Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at
6:32 pm
Back in the “old” days, personal computers (and most every kind of computer for the desktop, research lab etc. ) had to make do with cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors that looked like television sets. They were big and cumbersome. Not anymore, because the computer monitor as been slimmed down greatly. Therefore, what to know about an LCD monitor (LCD stands for “liquid crystal display”) can be important. That’s because these newer monitors, most of which came into common and widespread usage in 2006 (though very expensive models were in use over a decade ago), have made computer ownership much easier. At least, they’ve made owning and MOVING a computer and its peripherals around much easier, at the least. Plus, they’re now capable of high-definition display and a whole host of other features. This is a qualitative step up by a full order of magnitude over older (and much heavier) CRT monitors, most of whom were — quite frankly — relics of the dinosaur age of television. Add in the fact that most needed to be connected to a computer through use of a serial port (do computers even have those in any large number anymore?) and you had a recipe for inconvenience. Nowadays, the sky’s the limit when it comes to size in a computer monitor, thanks to liquid crystal display technology. It’s almost expected that a PC come with AT LEAST 19 inches of monitor and many computers are being offered with very a nice 22 inches of lightweight, high-quality LCD monitor. More properly known as TFT-LCD (thin film transistor, LCD), these monitors have a lot going for them. For one, as was discussed, the typical LCD model is very light in weight and can be extremely compact. Imagine trying to move a 22-inch CRT monitor around (it’ll be really heavy) and then imagine how easy it is to disconnect a 22-inch liquid crystal display monitor from the PC with just a pull of the USB 2. 0 connection. The whole process takes seconds and the monitor only weighs a few pounds. LCD models of most any brand or type are also fairly energy efficient and they consume much less power than a CRT or almost any other kind of monitor (plasma, etc. ). In today’s “green” world, that can count for a lot. Plus, a liquid crystal display — protected as it is by a very durable screen — is extremely tough. It can take a lot of punishment, in other words. Today, the LCD monitor is the recognized standard-setter for personal computers of all classes and size. Prices have fallen dramatically since they came into widespread use several years ago and they can be had in relatively large sizes, such as 19 and 22-inch models. They’re durable, don’t waste a lot of energy and their displays are more than acceptable. It’s hard to see a real downside to them, as a matter of fact.
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at
3:08 pm
On my birthday I am getting a 19 Inch 16:9 720p LCD TV (i forgot the brand). I have a really nice DVD player and I have a PS2, but will they look good on an (19″) HDTV? I plan to use Component cables to get the most of the picture as opposed to composite. Will this make it look really good? My DVD player is Progressive Scan compatible. I also have surround sound so Im hoping the TV will make my bedroom theater system all the better.
For the curious, my DVD player is a region free and pal-> NTSC Pioneer DV-383, my surround sound is an RCA RTD206, my VCR is an Sony Model 7LV-789HF. All except the VCR have component outputs for video.
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at
6:32 pm
For healthy wealthy computing at your monitor,you need to take care of your eyes and not put up with an out of date computer monitor.
Why struggle on with an electricity guzzling ,overweight, antique CRT with fuzzy outdateddisplay defacing your desktop? You should
consider a quality replacement LCD computer monitor screen as a Christmas gift for yourself or someone you care about.
This is why –
For healthy computing you need whatever gives you least eyestrain, best display and positioning flexibility, along with durability and reliabilityat the lowest price.
Cool neat styling helps too- and upgradingthat old screen will a lot cheaper thanreplacing your whole computer system!
From a health and safety viewpoint, a replacement flat panel screen can be regarded as an investment and insurance combined. . . not a luxury gift. Can’t it bewritten off against business expenses?
While you can pay out software around thatcan sharpen up graphics and text a little in the short term, your monitor hardware should be doing most of the hard work.
Two types of monitor screen are CRT (cathode ray tube) and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. LCD monitors are also called flat panel monitors.
Why favor LCD?
Well,to start – generally, the bigger the screen the better you see, and the more you pay.
Entry level for most screens is now 17-in. (Screen size is measured diagonally, not straight across the screen. )
With a LCD you get more screen for size, as viewing runs close to the edge, so a 17-in screen gives you about the same display as a 19-in CRT. You get less flicker too!
LCD monitors cost more than the equivalent sized CRT ones, but are less heavy and bulky (only about a third of the desktop space and
weight of a monitor).
They have a tad less resolution and color matching, but unless you are buying for a rabid gamer or graphics editing freak,however, this is unlikely to matter.
The LCD screen image is more dependant on your viewing position than a CRT, so set yourself right. Near straight in front is best as
with all computing.
Flat panel screens are the way to go, they are much more popular already than the CRT option. Three in every 4 of us are buying LCD,
and manufacturers are pushing LCD computer monitors hard.
Rough price comparison – at present, you can expect to pay $200 for a reasonable 19-in LCD flat screen monitor, $250 for a 21-in CRT.
A 19-in LCD is the best size for all day users. Price differences shoot up with size though, a 24-in LCD can cost over $700! However the
natural resolution on an LCD screen goes up with size, and prices can be expected to fall as output increases.
A further point is that LCD panel screen monitors use a lot less power, so you can recoup spending over time and avoid wasting energy.
If you’re worried about the environment, LCD screens cannot be dumped owing to theirliquid crystal content. They can be recycled,
and a fee is usually charged.
Check your local laws and agencies for information on this.
If you think you should look over the flat panel screens available, start looking at ads now. Compare a number of firms offering monitors, and note their web addresses. Some may be offering sales discounts and there may be bargains out there.
We aren’t talking just price either. Some bargain models can amaze you.
Compare some of your top choice flat panel monitors against reviews on online computer magazines and consumer organizations websites.
Check the monitor has controls like brightness and contrast settings to allow individual choice, that its fittings are compatible with the PC system it is connecting to.
LCD computer monitors are the way to go. Three in every 4 of us are buying LCD, manufacturers are pushing LCD monitors hard, and refinements and improvements are coming thick and fast.
So for top eye protection, consider a new LCD computer monitor as a surprise Christmas present for healthy computing 2006 and beyond!
Get further information on monitors and their use at my atHealthy Computing 2006 site
Also please review alternative Healthy Computing Christmas gifts, articles and informationHERE
Monday, October 19th, 2009 at
3:11 pm
Would HD-DVD movies look good a 19 inch LCD TV?
I was thinking that If I get a small LCD TV (HD or not) would HD-DVD movies look better on the screen then SD DVD would? since I’m strap for cash i was thinking bout buying a small screen for my new 360 elite which comes with HDMI cables and if the quality of a HD-DVD is noticeable on a 19 inch I would buy the add-on drive so is it?
I know HD-DVD is dead through its cheap unlike blu-ray..
Saturday, October 17th, 2009 at
3:32 pm
is it worth playing my xbox 360 on my 19” LCD widescreen monitor? I will buy the VGA adapter for this but I was wondering if i would get a better picture then my crappy 25” tv. I can’t even read the text in game with that thing. I have the 360 with the 60gb hdd
here are the specs on my monitor:
Display Type: Widescreen LCD
Viewable Screen Size: 19 inches
Pixel Pitch: 0.283mm x 0.283mm
Input Video Signal: VGA
Contrast Ratio: 700:1
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Response Time: 5 ms
Horizontal Viewing Angle: 170 degrees
Vertical Viewing Angle: 160 degrees
Maximum Resolution: 1440 x 900
Power Consumption: 36W