A computer monitor is basically an output device which shows information in graphical form on the monitor. A computer monitor often includes the screen, housing, circuits, and power cable. In a more elaborate monitor, there are the integrated circuit panel monitors, CRT (cathode ray tube) television lens, and video-related components. In a typical desktop PC, a monitor is connected to the motherboard via an analog signal processor (ASP), to the PC monitor via a digital signal processor (DSP), and to the computer itself through a digital signal processor (DVI). Other output signals that can be provided by a PC monitor are the output from the USB port, composite signals from video devices like monitors and printers, and input signals from external devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
The PC monitor is used to provide two functions; to offer visual information and to control functions of the computer. For visual information, it displays text or graphics on the screen. It is often used to provide a remote user with computer display information (for example, the location of a mouse pointer in the computer or the contents of a document in Microsoft Word). The other function of a PC monitor is to control operations of the computer.
There are three types of PC monitors – the CRT monitor, the flat panel monitor, and the s-video monitor. The CRT monitors use red, green, and blue phosphors to produce an image; the flat panel monitors use liquid crystals to create an image; and the s-video monitors use electronic circuitry to create an image. All three types of PC monitors have slightly different specifications but offer similar performance.
PC monitors range in price, with some being inexpensive and some costing several hundred dollars. CRT computer monitors cost less than one hundred dollars, and provide good quality for the price. Some of the cheaper CRT monitors have problems such as screen burn-in and distorted colors, but most are quite durable. While CRT computer monitors are more expensive than flat panels, they tend to be more durable and give users more options for creating attractive displays.
Flat panels and s-video monitors both require the user to set the display size and the aspect ratio for the best viewing experience. For those who are using the computer monitors for graphic design, the display size and aspect ratio are important for creating a visually appealing display. Some of the higher end CRT computer monitors include extra features such as DVI-D output, which allows the use of an external display when only one is present in the monitor.
When choosing a PC monitor, the amount of available space to include in the case is also an important consideration. Many of the more popular computer monitors include a built-in cable tray, which provides users with easy access to the included cables and connectors for connecting additional peripherals and components. Other popular features include ergonomically-designed stands for optimal viewing comfort, and the ability to tilt and swivel for optimal viewing comfort while working at a desk or out in the open. If you need additional features on your PC monitor, it may be worth checking out the options available in the specific brand of computer monitor you are interested in.
