and video stream indicator:

• HD - 1368 by 768 pixels.
• Full HD - 1920 by 1080 pixels.
• WQ HD - 2560 by 1440 pixels.
• Ultra HD - 3840 by 2160 pixels.

That is, for each diagonal you like, you need to choose your maximum screen resolution. For small devices (see section “Monitor Diagonals”) HD resolution is quite sufficient; for medium and large screens you need at least Full HD, and noble and expensive models cannot do without WQ HD resolution.

Ultra High Definition Features

In general, the Ultra HD format will not become relevant for the mass consumer soon, because not so much media content is written for it. Many buyers fall for smart marketing moves in stores, where they are presented with a super-detailed and vivid picture on one or another monitor in Ultra HD format. It is worth remembering that this is a specially designed advertising trailer, and in everyday life (at work or in games) you will not find such Ultra material. Therefore, the only place where you can fully appreciate all the delights of “Ultra” technologies is working with photographs, moreover, taken with high-level equipment.

And by the way, about non-standard resolutions. On sale you can still find square “oldies” with proportions of 5:4. Due to their distinctive features, as well as their low price, they are very convenient for working in the office with documents and text editors such as Word or Excel. But, for the reasons stated above, they cannot be called universal.

Diagonal and grain

Grain is a unit of image, that is, the smallest point on the monitor. This unit directly affects the quality of the picture: the larger the grain, the more convenient it is to read small text, which is especially important for people with poor vision. However, the downside of coarse grain is a rough representation of all other information. That is, pixels are noticeable on smooth lines or high-resolution photographs.

The lower the grain size, the more realistic the picture looks on the monitor screen, but small font suffers. And although this point can be called a double-edged sword, many media content developers are trying to find a certain balance, that is, to correctly display all the information on a fine grain. But in our everyday life there are still a sufficient number of programs where working on a non-fine-grained monitor causes discomfort.

Optimal grain size relative to screen diagonal:

• 0.27-0.30 mm for 18.5-20 inches;
• 0.24-0.25 mm for 21-22 inches;
• 0.265 mm for 23 inches;
• 0.27-0.28 mm for 24 inches;
• 0.31-0.32 mm for 27-28 inches;
• 0.14-0.18 mm for “ultra” monitors.

Many experts, along with buyers, believe that the optimal ratio of diagonal, grain and cost of a monitor is found in 24-inch devices with Full HD resolution. If you wear glasses or have other vision problems, then you should not buy devices with fine or even medium grain, because it will hurt your eyes to look at system fonts or other small details of the content. Of course, you can change the display scale to a larger one, but then the clarity of the picture will greatly suffer and its proportions will be distorted.

Diagonal and matrix

The second most important characteristic of a monitor after the diagonal is the matrix. The complexity of choosing the optimal option is added by the variety of which has accumulated more than a dozen: TN, IPS, PLS, MVA, PVA, etc. Moreover, each type has its own distinctive characteristics and remarkable properties.

If we try to simplify this entire range, we get the following picture. TN scans are the cheapest and fastest, but have poor viewing angles and mediocre color rendition. Models with IPS matrices have the most comfortable viewing angles and a deep range of colors, but have a high price tag and slow display. MVA and PVA scans best convey the depth of black and white colors, but there are certain difficulties with halftones and color balance with slight changes in the viewing angle.

By and large, with all the diversity that we see on the computer market, an ideal matrix simply does not exist: each has its own fly in the ointment, as well as its own advantages.

You shouldn’t get hung up on studying and choosing the ideal type of matrix. The main attention should be paid, in addition to the screen diagonal, to viewing angles, maximum contrast and brightness, as well as color saturation. All these parameters, as a rule, are indicated in large print on the device box or are written in the price tag on the store counter.

The main “disease” of all modern monitors is insufficient viewing angles, that is, distortion of the image when the screen is rotated or tilted. This point is especially critical for devices with large diagonals and operating on TN matrices. Sometimes, even if you look at the screen at right angles, the picture in the corners seems blurry, which is typical for cheap models. If you want to protect yourself from such discomfort, then it is better to choose devices with viewing angles of at least 160 degrees vertically and 170 degrees horizontally.

Good day, dear readers!

Today there will be an article from an already proven series with the label “selection criteria”, where the most detailed stories are constantly being written about how to choose this or that component of your computer or the peripherals around it. As many remember, there were optional articles there, and much more.

Today we will talk about choosing such a seemingly simple thing as a monitor. Simple because almost everyone, except professionals in certain fields, buys a monitor based on the principle of “the cheapest” or the one that “shows the best” in the store (the fact that sellers deliberately set the color rendering settings worse on some monitors, and better on others , is usually not taken into account). This approach somewhat upsets me, because it is the monitor that is responsible for the richness, brightness, contrast and liveliness of the picture in your games, films, photographs, and just on your desktop. And for the “lifespan” too... :)

So... Let's go. I hope that this material will be useful to many and will open their eyes to a number of useful and important nuances.

General concept, rules and essence

Let's start, traditionally, with a short dive into the theory (where would we be without it, dear) of image formation and displaying it on a PC monitor. I don’t know if you remember, but not so long ago (about 5-7 years ago) so-called cube monitors with a cathode ray tube were in fashion (by the way, for some categories of users they are still in use), which made the first step in the field of visual display of information from computer video subsystems.

The principle of image formation in such CRT monitors was as follows: there was a sealed flask with evacuated air, the front (facing the viewer) part of which was coated on the inside with a phosphor - a special substance capable of emitting light when fast electrons hit it.

Sets of phosphor dots were arranged in triangular... triads. The triad formed a pixel - a point, from a set of which the image was formed.

Note:
The phosphor was applied in the form of sets of dots of three primary colors - red, green and blue ( ). These colors are called primary because their combinations (in various proportions) can represent almost any color in the spectrum.

On the opposite side of the tube there were three (according to the number of primary colors) electron guns. All three guns are “aimed” at the same pixel, but each of them emits a stream of electrons towards “its” phosphor point.

In order for the electrons to reach the screen unhindered, air was pumped out of the tube, and a high electrical voltage was created between the guns and the screen, accelerating the electrons.

In front of the screen, in the path of the electrons, a mask was placed - a thin metal plate with a large number of holes located opposite the phosphor points (see image).

The mask ensured that electron beams hit only the phosphor points of the corresponding color. A monitor deflection system was put on the part of the flask where the electron guns were located, which forced the electron beam to run through all the pixels one by one, line by line, from top to bottom, then return to the beginning of the top line, etc. (see image).

Then the monitor was connected to the graphics accelerator (video card), the digital signal of the computer was supplied, which was converted to analog using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) installed on the video card, and only then did we see the “pictures in the box” :). In a nutshell, I think it’s clear, let’s move on.

Nowadays it is increasingly rare to find this echo of the past - CRT monitors, because the latter have already been practically replaced by monitors based on... liquid crystals (LCD). Liquid crystals are called so for a reason - this is a special state of organic substances in which they have fluidity and the ability to form spatial structures similar to crystalline ones. Liquid crystals can change their structure and light-optical properties under the influence of electrical voltage (see image).

LCD monitors mainly use active matrix , which are a transparent screen made of thin film transistors (TFT - Thin Film Transistor), therefore they are also called TFT monitors (transflective). The screen of such monitors is divided into independent cells (pixels), each of which consists of four parts (for three primary colors and one backup) and is controlled by its own transistor. In this case, backlighting is carried out using lamps located behind the screen (since there is no phosphor). When voltage is applied, the crystals in the cell align in a certain way, blocking the light from the lamp and creating a point of a certain color and brightness on the screen.

As a result of all this, you and I see the resulting image.

Note:
LCD monitors do not have the concept of frame scanning as such (as is the case with a CRT monitor). A dot on the LCD monitor screen glows all the time a voltage is applied to it, and does not light up every time a beam of electrons hits it.

So, we figured out that a monitor is nothing more than a device that receives a digital/analog signal from a video adapter and converts it into graphic images understandable to a PC user. Of course, like any complex electronic device, the monitor has its own data sheet or technical specifications, which every self-respecting user must study before purchasing.

Selection based on characteristics and what they are

I think that some of you, after making a purchase (especially if you made it based on the advice of a sales consultant), have a feeling that can be described with the words: “In my opinion, I went crazy and overpaid”, “Something is wrong with me.” then they slipped it in,” “Didn’t they deceive me?” etc. and so on. This does not necessarily apply to computer equipment, it can be household goods, household goods, and anything else. This feeling arises mainly due to the fact that you come to the store for the first time to buy a product, look at its variety (which makes your eyes dazzle), walk smartly between the counters (tormented by vague doubts about what it is all about) choose), without knowing anything at all about the product, and you also try to buy it, listening to the salesman who is hooked on your ears.

As a result, having received a couple of tips from a consultant in a language unfamiliar to you (such as “Yes, the prositron scan here is great and the bipolarity of liquid organic crystals is 13% higher than that of other models...”), who only got a job here a week ago, you With a sense of accomplishment, you go to the checkout, pay and receive the coveted box. It seems that everything is done, but for some reason you did not receive proper satisfaction from the process of purchasing/selecting/analyzing a product, because you reduced your participation in this process to a minimum.

Of course, I don’t argue, there are competent specialists, good stores with quality goods, etc., but for the most part (and based on extensive personal experience) the process is set up this way. So, in order not to buy goods according to the “pig in a poke” principle (and to know that you really have acquired a quality item), you need to take the responsibility of purchasing upon yourself, armed with just the appropriate knowledge.

Note:
When you come to the store, remember that, often, you and the retail outlet have different goals: yours is to buy a high-quality item that is affordable, and the store’s goal is to sell the most expensive model and close the monthly sales plan... at least by a third :)

However, enough chatter, let’s begin to translate our task into something more significant, namely, the practice of selection, the main characteristics and nuances that you need to pay attention to when buying a monitor.

Task in progress

It was not without reason that we decided to describe this parameter first, because... To understand what technical parameters a monitor should have, you need to decide and answer the question: “Why do we actually need it and what tasks will it perform?”

He can perform a lot of tasks simultaneously at a good ideological and artistic level, or, relatively speaking, just one at a semi-professional level. What I mean? For example, you can choose an everyday monitor that will, at an average level, implement everything at once: computer games, movies, photos, etc. Or you can opt for a professional solution, which costs more, but at the same time copes with the assigned tasks much more powerfully, such as, for example, the closest and highest quality color rendition for photographs or images.

So, decide on the type of monitor:

• Designer. For a designer, the main criteria will always be high-quality color rendering, ample monitor settings, as well as screen size (diagonal);
• Game. Avid gamers have their own requirements - screen size, fast response time and high dynamic contrast. For complete immersion, it would be useful to support a full 3D volume;
• Casual and homey. The home user is so...homey. He needs a beautiful case and a large screen;
• Home cinema. Film lovers also have their own requests - high resolution with an aspect ratio (16:9) with support for Full HD, as well as large viewing angles (so that you can watch films with friends) and other additional options;
• Office monitor. Office monitor... As management chooses, in short :)

However, this is a somewhat arbitrary gradation, so let’s move on.

Matrix type

The main monitor parameter that affects the quality (contrast, brightness, color rendition, viewing angles, etc.) of the picture is the type of matrix. Currently, there are more than 10 subtypes of matrices produced by manufacturers, but in order not to get confused in the intricacies of abbreviations and “complicated” names, I will give the most general and specific types of matrices that can be found on store shelves in our vast country and what can be suggested to our inexperienced user.

• TN. This is the cheapest and most popular type of matrix used in most monitors in the low and mid-price range. It is characterized by relatively low response time (which, in general, has long become just marketing) and energy consumption. Among the shortcomings, the most significant are inaccurate color rendition (due to the use of only 6-bits per color channel, and the missing shades are obtained by different methods of mixing the available ones), low contrast (as a rule, manufacturers try to compensate for this in software, which can be even worse than just leaving as is) and relatively small viewing angles (especially vertical). One of the advantages, as already mentioned, is the price, because even for a large diagonal you can pay mere pennies.

In a nutshell, something like this.

Additional image enhancement technologies

It is worth saying that manufacturers are trying to cunningly get the most out of their matrix panels and for this they use special technologies in order to maximize the quality of the output image. So pay attention, for example, to technologies such as:

• Image Booster is a technology that improves image brightness and clarity, especially useful when watching online videos, where image blur is often noticeable.

• Mega Contrast Ratio – improves the dynamic contrast of the monitor and, as a result, the picture is more juicy. This technology is used in most LG monitors.

• SUPER+Resolution is a technology that improves image quality after scaling (enlargement). A special Image Clear Engine chip is used to eliminate blur, and then due to sharpness control technology, a clear, but not too sharp, realistic picture is obtained.

Each manufacturer has its own image enhancement functions/technologies, so it is advisable to study them before going to the store, because they can be useful. Although I would recommend relying on technical specifications rather than software gadgets.

Response time

This was once a very important indicator for players and film buffs (in office work this characteristic is not so important), because it is responsible for the smooth reproduction of pictures in dynamic scenes. In general (according to science), this is the interval (measured in ms) necessary for a cell of the LCD matrix to change its brightness from one given value to another, but in simple terms, then the parameter is responsible for the market so that fast moving objects did not leave artifacts in the form of trails on the screen and the image itself did not seem blurry. The indicator works on the principle “the lower, the better!” Here, we can say that monitors with a TN matrix have a clear lead. Actually, for this reason, all gaming monitors and stereoscopic 3D monitors with shutter glasses are built on this matrix.

By quickly switching each pixel of the screen, even the most dynamic scenes of any game will be displayed as accurately as possible, without causing discomfort.

Note:
There are two parameters in response time. One of them is GTG (Grey To Grey) - i.e. the time of transition from gray to gray with the pixel turned off, i.e. This parameter shows the response time of the pixel to turn on and off. From a practical point of view, this parameter does not play a special role, but only shows the reaction to turning on the matrix.

There is another parameter, namely BTW (Black To White), i.e. the time until the white value is completely reached from a completely black pixel color. This is an important characteristic for monitors used in conjunction with dynamic images and sudden color changes. If the response speed is insufficient, the edges of the moving image blur, blend, and even blink.

So there you go! Some manufacturers (and sellers) use tricky designations and set the response time to the GTG parameter in the characteristics, which creates confusion and puts in a favorable light models that need to be sold against competitors, although in fact the picture looks different. So look at the response time of BTW rather than GTG - this will give you an idea of ​​which model is truly better.

In particular, you can take a monitor in which this parameter can be switched - this way you will have the opportunity to choose what is closer to you, the clarity of the image or its slight blurriness (I love blurriness).

Although TN panels are the leader in terms of the shortest response time thanks to various technologies, for example, “Overdrive” (response time compensation) and the final transition to full 8-bit color encoding in each channel, monitors with IPS matrix come close this indicator is comparable to TN cameras, and some models (for example, the IPS 6 series from LG) are already giving a head start to their once fast brothers.

Of course, TN matrices are still in widespread demand among buyers, but IPS models are also gaining momentum, which is good news, because they are really more pleasing to the eye, especially in terms of color rendering.

Resolution, as well as viewing angles and type of matrix coating

When looking at a computer display, the first thing that catches your eye is its size and screen format. Aspect refers to the aspect ratio of the screen. 16:9 is now increasingly becoming the standard, and it is this wide format that allows you to watch movies comfortably and tastefully, as well as without black fields at the top and bottom of the display or image cropping on the sides.

Equally important, of course, is the monitor resolution parameter. It usually looks similar to 1920x1080 or 2560x1440, which refers to the number of vertical dots divided by the number of horizontal dots. The higher the resolution, the more information can be displayed on the monitor.

Note:
Monitors that belong to adjacent categories by screen size often have the same resolution (for example, 20- and 22-inch displays have the same resolution of 1680x1050 pixels). In such cases, the only advantage that a larger model has is a larger picture. The image size in pixels of the larger display is no larger than the size of the smaller one. However, on a monitor with a larger diagonal, the picture will be less clear due to the larger pixel size (called grain).

It is also worth distinguishing between monitor resolution (indicated in dots, for example, 1920x1080) and screen size, i.e. diagonal length (indicated in inches, for example, 24”).

Note:
There is such a thing as the visible part of the monitor, which is usually smaller than the stated screen size (for example, the diagonal is 24" and the visible part is 23.6"), so keep this in mind. If you want to fully enjoy the colorful action of a Full HD monitor, you should not take a diagonal smaller than 24 inches, because the quality of a wide-format picture can only be assessed starting from this diagonal.

Viewing angles are a stumbling block for almost all LCD monitors, which manifests itself in image deterioration when looking at the screen at an angle: contrast drops and color accuracy decreases. A good viewing angle that allows you to use the monitor without any restrictions is 165-175 degrees vertically and the same amount horizontally. So, carefully walk around the monitor before purchasing in order to evaluate its viewing angles on the spot.

It is worth keeping in mind that here manufacturers also use a certain technical trick, inflating this figure. Special tests (we will talk about one of these at the end of the article) and independent tests will help you get an objective assessment. For clarity, we present an image obtained at different viewing angles for a TN matrix (1) and PVA (2) (see image).

As a small conclusion, let’s say that IPS matrices are characterized by wide viewing angles without image distortion both vertically and horizontally, VA matrices have average viewing angles, and TN matrices trail in the very tail.

Also, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the type of coating of the monitor matrix: glossy or matte. The first gives colors saturation and deeper contrast, but glares in bright light and reflects almost everything that is in front of the screen, the second solves the problem of glare, but the colors do not look as vibrant.

Brightness and Contrast

Brightness characterizes the intensity of the screen's glow and is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/sq.m). If the brightness characteristic is not high enough, then it will be uncomfortable to work with such a monitor in strong lighting conditions (for comfortable work with text, the brightness of the monitor should be at least 75-80 cd/sq. m, and for watching movies, sometimes the higher the brightness, the better) . A monitor with excessive brightness will not harm your eyes (you can lower it in the settings), but increasing the brightness beyond the maximum will not work.

Contrast is defined as the ratio of the brightness of white on the screen to the brightness of black and is written as a proportion (for example, 500:1 or 3000:1). In other words, it is the ratio of illuminances or brightnesses of the lightest part and the darkest part of the image. High contrast makes the image more “tactile” and “alive”. The minimum recommended contrast level for a home monitor is 500:1.

Note:
As an example: for a display whose maximum and minimum brightness are 400.5 cd/sq.m and 0.5 cd/sq.m, respectively, the contrast is equal to (400.5 - 0.5)/0.5 = 800:1. This characteristic is important for displaying halftones and is most relevant for professional monitors, but it is also important for ordinary users. There is such a thing as dynamic contrast - it is a “synthetic” characteristic, because automatically adjusts to the output image.

Typically, manufacturers also use some tricks and indicate dynamic contrast (or dynamic contrast) on monitors. ACM - Adaptive Contrast Management), which is orders of magnitude larger than the static one (for example, static 1000:1, dynamic 50000:1). You need to understand that the dynamic contrast mode is suitable mainly for films and computer games; in everyday work this is not such an important parameter. And in general, dynamic contrast is a kind of... perversion, because the picture does not always look the way it should be, but on the contrary, oversaturated, and not always adequately.

The image below shows all three characteristics at once: brightness (1), static (2) and dynamic contrast (3), so pay attention to the box and passport of the monitor in order to choose a model according to its real characteristics, and not those indicated by someone there somewhere.

In general, the brightness can be adjusted not only through the options on the monitor, but also through the brightness of the backlight - this is a fairly simple and high-quality way to increase the quality of halftone transmission in everyday work.

Backlight types and 3D monitors

There are now quite a large number of monitors on the market with backlighting either from fluorescent lamps (CCFL) or from light-emitting diodes (LED). CCFL backlight has a number of disadvantages:

• High power consumption;
• Limited service life;
• Large lamp sizes;
• Harm to the environment during production.

Because of this, monitors with such backlighting are gradually disappearing, giving way to modern LED technology. Thanks to this type of backlight, dynamic contrast appeared, i.e. To display darker tones, the backlight becomes less bright, and vice versa (see image).

Also, when using LED backlighting, the energy consumption of the monitor as a whole is reduced, which, in the face of constantly rising energy prices, can be a very beneficial advantage. The production of LEDs does not use mercury, which is harmful to health and the environment, so LED-backlit monitors can be considered more environmentally friendly.

Note:
There are monitors with Super LED backlight on sale; they are less power hungry than their younger brothers without the Super prefix.

There are, of course, disadvantages that are worth mentioning:

• Fatigue of visual receptors (with prolonged sitting it can dry out the eyes);
• Over time, the light/brightness characteristics of the diodes change, and each one is different, so the image may “float”;
• Cheap LEDs give off a cold blue tint, which can cause color rendition to be distorted.

We're done with the lighting.

Now let's move on to the newfangled 3D monitors. As already mentioned, TN panel monitors allow you to display stereo 3D images. To implement 3D functions, the currently best-quality method for reproducing 3D content was chosen - shutter glasses and a monitor with a high refresh rate. With this method of display, the picture does not lose clarity, because each eye sees the entire picture in full, and not half, as on monitors with polarizing matrices.

Thus, in order to immerse yourself in virtual 3D reality, it is enough to have at hand a monitor with a frequency of 120 Hz, shutter or polarized glasses and the video content itself (and not necessarily in 3D, the monitor is capable of converting a 2D image into a three-dimensional one on its own).

If you decide to please yourself (or your child) with a 3D monitor, then you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Is your monitor certified by NVIDIA to support NVIDIA 3D Vision, the most popular and stable shutter technology that can play hundreds of PC games in stereoscopic 3D? The certificate guarantees you stable operation of the monitor when using this technology and will absolutely be able to fully work with NVIDIA video cards and stereo glasses.
• The brightness of the matrix is ​​an important parameter for a 120 Hz 3D monitor, since the shutter glasses, although they “wink” quite quickly, still darken the picture, so the higher the brightness of the monitor, the better. The brightness of the 3D monitor matrix should be about 400-500 cd/sq.m.

Now that we’ve sorted that out, let’s summarize something and move on.

So, we have already become acquainted with quite a large number of parameters that modern monitors have. As a way to “settle” this information, I offer the following summary table (clickable), which I advise you to always keep in mind before purchasing in a store.

Memorize it (like a multiplication table) or print it out, and you will notice that the search for the right monitor will immediately narrow down to a very modest one.

Interfaces

Your monitor and video card play an important role. Because the image on the screen does not appear when you press the “Turn on” button, as on a TV, but a digital or analog signal is supplied from the output of the video card to the input of the monitor, and only after that can you observe at least some signs of life on your screen.

Thus, the more advanced your monitor, the more diverse its outputs and, accordingly, the picture quality that it will display. So, after installing the video card into the computer, you can find the corresponding monitor connectors on the rear panel of the case. There are 5 connectors in total, however, the most popular are three (see image).

VGA / D-Sub 15 - output (aka analog) - designed for CRT monitors and is, in a sense, a relic of the past. The computer's digital signal is converted to analog using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) installed on the video card and is then fed to the monitor input. The connector for connecting an analog display has 15 legs and is most often painted blue. The quality of such a signal leaves much to be desired (compared to digital), although once, 5-10 years ago, this was the ultimate dream of any user.

With the advent of liquid crystal displays, the need for a blue connector disappeared and a new digital interface appeared - DVI (Digital Visual Interface). The DVI connector is typically white and is now the standard digital interface for displaying images on LCD monitors. Since there is no intermediate signal conversion in this case, the image always has high clarity.

Note:
Very rarely in new video cards you can still find an interface for outputting a low-resolution analog signal (S-video). It can be used to output a signal to a TV, projector, etc. devices that are usually only good for presentations, gaming, or watching videos.

The most modern (at the moment) digital interface, which has become widespread thanks to Full HD content. It provides high-definition video and audio transmission over a single cable. HDMI outputs on video cards have become very popular, so we advise you to pay close attention to them. These three outputs correspond to three cables with the corresponding interface (see image).

Note:
Remember, the video card outputs and monitor inputs must match each other to avoid “strange and unexpected” surprises. For example, if you bought a new video card (with an HDMI interface) and decided to connect it to an old LCD monitor, then most likely you can do this only via the DVI output (or via VGA, but with an adapter from DVI), because HDMI It’s simply not there physically, no matter how much you search.

Many video cards have multiple outputs, so you can use multiple monitors at the same time. In general, in order to resolve all questions and so that you have the most complete picture of interfaces, we present the following table with the characteristics of the 5 most common interfaces.

Note:
When choosing a monitor with the most popular resolution at the moment, 1920x1080, you need to pay attention to having at least one digital interface, because when connecting via VGA, even if there is a DVI-VGA adapter and a DVI video card connector on the other end of the wire, the picture will be somewhat blurry. In addition, if you purchased a monitor that supports stereo 3D, then when connected to VGA, you will not be able to get the 3D effect. The DisplayPort interface is required to connect more than two monitors.

In addition to the connection connectors, the USB HUB built into the monitor may also be useful (for those who like to connect peripheral devices, as well as flash drives for transferring small files). Some monitors are “mini-computers” and allow you to play music or photos from flash drives connected to them, and some can even surf the Internet if connected.

Monitor design, other beauties and conveniences

There is probably nothing more to say about the characteristics of the screen (except for minor conventions), so let’s touch on such an important aesthetic aspect as the design of the monitor. After all, you see, a 24-inch piece of plastic should please you not only with its characteristics, but also with its appearance.

When choosing a monitor, of course, you need to pay attention to some features of its design, thanks to which it can become not only more attractive in appearance, but also much more functional. This may include:

• Built-in/external power supply. Monitors with a built-in power supply (2) are usually thicker than similar models with an external power supply (1).

• Availability of speakers/headphone jack, USB hub, additional HDMI connector (for connecting the latest generation game consoles).

• Touch/mechanical control buttons. It’s just like in a car, some people like an automatic, while others only want a manual.

• The ability to mount to a wall (using a standard VESA mount) and the ability to rotate: pivot (this is the ability to rotate the screen around an axis perpendicular to the screen plane and passing through the intersection point of its diagonals), height, tilt, left-right rotation (swivel).

• Case thickness.

• A monitor stand that houses various video inputs so that connected cables no longer hang behind the monitor, but are hidden behind the stand.

• Automatic wireless detection function (Auto Wireless Detection) – the ability to connect the monitor wirelessly to a computer or laptop at a distance of up to 10 meters (you just need to bring the laptop to the monitor, and it will automatically be added as an additional display, some kind of magic :)) .

Manufacturer
I don’t know if you remember, but earlier (5-10 years ago) monitors from Samsung were considered the best (by the way, I still have one of these mastodons and is pulling its weight well). So, a lot has changed during this time, but Samsung is still (ahead of the rest :)) considered one of the best monitor manufacturers and always receives high user ratings from all over the globe.

Those who have disliked Samsung since childhood should pay attention to such manufacturers as Acer, LG, Asus. These companies also (like Samsung) are very sensitive to the products they produce and extremely rarely allow themselves to release some kind of low-quality monitor (however, even an old woman can fail :)). Well, in general it’s worth saying that there is no “best” monitor manufacturer, because the model is always chosen (depending on the tasks and price restrictions), and not the manufacturer. For example, you may like Apple products (including monitors), but you know that a monitor costing over 50,000 will simply look ridiculous in your office and you need to choose something less pretentious.

In general, globally, when purchasing, it is advisable to initially, while still at home, decide on at least 2 manufacturers and choose a specific model from among them, because this way you will save a lot of free time.

Miscellaneous
And finally, I decided to talk about a small useful utility that can become an indispensable assistant in choosing the right monitor, its name is TFT test. The utility is designed for testing (checking the basic parameters) of LCD monitors and does a very good job of it. In addition, it supports the Russian language and is completely free. You can download this creation from the link, namely from here.

Note:
It is advisable, before buying a monitor in a store, to ask to run the selected model using this program (in some stores they do this for money, in some for free, in some, which is rare, they let you run it yourself) and evaluate its real technical parameters. Large retail chains completely refuse to test the monitor and generally do not allow any extraneous manipulations (even in the presence of the seller). Here it is worth saying that it is better to bypass such points and not buy a “pig in a poke”, or choose a model in advance and then go buy where it is cheaper.

Actually, the utility is incredibly simple to learn, so just run it and run through all the tests (see image).

The program allows you to determine/evaluate:

• Uniformity of matrix illumination and “broken” pixels (a black inactive dot that does not respond to changing images, ideally there should be none at all);
• Readability of fonts;
• Loops due to moving objects;
• Step gradient to check matrix linearity and discreteness;
• Legibility of details;
• Much more.

It is advisable to pass all the tests of the program, evaluate the results obtained and only then make a decision.

So, if you have read to these lines, then it means that the article seemed interesting and educational to you, which cannot but please the author of these lines. Therefore, get ready for an additional bonus (for the most persistent :)).

Well, now we have come to the end of the article, and so that your head does not go spinning from so many technical parameters that influence the choice of a monitor, we will give a kind of general “squeeze” of everything that was said here and more. You can print it out and have it on hand when purchasing a monitor.

• Give preference to the monitor that is most suitable for your goals and objectives;
• Do not buy a cheap monitor: sooner or later, the low quality of the monitor will manifest itself in a noticeably reduced brightness level, contrast, or in the appearance of areas with “dead” pixels. The main thing in a monitor is not the size, but the quality of the image - the health of your eyes and the general fatigue of the body directly depend on it;
• Select the monitor diagonal based on its placement on your desktop. Do not forget that the monitor should be located at a sufficient distance from the eyes (on average, at arm's length), which will create normal conditions for its use;
• When choosing a monitor, be sure to make sure that it has a sufficient level of tilt and swivel adjustments. A plus will be the ability to raise and lower the monitor screen, which will allow you to choose its optimal placement and reduce tension in the neck muscles;
• When choosing between a matte and glossy surface of the monitor screen, consider its location in relation to the window and the lighting in the room, since direct sunlight or lamp light makes its own adjustments;
• If your activity involves the need for accurate color reproduction, the optimal choice would be a monitor built on an IPS matrix;
• For those whose computer is intended for gaming purposes, but does not exclude working with photos and videos, the best option in terms of price-quality ratio is most likely monitors based on *VA technology;
• If you need an inexpensive monitor and you are not demanding on technical parameters, the best and universal choice would be a monitor with a TN matrix, as it is inexpensive and practical;
• All other things being equal, pay attention to additional image enhancement technologies, connectors, manufacturer, final delivery kit and warranty;
• Before you finally settle on one or another monitor model, read what they write about it on the forums: perhaps you will change your mind and give preference to a more practical model;
• Don’t be fooled by super-duper-expensive models with large large signs, such as 1 ms response, Full HD, ultra-thin, etc. As a rule, this is pure marketing, and, often, you can find something of no less quality, but much cheaper. Rely on your knowledge, and not on advertising, the opinion of sellers, etc.

Actually, that’s probably all. Not the last topic about monitors, of course, but regarding the choice of monitors, probably yes.

Where is the best place to buy a monitor?

• , - for those who are not afraid to buy abroad and save money. There are many, several popular brands, and in general a nice store where they stock regulars and so on;
• , - perhaps the best choice in terms of price-quality ratio of SSDs (and not only). The prices are quite reasonable, although the range is not always ideal in terms of variety. The key advantage is the guarantee, which really allows you to change the product within 14 days without any questions, and in case of warranty problems, the store will take your side and help solve any problems. The author of the site has been using it for at least 10 years (since the time when they were part of Ultra Electoronics), which he advises you to do;
• , is one of the oldest stores on the market; the company has been around for about 20 years. Decent selection, average prices and one of the most convenient sites. Overall a pleasure to work with.

The choice, traditionally, is yours. Of course, no one has canceled all sorts of Yandex.Markets, but of the good stores I would recommend these, and not some MVideo and other large networks (which are often not only expensive, but defective in terms of quality of service, warranty work etc.).

Afterword

In a nutshell, something like this. I hope that this material was useful and interesting for you.

As always, if you have any questions, additions, thanks or feedback, please write in the comments to this post. We'll be glad to listen.

P.S.: Thanks to team member 25 KADR for the existence of this article

IPS- the most popular, but also the most expensive monitor manufacturing technology. It features high viewing angles, up to 178 degrees, excellent contrast and natural color rendition. But a monitor with an IPS matrix may not be suitable for gamers or fans of dynamic films due to the rather long response time - from 8 ms.

H-IPS- IPS modification with response time reduced to 5 ms and increased contrast.

AH-IPS- has a higher level of brightness, better color rendition and lower power consumption.

E-IPS- characterized by almost the same parameters as the basic technology, but at a more affordable price.

P-IPS - designed for professionals, maximum color quality.

PLS- Samsung has developed its own version of the IPS matrix, with a higher pixel density. According to experts, there is practically no difference between these two technologies.

Monitor backlight

Until recently, all LCD monitors had only one type of CCFL backlight - special fluorescent lamps. The main advantage is the affordable price. But at the same time, the lamps do not provide a high level of brightness, they heat up, consume a relatively large amount of electricity and are short-lived.

The next generation of monitors has LED backlighting, allowing for high levels of contrast and brightness. Such models cost a little more than those with CCFL backlighting, but are more economical, durable and thinner. There are several types of LED backlighting:

• W-LED - the most popular and inexpensive option, the backlight is provided by white LEDs located around the perimeter of the screen,
• GB-LED - instead of white LEDs, green and blue ones are used for illumination,
• RGB-LED - the monitor is backlit throughout the entire matrix with LEDs of three colors - red, green and blue. The most expensive, but the highest quality option with the most natural color rendition.

Monitor Screen Covering

The surface of the monitor screen can be glossy or matte. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the right model depending on the conditions of intended use of the monitor.

Monitor refresh rate

Indicates the speed at which the next frame changes on the monitor. The minimum value is 60 Hz, the standard refresh rate is 75 Hz. This value is quite enough for comfortable work in most programs, but for gaming models a frequency of 120–144 Hz is needed, which will allow high-quality display of dynamic scenes. Such monitors require a more powerful and expensive video card.

Distance to monitor during operation

Working at a monitor for a long time causes eye fatigue and threatens vision deterioration. In addition to the mandatory breaks of 10–15 minutes every hour, it is recommended to maintain the correct distance from the monitor. Unlike a TV, a monitor has a higher pixel density, and their physical size is smaller, so the optimal distance to the eyes for 19–21-inch models is 55–60 cm. If at the same time you have difficulty distinguishing small details, then it’s worth working a little with settings and increase the size of icons and fonts. The larger the diagonal of the monitor, the greater the distance to it should be. So, for a model with a diagonal of 24 inches or more, the optimal distance would be 90–120 cm.

Interfaces

VGA (D-SUB) is a basic analog computer connector that is found in most monitors and is required on all, even the oldest computer models. Image quality deteriorates depending on the length and diameter of the cord and when it is converted to digital format. The maximum supported image quality is 2048x1536 pixels at 85 Hz.

DVI is the most common connector in modern models for digitally transmitting video signals from a computer to a monitor. Provides high-quality video signal transmission with a resolution of up to 1920x1200 pixels and a frequency of 60 Hz - for the DVI-I standard, and 2560x1600 pixels - for DVI-D.

HDMI is a universal high-definition digital signal transmission connector. Unlike DVI, it transmits not only video, but also multi-channel audio. The maximum video resolution is 4K at 30 Hz.

DisplayPort is the most progressive type of connecting a monitor to a computer with maximum technical characteristics. Monitors with a high image refresh rate and high resolution - up to 8K - are connected to the computer only using this connector.

SCART, S-Video, AV - analog video connectors that can be found in monitor models with additional functions (built-in TV tuner, acoustics). Used to connect household audio-video equipment and DVD players.

The USB connector will allow you to connect a compatible device, for example, a flash drive, to the monitor without using a computer, and play media content - photos, videos.

PIVOT - rotating the screen from landscape to portrait orientation will be useful when working with documents of various formats, allowing you to make the most of the monitor's working area.

No flicker The backlight will allow you to work at the monitor for a long time without feeling eye fatigue. If the brightness is adjusted by increasing the voltage, and not by pulse-width modulation, there will be no flickering.

Curved screen allows you to completely immerse yourself in the virtual world, especially with a large monitor diagonal. The fact is that when working on a flat analogue, the eye has to constantly refocus in order to view the image at the edges of the screen. It is much more comfortable to work with a curved model.

Height adjustment makes it possible to adjust the monitor to your personal requirements by choosing its most convenient location.

Touch screen will allow you to use the monitor as a tablet computer with the hardware power of a desktop PC. By the way, the Windows 8 operating system is specially designed with touch control in mind, including using monitors.

TV tuner will allow you to combine the qualities of a TV and monitor, significantly expanding the functionality of the model.

Monitors with built-in video camera It’s rare, but such models are on sale and will be very convenient for video calls.

For the office or working at home, a small, 19–22-inch, affordable monitor with a TN matrix is ​​suitable, which will be enough to work in office applications, correspondence on social networks and display photos and videos. If you plan to watch movies at home, then you need a monitor with an IPS matrix that will not only realistically display the color gamut, but will also give you freedom of movement around the room - the image will not be distorted regardless of the viewing angle.

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