Monitors

Basically, you have four types of monitors to choose from: Office monitors, image editing and graphics monitors, gaming monitors, and all-around monitors.

In addition, there are special monitors that have certain features or technologies. These are also suitable for the above-mentioned areas, only that they are then called flat screen, curved monitor, 3D compatible monitors or HDR compatible monitors.

This depends largely on your individual expectations and the way you use the monitor. You should also ask yourself how much space you have available. The larger the monitor, the more eye relief you should allow. Generally, monitors with 21, 24 and 27 inches have become established.

When we talk about the monitor size, we always mean the screen diagonal and this is indicated in inches. Where one inch corresponds to 2.54 centimeters.

A screen diagonal of 21 inches is rather the lower limit. Upwards it goes to 40 inches.

When it comes to screen resolution, you should opt for no less than Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). Any resolution lower than that is outdated.
Plus, 4K monitors are getting cheaper and cheaper, and if you're forward-thinking, you should at least take a look in this area. In addition, monitors that impress with a resolution of 5K or 8K are gradually coming onto the market. Here, the expert refers to a UHD resolution. This is defined by a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.

Meanwhile, models are also available that range between Full HD and 4K. The expert calls these the WQHD standard (Wide Quad High Definition). These models have a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.

A panel reflects the construction and display type of an LCD monitor as well as it determines the color and contrast reproduction. Three panel technologies have come to the fore in the market:

• TN panel (twisted-nematic panel): this panel offers a fast response time, but is also susceptible to different viewing angles. If you look at the monitor from the side, the contrast decreases and false colors appear. This panel technology is particularly popular with gaming monitors, as speed is the main concern here. They are also often used in entry-level models, as they are quite inexpensive to buy.
• IPS panel (In-Plane Switching): This technology has its strength in the viewing angle stability. No color distortions occur when viewed from the side. In addition, the amount of light can be dosed more precisely than with a TN panel, since the panels can be switched more accurately. As a result, movies and pictures look richer and more natural. However, an IPS panel is nowhere near as responsive as a TN panel.
• VA panel (Vertical Alignment): Here, the pixels are arranged perpendicular to the image plane. If voltage flows towards the pixels, they align horizontally and let less light through. VA panels cause higher switching times, but offer higher contrast, wider viewing angles and more natural colours. For this reason, this technology is often used in monitors where switching times are not so important - such as for CAD applications.

In addition to these technologies, which are well established on the market, there are two more available: Quantum Dots and OLED. Although these technologies are already quite widespread in televisions, they are not yet available in the monitor sector.

Quantum Dots panels are mini-particles that sit in the backlight system of the panel and convert the blue light from the backlight into white light. The particles absorb light and transmit it. In addition, they are very stable and do not mix with other colors, thus expanding the color profile and color representation - the image becomes more detailed.

OLED panels consist of organic LEDs, which can light up themselves and turn off completely. In addition, their contrast approaches infinity. However, they do have one drawback: in still images, they can cause burn-in effects like you might remember from the plasma TV days.

Nowadays, you connect your monitor using DVI or HDMI cables. Often you can also use a DisplayPort as a connection option.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) was for a long time the absolute standard for digital image transmission in the PC sector. In the meantime, this connection option has been largely replaced by HDMI. However, almost all modern graphics cards and PCs still have a DVI connection for older monitors - as a backup solution, so to speak.

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is considered the digital standard in home entertainment. In addition to high bandwidths and simultaneous video and sound transmission, it gives you high sound and picture quality. The great advantage of this connection option is its widespread use: You will find HDMI connections in almost every multimedia device. Every TV, every Blu-Ray player and every game console is equipped with it and therefore compatible with your monitor.

DisplayPort is a very popular interface for audio-video transmission. It offers you a high picture quality as well as very high bandwidths. A modern DisplayPort is capable of displaying 8K at a full 60 hertz and 4K resolution even at 120 hertz.

In addition, many monitors are still equipped with a 3.5 millimeter jack connector to connect headphones or monitor speakers with it. Furthermore, monitors usually offer a USB hub, which allows you to connect additional USB devices.

How you connect your monitor depends mainly on its ports. So before you buy, make sure you check which interfaces your PC and graphics card have. If you have several options to choose from, these are decisive for the refresh rate and image refresh rate or a higher resolution.

Usually, your computer's operating system automatically detects your monitor because it uses a built-in Plug and Play (PnP) driver. This detects the resolutions to be supported and makes them available.

However, there are monitors with features that are not supported by the PnP driver. If this is the case, you will have to download a separate driver. Generally, you can do this on the manufacturer's website.

The most important point in the monitor setting is the height adjustability. By adjusting the height of your monitor, you can counteract muscular tension and headaches.

Adjust the height of your monitor so that the top line of the screen is at eye level. That way, you won't experience tension in your neck. If you cannot adjust the height of your monitor, simply place a book underneath it, for example.

Furthermore, you should adjust the font size and the zoom so that you scroll as little as possible. This is easy on your eyes.

You should also make sure that the lighting conditions remain constant and do not place the monitor directly in front of a window. Light reflections from sunlight on the display can be hard on your eyes.

Furthermore, there are some functions that modern monitors are equipped with:

• Pivot function: Allows the display to be rotated 90 degrees. The special thing about this is that the text rotates with it.
• Tilt function: This function allows the display to be tilted. This contributes to a better sitting posture.
• Swivel function: This allows you to rotate the monitor around its own axis. The rotation radius is usually up to 360 degrees.

Before cleaning your monitor, disconnect it from the power supply and wait a few seconds.

For the cleaning itself, a slightly damp microfiber cloth is best suited. Do not apply too much pressure and move the cloth slowly in a circular motion over the monitor.

The following products are not suitable for cleaning a monitor:

• Ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners.
• Glass cleaners, polishes and abrasives.
• Pocket or kitchen towels, sponges or simple cleaning cloths.

This approach not only prevents scratches, but also protects the monitor's anti-glare coating. This coating reduces light reflections.

If your monitor only displays a black image, this can have several causes. Most commonly, this happens when:

• The monitor's power cord is not plugged into the wall outlet.
• The monitor is turned off.
• There is no connection between the monitor cable and the computer.
• The monitor is using the wrong input source.
• The graphics card may be defective.

If none of these causes apply, please consult a computer specialist or contact the manufacturer's customer service.

Yes, definitely. This option is especially good if you don't want to buy an additional TV due to lack of space or if you simply can't afford it. Students, for example, quite often use a monitor as a TV replacement.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind: A monitor as a TV replacement only works if it comes with an integrated TV tuner. If it is not equipped with one, you still have the option of connecting it directly to your receiver. However, the same connections must be available for this. The best choice is an HDMI connection. You will also need integrated speakers, otherwise you will have to equip your monitor with speakers.

If you own a PC, you can also equip it with a TV card. You can either install this directly in the computer or connect it as a DCBT stick via USB.