What Tyoe of Computer Monitor to Buy?

Today we have a major driving force in the technology industry. Computer monitors are primarily fueled by the need to have a small lightweight display in the computer industry along with the importance of home computer desks. Computer monitor technology has achieved leaps and bounds in the last few years. We have literally seen the home television and the computer join together to create a multimedia giant. By trading technology and swapping ideas between the two industries we see the best of both industries coupled. What do all of these new technologies mean thought? What is the best of the best you can get when it comes down to computer monitors as well as T.V's?

Well the first thing that will help you understand the new technologies in computer monitors is the type of screen used. LCD (liquid crystal display) has been the technology of choice for computers due to the fact that the actual material in the screen will not burn images into it (unlike the rival material used called plasma). Plasma screens have the tendency to burn images in or what we call ghost images in the screen permanently. This means that if you have an image in the same spot on the screen (like a network logo in the lower corner) for long periods of time it will stay on the screen or show a ghosting on the screen of that logo even when the screen changes. This is not the ideal choice for a computer monitor that has toolbars and start menus in the same place for hours if not the life of the computer. LCD screens will not burn in and still have the same viewing angles as a plasma screen does. LCD screens are considered the screen of choice.

If you get the cheapest computer monitor you will get the cheapest quality of screen. If you get a middle priced screen you will get the basic technology and if you get the most expensive you will get the newest and greatest technology out there and have to hope all the bugs have been worked out. Now more than ever when you purchase a computer monitor you need to make sure you get a basic line of technology by paying for a middle grade monitor. You get what you pay for in the technology industry. Rule of thumb, always shop around and compare monitors specifications and look for the best middle priced computer monitor. Well now you ask what are the basics I will get in a middle grade flat screen computer monitor? Today with the transition already in effect from regular DVD's to Blu-Ray DVD's a basic screen will include:

Full HD: 1080p

Resolution of: 1920x1080

Inputs: HDMI,DVI-D,VGA

Lets look at what resolution and HD (high definition) is all about. HD needs to be specified on the monitor normally it is represented with the words Full HD 1080p or True 1080p display. As long as 1080p is stated on the monitor than you know HD is covered. Resolution depends on size of the screen and the type of screen technology that is used. A rule of thumb can't be set because all of these things are dependent on the size you want, manufacture, and the kind of technology that they use. We can look at the types widely available and the resolutions available to help us in our decision:

Technology - Resolution - Info.

XGA 1024 x768 Small 17" LCD Screens /cheap

SXGA 1280 x 1024 Basic computers 19"

WXGA 1280 x 800 Lower grade in all sizes

UXGA 1600 x 1200 Medium grade around 20"

WSXGA 1680 x 1050 Better grade larger 20"

WUXGA 1920 x 1200 Large LCD screens / expensive

With this information it's just some of the main types of technology used that we can become familiar with. These details will help you in understanding LCD computer monitors and what the technology means.

Inputs are important because these are going to be the connections that your entertainment devices use to reach your monitor. Whether it be a: DVD/Blu-Ray player, computer, a really good graphics card from your computer, or a cable/satellite box all these devices need good quality connections to be able to utilize the technology used to deliver a solid crystal clear picture. The basic computer monitors of today have these kinds of connections:

Connections

- VGA (Video Graphics Array): output 640x480

VGA is seen in computer as well as television applications and considered a dyeing technology.

- DVI-I (Digital Video Interface): output 1920 x 1080

DVI-I is the first new transition technology to use a more European like connection seen in both computer and television applications.

- DVI-D (Digital Video Interface Dual) : output 2048 x 1536

Sister of the DVI-I this was designed to provide the use of a larger better resolution output for computer and televisions alike.

- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface): output 1600p

This is the newest connection seen in both outputs and inputs for both computers and televisions of today. This technology is not only the best way to deliver quality picture to but also delivers sound in one cable. The HDMI inputs uses full sound support in the formats of: LPCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, MPCM.

Those are the basics in computer monitor technology. There is more information in more detail about all the technologies covered but that is the gist of what you need to know. If you follow up and compare screens when shopping for a LCD computer monitor you will not be disappointed. We are in a great time where the technology we purchase will cover more than what the majority of us will ever need. Those of us that require more than what the basics have to offer us will know exactly what they need to look for when purchasing electronics. An LCD is lightweight, compact, saves on power, runs cooler and saves in electricity. This technology has been used for phone screens, to laptops, to televisions. No wonder it is the screen of choice today. For more information on computers and/or parts check out helpslowcomputer.com, its a site that is set up to help with your computer problems.