The Monitor Market: Who's Buying And Why?

Monitors are a common purchase for those who want to improve their viewing experience, whether for work or play. Many people choose to pair their desktop computers with a monitor, and some even opt for a second monitor to spread out files, games, and more. With advancements in technology, there are now various types of monitors available, such as LCD, LED, IPS, and VA, each offering unique features and benefits. When purchasing a monitor, it is essential to consider factors such as screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and response time to ensure the monitor suits your specific needs.

What to consider when buying a monitor

There are several things to consider when buying a monitor. Firstly, the intended use of the monitor is important. For example, if the monitor is for gaming, a high refresh rate and low response time are important, whereas professionals should prioritise colour accuracy. The resolution of the monitor is also key, with 4K offering ultra-high definition and crystal-clear images. The size of the monitor is another factor, with larger monitors providing a more immersive experience but at a higher cost. The display technology used is also important, with OLED offering the highest level of performance. Other considerations include the ports available, the refresh rate, and the curvature of the monitor. It is also worth thinking about the features you may want, such as a touchscreen interface, adjustable stands, or dual-monitor capabilities.

Intended Use

The first thing to consider when buying a monitor is how you plan to use it. For example, if you are a gamer, you will need a monitor with a fast refresh rate and low response time. If you are a professional, such as a photographer or graphic designer, colour accuracy and high resolution are more important. For general use, a monitor with a high-contrast VA panel is a good choice.

Resolution

The resolution of a monitor refers to the number of pixels it can display. A higher resolution will provide a sharper image and allow you to display more information on the screen. Common resolutions include Full HD (1920 x 1080), Quad HD (2560 x 1440), and 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160). 4K resolution offers ultra-high definition and crystal-clear images, making it a good choice for gamers, graphics professionals, and movie fans.

Size

The size of the monitor is also an important consideration. Larger monitors provide a more immersive experience and give you more usable space to work with. However, they can be more expensive and may require more desk space. Common sizes for workplace monitors range from 22 to 27 inches, while larger monitors of 32 inches or more are also available.

Display Technology

Different types of display technology are used in monitors, including liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), and organic light-emitting diode (OLED). OLED offers the highest level of performance, with crystal-clear images and a high level of detail. LED monitors are thinner, more energy-efficient, and produce brighter images than LCD monitors.

Ports

When choosing a monitor, it is important to consider the ports it has available. Common types of ports used in computer monitors include DisplayPort, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), and High-Definition Multimedia Input (HDMI). It is important to ensure that the monitor has the correct ports to connect to your computer and other devices.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a monitor refers to the number of times it updates with new information per second and is measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate provides a smoother image with less choppy motion blur. For gaming, a refresh rate of at least 75 Hz is recommended, while a 60 Hz refresh rate is sufficient for general use.

Curvature

Curved monitors offer a more immersive experience with a large field of view and are said to be less straining on the eyes. However, they can be prone to glare when viewed from certain angles. Curved monitors are typically ultrawide and at least 30 inches, which can increase the cost.

Monitor resolution options

When it comes to monitors, resolution is a key consideration. The display resolution refers to the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. This is usually quoted as width x height, for example, 1024 x 768.

There are several standard resolution options available for monitors:

• Full HD (1920 x 1080): This is the most common resolution option and is suitable for monitors ranging from 22 to 27 inches. It is also known as 1080p and offers crystal-clear visuals for everyday use, gaming, and watching movies and videos.
• Quad HD (2560 x 1440): Also known as QHD or WQHD, this resolution provides sharper images and is commonly found on 27 to 32-inch monitors. It is ideal for demanding applications such as CAD, graphic design, and professional photo and video editing.
• 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160): Delivering four times the pixels of Full HD, 4K resolution is perfect for immersive gaming, high-resolution photo and video editing, and multitasking. It is commonly found on monitors 27 inches and above.
• 5K (5120 x 2880): A premium resolution found on large, high-end monitors, offering seven times the pixel density of Full HD. It is ideal for creative professionals who require exceptional detail.

When choosing a monitor resolution, it's important to consider your specific needs. For basic tasks, Full HD may be sufficient, while professionals in multimedia fields may require the higher resolutions offered by QHD or 4K. Additionally, it's worth noting that higher resolutions typically require more powerful hardware to run effectively.

Monitor size options

Monitor size is a crucial factor when optimising your desktop setup. The right size will depend on your needs and the space you have available.

Monitors come in a range of sizes, from 15-inch screens to displays over 50 inches. The most common monitor size is 24 inches, which offers a good balance between screen real estate and desk space. However, 27-inch monitors are becoming increasingly popular, and 27 to 34 inches is considered the average range for home computer users.

For basic tasks and small spaces, a compact 22-24-inch monitor will be suitable. These monitors are affordable and can easily fit on most desks. If you're looking for a monitor for general computing tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, a 24-27-inch display will provide a comfortable viewing experience.

If you're a gamer or a multimedia professional, a larger screen size is recommended. A 27-32-inch monitor will provide ample space for gaming or detailed multimedia work. For immersive gaming experiences or video editing, a 34+-inch ultrawide monitor can be a great option. These larger monitors allow for easier multitasking and side-by-side window arrangements.

When choosing a monitor size, consider your available desk space, the primary use of the monitor, resolution requirements, and your graphics card capabilities. While larger monitors can provide benefits such as increased screen real estate and reduced eye strain, they may also require more desk space and can be more expensive.

In terms of resolution, 1080p is the baseline for most monitors, offering clear images at an affordable price. For larger monitors (27 inches and above), a resolution of 1440p or 4K is recommended to maintain image quality. Ultrawide monitors also offer unique resolutions, such as 2560 x 1080 or 3440 x 1440, providing broad horizontal pixel counts.

Monitor features

When it comes to monitors, there are a plethora of features to consider. From resolution and aspect ratio to refresh rate and response time, each feature plays a crucial role in determining the overall performance and user experience. Here are some key monitor features to look out for:

• Resolution: Resolution refers to the width and height of the screen in terms of pixels. Common resolutions include Full HD (1920 x 1080), Quad HD (2560 x 1440), and 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160). A higher resolution results in a clearer and more detailed image.
• Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio is the proportion of width to height. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 21:9 (ultrawide). Ultrawide monitors offer a more immersive viewing experience and are ideal for gaming and watching movies.
• Refresh Rate: Refresh rate is the frequency at which the screen updates the image, measured in hertz. A higher refresh rate provides a smoother viewing experience and is particularly important for gaming. While 60Hz was once the standard, monitors now offer refresh rates of 120Hz, 144Hz, and even higher.
• Response Time: Response time measures how quickly a pixel can change colour, typically measured in milliseconds. Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, resulting in a clearer image.
• Panel Types: There are several types of LCD panels used in monitors, including In-Plane Switching (IPS), Vertical Alignment (VA), and Twisted Nematic (TN). IPS panels offer wide viewing angles and accurate colours, while VA panels provide better contrast and black levels. TN panels are typically more affordable and offer faster response times.
• High Dynamic Range (HDR): HDR improves contrast, colour accuracy, and brightness. Monitors with HDR can display a wider range of colours and deliver a more immersive viewing experience.
• Brightness and Contrast Ratio: Brightness, measured in nits, is important for using the monitor in well-lit environments. A higher contrast ratio results in brighter highlights and deeper blacks, improving the overall image quality.
• Colour Accuracy and Gamut: Colour accuracy is measured by delta-E (ΔE), with lower values indicating more accurate colour representation. The colour gamut refers to the range of colours a monitor can display. A wider gamut allows for a more vibrant and accurate image.
• Viewing Angle: The viewing angle specifies how far off-centre you can view the screen before the image quality degrades. A wider viewing angle is ideal for situations where multiple people will be viewing the screen simultaneously.
• Connections and Ports: Ensure the monitor has the necessary connections and ports for your devices, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and more.
• Adjustability and Ergonomics: Look for a monitor with a stand that offers height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. This allows for a more comfortable and ergonomic viewing experience.
• Size and Form Factor: Consider the size of the monitor and whether it will fit comfortably in your space. Ultrawide and curved monitors provide a more immersive experience but require more desk space.
• Additional Features: Some monitors offer built-in speakers, webcams, USB hubs, and other integrated accessories. These can enhance the functionality and convenience of the monitor.

When choosing a monitor, it's important to consider your intended use. For example, gamers typically require higher refresh rates and response times, while multimedia professionals need accurate colours and higher resolutions. By understanding the various monitor features and specifications, you can make an informed decision to select the best monitor for your needs.

Monitor connections

VGA

VGA (Video Graphics Array) is one of the oldest connection standards available on the market today. It was first introduced by IBM in 1987 and was commonly used for older video cards, computer monitors, TVs, and laptops. Nowadays, VGA connections are harder to find as they are being replaced by newer display technologies. VGA can carry high resolutions and frame rates, but the image quality is not as clear as some newer alternatives.

DVI

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a newer connection type that offers a sharper and better picture quality than VGA. It can transmit both analog and digital signals, supporting higher resolutions and frequencies. DVI is still commonly found on desktops and LCD monitors, but like VGA, it is being gradually replaced by more modern connection types.

HDMI

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a newer generation port that has become the standard for connecting modern devices. HDMI ports can transfer both video and audio, eliminating the need for separate cables. They are commonly found on TVs, laptops, and various other devices. HDMI has different sizes, including mini-HDMI and micro-HDMI, but they all serve the same function. HDMI is the default home theater connection standard due to its ability to transmit both sound and video.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort connectors are commonly found on PCs and look similar to HDMI ports. They carry both video and audio signals and are capable of handling higher resolutions and frame rates than HDMI. For example, DisplayPort can manage 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps, resulting in a smoother picture for fast-moving games and movies.

USB Type-C/Thunderbolt

USB Type-C, also known as Thunderbolt, is a versatile connection type that can be plugged in regardless of its position. It supports the transmission of video, audio, data, and power, making it a popular choice for TVs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets. USB Type-C is highly compatible with a wide range of devices, especially newer ones.

Other Connections

In addition to the above, there are other types of monitor connections, such as SDI (Serial Digital Interface), AV (RCA), and NDI (Network Device Interface). SDI is commonly used in production environments due to its longer range and reliability. AV (RCA) inputs are used to receive analog audio and visual signals, while NDI allows for the transmission of audio and video via an ethernet network.

Frequently asked questions