How to choose a good LCD monitor for electronic products?

1. Resolution (the higher the resolution, the finer the displayed image for the same screen size)

The LCD screen is composed of individual pixels. Resolution is a way to represent the number of pixels vertically and horizontally on the screen. For example, if your monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080, it means that there are 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically. Higher resolution displays more units in the same size, resulting in a finer image. Currently, the mainstream resolutions for LCD monitors for electronic products are 1080P, 2K, and 4K. If you have a limited budget, 1080P is sufficient.

2. Size (recommended size is 23 inches or larger)

The size of a monitor refers to the diagonal length of the display area, measured in inches (1 inch = 2.54cm). There are wide-screen and narrow-screen monitors, which are determined by the aspect ratio, such as 16:9 and 21:9. The choice between them mainly depends on personal preference, as the area cannot be directly inferred from the size. For monitors with 2K or 4K resolution, it is recommended to choose a size of 27 inches or larger.

3. Response Time (shorter is better)

The response time of a monitor is typically measured in milliseconds (ms) and refers to the speed at which the LCD responds to input signals. Gamers should consider this parameter as a longer response time can cause ghosting and affect the gaming experience.

4. Contrast Ratio (generally available on all monitors, not necessary to pursue)

Improving the contrast ratio enhances the level of detail in the image and makes the distinction between light and dark more apparent. A contrast ratio between 60-80 is generally sufficient. Too high of a ratio can result in distinct contrasts, while too low may cause a blurry effect. For gaming, adjusting the brightness and contrast to 80-100 can produce better results.

5. HDR (more relevant for gaming)

HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances the contrast of the image and expands the color gamut, resulting in a more visually striking display. It improves the image's expression, especially in dark scenes, allowing you to see more details. However, it requires higher hardware specifications, leading to a higher price compared to other monitors. If you do not require this feature, you can adjust parameters such as contrast and saturation to modify the overall display image. Please note that the visual difference between adjusting the parameters and using an HDR-supported monitor will exist.

6. Brightness (available on all monitors, not necessary to consider this parameter)

The brightness of an LCD monitor for electronic products is measured in cd/m² (candelas per square meter). Typically, a brightness level of 250 cd/m² is sufficient for daily use. A brightness level of around 80 is generally recommended to avoid eye strain.

7. Panel Type (trade-offs need to be considered)

The panel type refers to the material used for the display, such as TN, IPS, VA, ADS, and PLS. Each panel type has its characteristics. In terms of visual effects, ADS, IPS, and PLS panels are similar and superior to VA and TN panels. TN panels have a slightly inferior visual experience compared to VA panels. In terms of response time, VA panels have the slowest speed, while IPS and PLS panels are better than VA but inferior to TN and ADS. TN panels often have a limited viewing angle but are relatively cheaper. The IPS panel may have backlight bleeding issues, while PLS panels have less backlight bleeding. VA panels have the least backlight bleeding and higher contrast ratio, resulting in purer black levels. ADS screens have higher transparency.

8. Picture Stabilization Technology

This feature helps to reduce screen tearing, similar to the vertical sync effect in games. It addresses the inconsistency between the output of the graphics card and the refresh rate of the monitor. In most cases, screen tearing does not occur when using a computer. If it happens, it can be adjusted in the graphics card settings. Gamers may consider this parameter for a better gaming experience.

9. Refresh Rate

A higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and ghosting in the image, especially in FPS (First-Person Shooter) games. For a better gaming experience, a refresh rate of 144Hz is recommended.

10. Curved Screen

I do not recommend choosing a curved screen. Although a curved screen provides a more immersive experience, it is more troublesome to repair compared to other monitors. If a flat screen needs a screen replacement, it can usually be done personally, while a curved screen requires professional repair.

11. Interface

Common display interfaces for LCD monitors for electronic products include DVI, HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort (DP). The ranking of video cables is DP > HDMI > DVI > VGA. For a 144Hz refresh rate, choose DP, as the other interfaces do not support it.