Looking for Computer LCD Monitors?

Computer LCD monitors use LCD displays which are used also for TV sets and other devices. Here we explain the basic principles of operation and the most important facts you need to know when comparing and buying computer LCD monitors.

A display is an interface containing information which stimulates human vision. Information may be pictures, animation, movies and articles. One can say that the functions of a display are to produce or reproduce colors and images. Using ink to write, draw or print on paper is a traditional display, like a painting or a book. However, the content of such a traditional display is motionless and typically inerasable. In addition, a light source, synthetic or natural, is needed for reading a book or seeing a picture. There are lots of electronic displays that use an electronic signal to create images on a panel and stimulate the human eye. Typically, they can be classified as emissive and non-emissive. Emissive displays emit light from each pixel which constitutes an image on the panel. In contrast, non-emissive displays modulate light, by means of absorption, reflection, refraction and scattering, to display colors and images. For a non-emissive display, a light source is needed. Hence, these can be classified into transmissive and reflective displays.

One of the most successful display technologies for home entertainment is the cathode ray tube (CRT), which is in widespread use in televisions (TVs). CRT is already a mature technology which has the advantages of self-emission, wide viewing angle, fast response, good color saturation, long lifetime and good image quality. However, a major disadvantage is its bulky size. The depth of a CRT is roughly equal to the length and width of the panel. For example, a monitor’s depth is about 40 cm for a 19-inch (38.6 cm × 30.0 cm) CRT with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Hence, it is not very portable. The bulky size and heavy weight limit its applications. For comparison, typical modern computer LCD monitor is usually widescreen (16:10) and about 1 - 2 inches thick.

Flat panel displays (FPDs), as the name implies, have a relatively thin profile, i.e. several centimeters or less. For instance, the liquid crystal display (LCD) is presently the dominant FPD technology with diagonal sizes ranging from less than 1 inch (microdisplay) to over 100 inches. Such a display is usually driven by thin-film transistors (TFTs). A liquid crystal (LC) is a light modulator because it does not emit light. Hence, a backlight module is required for a transmissive LCD. In most LCDs, two crossed polarizers are employed in orderto obtain a high contrast ratio.

From the electrical viewpoint, each pixel is a light switch driven by a TFT. To reduce leakage current of the capacitor, the liquid crystal material should have a high resistivity. Moreover, to achieve a high contrast ratio, most direct-view TFT LCDs require two absorption-type sheet polarizers. These polarizers not only reduce thelight efficiency but also limit the LCD’s viewing angle. Therefore, phase compensation films are required for wide-view LCDs. In contrast, the PDP is an emissive display. It can be considered as consisting of millions of miniature fluorescent lamps on a single panel. LEDs and OLEDs are electroluminescent devices with crystallized semiconductors and amorphous organic materials, respectively. Compared with liquid crystal materials which are also organic compounds, OLED materials should exhibit a low resistivity to reduce ohmic losses.

When it comes to choosing a computer LCD monitor for your home, no doubt you will have a budget in mind. However, the price of the monitor is based on the features, quality, warranty, and the support offered by the manufacturer. A monitor with better features will always have more vibrant colors and clear-cut images.

Another issue that will be confusing is the dimensions of the monitor. Today, you get monitors ranging from 17 inches to 65 inches. No doubt, the size depends on what you want to view. If you want to play games or watch movies, you should go for a bigger size monitor. If you want to place it on your computer table, then a smaller sized monitor is called for. However, even the video card has an effect on the images. Therefore, if the graphics card is not the best, then going for a smaller sized computer LCD monitor is advisable.

If you happen to be working with multimedia, then you should ensure that the monitor is widescreen. Otherwise, a square screen 4:3 ratio monitor will just be fine. It is advisable to upgrade the current video card in the PC and then go for a LCD monitor. When you opt for a cheap monitor, you will be compromising on the contrast ratio. If the contrast ratio is high, then the black will be real black instead of a deeper shade of gray.

If you are a graphic design artist, you will definitely choose among the best computer LCD monitors on the market for all of your art and editing needs, which means you will need to look at the higher priced, higher end models. Computer monitors with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1200 will be your best bet. Also, try and purchase from among the highest monitors that fall within your budget. These monitors allow users highly detailed views of graphics. Top computer LCD monitor brands include Samsung, HP, Dell, LG, Philips, and others.

A problem that is prevalent in all computer LCD monitors is damaged pixels. Sometimes, the monitors are sold with some pixels already damaged. However, this issue can be avoided by opting for premium brands. Also, check the product warranty to find out how many pixels need to be damaged in order to get a replacement monitor.

Once you have taken into account all the points mentioned above, you can make a sound and sensible choice in choosing a computer LCD monitor for your home.