20.1" LCD Flat Panel Game Monitor Terms and Definitions
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Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of hardware we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to 20.1" LCD Flat Panel Game Monitor.
Ratings DisplayThe rating criterion is the most important aspect of a gaming monitor. We evaluated the contrast ratio, dot pitch, brightness, response time, viewing angles and scanning frequencies. Ideally a game monitor will have a contrast ratio of 1000:1 or higher, a dot pitch of .255 mm or less, a brightness of 300 cd/m2 , a response time of 4ms or faster, a viewing angle of 170° or more and scanning frequencies of 85kHz or faster. We did not find this “ideal” monitor in this price range, but we rated highest the models with a combination of the best color dimension, lowest dot pitch and quickest response time. Features Besides excellent display, many monitors offer additional features such as pivot or Picture–in–Picture technology, speakers or even remote controls. Display Adjustments We looked at front panel as well as user controls. It is practical to have quick adjustments such as brightness, menu, source and volume on the front panel and multiple color and position adjustments available through the user controls (OSD, OSM). Physical Adjustments Since hours upon hours can be spent in front of a monitor, it is nice if it can be adjusted to a comfortable viewing position. Product Support Should problems occur, support must be easily accessible and product documentation ought to be comprehensive. Display Contrast RatioThis is a way of measuring dynamic range, related as a ratio. The ratio is found by comparing the brightness at the screen center when all the pixels are white to when the pixels are black. The contrast ratio is an indicator as to how rich colors will appear. Generally, the higher the number the better the image–whites whiter, blacks blacker. For game monitors, we looked for the highest ratio, generally those that had 1000:1 or higher. Dot Pitch (mm) Sometimes referred to as phosphor pitch, this measurement indicates the diagonal distance between like–colored dots on a display screen. The dot pitch is one of the principal characteristics that determines the quality of display, the lower the number, the crisper the image. For games, this is especially important; the best we found are .255 mm. Response Time, Typical (ms) There are many disputes over this measurement, some measure the time it takes to change a pixel color from entirely black to entirely white and back, others measure gray–to–gray (color to another color). In 2006, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) is planning on standardizing the process and procedure used to relate the response time. Generally speaking the quicker the better, for gaming monitors we looked at times of 8ms or less. Brightness (cd/m^2) Luminance or brightness is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2). Generally, 300 cd/m2 is the standard, lower is not bright enough and higher begins to limit the side–viewing angle. Viewing Angle-Horizontal The horizontal viewing angle is the maximum side angle from which the viewer can see the screen clearly. For example, a viewing angle of 170° means that from the center of the screen, display can be seen clearly 85° from the left or right, which means that potentially more than one person can view a screen at the same time. Viewing Angle-Vertical This viewing angle is the maximum above and below viewing range. Scanning Frequencies-Horizontal (kHz) The number of times the electron beam sweeps the entire screen horizontally in one second. These scanning frequencies fluctuate, but generally the faster the better, 85kHz or more is optimal. Scanning Frequencies-Vertical The number of times the electron beam sweeps the entire screen vertically in one second. Input Digital (DVI-D)If a monitor has a digital interface, it has digital as well as backwards compatibility to analog. DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. Analog (DSUB)(RGB) A monitor with only an analog connection is common for outdated or lower end models. However, all the game applicable monitors are both digital and backwards compatible to analog. S Video Short for super video–transmits video signals through a cable and produces a sharper image than composite video. Audio Many monitors have an audio input and speakers. USB 2.0 Ports High–speed ports that can be used to connect peripheral devices. Compatibility PCPC compatible monitors work with many types of computers such as Dell, HP or Alienware. MAC These monitors are compatible with Macintosh systems; however, many require a special adapter. Physical Adjustments TiltThe monitor is able to tilt forward or backwards. Swivel Side–to–side twists. Height A monitor with this capability can move up and down. Pivot The ability to turn a monitor on its side (upright) Power Power (Watts)This is the wattage used during standard operation. Stand by (Watts) Wattage use while in stand by or rest mode. Dimensions Width (in)Measurement in inches across the monitor (including screen and bezel), the smaller the measurement the thinner the bezel. Depth w/stand (in) The measurement from the front of the monitor to the back of the stand, this gives a good idea about how much desk space the monitor requires. Product Support Manual/ User GuideAlmost all of the manufactures we reviewed include downloadable user manuals online and/or include them with the product. FAQs/ Knowledge Base Online sources of information like FAQs, which answer Frequently Asked Questions or a searchable knowledge base. Email/ Online Form It is accommodating if users can contact technical support by email to ask questions the website information does not address. The best manufactures respond quickly to email requests and provide relevant feedback. Telephone Technical support by either a toll–free or other phone number. Chat/ Instant Messaging Instant help offered through online chat or an instant messaging service. ©2003 – 2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc. |
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