Computer Monitor Guide. Concept. Types. Cables

Computer monitor is the device that displays the information produced by the video card. A monitor typically comprises the display device, circuitry, case, and power supply.

The term “monitor” is often used as a synonym for “computer screen” or “screen.” The monitor displays the computer’s user interface and open programs, allowing the user to interact with the computer, typically using the keyboard and mouse.

Monitors have controls that allow you to adjust the quality of the image. Here are some common monitor settings:

• Brightness – Intensity of the image.
• Contrast: relationship between light and dark
• Position: vertical and horizontal location of the image on the screen
• Reset: Reset the monitor settings to factory settings

Function

The purpose of a computer monitor is to display text and graphics produced by computer programs and to provide a visual interface for computer users. Monitors often resemble televisions. A monitor connects to another device via a cable using an HDMI, DVI, VGA, USB, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt port.

types of computer monitors

Most people use computer monitors on a daily basis at work and at home. And while these come in a variety of shapes, designs, and colors, they can also be categorized into three main types:

CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors

These monitors employ CRT technology, which was most commonly used in the manufacture of television screens. With these monitors, a stream of intense, high-energy electrons is used to form images on a fluorescent screen. A cathode ray tube is basically a vacuum tube that contains an electron gun at one end and a fluorescent screen at the other end.

While it’s true that CRT monitors can still be found in some organizations, many offices have largely stopped using them because they’re heavy, bulky, and expensive to replace if they break. While they are still in use, it would be a good idea to phase out these monitors for cheaper, lighter, more reliable monitors.

LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors

The LCD monitor incorporates some of the most advanced technology available today. Typically, it consists of a layer of color or monochrome pixels schematically arranged between a pair of transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters. The optical effect is made possible by polarizing light in varying amounts and passing it through the liquid crystal layer. The two types of LCD technology available are TFT active matrix and a passive matrix technology. TFT generates better image quality and is more secure and reliable. The passive matrix, on the other hand, has a slow response time and is slowly becoming obsolete.

LED monitors (light emitting diodes)

LED monitors are the latest types of monitors on the market today. These are flat screens or slightly curved screens that use light-emitting diodes for backlighting, rather than the cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlight used in LCD screens. LED monitors are said to use much less power than CRT and LCD and are considered much more environmentally friendly.

Different types of video cables and connectors

Here are some typical video input connectors you’ll find on the back of computer monitors. These connections allow the monitor to connect to a computer’s graphics card for on-screen information.

VGA

Video Graphics Array is an obsolete technology. It’s been around for a long time, but an analog video signal is no longer the desired standard. It cannot carry an audio signal.

DVI

Digital Visual Interface is a digital video signal connector used not only in computer monitors but also in other consumer electronic devices. Dual-link DVI carries twice the data rate of single-link DVI. This has allowed for higher resolutions and refresh rates. No audio signal can be transmitted through this connection.

HDMI

HDMI is used in a wide variety of consumer electronics, including when it comes to computers. HDMI is a replacement for analog video standards and can carry uncompressed video data and compressed/uncompressed audio data.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort is more commonly used in the computer market, rather than in general consumer electronics. DisplayPort comes in two sizes, the standard size and a Mini DisplayPort.

Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt combines PCI Express and DisplayPort into 2 serial signals and provides power.

Different types of power connectors

Some monitors are built with internal power supplies and others rely on external power bricks. Those with an internal power supply typically require a power cord that runs directly from the mains power to a socket that plugs into the back of the monitor.

For displays that require an external power supply, power is transferred from the wall outlet to the power brick. The low power block converts the power supply to current. It is very common for the monitor to work with 12 volts of current.