Monitors for Dummies
Comments Off on Monitors for DummiesVA Panels with AMD Freesync technology, lifelike visuals with DisplayHDR 400 certified, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms – how many things do you truly understand what it means and how it works? Worry not – MMD created a fool-proof glossary for all the features and specifications that you could find in any monitor description, to help you make the most out of your experiences.
Basic
Resolution
Resolution means the image quality displayed on a monitor, how sharp a computer-generated image is. It’s measured in pixels, by the number of horizontal pixels times the number of vertical pixels.
4K
4K is a new standard in TV, monitors and consumer media industry indicating that a display has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, double the size of Full HD (1920 × 1080). However, in the movie projection industry, 4K means 4096 × 2160 pixels.
4K UHD
4K UHD includes monitors with a 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) screen resolution, and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Full HD
Full High Definition (FHD) is a standard indicating that a display has a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It is characterized by a total of 2,073,600 pixels on the screen.
WQHD
Wide Quad High Definition (WQHD) is a standard indicating that a display has a resolution of 3440×1440 pixels, with a 21:9 aspect ratio.
DWHD
Double Wide High Definition (DWHD) is a standard indicating that a display has a resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels, with a 32:9 aspect ratio.
QHD
Quad High Definition (QHD) is a standard indicating that a display has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Maximum/ Optimum resolution
Maximum resolution means the greatest video resolution reachable. Optimum resolution is the best combination of resolution and other features, such as refresh rate, for the monitor in use.
Response time
Response time is the time it takes to shift from one color to another. It is measured in milliseconds (ms), counting the time it takes to go from black to white to black again. Certain panel types are more responsive than others, so if you are a video maker or a gamer it can be useful to check a monitor with a low response time.
Refresh rate
Refresh Rate is the number of times the monitor updates with new images each second. It is measured in hertz (Hz), meaning that 60 Hz ensures 60 updates per second. A higher refresh rate results in a smoother picture and higher video quality.
LCD panel type
Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) is a flat display technology made of two sheets of a flexible polarizing material and a layer of liquid crystal solution between the two. There are three main kinds of LCD displays: active-matrix, dual-scan, and passive-matrix display.
IPS
In-Plane Switching (IPS) is a screen technology for LCDs that leverages liquid crystals aligned in parallel. IPS panels display consistent, accurate color from all viewing angles – resolving the limitations of TN panels.
VA
Vertical Alignment (VA) is a type of LED panel display technology that leverages liquid crystals naturally aligned vertically. VA panels display the best contrast and image depth of all the other main types of display panels, although they’re also characterized by the longest response rate.
TN
Twisted nematic (TN) is an LCD panel display technology. TN panels are characterized as being the fastest and most economical of the various main types of display panels, although they also offer the worst viewing angles and colors.
MVA
Multi Domain Vertically Aligned (MVA) is an evolution of VA panels that leverages liquid crystals naturally aligned vertically but with defined switching directions. MVA panels display the best contrast and image depth among the other main types of display panels, in addition to accurate color from all viewing angles.
Sync technology
Sync technologies are solutions developed to improve gaming by aligning the monitor’s refresh rate with the fps delivered by your PC or laptop GPU (graphic processing unit).
AMD Freesync™ technology
AMD FreeSync™ technology synchronizes the refresh rate of a display with the frame rate of FreeSync compatible graphics cards. This helps reduce or eliminate visual effects such as input latency, screen tearing, etc.
Adaptive Sync
Adaptive Sync technologies such as G-Sync or Free Sync provide a smooth viewing experience by aligning the monitor refresh rate with the GPU fps.
Aspect Ratio
Aspect Ratio is a proportional representation that describes the correlation between width and height. The current international standard is 16:9 (known as “widescreen”), so most of the monitors on the market offer this ratio. Moreover, 21:9 is progressively becoming more common. Philips also offer 32:10 and 32:9, offering the screen area of dual monitors without the complicated setup.
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle is the position or angle that allows you to watch images and videos in the best way in front of a monitor.
Pixel Density
Pixel density is a calculation of the number of physical pixels per inch on a screen or display of a device. It’s often referred to as Pixels Per Inch or PPI.
Pixel Pitch
Sometimes referred to as pitch or dot pitch, this describes the density of pixels. It is the distance in millimeters from the center of a pixel to the center of the adjacent pixel. A smaller pixel pitch (and a smaller distance between pixels) results in an improved screen resolution.
Backlight
Backlight is a form of lighting used to illuminate liquid crystal displays from the sides or from the back. This technology helps achieve a thinner display.
Brightness
Brightness is the visual perception of luminance, radiating or reflecting light. High-end monitors right now offer brightness of around 300 to 350 cd/m2, but a brightness level of 250 cd/m2 is already good for working, without causing eye strain.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast Ratio is the difference between how white and how black a monitor screen can get. Higher contrast ratios should ensure a good distinction between the colors displayed.
SmartContrast
SmartContrast technology adjusts colors and controls backlight intensity according to the contents displayed, dynamically enhancing contrast for the best digital images and videos or when playing games.
SmartImage mode
SmartImage adjusts brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness in real time thanks to presets that you can select to optimize display for different types of content.
Display colors
A monitor screen displays different colors due to different combinations and intensities of three primary colors (red, green, and blue).
Color gamut
Color gamut includes a range of colors inside the spectrum of colors identifiable by the human eye. Devices like digital cameras, monitors, and printers can reproduce various ranges of colors, and the color gamut is established to make these differences clear while creating a synergy between colors that can be used in common across different devices.
Display features
HDR
HDR stands for “High Dynamic Range” and refers to a technique that enhances an image’s dynamic range. It produces pictures with a large perceptible difference between bright and dark regions, providing lifelike images while preserving precise details.
sRGB
sRGB stands for Standard Red Green Blue and is a color space, or a set of specific colors. It is a standard color gamut that defines a set of colors to be reproduced on displays so that photos and videos appear similar regardless of the display.
Pop-up webcam/ Windows Hello™
The Pop-up webcam is a built-in web camera that pops up from your monitor when you need it and can be tucked away when you don’t. It comes equipped with advanced sensors for Windows Hello™ facial recognition, which conveniently logs you into Windows devices in under two seconds.
Flicker-Free
Flicker-Free is a technology designed to help provide a more comfortable viewing experience by regulating brightness and reducing flicker.
Low blue mode
LowBlue Mode is a setting that uses smart software technology to reduce harmful shortwave blue light and thus protect your vision.
SoftBlue technology
SoftBlue LED technology reduces the harmful effects of shortwave blue light without affecting the color or image of your display. It is certified by the international testing organization TUV Rheinland.
Power sensor
PowerSensor is a built-in “people sensor” that transmits and receives harmless infrared signals to detect your presence or absence from your monitor. It automatically reduces monitor brightness as soon as you step away from your desk, thereby saving energy.
Light sensor
LightSensor uses a smart sensor to detect the lighting conditions in the room and then adjust picture brightness accordingly, so that you can enjoy the perfect picture with minimal power use.
Easy Read
Easy Read Mode allows you to enjoy a paper-like reading experience when reading text on your monitor.
VESA wall mount & bracket
VESA is an interface standard used for brackets and wall mounting systems that defines the distance in millimeters between the four mounting holes on the back of a monitor (horizontal x vertical distance).
Zero Power Switch
Zero Power Switch allows you to completely cut your monitor off from AC power using a 0-watt hard switch, resulting in zero power consumption.
Privacy mode
Privacy Mode offers an integrated privacy solution without any need for an external screen protector. At the press of a button, you enter Privacy Mode: your screen appears dark and barely visible from either side, yet maintains clear visuals at the center. You can thus shield confidential, sensitive, or private data from prying eyes.
Ultra Wide-Color
Ultra Wide-Color Technology delivers a wider spectrum of colors thanks to a wider “color gamut.” This results in more natural-looking greens, vivid reds, and deeper blues, bringing media entertainment, images, and even productivity to vibrant life.
MultiView
MultiView enables Picture by Picture and Picture in Picture view, allowing you to work with multiple devices such as a PC and notebook simultaneously for complex multi-tasking.
KVM
KVM switch allows you to control two separate PCs with one monitor-keyboard-mouse setup, which is especially useful for setups that require dual PC computing power or when you need to share one large monitor to display two different PCs.
Daisy Chain
Daisy chaining is the ability to connect a string of monitors to a single video output port. With DisplayPort-out, you can connect several high-resolution displays using just one cable from your first display to your PC.
Ambiglow
Ambiglow technology creates a pleasant halo of light that enhances your viewing experience. Using a fast processor, it analyzes incoming image content and audio to continuously adapt the color and brightness of the emitted light to match the image on your screen and volume changes.
Smart Ergo Base
SmartErgoBase is a monitor base that delivers ergonomic display comfort by allowing you to swivel, tilt, and rotate the base.
Touch technology
Projected-Capacitive touch
Projected Capacitive (PCAP) touch screens use touch-sensitive technology to offer a simple, user-friendly multi-touch experience and fluid response.
Smart stand
SmartStand lets you easily adjust your screen to an upright position, recline it backwards for taking notes, and even lay it almost flat on the table for some applications.
Smooth touch
SmoothTouch provides a nearly frictionless touch surface and a rapid touch response.
Anti-glare
Anti-Glare Coating (AG) reduces the glare of touch monitor screens, so you no longer need additional protection to benefit from eye comfort, both indoors and in situations where there are bright lights pointing directly at the monitor.
Connections
Docking monitors/ USB Hubs
A built-in USB type-C docking station with power delivery enables intelligent and flexible power management. Its slim, reversible USB-C connector allows for easy, one-cable docking. Connecting all your peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, and RJ-45 Ethernet cable to the monitor’s docking station, it makes your computer use much simpler and more enjoyable.
USB
Short for Universal Serial Bus, USB is a plug and play interface that allows a computer to communicate with peripherals and other devices. It can be used to connect keyboards, mice, game controllers, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and removable media drives, just to name a few.
USB-C
USB-C (Universal Serial Bus Type-C) is the standard connection being adopted everywhere from mobile phones to laptops. It helps transmit both data and power via a single cable to and from computing devices. The USB-C plug has a symmetrical design, so it can be inserted either way. USB-C can also feature DisplayPort Alternative Mode which allows to transfer data/video via multiple interfaces, including DisplayPort video interface.
HBR3
High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3) is the new standard used by the all-new DisplayPort 1.3 and 1.4 video cards. DisplayPort interfaces with HBR3 has a higher bandwidth that can drive 8K video resolution through a single connection, as well as multiple 4K displays. Key applications supported by HBR3 include high-performance gaming, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and television broadcasting.
RJ45
RJ45 is a type of physical interface used for telephone connections and data transfer. RJ stands for “registered jack.” Whether at home or the office, RJ45 connectors can be used to connect an Internet-connected device such as a modem, router, or server directly to the hardware.
D-Sub/VGA
D-subminiature, or D-sub port, is a type of electrical connector commonly used for computers. There are many possible applications for it, the most common being VGA or “Video Graphics Array,” a standard monitor or display interface.
DVI
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a common digital video display interface. There are three types of DVI connections: DVI-A (for analog), DVI-D (for digital), and DVI-I (integrated, for both analog and digital).
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) allows you to transmit audio and video data through a single cable.
DisplayPort
DisplayPort is the standard video interface, which is generally available on premium-level monitors with high-end graphics cards and facilitates activities that require good visualization such as gaming or video editing.
Audio in
Audio in is a port to connect an external audio source.
Audio out
Audio out is a port to connect speakers or headphones for listening.
Smart Connect
Smart Connect enables a multitude of connectivity interfaces, including VGA, Display Port, and universal HDMI connector, allowing you to enjoy uncompressed, high-resolution video and audio content.
Certifications
EPEAT
The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), managed by the Global Electronics Council (GEC), is the leading global Type 1 ecolabel for technology products. It grants assurance of the environmental friendliness of EPEAT-registered products through a continuous monitoring process known as Continuous Monitoring.
TCO
TCO Certified is the world’s leading sustainability certification for IT products. Products that receive this recognition meet high environmental and social criteria throughout their life cycle. The same production plants must guarantee standards in terms of working hours, environment, and salaries. To be certified, products must meet criteria for energy efficiency, ergonomic design, and reduced content of toxic materials.
TCO Edge
Products that meet the most advanced sustainability criteria can be certified with the TCO Certified Edge, a truly high-level acknowledgement for products that stand out for their innovation. This certification measures specific sustainability factors, and products are tested and certified on a per-circle basis.
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR® certified products are guaranteed to be energy-efficient. This government-backed label must provide simple, credible, and impartial information that both consumers and businesses can rely on to make informed decisions.
Energy label
Every product at the point of sale must be displayed – according to EU regulations – with a label that outlines its energy efficiency and other important features to be considered at purchase. The label also gives customers a better idea of how much they can save on their energy bills, as well as offering a clear and visible picture of how much the product contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
TUV Eye comfort
Eye comfort certification provided by the independent TÜV Rheinland is awarded to displays ensuring greater visual comfort and demonstrating the safety and quality standards that today are an essential requirement. TÜV Certification is based on the ISO 9241-307 standard, which means that you are handling a product designed to be glare-free, safeguard image quality from different perspectives, facilitate adjustment of blue light content, and ensure no flicker.
Design
Curved
Curved screens offer a highly and pleasantly immersive experience, focusing on the person in front of the screen to give them a wider perceived visual field.
Frameless display
The thinner the frame, the more minimalist the look of the display. This creates an expanded visual experience and increases your productivity while allowing you to enjoy vivid images with seamless views.
Bezel/Cabinet
The bezel is the border between the screen and the frame of a monitor.
Power
ECO Mode
ECO mode stands for “economical mode” and provides significant energy savings.
On mode
This mode indicates that the monitor is on and is using electricity.
Standby mode
If you haven’t finished your work and simply want to take a break, you can use standby mode, which pauses your computer or electronic device for as long as necessary without turning it off completely; this also helps save energy.
Off mode
This mode indicates that the monitor is off.
Energy label class
Each electrical device must be marked with its efficiency level on a scale of A to G.
Power LED indicator
LED lighting lets you quickly know if your computer is on, off, or on standby.
Power supply
A power supply is an accessory that connects an electrical device to a socket to power it.
Features that make images come alive
Comments Off on Features that make images come alive
It comes as no surprise that more and more devices come with progressively better visuals displays, and monitors are no exceptions. Here are few elements of monitors that provide richer visual experiences.
IPS, VA and Wide Viewing Angles
Unlike standard TN panels, IPS and VA displays gives accurate and crisp images with vivid colors, making it ideal for photos, films, and web browsing, but also for professional applications that always demand color accuracy and consistent brightness. Many of the Philips monitors come with IPS or VA technologies while giving extra-wide viewing angels of 178/178 degrees, making it possible to view the display from almost any angle with no distortion.
Size and Resolution
Higher resolution means more pixels on the display and greater detail, an essential feature for professional users such as graphic designer, CAD designers and architects, and an appreciated plus for any other user. For office environment, high resolution monitors ensure comfortable viewing experience with the delivery of crisp images and clear texts. Some of the highest resolutions available for monitors are QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels, four times the first HD panels), UltraWide Quad HD (3440 x 1440 pixels) and Ultra HD or 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels, or four times the resolution of a Full HD display). The Philips 346E2CUAE is a great example of UltraWide Quad HD display, a panoramic view with high-density pixel to bring out the clarity and details each photographer expects from a high-performance monitor. On the other hand, the Philips 329P1H sports an IPS panels to deliver 4K UHD resolution for images that really pop!
DisplayHDR and Ultra Wide-Color
HDR stands for “High Dynamic Range” and refers to a technology that enhances an image’s dynamic range, underlining the perceptible difference between bright and dark regions and providing lifelike images while preserving precise details. Ultra Wide-Color Technology delivers a wider spectrum of colors thanks to a wider “color gamut”: this results in deeper blues, more natural-looking greens, and vivid reds, bringing media entertainment, images, and even productivity to life. An example of these jaw dropping colors? Check out the above-mentioned Philips 288E2A. if you really want widest color gamut available, all nuances, the deepest blacks, and the most consistent visualization – then the Philips 328P6VUBREB is your next best friend.
Features that look out for you
For working in front of a computer, for hours, eyes need to feel as comfortable as possible – hence some features included in many Philips Monitors, specifically designed for easy-on-the-eye productivity. Due to the way brightness is controlled on LED-backlit screens, some users experience flicker on their screen which causes eye fatigue. Philips Flicker-Free technology applies a new solution to regulate brightness and reduce flicker for more comfortable viewing. Moreover, studies have shown that even shortwave-length blue light rays from LED displays can cause eye damage and affect vision over time. Developed for wellbeing, the Philips LowBlue Mode setting uses a smart software technology to reduce this harmful shortwave blue light. Lastly but not least, EasyRead mode ensures a paper-like reading experience.
Which features have you used to enhance the quality of your images on a monitor? Let us know!
The perfect sound technologies for gamers
Comments Off on The perfect sound technologies for gamersThe perfect audio design is crucial when playing video games. Emotional music and detailed sounds from your in-game environment can transport you right into digital fantasy worlds. Pricking up your ears to hear approaching enemies can make or break a match in multiplayer games. The Dirac Spatial Audio solution aims to provide the most realistic sound design for gamers.
The different methods of sound design
Headset manufacturers use several methods to convey sound, and you might get overwhelmed on your search for your new device. Here are the differences between the various types.
Stereo: The classic stereo uses two audio channels, one for the left ear and one for the right ear. Therefore, the sound source comes from two different directions, making it one-dimensional – left and right.
True Surround: Surround goes a step further. This audio system recreates sound at more angles and distances, usually being two-dimensional – left and right, front and back. Generally, for True Surround this is achieved either by multiple devices in a room, or multiple speakers in a headset. The system is also beneficial for gamers as it not only helps to create a greater sense of immersion, but also to determine the source of certain noises and therefore the specific location of the enemy.
Virtual Surround: A surround audio output can also be achieved by tricking the brain. The Virtual Surround system only uses two speakers, like Stereo, but it makes use of different techniques that allows users to hear sounds from additional directions that are “surrounding” the listener – even though it is still from just two directions. One such technique is diffusing sounds by altering the relative time a sound reaches each ear, giving an impression of depth.
Spatial Audio: The most modern technology is Spatial Audio, also referred to as 3D Audio – sound appears to come from all possible angles: left and right, front and back, and up and down. Therefore, Spatial Audio makes it feel like the sound is coming at you from everywhere, allowing you to become fully immersed in the fantastic digital worlds you’re diving into. The aim is to mimic real life sound experiences as closely as possible.
Get the best experience with Dirac Spatial Audio
Swedish digital audio pioneer Dirac has been working on a way to achieve total realism. Not only did they want to make gamers feel completely immersed, but also to give them strategic advantages. Together with Philips, Dirac has created a gaming headset with Dirac’s award-winning spatial audio solution.
This breakthrough technique produces a virtualized three-dimensional, 7.1 surround sound experience. The headset, using two audio channels, puts users in the centre of the action while creating the effect of audio signals coming in from all angles around the player.
Different sounds and noises seem more realistic and clearer, with even subtle audio inputs such as passing footsteps or a quiet whisper being highlighted. Most importantly, however, players can pinpoint exactly which direction the sounds are coming from. This can be crucial in multiplayer games where both sight and sound are needed to gather as much intel on opponents as possible.
Discover a new level of audio-immersion with Philips headphones
If you are now keen to explore the different audio designs and fully immerse yourself within your favourite video games, check out the TAGH301BL and the TAGH401BL. These headsets by Philips come with a range of benefits to enhance your gaming experience.
The models are ultra-light over-ear headsets with built-in microphones and 40mm speakers to deliver sound without any distortion. The adjustable headband and built-in cushions guarantee maximum comfort even during the longest battles. Thanks to the integrated control panel, the mic can be easily turned on and off, and the game volume can be adjusted without tabbing out.
The TAGH401BL also features Dirac Spatial Audio to fully transport you into an immersive game. Players can conveniently toggle between two modes via the headset’s USB cord. The Dirac Spatial Audio technology is perfect for gaming and movies, whereas the optimized sound mode works best for listening to music.