Smart Home Lifestyle

March 31, 2007

Computer monitors are getting bigger, better and more functional

Picking out a new computer monitor should be like picking out a new TV- think big, think thin and think high resolution.  Computers aren’t just about spreadsheets anymore.  These days, computers are about productivity with a whole lot of play.

"As more people are integrating their computers into their home entertainment system, the demand for larger size and a better picture for your computer screen is always growing," said Adam Eberhardt, Comtec Senior System Designer.  "It's important to buy a monitor that's multi-functional."

The merging of entertainment and computer networking prompts bigger monitor size, and the need for even higher resolution.

It’s black and white

Choosing the right computer monitor has never been simpler, especially since myths of slow response time, poor viewing angles and "burn in" no longer hold true.  As technologies improve and manufacturers strive towards better products, the deciding factor becomes more a question of price point and size rather than differences in quality.

It began with the CRT monitor, a solid, sensible option, which remained unchallenged mainstream until a few years ago with the introduction of the LCD. Like trends in TVs, computer makers quickly replaced big and bulky monitors with a thin, light, modern styling. 

So, which one do you buy?  First consider the application and remember emerging technologies for a "future-proofed" investment.  Also, make sure your monitor is on the same page with your home automation and entertainment system.  Many televisions, like LG's, offer VGA inputs for simple computer hookups, giving increased adaptability. 

Next, go with a widescreen.  Widescreens are practically standard these days, but there are still the lingering "bargain" closeout standard screens.  Widescreens allow for DVDs to be played in the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Finally, buy the monitor with the highest resolution that your budget will afford.  "As video cards improve, they can output higher and higher resolutions," said Eberhardt.  "And as LCDs improve, they can accept higher and higher resolutions to the point where now you are at greater resolution than with high definition.  You can get at least a 20% increase over HD."

What’s its function?

For the desktop, LCDs or CRTs are the best choice.  Thinner LCDs give more desk workspace, but can cost more than twice as much as CRTs.  Like CRT televisions, CRT monitors will likely disappear off the shelves for general use, especially if LCD prices continue to plummet.  The only notable difference in quality between CRTs and LCDs is when it comes to high-end automation and gaming, since CRTs currently have faster response time.

For the conference room, a plasma or larger LCD monitor aids in presentations and allows for a wider viewing audience.  Plasmas measure 40" and up and cost less per square inch than LCDs, but are not capable of the extremely high resolutions that LCDs offer.  When it comes to price, as a rule of thumb, a 36" LCD costs the same as a 43" plasma, so you might as well go bigger, especially since either scenario sacrifices some resolution quality.

"Using a larger screen is like blowing up a photograph," said Eberhardt.  "At a lower resolution, the larger you make the picture, the more grainy it looks.  On the other hand, a higher resolution with a larger screen doesn't get grainy."

For computing on the go, LCD front projectors, similar to the kind found in movie theaters, offer mobility from home to office.  Front projectors, like plasmas and large monitor LCDs also fall prey to pixilation, especially since monitor sizes can measure as large as 100" or more.  Light sensitivity is another issue- something to consider when deciding if presentations can be made in the dark or very low light.  But convenience is key in this scenario and manufactures see the need to take it on the road.

"All of the major projector manufactures are working on micro-presentation projectors no larger than your rolodex," said Eberhardt.  "You'll probably see those in the market in the next 2 years."

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec