Danno
24-05-2006, 03:46 PM
***Work in progress, it will be updated when i have some free time. It’s going to look a bit of a mess for a while but once it’s done hopefully it will help people choose a monitor that best suites there needs..***
While working in tech support and also out of work people are always asking me what is the best monitor to get. When i say things like go for a monitor with a low response time or high contrast ratio they look at me and say "YOU WHAT, WHAT YOU ON ABOUT?" like i am talking in some strange language. So i have decided to put together a guide explaining the different features of monitors.
The monitor i will use as an example is the SONY SDM-HS95PRB (http://www.novatech.co.uk:80/novatech/specpage.html?son-h95prb&P=1) (my monitor at home).
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/sonymonitor1.jpg
SONY SDM-HS95PRB 19" X-Black 8ms TFT DVI Black
Improved brightness and contrast combined with a fast screen refresh make this display the best in its class for quality and precision. Together with its renowned X-black LCD technology that delivers photo and video images with true-to-life intensity, the SDM-P series' vivid video game animation pulls you into the action. Finished in the striking new 'Rising Design' that gives the new HS-Series a sculpted look, this display has the appearance of standing without the support of a conventional base. The design is as practical as it is eye-catching, with a compact, space-saving support. The digital DVI-D output ensures you can benefit from an entirely digital graphics environment.
General
Width 43.5 cm
Depth 14.6 cm
Height 41.8 cm
Weight 5 kg
Enclosure Colour Black
Compatibility PC
Display Type Flat panel display / TFT active matrix
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ¦ 1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI
Miscellaneous
Features Locking device keyhole (cable lock), tilt adjustment
Compliant Standards Plug and Play, DDC-2B
Cables Included 1 x DVI cable ¦ 1 x VGA cable
Flat Panel Mount Interface 75 x 75 mm
Power
Form Factor Internal
Power Consumption Operational 60 Watt
Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 1 Watt
Display
Features ErgoStand, ErgoBright, X BRITE, X-black
Diagonal Size 19"
Viewable Size 19"
Max Resolution 1280 x 1024
Max Sync Rate (V x H) 75 Hz x 80 kHz
Colour support Up to 16.2 million colors
Response Time 8 ms
Controls / Adjustments Brightness, contrast, H/V position, sharpness, gamma correction, phase, pitch, smoothing
Interface DVI, VGA (HD-15)
Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch 0.294 mm
Image
Image Brightness 420 cd/m2
Image Contrast Ratio 550:1
Image Max H-View Angle 160
Image Max V-View Angle 160
Video Input
Analogue video Signal RGB
Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
When selecting a monitor the main things to consider are the SIZE, RESPONSE TIME, CONTRAST RATIO and MAXIMUM RESOLUTION.
MONITOR SIZE. The size of the screen is measured from the top corner of the screen diagonally to the bottom corner.
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/monitorsize.JPG
If a TFT monitor is advertised as being a 19" monitor the viewable screen size will be 19" or just under 19" from corner to corner. If a CRT monitor is advertised as being a 19" monitor the viewable screen size will be around 17.5" - 18", this is because of the bezel around the screen.
RESPONSE TIME. The response time basically means how quick the monitor re-draws the screen. When choosing a monitor the lower the response time the better, so a monitor with a response time of 8ms will be better than one with a response time of 16ms.
LCD monitors
Response Time is an attribute that applies to LCD monitors. It translates to the amount of time it takes for a liquid crystal cell to go from active (black) to inactive (white) and back to active (black) again. It is measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower numbers mean faster transitions and therefore less visible image artifacts. Older monitors with long response times would create a smear or blur pattern around moving objects, making them unacceptable for moving video. High response times can be annoying to a viewer depending on the type of data being displayed and how rapidly the image is changing or moving. However current LCDs monitors have improved to the point that this is rarely seen.
For an LCD display a figure of 8-16ms for rise and fall times is typical. We are also beginning to see 2 ms response times for LCD displays, this is best for gamers and makes the cost of the LCD rise considerably. It should be noted that the response time given by the LCD manufacturer is often the fastest measured, and not the average or maximum response time (which may be significantly longer).
In comparison a CRT displaying a picture with an update frequency of 60-80 Hz, could be said to have a response time of 12.5 ms and upwards. However, as the picture is updated completely (and virtually instantly) each time the electron beam passes over the screen, CRTs won't have the same problems with smearing or ghosting. The same is true for plasma displays (however, both CRTs and plasma displays can have problems with flicker). Information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Response_time.
CONSTRAST RATIO, When referring to a display, the contrast ratio is a figure used to measure the luminance difference between the brightest white and the darkest black. The contrast ratio will be listed as y:z where 'y' is the brightest white and 'z' is the darkest black. An example of a standard contrast ratio for computer monitors and LCD displays is 200:1, a number higher than this, such as 600:1, will have a brighter display.
MAXIMUM RESOLUTION, The resolution is the amount of pixels that can be displayed on screen. A resolution of 1024 X 768 means there are 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 vertically.
An image showing the difference between resolutions can be found here (http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/Video_Standards.JPG) and a more detailed description on display resolutions can be found here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_resolution).
The native resolution (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_resolution) for most 17" TFT's is 1024 X 768 and for 19's its 1290 X 1024.
__________________________________________________ ___________
Now lets explain whats what in the advertised specification on our website.
__________________________________________________ ___________
General
Width 43.5 cm
Depth 14.6 cm
Height 41.8 cm
Weight 5 kg
Enclosure Colour Black
Compatibility PC
Display Type Flat panel display / TFT active matrix
The first 5 explain themselves, the size of the monitor, colour and weight.
Compatibility, this means what the monitor will connect to, PC, MAC or both. Most of the monitors we sell are only PC compatible.
Display Type, this is the type of display used in the monitor. The most common display type is Active Matrix. More information on Active Matrix displays can be found here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_matrix).
__________________________________________________ ___________
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ¦ 1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI
Interface, this is the type of connection used to connect the monitor to your PC. The main two types of connection are 15pin DSUB and DVI. 15pin DSUB is an analogue signal where as DVI is a digital signal. More information on DVI vs Analogue can be found here (http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/4520-3174_7-5136369.html?part=ecoustics-cnet).
15pin DSUB
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/15pindsub.jpg
DVI
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/dviplug.jpg
__________________________________________________ ___________
Miscellaneous
Features Locking device keyhole (cable lock), tilt adjustment
Compliant Standards Plug and Play, DDC-2B
Cables Included 1 x DVI cable ¦ 1 x VGA cable
Flat Panel Mount Interface 75 x 75 mm
__________________________________________________ ___________
Power
Form Factor Internal
Power Consumption Operational 60 Watt
Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 1 Watt
Form Factor, Internal or External. This shows weather the power supply is built into the monitor or if the monitor comes wit its own power supply. Most new monitors have an internal power supply to save space.
Power Consumption Operational / Stand by, this just means how much power the monitor uses when in use and when in stand by mode.
__________________________________________________ ___________
Display
Features ErgoStand, ErgoBright, X BRITE, X-black
Diagonal Size 19"
Viewable Size 19"
Max Resolution 1280 x 1024
Max Sync Rate (V x H) 75 Hz x 80 kHz
Colour support Up to 16.2 million colors
Response Time 8 ms
Controls / Adjustments Brightness, contrast, H/V position, sharpness, gamma correction, phase, pitch, smoothing
Interface DVI, VGA (HD-15)
Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch 0.294 mm
__________________________________________________ ___________
Image
Image Brightness 420 cd/m2
Image Contrast Ratio 550:1
Image Max H-View Angle 160
Image Max V-View Angle 160
__________________________________________________ ___________
Video Input
Analogue video Signal RGB
Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
__________________________________________________ ___________
that's all for today, i will add more when i have some free time.
While working in tech support and also out of work people are always asking me what is the best monitor to get. When i say things like go for a monitor with a low response time or high contrast ratio they look at me and say "YOU WHAT, WHAT YOU ON ABOUT?" like i am talking in some strange language. So i have decided to put together a guide explaining the different features of monitors.
The monitor i will use as an example is the SONY SDM-HS95PRB (http://www.novatech.co.uk:80/novatech/specpage.html?son-h95prb&P=1) (my monitor at home).
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/sonymonitor1.jpg
SONY SDM-HS95PRB 19" X-Black 8ms TFT DVI Black
Improved brightness and contrast combined with a fast screen refresh make this display the best in its class for quality and precision. Together with its renowned X-black LCD technology that delivers photo and video images with true-to-life intensity, the SDM-P series' vivid video game animation pulls you into the action. Finished in the striking new 'Rising Design' that gives the new HS-Series a sculpted look, this display has the appearance of standing without the support of a conventional base. The design is as practical as it is eye-catching, with a compact, space-saving support. The digital DVI-D output ensures you can benefit from an entirely digital graphics environment.
General
Width 43.5 cm
Depth 14.6 cm
Height 41.8 cm
Weight 5 kg
Enclosure Colour Black
Compatibility PC
Display Type Flat panel display / TFT active matrix
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ¦ 1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI
Miscellaneous
Features Locking device keyhole (cable lock), tilt adjustment
Compliant Standards Plug and Play, DDC-2B
Cables Included 1 x DVI cable ¦ 1 x VGA cable
Flat Panel Mount Interface 75 x 75 mm
Power
Form Factor Internal
Power Consumption Operational 60 Watt
Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 1 Watt
Display
Features ErgoStand, ErgoBright, X BRITE, X-black
Diagonal Size 19"
Viewable Size 19"
Max Resolution 1280 x 1024
Max Sync Rate (V x H) 75 Hz x 80 kHz
Colour support Up to 16.2 million colors
Response Time 8 ms
Controls / Adjustments Brightness, contrast, H/V position, sharpness, gamma correction, phase, pitch, smoothing
Interface DVI, VGA (HD-15)
Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch 0.294 mm
Image
Image Brightness 420 cd/m2
Image Contrast Ratio 550:1
Image Max H-View Angle 160
Image Max V-View Angle 160
Video Input
Analogue video Signal RGB
Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
When selecting a monitor the main things to consider are the SIZE, RESPONSE TIME, CONTRAST RATIO and MAXIMUM RESOLUTION.
MONITOR SIZE. The size of the screen is measured from the top corner of the screen diagonally to the bottom corner.
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/monitorsize.JPG
If a TFT monitor is advertised as being a 19" monitor the viewable screen size will be 19" or just under 19" from corner to corner. If a CRT monitor is advertised as being a 19" monitor the viewable screen size will be around 17.5" - 18", this is because of the bezel around the screen.
RESPONSE TIME. The response time basically means how quick the monitor re-draws the screen. When choosing a monitor the lower the response time the better, so a monitor with a response time of 8ms will be better than one with a response time of 16ms.
LCD monitors
Response Time is an attribute that applies to LCD monitors. It translates to the amount of time it takes for a liquid crystal cell to go from active (black) to inactive (white) and back to active (black) again. It is measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower numbers mean faster transitions and therefore less visible image artifacts. Older monitors with long response times would create a smear or blur pattern around moving objects, making them unacceptable for moving video. High response times can be annoying to a viewer depending on the type of data being displayed and how rapidly the image is changing or moving. However current LCDs monitors have improved to the point that this is rarely seen.
For an LCD display a figure of 8-16ms for rise and fall times is typical. We are also beginning to see 2 ms response times for LCD displays, this is best for gamers and makes the cost of the LCD rise considerably. It should be noted that the response time given by the LCD manufacturer is often the fastest measured, and not the average or maximum response time (which may be significantly longer).
In comparison a CRT displaying a picture with an update frequency of 60-80 Hz, could be said to have a response time of 12.5 ms and upwards. However, as the picture is updated completely (and virtually instantly) each time the electron beam passes over the screen, CRTs won't have the same problems with smearing or ghosting. The same is true for plasma displays (however, both CRTs and plasma displays can have problems with flicker). Information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Response_time.
CONSTRAST RATIO, When referring to a display, the contrast ratio is a figure used to measure the luminance difference between the brightest white and the darkest black. The contrast ratio will be listed as y:z where 'y' is the brightest white and 'z' is the darkest black. An example of a standard contrast ratio for computer monitors and LCD displays is 200:1, a number higher than this, such as 600:1, will have a brighter display.
MAXIMUM RESOLUTION, The resolution is the amount of pixels that can be displayed on screen. A resolution of 1024 X 768 means there are 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 vertically.
An image showing the difference between resolutions can be found here (http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/Video_Standards.JPG) and a more detailed description on display resolutions can be found here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_resolution).
The native resolution (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_resolution) for most 17" TFT's is 1024 X 768 and for 19's its 1290 X 1024.
__________________________________________________ ___________
Now lets explain whats what in the advertised specification on our website.
__________________________________________________ ___________
General
Width 43.5 cm
Depth 14.6 cm
Height 41.8 cm
Weight 5 kg
Enclosure Colour Black
Compatibility PC
Display Type Flat panel display / TFT active matrix
The first 5 explain themselves, the size of the monitor, colour and weight.
Compatibility, this means what the monitor will connect to, PC, MAC or both. Most of the monitors we sell are only PC compatible.
Display Type, this is the type of display used in the monitor. The most common display type is Active Matrix. More information on Active Matrix displays can be found here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_matrix).
__________________________________________________ ___________
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ¦ 1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI
Interface, this is the type of connection used to connect the monitor to your PC. The main two types of connection are 15pin DSUB and DVI. 15pin DSUB is an analogue signal where as DVI is a digital signal. More information on DVI vs Analogue can be found here (http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/4520-3174_7-5136369.html?part=ecoustics-cnet).
15pin DSUB
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/15pindsub.jpg
DVI
http://forum.novatech.co.uk/files/dviplug.jpg
__________________________________________________ ___________
Miscellaneous
Features Locking device keyhole (cable lock), tilt adjustment
Compliant Standards Plug and Play, DDC-2B
Cables Included 1 x DVI cable ¦ 1 x VGA cable
Flat Panel Mount Interface 75 x 75 mm
__________________________________________________ ___________
Power
Form Factor Internal
Power Consumption Operational 60 Watt
Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 1 Watt
Form Factor, Internal or External. This shows weather the power supply is built into the monitor or if the monitor comes wit its own power supply. Most new monitors have an internal power supply to save space.
Power Consumption Operational / Stand by, this just means how much power the monitor uses when in use and when in stand by mode.
__________________________________________________ ___________
Display
Features ErgoStand, ErgoBright, X BRITE, X-black
Diagonal Size 19"
Viewable Size 19"
Max Resolution 1280 x 1024
Max Sync Rate (V x H) 75 Hz x 80 kHz
Colour support Up to 16.2 million colors
Response Time 8 ms
Controls / Adjustments Brightness, contrast, H/V position, sharpness, gamma correction, phase, pitch, smoothing
Interface DVI, VGA (HD-15)
Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch 0.294 mm
__________________________________________________ ___________
Image
Image Brightness 420 cd/m2
Image Contrast Ratio 550:1
Image Max H-View Angle 160
Image Max V-View Angle 160
__________________________________________________ ___________
Video Input
Analogue video Signal RGB
Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
__________________________________________________ ___________
that's all for today, i will add more when i have some free time.