Contrast Ratio
(LCD Only) A measurement of the light transmission between bright and dark pixels. Higher contrast ratios result in more vivid images. A typical contrast ratio is "450:1".
Dot Pitch
(CRT Only) The distance between a dot and the closest dot of the same colour (red, green or blue) on a colour monitor, measured in millimetres (mm). A small dot pitch means sharper images. Aperature Grill (AG) is measured between pixel stripes.
Horizontal Scan
The number of scan lines per second displayed on a monitor screen, measured in Kilohertz (KHz).
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display, a lightweight, energy-efficient display type used in laptop and flat computer monitors. TFT/Active Matrix LCDs have one transistor per pixel to retain image quality between scans.
Monitor Size
Monitor size is measured diagonally across the face of the monitor, from one corner of the casing to the other.
Native Resolution
The optimal preset resolution for a flat panel monitor. It is not advised to change the setting of a flat panel monitor out of native resolution.
Optimal Resolution
The recommended screen resolution for a monitor, measured in pixels (horizontal x vertical). Higher resolutions can allow more information to fit on a screen, resulting in less scrolling.
Pixel Pitch
(LCD Only) A measurement of distance between pixels on the screen, measured in millimetres (mm). A smaller pixel pitch means sharper images.
Prime Mode
See Native Resolution
Response Time
(LCD Only) A measurement of how quickly a flat panel monitor turns a pixel on or off. Fast response time prevents "ghosting" as an image is moved.
Vertical Scan Refresh
The number of times per second that an entire computer screen is refreshed, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher refresh rates can help reduce the dimming that causes monitor flickering on CRT displays.
Viewing Angle
(LCD Only) A measurement of the range of angles at which minimum acceptable viewing parameters (5:1 contrast ratio, good brightness and front-of-screen performance) is maintained. Measured in horizontal viewing angle (left/right) and vertical viewing angle (up/down).
