LCD Monitors

Definition

LCD monitors are connected to a computer in order to view data. Also known as screens, they can be connected to both desktop and laptop models, or even to other machines, such as gaming consoles or video players.

Unlike a television, which is capable of receiving and displaying programs all on its own, LCD screens have to be connected to a machine that inputs the data to be displayed. But thanks to technical progress and digital convergence, certain monitors now feature multimedia functions, are capable of playing videos independently and can even operate as TV receivers. Today, for certain usages, a computer monitor can replace a television.

Choosing your LCD screen

You must always bear in mind the characteristics to be considered when choosing your screen.

Format

Monitors followed the same path of development as TVs, starting off with the 4:3 format. They then became larger in order to accommodate games and multimedia applications, initially with the 16:10 format, and now with the more common 16:9 format that is also used by televisions.

Size

The size corresponds to the diagonal of the image.  It is expressed in inches. There is no direct link between the size and the quality of the image or the display capacities of your screen. But the size must always be proportional to the display resolution and the place where you intend to install your screen, if you want to enjoy the best possible multimedia experience.

Resolution

The resolution is the number of pixels that your screen can display. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image, provided that the source is capable of producing an equally high resolution. Resolution is expressed horizontally and vertically. Today's standard, which is sometimes called "Full HD" (see LCD televisions), is expressed by "1920x1080", or 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 lines of pixels.

Screen technology

The technology directly impacts the image quality, fluidity and vision angles of your monitor, and the price too. TN is currently the most commonly used technology, because it is the least expensive. It produces a high quality image and a very rapid display, even if the angles of vision are rather limited. IPS technologies and their derivatives, on the other hand, like MVA technologies and their derivatives, offer very wide angles of vision, but with a higher price tag and a display reaction that is sometimes inferior.

Connector technology

Pay close attention to the connector technology, by comparing it with that of the image source appliance. Always prefer digital data connector technologies (HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI) to analogue data transmission (D-Sub or VGA), whose quality may be affected by external factors. Note that only the HDMI and DisplayPort formats can transmit both audio and video data to your monitor. If your monitor has several different connectors, then you can connect different sources (a gaming console and two computers, for example) and switch between them by simply pressing a button.

Response time

The response time is the time that each pixel takes to change color. This time must be kept as short as possible to avoid unpleasant effects when watching videos or playing games. Long response times result in stripes or blurs appearing on traveling shots. These defects are in fact the "left-overs" from previous images that the screen is not reactive enough to erase. If you are particularly sensitive to this type of phenomena or if you are a very demanding player, then the response time should be your top selection criterion.

3D compatibility

Like TV sets, monitors can also display 3D images, in particular for gamers. These monitors must be capable of displaying twice as many images as conventional monitors and, consequently, must have a particularly short response time. Note that there are several different technologies, even more so for PCs, which may require the use of specific 3D glasses with certain graphics cards.

Which type of screen for which use?

The various characteristics and technologies offer solutions that meet the needs of every type of user.

If you just need a simple screen for office applications, then any entry-level TN monitor will fit the bill. Higher resolution may be useful to display more data or more windows on the screen, while a bigger screen will increase your visual comfort.

If you are a regular or professional gamer, then you will not accept delays of even a few milliseconds on your screen. Yet another reason to opt for TN technology, which offers models with extremely short response times. And if you need 3D compatibility, then TN technology is the right choice for you.

Professional graphic artists need faultless color reproduction that does not change according to your position in relation to the screen. The wider angles of vision of the IPS and MVA/PVA technologies offer a clear benefit in this case, along with a high resolution and a large screen.

If you also use your screen to watch the television or to enjoy a film with your friends, then the wide vision angles of these technologies are a clear advantage, and are even essential when several people are viewing the screen.

In addition to these points, always remember to select a screen that fits in with your system. The height and angle of certain screens can be adjusted. An integrated USB hub, headset port and webcam can also help to simplify the wiring of your system.

And if you are dreaming of a multi-screen system, note that a number of thin edge models are also available.

The display surface of certain screens is covered with a glossy coating that is not always suited to use in well-lit conditions. In this case, choose a matt screen.