Product type
— Monitor. In this case, we mean monitors designed mainly for classic use — as a screen for a personal computer. Their functionality can be quite diverse — from entry-level screens with 1-2 inputs for connection to multifunctional models with built-in speakers, TV tuners, remote controls, etc. The same applies to the diagonal. Most traditional monitors are in the 22-30" range (these sizes are currently considered optimal for screens whose distance is determined by the width of the desktop), but there are also large-format devices whose diagonal can exceed 32".
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Portable monitor. A separate caste of monitors designed to connect to laptops. They are distinguished by small diagonal sizes, not exceeding 18", a thin format and the absence of a stand, as a result of which they look like tablets.
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Game monitor. Monitors considered optimal for gaming. These are not necessarily devices specially designed for this application (although there are some); however, all gaming monitors have a number of features that gamers will surely appreciate. Firstly, the resolution (see below) in such models is not lower than Full HD. Secondly, the matrices have a low response time — less than 5 ms, which allows high-quality display of dynamic scenes; and the frame rate often reaches 120 Hz or even more (although there are quite modest values). Thirdly, devices of this type often have special gaming (see below
...) and similar features — in particular, most gaming monitors are compatible with FreeSync and/or G-Sync technologies (see "Features").
— LCD panel. One of the key features that distinguish LCD panels from conventional monitors is the wide variety of connectors: in addition to video outputs, it includes auxiliary ports such as LAN or RS-232 (see "Connectors (Optional)"). It is also believed that the LCD panel must be hung on the wall without fail, but this has its own specifics. Many devices of this type are really made only for wall installation, and some models can be combined into a video wall that broadcasts one image to several screens. But besides this, there are solutions equipped with stands and allowing desktop use (and sometimes even originally designed for it). At the same time, the first variety, "purely wall-mounted", can have almost any diagonal — including modest 21 – 22 "; but the dimensions of "desktop" panels start at 32", moreover, they most often have advanced matrices like IPS. Anyway, such screens are used mainly in rather specific areas. So, wall mounting is convenient for organizing information boards at stations, airports, shopping centers, for use at exhibition stands, conference rooms, etc. Desktop models are useful for those for whom large size and high image quality are of key importance . Also among them there are many devices with touch screens, which further expands the user experience.
— Plasma panel. These types of devices are similar in many ways to the LCD panels described above, but they also have some key differences. The main one is the technology used for the screen: instead of a liquid crystal matrix, plasma panels use cells filled with a special gas and covered with a luminous substance — a phosphor. This technology provides very high image quality, with deep colour reproduction and contrast. At the same time, it is not easy to create a small plasma cell, which is why the pixels on this type of screens have more stringent restrictions on the minimum size. As a result, plasma panels, in principle, are never small — 42 "is considered almost the minimum size for such a screen. In addition, the reverse side of the described advantages is also a slightly shorter service life and higher cost than LCD matrices. As a result," plasma" has not received much distribution, such devices are bought mainly not for "public", but for personal use — for example, as a home theater screen or as equipment for an advanced gamer.
— Video wall. Models designed to build video walls. Such a wall is an array of numerous closely arranged screens that can work in concert and produce a large overall image; each screen is responsible for its own fragment of the picture. Such designs are used, in particular, at concerts and other public events, where there are no longer enough separate screens. The main feature of monitors for video walls is a very thin frame — due to this, the boundaries between the segments are almost invisible, and the image is perceived as a whole.
— Information display. Narrow-purpose equipment, assuming a stationary method of installation. Such displays are mounted on the wall, built into special niches or openings. They are intended to work as digital signage, broadcast advertising materials, play various video content. Individual instances of information displays can support touch control, have a pre-installed Smart operating system and other "smart" features. As a rule, specialized proprietary software is used to control the operation of such equipment.Response time (GtG)
The time each individual pixel on the monitor takes to switch from one state to another. The
lower the response time, the faster the matrix responds to the control signal, resulting in less delay and better image quality in dynamic scenes.
Note that in this case, the gray-to-gray method is used (the time it takes to switch from 10% gray to 90% gray). Pay attention to this parameter if the monitor is specifically purchased for fast-paced games, movie watching, or other applications involving quick screen movements. However, there’s no need to chase the fastest models. It’s not often possible to discern the difference between
1 ms and
5 ms. For most scenarios,
monitors with a 4 ms response time will suffice. In any case, it’s best to rely on live impressions for a true comparison.
Response time (MPRT)
The parameter expresses how long an object moving in the frame is displayed on the screen until it completely disappears. The lower this indicator, the more realistic dynamic scenes look on the monitor. The reaction of the matrix to movements clearly shows the time of existence of the trail from the changing picture. The MPRT parameter is more dependent on the refresh rate of the monitor screen than on the pixel response time. To reduce its value, the Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) function is often used, which briefly turns off the backlight at the end of the time of dynamic frames in order to increase the clarity of dynamic scenes.
TÜV Rheinland certificate
Display certification for safe blue light emissions and panel flicker. The presence of a certificate confirms the comfort of the screen for the eyes.
TÜV Rheinland is a large international concern headquartered in Cologne, Germany, providing a wide range of audit services. The company's specialists have developed and approved a number of tests for the compliance of the screens of mobile devices, monitors and TVs with the required level of eye protection from the harmful effects of display radiation on the user's vision on the other side of the screen. The authoritative opinion of TÜV Rheinland is respected in the tech community. Certificates from this body are issued to successfully tested electronics for the implementation of blue light filtering and screen flicker suppression technologies.
Portrait pivot
The screen is 90° rotatable on a stand, from landscape (horizontal) to portrait (vertical). The vertical orientation of the screen (
portrait mode) can be useful, for example, when working with large documents made in portrait orientation.
Screen swivel
The presence of
a swivel stand in the design of the monitor allows you to change not only the angle of the screen (of course everyone has it), but also its rotation to the right and left. The angle of rotation depends on the model, but anyway, even a slight deviation allows you to quickly adjust the position of the monitor to your needs.
Height adjustment
The ability to move the monitor screen up and down relative to the base. This feature is very convenient for
adjusting the height of the screen — moving it on the mount is much easier than looking for a stand or resorting to other tricks.
Fast charge
Availability in the monitor USB port with function of
fast charging. This connector is used to charge batteries in various gadgets (smartphones, tablets, etc.). It differs from conventional USB ports in increased power supply; in addition, this connector may not support any other functions at all, except for charging.
Note that in modern technology various special technologies can be used to speed up the charging process. So before buying a monitor with this feature, it doesn't hurt to check if it supports any of these technologies and whether they will be compatible with devices that you plan to charge.
Game Features
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Aim. The ability to display crosshairs on the screen (usually in the centre) — moreover, due to the operation of the monitor itself, regardless of the game settings. This feature can be useful in some "shooters" — for example, if the game itself does not have a traditional crosshair and accurate shooting is possible only when using sights on weapons, or if some types of weapons do not provide crosshairs at all. On many monitors, the shape and/or colour of the crosshairs can be selected from several options.
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Timer. Possibility to display time counter on the screen. This feature is designed mainly for real-time strategy, although it can be useful in other cases — for example, if a gamer tends to get carried away and forget that you need to stop the game in time. Usually, the timer scale is made translucent — this provides good visibility and at the same time does not interfere with the process.
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FPS display. The ability to display the current frame rate on the monitor right during the game. This function allows you to control the load on the video adapter and makes it easier to select the optimal detail settings so that the game does not turn into a “slideshow” and at the same time the picture remains more or less high-quality. Note that the ability to display FPS is available in some games, but for a full guarantee it is better to have such a tool
...in the monitor itself.
— Highlighting dark areas. A function that allows you to increase the brightness of certain dark areas on the screen without "highlighting" the rest of the image. One of the most popular ways to use this feature is to detect enemies hiding in dark places.