Types of Computer Monitors (Display, Panels, Connections) 🖥️ 2021

There are different types of monitors and each one may be better suited for a specific application.

Computer monitors have different types of display, panel and connections. Each one may be better suited for a specific application.

12 display types for monitors

1. LCD (Liquid crystal display)
2. LED (Light-emitting diodes)
3. OLED (Organic light-emitting diode)
4. QLED (Quantum dot light emitting diode)
5. CRT (Cathode ray tube)
6. Plasma
7. DLP (Digital Light Processing)
8. ELD (Electroluminescent display)
9. AMOLED (Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode)
10. IMOD (Interferometric modulator display)
11. FED (Field emission display)
12. SED (Surface-conduction electron-emitter display)

Commercially available display types

These panels are still widely commercialized:

• LCD
• LED
• OLED
• QLED (Samsung)

Obsolete display types

The following panels were commercialized but are now considered somewhat obsolete:

• CRT (Cathode ray tube)
• Plasma
• DLP (Digital Light Processing)
• AMOLED (Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode)

Other display types

These panels were researched but not really commercialized:

• ELD
• IMOD
• FED
• SED

Panel types for monitors

The type of panel greatly affects the quality of the monitor. Some are better suited for motion graphics and some are bests for colors. The big 3 are: "TN", "VA" and "IPS".

• TN (Twisted Nematic)
• VA (Vertical Alignment)
• IPS (In-Plane Switching)
• PLS (Plane to Line Switching)
• AHVA (Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle)
• AAS (Azimuthal Anchoring Switch)

"PLS", "AHVA" and "AAS" are minor variants from other panel types that are exclusive to some manufacturers.

IPS

Image quality makes this type of monitor ideal for professional photographers and graphic designers.

The good:

• Superb visuals
• Best viewing angles
• Best color reproduction

The bad:

• Most have response times of 4ms or higher
• Panels with high refresh rates are pricier

TN

Gamers might prefer this monitor because of the fast refresh rate.

The good:

• Fastest type of panel
• 1ms response times
• Affordable

The bad:

• Subpar colors
• Poor viewing angles

VA

It has excellent contrast and image depth.

The good:

• Color reproduction comparable to IPS
• Best contrast ratio
• Good balance between pricing and performance

The bad:

• Tends to have higher response times
• Potential ghosting and backlight bleed issues

5 Types of connections for monitors

The type of connection your computer has will determine what type of computer monitor you can have. Some connections will allow you to have images while others will one allow images and sound.

1. HDMI (High-definition multimedia interface)
2. DP (DisplayPort)
3. USB-C
4. DVI (Digital visual interface)
5. VGA (Video graphics array)

HDMI

HDMI is the most common connection. But they are not all equal.

• HDMI Standard: Up to 1080p resolution.
• HDMI High Speed: Up to 4k resolution.
• HDMI Premium High Speed: For HDR-enabled devices.
• HDMI Ultra High Speed (HDMI 2.1): 8K video display and 48 GB/s bandwidth.

DP

It is used in high-end computers for gaming and video editing. Here are their difference in technology:

• DisplayPort 1.2: 4K video at a 60 Hz.
• DisplayPort 1.3: Up to 8K video at a 30 Hz.
• DisplayPort 1.4: up to 8K video at 60 Hz, as well as HDR video. It can run games at the highest graphical settings.

USB-C

It may one day become the connection that does it all: sound, images, video, data, and power.

A truly universal connection.

DVI

DVI is not capable of delivering audio or 4K video.

VGA 

It is basically obsolete but it is widely available.

Looking for a new Monitor?

Choosing a Monitor can be very difficult if you know nothing about technology.

Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.

So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:

How to choose a computer monitor that best suits you…

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