Buyers Guide To LCD Monitors

When buying a LCD monitor, factors to consider comprise of the following: response time, pixel pitch, screen size, viewing angles, brightness levels, contrast ratio, dead pixels, and screen resolution.

Panel Type: The panel type of an LCD monitor is one of the most important factors you should be aware of before purchasing. Modern LCD monitors generally utilize one of three main LCD panel types: IPS, VA and TN. IPS monitors are the hardest to find and most expensive panel type, but in general offers the best image quality of the three. IPS based monitors are a perfect solution for graphic designers or anyone who deals with photo editing and needs accurate colors. VA panels are similar to IPS, but their viewing angles are slightly more limited and many VA based monitors suffer from a problem called color shifting, where the color displayed will literally "shift" as you move your head. VA panels are produced in greater quantities and they are usually cheaper than IPS based monitors. VA based monitors provide the highest contrast ratios of any LCD panel type. TN panels are at the low end of LCD panel types. TN based monitors are very affordable and offer excellent response times and the least amount of input lag, making them ideal for fast paced gaming. Unfortunately, TN based panels have the worst color accuracy and viewable angles of the three panel types.

Response Time: Response time is described as the duration of time, in milliseconds (ms), it takes for the panel to turn a pixel on and off. Slow response times can lead to motion blur in fast moving video or games. Although subjective, a response time of 16ms or lower is recommended for general, all purpose use. If the monitor will be used primarily for fast paced gaming that requires quick reaction times, it would be wise to look for a monitor with a response time of 6ms and below.

Pixel Pitch: Amount of space between pixels in a panel; also known as dot pitch. A smaller pixel pitch will produce a cleaner, more sharp image.

Screen Size: Generally, the larger the screen size, the higher the screen resolution which allows for more productivity. Unlike CRT monitors, which were measured by the diagonal length from the bottom left to the top right of the screen (case frame included), LCD monitors are measured by the actual viewable area of the LCD panel.

Viewing Angles: Most LCD panels have limited viewing angles, some more than others. They lose contrast and become hard to read at some angles, while having better contrast and are easier to read at others angles.

Brightness: The measure of how much light an LCD panel can produce is measured in candelas per meter squared (also known as nits). Generally, the higher the nits, the better the image quality will be.

Contrast Ratio: This is the measure of difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the darkest black. An LCD panel with a high contrast ratio should have better color representation than one with a lower contrast ratio.

Dead Pixels: A dead pixel (also know as a stuck pixel) is a defective pixel that remains a solid color or stays either unlit or permanently lit. If dead pixels are noticeable on an LCD panel they can become very distracting. Most LCD manufacturers have improved their manufacturing process to minimize or stop dead pixels, though one or two dead pixels are still common on lower quality LCD panels. Before purchasing check with the retailer about their return policy regarding stuck pixels. Some will not allow return/replacement unless the monitor has more than a specific amount of dead or stuck pixels.

Resolution: LCD monitors are usually ran in their native resolution. A monitors' native resolution is determined by the amount of horizontal and vertical pixels that form the LCD matrix of the monitor. If a LCD monitor is not set to run in the native resolution the panel will be forced to enable extrapolation. Extrapolation attempts to blend a group of pixels together to create and mimic the image as if the monitor was running at the associated resolution. The extrapolation process can lead to fuzzy picture and a loss of clarity. LCD monitors should always be set to their native resolution for the best possible picture quality.

When choosing a LCD monitor, you should always observe the image quality of the unit in person before you purchase. Image quality varies greatly in LCD monitors due to many variables; a monitor should be selected with display characteristics that match your personal preferences.

When buying any LCD monitor, there are two surface coating options to choose from: Matte or Glossy. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages.

Matte (Anti-Reflective)
Matte coatings on LCD monitors are used to reduce glare and make it possible to more easily read the display in direct sunlight. This is accomplished by diffusing a moderate amount of ambient light with a polarized coating. Unfortunately, this also limits the brightness and contrast ratios of LCD monitors using matte coatings. Some matte coatings are also overly aggressive; resulting in a display that appears "dusty" on light or white images and produces text that appears blurrier than normal.

Glossy
A glossy finish allows for higher contrast ratios and brightness levels. Glossy displays will often come across as more "vibrant" when compared to a display using a matte, anti-reflective coating. They also create very clear, crisp text. Glossy monitors also have a few cons. There will be nothing to block any light sources, leading to a very reflective, mirror like surface. If the glossy monitor is located in a room with windows, any sunlight that reaches the display will produce large amounts of glare; especially on darker images. For this reason many graphics designers and users who require consistent color accuracy choose displays with a matte coating. Monitors with a glossy finish are also susceptible to smudging and fingerprints.

The deciding factor when selecting either glossy or matte really boils down to your tolerance for glare and whether you have complete control of the room lighting where the monitor will be located. Glossy is an excellent choice if glare isn't of much concern (you will always have some glare, unless the room is completely dark), the monitor will not receive any direct sunlight and higher contrast/brightness levels are needed. However, most users are simply too bothered by glare and a matte coating is the best solution for this problem.

IPS based panels are the best all around panel type and VA panels provide the best contrast ratios. TN panels may suffer from bad viewing angles and low color accuracy, but they also have advantages and a purpose of their own. Their fast response times and low input lag make TN panels the perfect solution for a PC system strictly used for gaming. Not only are they the best panel type if your primary use will be gaming, but they are also the cheapest panel type available. If choosing to go the TN route, you should be able to go larger in screen size over a similarly priced IPS based monitor. For example, the VE278Q from ASUS is a 27-inch LED backlit LCD monitor priced at only $320. A 27-inch IPS based LCD monitor would cost around 3x the ASUS VE278Q.