Understanding Rgbw Tilting Lcd Monitors: Ultimate Viewing Experience

An RGBW tilting LCD monitor is a display that can be repositioned using a hinge or pivot and utilizes a pixel structure called RGBW (or WRGB), which differs from the RGB structure that 4K UHD TVs employ. This method converts some of the RGB sub-pixels to white (W) light, reducing the number of pixels that can produce colours by 25%. This results in a lower quality and less detailed picture on the screen. Tilting LCD screens are often preferred by photographers as they are more flexible and allow for shots at various angles, including high, low, and waist-level shooting.

RGBW vs RGB

The main difference between RGB and RGBW is that the latter has an additional white light diode, which offers several benefits.

RGBW is an improvement on the RGB model, which combines red, green, and blue to create a wide range of colours. The addition of white light means RGBW can produce a pure white light, which is not possible with RGB. This is because RGB attempts to create white by mixing red, green, and blue in a 1:1:1 ratio, but the colour filters result in a loss of brightness.

The inclusion of a white LED chip also improves light quality and efficiency, while lowering energy usage. RGBW has a higher light transmittance than RGB, which absorbs and blends some light. This means RGBW can provide brighter light while using the same amount of energy as RGB.

RGBW also has a higher Colour Rendering Index (CRI), meaning it can more accurately replicate an object's original colour. This makes it ideal for illuminating complicated and precise situations, such as a shopping mall or hotel.

However, there are still situations where RGB lights are more suitable. These include:

• Ambient lighting in spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or entertainment areas where the primary goal is to set a mood with changing colours.
• Decorative lighting, such as accentuating architectural features, shelves, or decorative elements in a room.
• Outdoor lighting displays, including holiday decorations or landscape lighting where dynamic colour-changing effects are desired.
• Themed environments like playrooms, creative spaces, or themed parties where the emphasis is on colourful and creative lighting rather than functional white light.
• Budget-conscious projects where cost is a significant factor and the application doesn't require precise white light.

Pros and cons of tilting screens

Tilting LCD screens are hinged at the bottom, allowing the user to flip the screen vertically up or down from the camera back. This enables the photographer to shoot over crowds, get low angles, and compose from the waist while keeping the camera level for smooth panning. Tilting screens are also great for discrete shooting from the hip or getting down low for macro work.

Pros

• Easy to take shots at high and low angles
• Much more discrete
• Less prone to breakage
• Waist-level shooting (ideal for street photographers) is easier
• Pull-out tilting screens are easier to use in portrait orientation

Cons

• Tilting screens are more vulnerable to scratches and damage
• You can’t always angle them to remove glare
• Not as flexible when it comes to getting shots from weird angles

Fully articulating LCD screens, on the other hand, have a double hinge, allowing the screen to swing out to the side of the camera. This gives the photographer a lot of flexibility to position the screen at basically any angle, making it ideal for real estate photography of ceilings or unique vlogging angles.

Pros

• Easy to take shots at high or low angles
• You can fold the screen into the camera for protection
• You can flip the screen to face the front, which makes selfies and vlogs easier
• You can position the screen easily to reduce glare

Cons

• Fully articulating screens stick out to one side, which could reduce their durability
• Fully articulating LCD screens are not as discrete as tilting screens
• Articulating screens have a significant impact on ergonomics and comfort
• When out, articulating screens can reduce access to ports

Pros and cons of fully articulating screens

Pros of Fully Articulating Screens

• Easy to take shots at high or low angles
• You can fold the screen into the camera for protection
• You can flip the screen to face the front, which is great for selfies and vlogs
• You can position the screen to reduce glare

Cons of Fully Articulating Screens

• They stick out to one side, which could reduce their durability
• They are not as discrete as tilting screens
• They have a significant impact on ergonomics and comfort
• They can reduce access to ports

History of LCD screens

The history of LCD screens began in the late 1960s, when scientists began to experiment with the properties of liquid crystals. In 1968, George Heilmeier of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) presented the first liquid crystal display (LCD) to the world. This display required an operating temperature of about 80°C.

In the 1970s, the focus for researchers was on lowering the operating temperature of LCDs. In 1971, James Fergason, along with Martin Schadt and Wolfgang Helfrich, developed the "twisted nematic cell" (TN cell), which was a significant breakthrough. This led to increased efforts in the area of nematic liquid crystals. The first LCD pocket calculator was presented at the ACHEMA World Forum in 1970, and in the 1970s, LCDs began to be used in pocket calculators and digital watches.

In the 1980s, the application of liquid crystals boomed. The first color flat LCD TV was presented in Japan in 1984.

The 1990s saw LCDs being used in computer monitors, laptops, and notebooks, as well as ever-larger flat-screen televisions. By the end of the decade, prototypes with diagonals of up to 40 inches were being produced.

In the 2000s, a new generation of liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy for VA technology was developed, which reduced response times to eight milliseconds.

In the 2010s, LCDs became integral to mobile communication, with the technology being used in smartphones and tablet computers.

How to choose the right monitor

Choosing the right monitor can be challenging and frustrating as there are many options and specifications to consider. Here is a guide on how to choose the right monitor for your needs:

Budget

The first step is to determine your budget. Monitor prices can vary significantly, and some features are only available at certain price points. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your options and focus on the features that are important to you. If your budget is limited, you may need to prioritise certain features over others.

Purpose

The purpose of the monitor is also an important consideration. For example, the needs of a PC gamer are very different from those of a business user or a creative professional. Gamers typically require low latency, high refresh rates, and support for specific graphics card features. Business users may benefit from ultrawide screens for improved productivity, while creatives such as graphic designers and artists require accurate colour reproduction, precise controls for colour, contrast, and temperature, and may also want to consider touchscreen capabilities.

Size and Resolution

When it comes to size, bigger is usually better, but it's important to consider the physical space where the monitor will be placed and ensure that it fits within your budget. In terms of resolution, higher is generally better, with 4K offering superior image quality and futureproofing compared to Full HD. However, it's important to ensure that your computer setup can support the chosen resolution.

Panel Technology

There are several types of display panel technologies, each with its pros and cons. Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are popular among gamers due to their fast pixel responses and refresh rates but are prone to colour shifting when viewed from an angle. Vertical Alignment (VA) panels offer high native contrast ratios and deep blacks but often suffer from ghosting effects. In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels provide excellent colour quality and wide viewing angles but may not match the pixel response of TN panels. OLED panels offer infinite contrast ratios, wide viewing angles, and instantaneous pixel response times but may not be as bright as LED-backlit displays and are susceptible to image burn-in.

Response Time and Refresh Rate

A fast pixel response and high refresh rate are important for reducing motion blur and providing a smooth gaming experience. Look for a grey-to-grey response time of 2 milliseconds or less, and a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher to minimise image blur and screen tearing.

Video Inputs and Other Features

Ensure that the monitor has the necessary video inputs for your setup, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI. Additional features such as USB ports, built-in speakers, and adjustable stands can also enhance your experience and improve comfort during extended use.

Summary

In summary, choosing the right monitor depends on a variety of factors, including budget, purpose, size, resolution, panel technology, response time, refresh rate, and desired features. By considering these factors, you can select a monitor that best suits your specific needs and provides an optimal viewing experience.

Frequently asked questions