Over the years I was taught how to color calibrate my display settings to make the screen show colors as close as possible to how something will print. Regardless, there were always color issues and complicated work-arounds to try and get the correct output. The problem could be a number of things, one of which is the type of monitor being used. What I never learned was that certain types of monitors handle colors much differently than others. While this seems rather obvious(duh), there are a number of technical reasons for this that aren’t so obvious.
I’ve been using a Dell 1801FP monitor since late 2004. It was a good monitor back then, but my primary purpose for upgrading from the standard flat-screen was for gaming. And there is a difference between what makes a monitor good for gaming, and what makes a monitor good for design. What I didn’t know back then, but know now…is that this monitor is actually decent for both…which RUINS my point…but I just got lucky back then. I’m writing this because I presume that many people are/were not as lucky as I was.
It all has to do with the LCD panel material.
Most monitors use TN panels, which are cheaper and have sub-par viewing angles.
Other monitors use IPS panels, which offer much better viewing angles, thus better color representation from extreme angles(barely any off-angle color shift) This comes to play especially when you move your head. I suspect most people move their heads.
So if you plan on doing a lot of work on screen that requires correct color (read: photography, design, competitive solitaire), I suggest using an IPS panel monitor. Here’s a great site that lists said monitors on the market. Below is a spec sheet(newegg.com) from the new monitor I purchased, I highlighted things you should be looking out for if you do color specific work…
| Brand |
HP |
| Model |
LP2475w |
| Cabinet Color |
Black / Silver |
| Display |
| Screen Size |
24″ |
| Widescreen |
Yes |
| Recommended Resolution |
1920 x 1200 |
| Viewing Angle |
178°(H) / 178°(V) <— Solid color representation from extreme angles
|
| Pixel Pitch |
0.27mm |
| Brightness |
400 cd/m2 |
| Contrast Ratio |
1000:1 |
| Response Time |
6 ms (GTG); 12ms <— has to do with gaming/movie watching. “GTG” = Grey to grey, the time it takes 1 pixel to cycle through colors. There is no industry “standard”, so technically a company can measure two closest greys and record lighting fast response times.
|
| Horizontal Refresh Rate |
30 – 94 kHz |
| Vertical Refresh Rate |
48 – 85 Hz |
| Panel |
H-IPS <— VERY IMPORTANT, as stated above. If this isn’t listed, check the viewing angle. If it is UNDER 178/178, chances are the monitor was made with a TN panel! Back away slowly and call your mom to calm you down!
|
| Display Type |
WUXGA |
| Connectivity |
| Input Video Compatibility |
Digital, Component Video, S-Video, and Composite Video |
| Connectors |
DVI, DisplayPort, S-Video, Composite, Component, SPDIF out |
| DVI |
2 |
| Video |
S-Video, Composite, Component |
| HDMI |
1 |
| USB 2.0 |
6 |
| DisplayPort |
1 |
| Power |
| Complies with |
ENERGY STAR |
| Power Supply |
100 – 240 VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption |
Maximum: < 120 watts
Power Saving: < 2 watts standby; <1 watt off |
| Convenience |
| User Controls |
Brightness, contrast, positioning, color temperature (6500k, 9300k, custom), individual color control, serial number, display, clock, clock phase, monitor management, factory reset <— Important for calibration |
| Regulatory Approvals |
IT ECO declaration, TCO’ 03, EPEAT Silver |
| Stand Adjustments |
Height, Pivot, Swivel, Tilt |
| Built-in TV Tuner |
No |
| Built-in Speakers |
|
That being said, I encourage you to do research, read reviews and user reviews if you’re in the market for a new screen. There is no reason you have to pony up a couple of Gs for a monitor that displays accurate color. There are monitors for under 300 dollars that will do just fine, and hopefully make your life a little easier.
TRENDY UPDATE:
I forgot to mention that the iPad uses IPS technology, so you can have those sexy viewing angles when you…wait…what is it that the iPad is good for again?
This is a great book that talks about how design influences and effects culture and why designers should take responsibility for their designs. Berman calls for designers to “take the pledge”, which consists of doing the following…
