LCD Monitors

[rambler175]

Are they good for gaming platforms or is a CRT better. building a new system and would like some advice before buying a monitor.

Thanks

 

[Gosharkss]

LCD Pixel response time

When it comes to gaming on an LCD monitor, pixel response time is the key specification.

What is the pixel response time of a LCD monitor?

Even in the high-speed world of computers happens in zero time.
The Pixel response time is the total rise/fall time of the pixels typically measured in seconds (ms). This represents the amount of time it takes for a point on the screen to go from completely white to completely black. You can think of pixel response time like a camera shutter opening and closing.

Pixel response time is a good indication of how fast motion such as video or computer animation will appear. Fast pixel response (lower numbers) is always better for animation.

The response of a pixels rise (Off to On) time can be different than the fall (On to Off time). For example: For A monitor with a total response time of 40ms, the rise time can be 13ms and the fall time can be 27ms.

Older passive matrix LCD had response times up to 500ms where today's active matrix LCDs range from 25 - 50ms.

There are other aspects that can affect the rise and fall time of the pixel.

The video card can also affect pixel response. Video cards with RFI filters increase the pixel response time by the addition of capacitance to the video signal. This added capacitance adds to the rise and fall time of the signal introduced to the LCD panel.

Because the signal on a monitors with DVI interface is digital the rise and fall times of digital signals are much faster than analog signals and will be less prone to this affect. Remember even monitors with digital interfaces need to convert the signal to analog in order to create the 16.7M color palette. The difference is it is converted inside the monitor as opposed to the video card.

Jim Witkowski
Chief Hardware Engineer
Cornerstone / MOnitorsDirect.com

 

[karmasalad]

I just built my new system with a 17" Samsung SyncMaster 770TFT. I don't play a lot of games, but I do play a lot of Counter-Strike, and compared to my old setup (a Celeron with integrated 810 grfx), it's made a world of difference.

I haven't noticed any of the problems commonly associated with gaming on LCDs, and I love the sleek styling of the thing. It's really nice to regain all that desk space.

I'm not a hardcore gamer by any means, but my recommendation is that if you have the money, go for one of the newer LCDs!