What to Consider When Buying an LCD Monitor

An LCD monitor, or Liquid Crystal Display monitor, is a screen actively sought after as a large format TV screen or an advertising screen as a result of the highest quality images produced on these screens.

Top 10 items to consider when buying an LCD Monitor:

1. Resolution Quality:  Some of the key features to consider when buying an LCD monitor are resolution quality and aspect ratio. In the era of Blue-ray and high definition, it is important to buy a Full HD monitor and not go with HD ready.

2. Number of USB Hubs: These hubs usually come with the display. They prove to be very useful for plugging various media devices directly to the display vs. going through a central medial player.

3. Pixel Defects: Sometimes, when the same image is left on the screen for long, the pixels get worn out or are dead. This develops a black or white dot on the screen, thus not producing any image in that area. Pixel defects may be as a result of manufacturing defects. Make sure the warranty covers Pixel defects or spotting defects.

4. Attached Speaker Evaluation: Some monitors come with attached speaker systems. This is usually expensive when compared to the separate speaker system and usually poor quality than a stand alone system. If such an attached speaker system is available in the monitor, then it should be noted that a quick-mute button and readily accessible volume controls should be available in the monitor itself.

5. Viewing Angle: Most new LCD monitors have wide viewing angles. It is important to consider viewing-angle performance if you plan to use the monitor to view images or movies. The best way to judge is to see the unit in person.

6. Digital interfaces: Data interfaces are very important for businesses. For example, as a business you would like to remotely manage and control the various LCD monitors. Businesses should strongly consider LCD information display (also called Professional Displays) vs. an LCD TV. The Professional Displays come with the right variety of interfaces. If entertainment and TV show watching are the only concerns then interfaces are less important as most LCD monitors come with adequate interfaces.

7. Bright Pixel Elimination Feature: New LCD monitors have bright pixel elimination feature that ensures if a failed pixel occurs on the monitor, it is effectively invisible to the viewer. Not a must-have but a good feature to have.

8. Configuration Programming Software: Included programs that let you configure display settings using your computer keyboard or mouse are a big improvement over struggling with tiny front-panel buttons.

9. Portrait Capability: Increasingly portrait format is being used for exhibitions and store displays. Be sure to check that the LCD monitor you are buying supports the portrait format. Using landscape format in portrait can result in reducing the life of the LCD monitor. Portrait-capable LCDs, however, often have superior viewing-angle performance. Not all LCD monitors.

10. Included Cables: Last but not the least item is to check to see what cables are included. Manufacturers often don't provide the digital cable on dual-input models.