If you are still not on the flat-panel display bandwagon,
you must be considering doing it soon. And, if not, then you should! It’s the
trendiest peripheral to own. It represents power, fashion and all things
vivacious and happening. Until you replace your CRT display you wouldn’t
realize how much you detested that eyesore! But before you spend your hard-earned
money, getting to know the object of desire will do you wonders.
Buying information:
1. Flat-panel displays use interfaces - analog or digital.
The newer models have a digital interface. If you are purchasing an analog flat
panel, you will have to attach it with a digital interface to your video card
with a digital out jack to mainstream the signal.
If you are planning to buy a digital interface, you need to
investigate its compatibility. There are several digital interface standards
available-Plug and Display (P&D) from the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA), Digital Flat Panel (DFP) from the Digital Flat Panel
Working Group, and Digital Video Interface (DVI) from the Digital Display
Working Group (DDWG), look for the most up-to-date ones.
The P&D interface is the oldest of the three criteria
and chances are your new model won't sport this convention. Support for DFP
standard is seen across many hardware vendors. Do your research and whichever
standard you chose; you need to match its ingredients that include cables and
video cards!
2. Pixel-refresh response time: In an LCD monitor, the time
required to switch from light to dark objects or vice versa, is referred to as
Pixel-refresh response time. If the response time is poor (more than 40ms), you
may see ghosting effect, i.e., the image seems to remain longer on the screen
than it actually is!
Whereas in a text environment this would hardly matter, in a
gaming or media-centric environment the effect could be a nuisance. More
inexpensive models give more ghosting than their pricey counterparts. Also, pixel-refresh
response time is not articulated on the monitors. You need to watch thoroughly
to judge the performance of each model.
3. Viewing angle: One problem with a flat panel monitor is
its viewing angle. Laptop and Notebook users must have experienced this problem.
Moving away from the monitor in any way causes the monitor to blackout!
Various models offer different viewing angles horizontally and vertically.
Find the one better suited to your funds! In any case, for a
home PC, the viewing angle doesn’t make much difference but if the display is
going to be used for official presentations then it should have a viewing angle
of at least 120 degrees horizontal and 100 degrees vertical. Also, ask for
accessories like pivoting frames.
4. Size: bigger is probably better, but with flat panel,
remember 15-inch screen gives you the experience of a 17-inch CRT monitor. If
you can shell out for 17-inch flat-panel, by all means, go for it, if not, a
15-inch screen should not be a downer.
5. Touch screen and interactive capabilities.
Other things to check when buying a flat panel are
guarantees, warranties. A three-year warranty is recommended. People change the
monitor settings in stores and while purchasing; make sure that you check the
piece adequately. You now have the basic information; all you need is time to
check out the market!
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