How to Compare LCD Monitors
Monitors have come a long way, in both performance and form factor, since the era of the bulky CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) models. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor displays are more brilliant, a lot thinner and more compatible with electronic components than CRT monitors. With the advancements of LCD technology and features, choosing the right one for you may seem a little overwhelming. However, by knowing a bit about LCD monitor features, you can make an informed purchase.
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Instructions
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Rate your choices of LCD monitors by their native resolution. A monitor's resolution details the amount of pixels that a monitor can produce to display an image--and the more pixels available for image reproduction, the more defined the image will be. Monitors support many different resolutions, but the native resolution is a monitor's true pixel count. When using a monitor outside of its native resolution, the monitor simply tries to emulate the resolution setting--making images larger or smaller, and less defined.
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Compare the screen sizes and ratios of your LCD monitor choices. The screen sizes of LCD monitors are designed around two main ratio formats--4:3 for standard screen format and 16:9 for widescreen format (meaning for every 16 horizontal units, the screen will be 9 units vertically). Generally speaking, the more screen space you have, the better. The 16:9 format is especially desirable for movie enthusiasts--it's the standard format for DVD movies.
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Rank the contrast ratios of your LCD monitor selections. The contrast ratio is a measurement to give you of an idea of how wide a monitor's color spectrum is. Displayed in 2000:1 format, the largest number in the ratio describes how many times brighter the bright color of the monitor is compared to the darkest color.
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Rate your LCD monitor choices by response times. The response time, rated in milliseconds, describes how long it takes for a monitor to display new video data. Response time is an important factor to note if you intend to use your LCD monitor for gaming. Reflex is key in gaming, and if your monitor doesn't display new visual data fast enough, your response to the game will be off.
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Compare your choices of LCD monitors by the video ports they have. The standard VGA connection will usually be included, but check to see which of your choices also offer DVI--the digital alternative to the analog VGA port.
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Decide which LCD monitor technology suits your needs best. According to PC Hardware Help's website, the three main LCD monitor technologies are "In-Plane Switching," "Vertical Alignment" and "Twisted Nematic"--with twisted nematic being the most popular. In-plane switching monitors have great response times and color reproductions, but are edged in black deepness by vertical alignment monitors. Vertical alignment monitors have good viewing angles and deep black colors, but lack in response time. Twisted nematic monitors offer quick response times, but narrow viewing angles.
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Tips & Warnings
The best way to find out if a monitor is right for you is to try it out. Keep in mind the store's return/exchange policy. If you are unhappy with your monitor's performance, you can generally exchange it.
LCD monitor manufacturers, like many other electronics manufacturers, often provide their monitor specifications based on the best test results--as opposed to the average.
