Monitor Buying Guide

There are mainly three types of LCD based Panel Technologies and it would be very beneficial to know what each technologies mean.

1. Twisted Nematic (TN) - TN Panels are most widely used monitors mainly due to being inexpensive and they cater to gamers thanks to their quick response times and high refresh rates. However they comparitively have poor viewing angles, low contrast ratio, and colour reproduction which makes them a bad choice for professionals.

2. In-Plane Switching (IPS) - IPS Panels are the most superior of the lot and come with a higher price tag. They have good viewing angles, better colour reproduction and contrast ratios. Cheap IPS panels have long response times whereas the expensive ones fare better and are comparable to the response times of TN panels.

3. Vertical Alignment (VA) - VA Panels come in the middle of IPS and TN Panels offering decent viewing angles, price, color accuracy, but have long response times. They have the highest contrast ratios providing deep blacks and are ideal for movie watching consumers. Due to their long response times they are not attractive to high end and competitive gamers.

The wide availability of aspect ratio's are mainly due to varying requirements from users. For example, 4:3 monitors which were the standard format of the good old CRT days and early LCD era are preferred by photographers due to them being near to the photo format. Coming to 16:9, also called widescreen formatis the standard of today's monitors and suits movies (no black bands), playing games (near to human eye's field of view). Over to the Ultrawide screen format or 21:9, which is designed to boost productivity tasks like coding, video editing as it allows multitasking with two to three softwares opened simultaneously. Coupled with a curved screen, 21:9 is an ideal choice for hard core gamers as it provides that immersive feel in games. We would also like to mention the presence of rare aspect ratio's in the market like 1:1 used by photographers, or 32:9 for an even more immersive gaming experience. We can make an observation that aspect ratio's have a direct effect on the screen area. This is explained in depth in the "Screen Size" feature explanation for you to check out.This is due to the fact that screen sizes are specified in diagonal and not vertical or horizontal length (see the "Screen Size" feature explanation for more details). Hence, it determines the screen area that you get for a specific screen size. Higher the ratio, lesser the screen area you get for a fixed screen size.

As explained, Screen size is the screen's diagonal length and screen area give a correct measure as to the screen space you will get. Figure below gives you a clear understanding as to how aspect ratio influences the screen area.

As seen in the figure above all the three screens have an equal screen size i.e. 21" but have different aspect ratios i.e. 4:3, 16:9, 21:9. Notice the screen size reducing as the screen gets wide. Evidently, the 21" 4:3 screen has the largest screen area and the 21:9 has the lowest. Hence, for wider screens you will have to go for higher screen sizes to make up for the area reduction due to its aspect ratio.

Screen area calculated using the required aspect ratio should give you a good indication when selecting the screen size.

Pixel is the unit of a display. Pixels combine to form different images you see on your screen. Nowadays monitors come with varying pixel counts, hence each pixel count has been given a label for easy identification - FHD (1920 x 1080 px), QHD/2K (2560 x 1440 px), UHD/4K (3840 x 2160 px). Figure above shows a comparison of a birds image in FHD and 4K, notice the details in the birds eye when enlarged. It is evident that a 4K screen is crisipier. Does this mean that a 27" 4K and a 32" 4K screen have the same crispness? the answer is "no", even though both have the same resolution, they are in different screen areas. That is a 32" will appear a little soft than the 27" because the latter has a higher " Pixel Density", yes pixel density is the factor we need to lookup when deciding on a screen's crispness. When it comes to crispness of the screen, we will have to look at the Pixel Density and not screen resolution alone. This is because, for a fixed resolution say Full HD, the screen clarity reduces as the screen gets bigger. Any Clue Why? Well although your screen got bigger, the number of pixels have stayed the same which results in bigger individual pixels or grains. Pixel Density which is measured in pixels per inch (ppi) gives us a correct measure as to how crisp the screen will be. Pixel Density is calculated as follows:- With all that is said, we will have to take note of an important aspect when determining a monitors ability to dispaly crisp images. The name of that aspect is "Pixel Density"(yes you heard it right), pixel density is the number of pixels present per square inch. We can explain this with a simple example:- A Full HD (1920 x 1080 px) 15" Monitor will have a higher pixel density than a Full HD 20" Monitor and the reason being simple that as pixel density is the ratio between the total pixels and the screen area, since the total pixels are same for both but the pixel area being comparitively less for the 15" results in it having a higher pixel density. Hence, always ensure that if a higher monitor size is needed you need to go for a higher screen resolution.

Contrast Ratio as the name suggests is the range of difference you will find between a white and black pixel which end of the day implies that you get better contrast with deeper blacks and deeper white. Referringh the figure below, you will notice the richness of the high contrast ratio image.

Higher contrast ratio will help you identify details in dark scenes which otherwise would be very monotonous in the case of low contrast screens.

High Contrast ratio will help in movies for better picture quality and better details in dark sequences. We also cannot stress enough the need of high contrast ratio for content creation tasks like image editing and video editing where detail is paramount.

Colour gamut is the ability of a monitor to differentiate different colours. To clearly understand the concept of colour gamut we need to understand an important term called as Bit-Depth. Bit Depth is basically the number of colors a monitor can display. For example, 8 bit monitor can display 256 (Red) x 256 (Green) x 256 (Blue) = 1.67 Million Colours. Whereas a 10 bit monitor can display 1024 (Red) x 1024 (Green) x 1024 (Blue) = 1.07 Billion Colours. This new revelation may start a train of questions in your mind, and prominent one being " Well then, isnt Bit Depth good enough for us to arrive at the ability of the monitor to display different colors", the answer being yes and no, yes is because your monitor can display these colors and no because without supporting the colour gamut your monitor will not be able to differentiate different colors. For example, in 1024 reds possible, 40% of reds may look the same. Hence, Bit Depth along with Colour Gamut ensures the number of colours a monitor can produce.

Colour gamut is classified under various Colour Profiles to standardize Colour Production and Reproduction. Colour Production would be a Web Designer designing a website or an Image Artist producing digital art and Colour Reproduction would be Printers printing photos, or monitors displaying the web pages. They are as follows:-

1. sRGB - This profile is the standard for images or content on the computers, web etc.

2. Adobe RGB - This is a bigger color profile which has colors additional to that of sRGB and is used in print media.

3. ProPhoto RGB - This profile is even bigger than AdobeRGB and extends to areas where even human eye would not be able to differentiate. We rarely have monitors with support to this color profile.

Colour profiles would ensure that colours remains constant from the creator to the consumer. Hence, professionals whose work is limited only to the digital space and do not need any printing will work in the sRGB color space as it is the standard for digital media. Whereas a professional who will be printing his work will be working in an Adobe RGB space as that is the standard for printers.

The ability of a monitor to display the above color profile is denoted in percentage of the profile. For example if a monitor says it is 99% sRGB, it would mean it can display 99% of the colors accurately in the sRGB color profile/space.

Monitors with support for wider colour gamuts are expensive and hence base your decision on the domain of your work i.e. for non-priniting work sRGB is sufficient and for printing work Adobe RGB should be gone for.

With different types of gadgets and companies producing them have resulted in different interface standards/connections. Monitor's nowadays can have a couple or a dozen of interfaces/connections in them. You may ask why? and we will answer you shortly. Connectivity is a crucial aspect of a monitor and can sometimes be a handicapping factor. Hence this has to be gone through very carefully.

Connectivity as we see ensures two basic funtions -

a) Compatibility with the Input (Laptop, PC, Mobile Phone, Set-Top Box etc) or Output Source (Other Monitor, Speakers, USB Hub in Laptop).
b) Ability to output the incoming signal to the maximum quality.



As seen in the figure above there are many interfaces available for monitors and each of them have their purpose which is explained below:-

1. D-SUB - This is oldest display connector standard, old laptops have this type of port in them. Contrary to newer interfaces, they carry analog signals. Their support for higher resolutions is very limited and can go upto a resolution of 1024 x 768 px in most cases. They are now getting obsolete and manage a rare presence on newer laptops.

2. DVI-D - This is also an old display connection standard which was mainly used on high resolution monitors back in the days. They have a maximum reolution of 2560 x 1600 px (dual link). As with the case of D-Sub interfaces, even this interface is getting phased out and being replaced by new technologies.

3. HDMI - HDMI was initially introduced to connect TV's and had the capability of carrying both video and audio signals. This made the standard ideal for laptops where space for interfaces were very limited. HDMI is very convenient and supports most resolutions based on its version. HDMI versions are critical to its capability, ex- HDMI 2.0 has support for 4K at 50p/60p as opposed to the older HDMI 1.4 which could only do 4K at 30p.

4. Display Port (DP) - Display Port was introduced as a replacement to the older DVI-D connection and is a computer interface unlike HDMI. It carries both video and audio signal in them. The newest version DP 1.4 boasts of supporting 120Hz on a 4K resolution which was only limited to 75 Hz on the previous DP 1.2 interface. Similarly, DP 1.4 has access to higher resolutions and refresh rates compared to previous versions. A rule of thumb would be that latest Display Port always has access to higher resolutions and refresh rates than its latest HDMI counterpart. Hence, having this interface is always safe. An exceptional feature of Display Port is the ability to Daisy Chain monitors. Daisy Chain allows you to connect your monitor to another monitor through Display Port and go further. Ensure your monitor has DP In and DP Out port for it to support Daisy Chain function.

5. USB-C - USB-C is a known interface when it comes to mobile phones, laptops. The versatility of this connection has made it extend to even monitors. Yes, new monitors support USB-C where you can output video and audio to your monitor. Next, you can also charge your laptop through the same USB-C connection. Hence, the monitor outputs the video/audio and at the same time charges your laptop all thorough a single USB-C cable. USB-C can support high resolution and refresh rates.

6. Thunderbolt 3 - This interface was developed by Intel and Apple for . Its third version, uses the same connector as that of the USB-C and this is the point where the similarity ends. Thunderbolt-3

5. Audio In Jack - This is to connect audio signal from source (laptop or PC). This is only required when you rely connect to the D-Sub or DVI-D.

6. Headphones Jack - Monitors sport a headphone jack which allows you to connect your headphones to them. This is handy as a matter of fact that monitors are usually nearest to us and it would be very convenient as an ideal hub to connect input output devices. However, you need to note that for your headphones to work there has to be audio input to the monitor either through the Audio In port or by any of the Audio/Video Composite connections like HDMI/Dp/USB-C/Thunderbolt-3.

7. USB In - This is USB input from the Laptop/PC which enables the monitor to act as a USB Hub.

8. USB Out - USB Hub connection, useful to connect Human Interface Devices like keyboards, mouse or webcam.

Apart from ensuring interfaces that are compatible to your PC/Laptop, having new connection types like USB-C, Display Port will ensure that your monitor is future proof.

Refresh Rate is the number of times your monitor updates its screen to display the picture. They are specified in Hz that is the number of updates or refreshes in one second.Hence, a refresh rate of 60 Hz means you will be seeing the output at 60 frames per second.

Enough teaching and let us see how it really matters in the real world- Higher refresh rates results in a smoother viewing experience, basically they are more easy and comfortable on the eyes.

Does this mean higher refresh rates are good always, the answer being "Not Always", it matters for a section of users. And yes, they are gamers. The basic refresh rate offered in a monitor is 60Hz. Refresh Rates (above 120Hz) are very important and crucial in competitve gaming, it can result in a hunt or you getting hunted. Games are fast paced and every second counts. Gamers would want to be updated with each and every change and refresh rates are the perfect tool.

For consumer level gaming, refresh rate would ensure smooth gameplay and better control in games. However an important point to note is that for the feature to work, the graphics card should be able to match the rate of the monitor. For example, a 240Hz monitor would require the graphics card to deliver 240 fps for optimum results. Apart from gaming, refresh rates at 90 Hz would ensure smooth scrolling when using web browsers. Apart from that a 60Hz screen should be sufficient.

Refresh Rates are crucial if you are into gaming. Refresh rates above 90Hz would ensure smooth scrolling of web-pages or window drags. Apart from this they do not exhibit extra advantages.

Response Time is the measure of the time taken for the monitor to change a pixel's color. It is measures in 'ms'. Monitors come with 1ms, 2ms, 5ms, 10ms and above. You may ask what is the use of it, Well lower response time (below 5ms) will ensure that you do not have any ghosting (trail of colors). This is especially an important features for gamers to look into. As games involve lot of fast moving details.

Moral of the Story: Lower response time ensures you do not experience any ghosting. Respons time is an important feature to look out for gamers.

It is not a standalone inherent property but due to a combination of the Response Time is the measure of the time taken for the monitor to change a pixel's color. It is measures in 'ms'. Monitors come with 1ms, 2ms, 5ms, 10ms and above. You may ask what is the use of it, Well lower response time (below 5ms) will ensure that you do not have any ghosting (trail of colors). This is especially an important features for gamers to look into. As games involve lot of fast moving details.

Moral of the Story: Lower response time ensures you do not experience any ghosting. Respons time is an important feature to look out for gamers.

The other features that you have to look into are as below:-

A. Adaptive Sync - Adaptive Sync Technology is very important for gamers. Adaptive Sync helps to reduce "screen tearing" which occurs when your graphics card frame rate exceeds that of your monitor refresh rate. It basically is like pumping more petrol than required and experiencing jerks in a car. Hence to solve this issue, Monitors come with AMD Freesync and Nvidia GSync technologies. This allows the monitor to communicate with your graphics card and be aligned to the frame rates it is offering. Selection of GSync or Freesync will depend on the graphics card that you are using. If you are using an Nvidia Graphics Card go for a monitor with G-Sync and if AMD then go for a AMD Freesync Monitor. Doing otherway around will result in no benefits. However, Nvidia has enabled their graphics card to support Freesync Monitors, but they may come with some bugs or hiccups.

B. Peak Brightness - Peak brightness as the term suggests is the maximum brightness that the monitor can produce. It is specified in cd/m2 or nits. You will find peak brightness values of 250 cd/m2 upto a whopping 1000 cd/m2. Why is this important? you may ask, Well higher the brightness will prevent any glare on the screen i.e. room lighting or outdoor lighting overpowering the monitors display resulting in reduced visibility. Also, higher brightness improve the dynamic range capability of the monitor.

B. Curved Display - Curved Display is a new technology which benefits the users by giving a more immersive experience. This is due to the fact that our field of view is wide and curved unlike traditional monitors which are flat. Hence, curved display's give you a more natural feel and offers a lot of advantages like games are more immersive, they reduce distortion, they produce less strain on the eyes, and have a wide field of view. Also, we cannot run from the fact that this technology has no disadvantages and some of them are that they are difficult to mount on the walls, produce more glare, and may look odd if the curve radius is not smooth.

Curved displays look best in the Ultrawide (21:9) screen format offering obvious advantages as explained above. Hence, gaming would look great and immersive on an Ultrawide Curved Display.

C. Eye Care - Most of us spend atleast and average of 4 to 5 hours per day on our computers. This means that our eyes are exposed to the radiation from the monitors. From the radiations that monitors emit, blue light has found to be the most harsh of them and is known to cause many issues. Many monitors these days come with Eye Care Features which helps in minimizing the effects caused by monitors on our eyes. This can be from having color profiles, ambient sensors to adjust the brightness, flicker free technology to giving reminders every 20 minutes to take a break off.

D. Speakers - Many monitors come with speakers in them. Speakers in the range of 2W x 2, 2.5W x 2 are usually offered with these monitors. This is a very good offering considering the fact that some section of users would not be willing to shell in extra for speakers or may be using the monitor connected to the laptop. We all know how mild our laptop speakers are and the presence of speakers on the monitors will give a good and decent audio experience.