How to Choose an LCD Monitor

How to choose a monitor? Should you consider the appearance, and cost-effectiveness, or strive for the best performance? Many consumers may not be particularly familiar with this. Below, let's take a look at the methods of choosing an LCD monitor.

1. Screen Size

When purchasing an LCD, the first thing to consider is the size of the "face". The screen size is calculated based on the diagonal of the screen and is usually measured in inches. The choice of screen size is subjective - some people prefer large screens, while others prefer small screens. You can decide based on your budget and preferences.

2. Resolution

Resolution is mainly related to image clarity. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality and the more details it can display. Generally, a higher resolution is preferable for a monitor. Nowadays, even affordable monitors have a minimum resolution of 1920 × 1080, which is commonly referred to as "1080p". This standard format is widely used in most standard LCD TVs, smartphones, tablets, and various other technologies. In addition to 1080p, you can also choose larger resolutions, but they will be more expensive. Therefore, within your budget, it is advisable to choose a monitor with a higher resolution.

3. Interface Type

In the past decade, there have been significant changes in the interfaces of display devices. We used to use the blue VGA interface more frequently, followed by the white DVI interface. When encountering different interfaces, we had to buy adapters for conversion. Later, HDMI and other interfaces emerged, and now DP and USB Type-C interfaces have appeared. For the monitors we use in daily life, HDMI is the dominant interface. It is mature, stable, and can meet daily needs. However, it is not recommended to use the HDMI interface for hardware calibration of the monitor because it may result in a loss of RGB range. In this case, the DP interface is a better choice. Other interfaces are also highly practical, and some relatively "cool" interfaces are also becoming more popular. Therefore, the fundamental solution is to choose according to your needs.

4. Refresh Rate

The refresh rate refers to the number of frames the monitor can display per second, measured in hertz (Hz). The most common refresh rates are 60Hz and 144Hz, but there are also 50, 75, 85, 165, 200, and 240Hz, among others. In electronic games, the higher the computer performance and frame rate (fps), the smoother the game graphics will be. The refresh rate of the monitor should be equal to or higher than the game frame rate to fully utilize its performance. Generally speaking, a higher refresh rate is better for a monitor. However, for the majority of people, it is difficult to notice the difference between 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz. For ordinary users, a 60Hz monitor is sufficient.

5. Flicker-Free

Monitors may flicker at brightness levels lower than the maximum. Due to the limitations of the human eye's perception of flickering, users may not notice it, but this issue should not be ignored. Although our vision may not perceive the flickering, the muscles of the eyes continuously contract and open, leading to increased eye pressure. This can cause discomfort, such as soreness and fatigue in the eyes, and can even cause damage to vision over time.

How to identify flicker-free screens? After purchasing a monitor, you can use a camera or smartphone to take a photo of the screen. No need to take a photo, just observe the image captured by the camera or smartphone. If the monitor flickers, it will show wavy patterns on the screen when the brightness is low, while a flicker-free monitor will not exhibit this phenomenon.

6. Low Blue Light Mode

The Low-Blue Light mode became popular around 2016 and is now a standard feature of monitors. Through media reports, people have become aware of the harm caused by blue light to the eyes, as it has been verified through medical examples. Low Blue Light mode is usually implemented using a slider or a series of presets to gradually reduce blue light in the image. Although this feature can affect the overall color presentation, it is necessary for protecting the eyes.

7. Response Time

Response time, also known as gray-to-gray response time, refers to the time it takes for a pixel to switch from black to white and then back to black again. The response time of a monitor can affect the clarity of fast-moving images, such as in games and movies, and a longer response time may result in blurring or ghosting. As a general rule, a shorter response time is better. It is important to note that response time is divided into Tr (rise time) and Tf (fall time). The response time is the sum of these two values. However, some manufacturers only indicate one of these values, which can mislead consumers. Therefore, it is essential to understand this when making a purchase.

8. Curved Display

Displays can be either flat or curved. In theory, curved screens provide a wider viewing angle and an immersive experience. The smaller the curvature radius, the greater the curvature. To fully benefit from a curved screen, you would need a large 100-inch display and sit very close, which may not be suitable for everyone. If your display is not that large, a curved display may not be very useful.

9. Brightness/Contrast

LCD monitor is a substance that lies between liquid and crystal and does not emit light on its own, so the brightness of the backlight determines its overall brightness. Generally, the higher the brightness of an LCD, the more vibrant the colors and the better the display quality. If the brightness is too low, the displayed colors may appear dark, causing fatigue after prolonged viewing. Contrast is a ratio of brightness and refers to the ratio of brightness between a white screen and a black screen in a dark room. Therefore, the higher the brightness of white and the lower the brightness of black, the higher the contrast will be, resulting in a clearer and more vivid image with a stronger color hierarchy. For consumers who frequently play games or do graphic processing on their computers, it is advisable to choose LCDs with higher contrast. For users who enjoy watching DVD movies, a high-brightness/high-contrast LCD is the most suitable choice. However, it's not always the case that higher brightness and contrast are better, as viewing a high-brightness LCD screen for a long time can also cause eye fatigue.

10. Dead Pixels

"Dead pixels" refer to physical pixel defects on the LCD panel that cannot be repaired, and they can be classified as bright pixels and dark pixels. Bright pixels are pixels that emit light when the screen displays black, while dark pixels are pixels that do not display any color. Since the presence of dead pixels can affect the display quality, it is better to have fewer of them. When selecting an LCD, consumers should avoid products with more than three dead pixels. How can you test for dead pixels on a monitor? Users can use monitor testing software (such as Nokia Monitor Test) to conduct the test. In addition to "dark pixels" and "bright pixels," there are also "stuck pixels" that constantly display a single color.

11. Viewing Angle

The light of an LCD monitor is emitted forward at a nearly perpendicular angle through the liquid crystal. When viewing the screen from other angles, it will not be as clear as when viewing a CRT monitor, and noticeable color distortion may occur. This phenomenon is caused by the size of the viewing angle. The viewing angle can be divided into horizontal viewing angle and vertical viewing angle. When choosing an LCD, it is preferable to choose a product with a larger viewing angle. Currently, LCDs generally have a viewing angle of 140 degrees or more, which is sufficient for most users' needs. Regardless of the numerical value of the viewing angle, what matters most is whether it is convenient for personal use. It is best to choose based on one's daily usage habits.

12. After-Sales Service

The warranty period of a monitor is determined by the manufacturer and generally includes 1-3 years of free warranty service. Therefore, consumers should inquire about the detailed warranty period to avoid any inconvenience if a problem occurs with the product. Consumers should choose products with longer warranty periods whenever possible.

If you have any questions about LCD screens, you can contact us at sales@innoluxlcdpanel.com