Response time (GtG)
The time each individual pixel on the monitor takes to switch from one state to another. The
lower the response time, the faster the matrix responds to the control signal, resulting in less delay and better image quality in dynamic scenes.
Note that in this case, the gray-to-gray method is used (the time it takes to switch from 10% gray to 90% gray). Pay attention to this parameter if the monitor is specifically purchased for fast-paced games, movie watching, or other applications involving quick screen movements. However, there’s no need to chase the fastest models. It’s not often possible to discern the difference between
1 ms and
5 ms. For most scenarios,
monitors with a 4 ms response time will suffice. In any case, it’s best to rely on live impressions for a true comparison.
Response time (MPRT)
The parameter expresses how long an object moving in the frame is displayed on the screen until it completely disappears. The lower this indicator, the more realistic dynamic scenes look on the monitor. The reaction of the matrix to movements clearly shows the time of existence of the trail from the changing picture. The MPRT parameter is more dependent on the refresh rate of the monitor screen than on the pixel response time. To reduce its value, the Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) function is often used, which briefly turns off the backlight at the end of the time of dynamic frames in order to increase the clarity of dynamic scenes.
Vertical viewing angle
This parameter determines in which sector in the vertical plane relative to the monitor screen the user's eyes must be in order to see pure, undistorted colours on the screen. For example, a viewing angle of 170° means that the width of such a sector is 170°; the middle of the field of view, usually, is a line perpendicular to the screen. The larger the vertical viewing angle, the higher or lower relative to eye level you can place the monitor without tilting it.
Horizontal viewing angle
This setting determines in which sector of the horizontal plane relative to the monitor screen the user's eyes must be in order to see pure, undistorted colours on the screen. For example, a viewing angle of 170° means that the width of such a sector is 170°; the middle of the field of view, usually, is a line perpendicular to the screen. The larger the horizontal viewing angle, the more aside from it the observer can sit; large viewing angles are especially useful when there are several people behind the monitor at once, for example, when watching a movie.
Dynamic Contrast
Dynamic contrast provided by the monitor screen.
Dynamic contrast refers to the difference between the brightest white at maximum backlight intensity and the deepest black at minimum backlight. In this way, this indicator differs from static contrast, which is indicated with a constant backlight level (see above). Dynamic contrast ratio can be expressed in very impressive numbers (in some models — more than 100,000,000: 1). However, in fact, these figures are poorly correlated with what the viewer sees: it is almost impossible to achieve such a difference within one frame. Therefore, dynamic contrast is most often more of an advertising than a practically significant indicator, it is often indicated precisely in order to impress an inexperienced buyer. At the same time, we note that there are "smart" backlight technologies that allow you to change its brightness in certain areas of the screen and achieve a higher contrast in one frame than the claimed static one; these technologies are found mostly in premium monitors.
Colour depth
The colour depth supported by the monitor.
This parameter characterizes the number of shades that the screen can display. And here it is worth recalling that the image in modern monitors is based on 3 basic colours — red, green, blue (RGB scheme). And the number of bits is indicated not for the entire screen, but for each base colour. For example, 6 bits (the minimum colour depth for modern monitors) means that the screen is capable of producing 2 ^ 6, that is, 64 shades of red, green and blue; the total number of shades will be 64 * 64 * 64 = 262,144 (0.26 million). An
8-bit colour depth (256 shades for each base colour) already gives a total of 16.7 million colours; and the most advanced modern monitors support
10-bit colour, allowing you to work with more than a billion shades.
Screens with support for FRC technology are worth a special mention; nowadays, you can find models marked "
6 bit + FRC " and "
8 bit + FRC ". This technology was developed to improve picture quality in situations where the incoming video signal has a greater colour depth than the screen, such as when 10-bit video is fed to an 8-bit matrix. If such a screen supports FRC, the picture on it will be noticeably better than on a regular 8-bit monitor (although somewhat worse than on a full-fledged 10-bit monitor, but “8 bit + FRC” scre
...ens are much cheaper).
High colour depth is important primarily for professional graphics and other tasks that require high colour fidelity. On the other hand, such features significantly affect the cost of the monitor. In addition, it is worth remembering that the quality of colour reproduction depends not only on the colour depth, but also on other parameters — in particular, colour gamut (see below).Colour space (sRGB)
Monitor colour gamut Rec. 709 or sRGB.
Any colour gamut is indicated as a percentage, however, not relative to the entire variety of visible colours, but relative to the conditional colour space (colour model). This is due to the fact that no modern screen is able to display all the colours visible to humans. However, the larger the colour gamut, the wider the monitor's capabilities, the better its colour reproduction.
Nowadays, sRGB is actually the standard color model adopted for computer technology; This is what is used in the development and production of most video cards. For television, the Rec. standard, similar in parameters, is used. 709. In terms of the range of colors, these models are identical, and the percentage of coverage for them is the same. In the most advanced monitors it can
reach or even exceed 100%; These are the values that are considered necessary for high-end screens, incl. professional.
Colour gamut (DCI-P3)
The color gamut of the monitor according to the DCI P3 color model.
Any color gamut is indicated in percentages, but not relative to the entire variety of visible colors, rather relative to a conventional color space (color model). This is because no modern screen can display all the colors visible to the human eye. Nevertheless, the larger the color gamut, the broader the monitor's capabilities, and the better its color reproduction quality.
DCI P3 is a professional color model mainly used in digital cinemas. It is significantly broader than the standard sRGB, providing more accurate and high-quality colors. Accordingly, the percentage values are lower—for example, 115% coverage in sRGB corresponds to approximately 90% coverage in DCI P3; in the most advanced modern monitors, coverage according to this standard is
98 – 100%. At the same time, supporting DCI-P3 is costly, which is why it is mainly found in high-end monitors for professional and gaming purposes.
USB A hub
The availability of additional
USB A ports on the monitor case, to which various peripherals can be connected (provided that the monitor is connected to the computer's USB port with a special cable). This feature performs two useful functions. Firstly, the hub increases the number of ports available for connection. Secondly, these connectors are located in close proximity to the user, literally at arm's length. This is especially useful when working with classic PCs, where the system unit may be placed under the desk or in another hard-to-reach location, and reaching for it every time to find USB ports would be inconvenient.
As for the versions, monitors can use USB 2.0 (low speed, making it more relevant for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, etc.),
5Gbps (3.2 gen1), 10Gbps (3.2 gen2) (high-speed ports for fast data transfer, optimal for flash drives and hard drives).