Which monitor should you buy? Resolution and matrix types explained

Choosing a monitor

Today's world of computer technology offers us a wide range of monitors that differ in many ways. Both the resolution and the matrix type play an important role in the quality and performance of the image displayed on the screen. In this article, we will discuss the differences between resolutions and matrix types in monitors.

Monitor resolution

The resolution of a monitor is a basic parameter that determines the number of pixels visible on the screen. The resolution value is usually specified as the number of pixels along the horizontal and vertical axes, e.g. 1920x1080 (Full HD) or 3840x2160 (4K). The higher the resolution, the more detailed and sharper the image.

• HD (1280x720): HD resolution is relatively low by today's standards. Although it offers basic picture quality, it is used less and less on modern monitors.
• Full HD (1920x1080): Full HD resolution is now standard on most monitors and televisions. It provides good picture quality and is accepted by gamers and professionals alike.
• 2K/QHD (2560x1440): 2K resolution (also known as QHD or Quad HD) is a popular choice for those who need more pixels than Full HD, but not as high a resolution as 4K.
• 4K/UHD (3840x2160): 4K is currently the highest of the popular resolutions available on the market. It offers incredible sharpness and detail and is ideal for professional photographers and video editors as well as gaming enthusiasts.
• 5K (5120x2880) and 8K (7680x4320): These resolutions are reserved for the most demanding applications, such as professional video editing in bcinema quality. However, they are still rare in commercial monitors.

Full HD monitors

Matrix types in monitors

The matrices in monitors play an important role in the display of colors, the viewing angles or the speed with which the monitor reacts to image changes.

• TN (Twisted Nematic): TN matrices used to be very popular due to their low production costs and fast response time. They are suitable for gamers as they offer short lag times, but have narrow viewing angles and poorer color reproduction compared to other matrix types.
• IPS (In-Plane Switching): IPS matrices are valued for their wide viewing angles and excellent color reproduction. They are ideal for graphic designers, photographers and people who value precise colors. The response time of IPS matrices has improved significantly, but can still be slightly longer than TN.
• VA (Vertical Alignment): VA matrices offer good color reproduction and better contrast than TN, but are slightly inferior to IPS. They also have a fast response time, making them a popular choice for those who value picture quality and decent gaming performance.
• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode): OLED matrices are the latest and most advanced type of matrix. They offer excellent color reproduction, high contrast and very fast response times. In addition, each pixel can emit its own light, achieving true blacks and saving energy when an area of the screen is dark.

Refresh rate

• 60 Hz: This is the standard refresh rate of most monitors and televisions. It is sufficient for everyday use, such as surfing the Internet and watching movies, but may be insufficient for more demanding applications, such as games with fast movements.
• 75 Hz: A slightly higher refresh rate that results in a smoother picture than 60 Hz. For some people, the difference between 60 Hz and 75 Hz can be noticeable, especially when scrolling pages and moving the mouse.
• 120 Hz / 144 Hz / 165 Hz / 240 Hz: These are the higher refresh rates that are more common in monitors for gamers. High refresh rates allow for smoother gameplay in fast-paced, action-packed productions, which can have an impact on in-game performance.

However, it is important to know that more is not always better. Higher refresh rates require more processing power, so computers need to be powerful enough to handle higher refresh rates. Also, the differences between 60 Hz and 120 Hz can be difficult to see in everyday life if you are not an active gamer.

Response time of monitors

Response time refers to the time it takes for a monitor to change the color of a pixel from one state to another. The delay can affect the monitor's performance in dynamic scenes, especially in games with fast movements.

Delay time can be divided into two main categories:

1. Gray-to-gray response time (GTG): This is the time it takes for a pixel to change from one shade of gray to another shade of gray. The shorter the response time, the less noticeable the blurring effects, especially in fast scenes.
2. Input lag: reflects the time between the signal being sent to the monitor and the displayed image. Low input lag is important for gamers as it minimizes the response time between the gamer's movement and the playback on the screen.

It is important to choose monitors with low GTG response times and low input lag, especially if you are interested in fast action games or applications that require instant on-screen response, such as professional graphics editing.

sRGB color space for monitors

sRGB in monitors refers to the use of the sRGB color standard (RGB standard) when reproducing colors on a monitor screen. It is a color space designed to ensure consistent and uniform color reproduction on a variety of devices, including monitors, printers, cameras and other electronic devices.

The sRGB color space is particularly suitable for everyday applications such as surfing the Internet, using office software or displaying multimedia content. For professional applications, such as graphics processing, design or photography, you may want to consider more advanced color spaces such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3, which offer a wider color gamut and more accurate color reproduction. In most cases, however, the sRGB color space of monitors will meet the requirements of most users and provide a satisfactory quality of the displayed image.

Choosing the right resolution and matrix type for a monitor depends on individual preferences and applications. If you are looking for low cost and fast response times, TN matrices may be the right choice for gamers. Graphic designers, photographers or other users who require accurate color reproduction should choose a monitor with an IPS matrix. Lovers of superior picture quality, on the other hand, should look for monitors with an OLED matrix. Regardless of your preference, it's important to choose a monitor that meets your needs and gives you a comfortable and satisfying experience in everyday use. If, despite our guide, you are still struggling to choose a monitor, write to us at AMSO.