What is resolution?
Resolution is the measure of pixels (or dots) on the screen, a higher resolution (or more pixels) is recommended for large screens sizes or when much detail is desired. Currently for 17 - 19" monitors the resolution is usually 1280 x 1024. This resolution is suitable for the vast majority of uses.
The most popular size for computer use is 19". When looking for monitors above 21", the resolution becomes quite important.
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Is contrast important? How much do I need? [top]
Contrast ratio is a measure of the difference between the brightest white that can be produced and the darkest black. The most common contrast ratio found in LCD monitors is 700:1. A higher contrast ratio of 2000:1 may be preferable for movies and any work that involves the use of extremely dark shades of colour.
For home/business computer use a contrast ratio of 700:1 is very good. |
What is a DVI & D-Sub connection ? [top]
CRT Monitors have a basic D-Sub connection that uses an analogue signal to transmit from the computer system. Most LCD monitors also utilise this connection, however many newer LCD's now offer a DVI (or Digital Video Interface) connection. As a DVI connection uses digital signals to transmit from the PC to the monitor, it is less prone to interference and offers a slightly clearer picture than the standard D-Sub.
For graphical editing we strongly recommend the use of a DVI connection. A DVI connection will ensure the clearest image quality without interference or blur.
What is response time (ms)? [top]
A response time on LCD monitors is simply a measurement (in milliseconds) of how fast each pixel can respond to colour changes. Generally a response time slower than 16ms is considered poor and can result in motion blur when fast moving objects move across the screen. The newer and more common response time is now 8ms, but monitors are now available as quick as 2ms. For playing games a response time of 8ms or faster is suitable, for movies 12ms is fine and for office use anything up to 20ms will be okay. What Brightness level is recommended ? [top]
Whilst the brightness level should be kept in mind when deciding on the right monitor it is not of great importance as virtually all LCD's are extremely bright. A brightness level of 250nits is the most common and is recommended for most uses.
What is the Viewing Angle? [top]
Due to the restrictions with the technology, LCD monitors are subject to a Viewing Angle. Simply put, this is the angle you can view the image at before it becomes dark or off-colour. If an LCD has a low viewing angle (ie 120-130 degrees) when viewed from the side it would appear very dark or not be visible at all.
Viewing angles are stated for each model for the horizontal and vertical angles. The horizontal angel is stated first followed by the Vertical angle (EG: 160/130 = 160 horizontal and 130 vertical).
Generally the Vertical viewing angle is not as important as the horizontal angle. We recommend a 160 or higher horizontal viewing angle for most uses.
Do speakers come with each monitor? [top]
Some LCD monitors come with small 1-3 watt speakers inbuilt to allow office and home users to save on space by using the inbuilt speakers instead of having large desk speakers. These speakers only come on some models and tend to be relatively weak so, whilst are good for music and background sounds, are not great for high volumes.
Can I use my monitor for TV or XBOX/PS2 Game Consoles? [top]
Computer monitors do not usually come with a TV Tuner nor have the inputs suitable for DVD players or game consoles. There are a limited quantity of monitors that offer these inputs however generally these cost a little more. Some of the newest consoles like the Xbox 360 can work with a standard monitor when used with a VGA adapter.
Avermedia offer TV Boxes that can change any standard monitor into a TV by offering a TV Tuner plus all the inputs required to plug in a game console and DVD player. Please contact our sales office for information on these.
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Is there anything else to look out for ? [top]
Before making your purchase decision its always best to be certain of what kind of use you need the monitor for. Will it be used for performance gaming or for general multimedia use? Will it be used for television/movies or just for Word documents? These sort of questions will help you find out what response time you need, what contrast ratio is suitable and even what size of monitor you should select.
Before purchasing, whether from us or a competitor, please feel free to contact us to discuss the monitor you are thinking of purchasing. We like to ensure you are getting the monitor that's right for your needs. Many resellers and retailers only hold some models and therefore attempt to sell what they have in stock. At Just Monitors we have a massive quantity of stock available, stored in distribution warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. We are therefore never pressured to sell one particular model or 'what we have lying around'.
What monitors are recommended? [top]
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LG W1942T-SF 19" LCD MONITOR with DVI |
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For general use, gaming, business, and some graphic design the LG W1942T-SF is the perfect choice, it's a true all-rounder.
The W1942T isn't just sleek, it offers many features essential in getting a great image. It comes with both DVI and D-sub inputs making sure it's compatible with almost any computer. It features a suprisingly speedy 5ms response time ensuring no streaking or motion trails even with fast video or gaming. The W1942T also has an amazing 8000:1 contrast ratio producing deep blacks and rich colours making it good for games and movies as well as all the normal office applications.
As an added bonus it has an exceptional 170° viewing angle giving a clear crisp picture even when viewing on a very sharp angle.
The W1942T is also backed by a 3 year on-site warranty with an exceptional zero dead pixel policy, ensuring you'll get a perfect panel. |
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BENQ E2200HD 22" Full HD Widescreen LCD MONITOR |
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For general a great 22inch lcd which would be used for gaming, business, and some graphic design the BenQ E2200HD is the perfect choice, it's a genuine powerhouse.
The E2200HD is sleek and offers many very powerfull features essential in getting a great image. It comes with both DVI and VGA inputs making sure it's compatible with almost any computer and adds on a HDMI input which newer laptops and computers are being equiped with. |
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A lightning fast 2 ms response time ensures no streaking or motion trails even with fast video or gaming. The E2200HD also has an amazing 10,000:1 contrast ratio producing deep blacks and rich colours making it good for games and movies as well as all the normal office applications.
Where the E2200HD really stands out is the Full HD native resolution making it uniqe in the 22inch market. The 1920 x 1080 reolution means you will get a massive amount of detail from games office applications or even movies.
As with most of the new BenQ range this one features an exceptional 170° viewing angle giving a clear crisp picture even when viewing on a very sharp angle.
The E2200HD is also backed by a 3 year warranty. |
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VIEWSONIC VX2835WM 28" LCD WIDESCREEN MONITOR
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This new release from Viewsonic not only offers a huge 28" lcd panel but a ultra fast 3ms response time as well, making it excellent for games and office use. The wide screen makes for a much easier to manage desktop, allowing office and home users to have more windows open side by side than a standard monitor. The massive 28 inch panel isn't just handy if you want to have documents side by side but in many modern design programs whether they are for web sesign or graphics they have toolbars on the sides they extra horizontal real estate is handy for them all.
The panel itself is surprisingly high quality. With a 160° viewing angle and the very respectable 800:1 contrast ratio you can expect a very clear image with every detailed shading (particularly of darker images that older monitors have trouble with). The wide variety of inputs also allow you to use it as a TV or to connect up to a games console making it a real mutlipurpose monitor.
The VX2835WM comes with the stylish Viewsonic VX stand that we all love and is backed by a 3 year limited on-site warranty and 30 day 0 dead pixel policy. In the 28" wide screen range, this is our no. 1 choice. |
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For more recommendations that meet your special needs, please feel free to call us 1300 739 131 |
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