Monitor Specs Questions

Thanks, Helmut, for your input.

I sit a normal distance from my monitor on the computer desk, nothing special there. And, again, I use my computer for normal stuff, but no gaming. If somebody could specifically address # 4 I would appreciate it, since that basically is what this topic is all about. Thanks.

vanp said:

Thanks to bobkn, sygnus21, and FreeBooter.

I've taken a quick look at the provided sites/documents and will look more thoroughly later. Honestly, all this technical detail is a bit much for 'average' me,

Yes, it is a bit technical but that the thing about color management with some of the questions you ask. It's why I tried to keep it as simple as possible.

but I appreciate the education. A few thoughts/questions (again, for reference, my computer use is what I would call 'standard'):

1. I've seen references to nits/brightness = 120/150, but most monitors are in the 250-350 range. If even 120/150 is "too bright," why are monitors made in this larger range?

There are some instances where a bright monitor would be idea. Some gamers for example like bright monitors. But yes, the "idea" brightness for a normal use should be around 120-150. Also be aware that "nits" does not necessarily equal candle brightness (cd/m2). But I don't have all the answers to this one so...

2. A computer store salesman told me that changing scaling will take a monitor out of its K-ness. Is this correct?

I don't know what "K-ness" is as I've never heard that term before. What I say is a monitor works best at it's native resolution. And for the record "scaling" would have to do with the size of the items rendered on screen. This can be different from resolution as you can change scaling independent of resolution.

3. A co-worker says that he uses magnification to increase text size. Whether he's talking about Settings>Ease of Access Display or Magnifier I'm not sure.

See above on "scaling"

4. The Screen Size/Common Resolution chart at TFT Central shows (let's call it) 1K for 24/25'' and 2K for 27".
Does this mean 2K should not be attempted on 24/25"? And there are lots of 4K 27" monitors.

5. If I adjust the brightness/contrast using the controls on my monitor, am I changing any of the stated specs (like nits/brightness) of the monitor?

If I get a 2K monitor, I want it to display everything as close as possible to what things look like on my 1K monitor, but with more clarity and detail. Don't think this is a lot to ask for. Another co-worker says he gets the monitor he wants and then makes whatever adjustments are required to make it look the way he wants it to look.

As for color calibration, if a manufacturer says it calibrates and includes a report, that implies that company is performing a step that others don't. As bobkn says, as a practical matter, maybe it doesn't make a meaningful difference.

Thanks again.

My replies in red to some of your questions. Honestly some of you question would be best answered if you did your own research on line. A great source for monitor information and reviews is TFT Central. Here's one article on specs... Specifications. Here's a cnet link on buying monitors - How to buy a monitor

At the end of the day pretty much any brand name monitor should provide you the basic options you may need. You just have to figure out cost and needs.

The problem with "gaming" monitor reviews is that they tend to err on the side of a gaming monitor which may not suit say a photographer. Example, my NEC PA242w with it's 14ms response time would never make a gamer's list despite the fact that it's a wide gamut monitor set for professional graphics use.

BTW I've been "gaming" on this monitor since the day I got it and never ever had any "ghosting" issues. But than again I don't play fast paced race sims. I'm more FPS and RPG gamer.

Pejole2165, thanks for responding. Your URL redirects to PC Gamer. Don't know if this is the site you intend.

sygnus21, by K-ness, I mean 2K, 4K, etc. The idea is that changing the scaling will drop the resolution, say 2K, to something less than 2K, thereby defeating the purpose of having a 2K monitor.

I am researching, including this process here.

bobkn said:

I don't understand the question.

Did you refer to this link? Monitor Specifications - TFTCentral

You may notice that there are no monitors listed at 2160p (3840X2160). The article may be several years old. It's a list of commonly available sizes and resolutions. What it's not is a series of recommendations. You're reading too much into the table. The associated text described the text size issues fairly well.

The main problem in running a small high-resolution display is that some applications don't scale their menus well. I've mainly noticed it in Photoshop CS6 (on a 4k 27" display).

Yes, I did reference TFT Central earlier. I guess I did read the chart as recommendations; you set me straight.

What do you consider not "a small high-resolution display," 27" and above?

Concerning not understanding the question[s]: (1) Is there a 'proper' screen size for a 1440p monitor; (2) will things look unpleasantly smaller than a person would be used to looking at on a 1080p monitor; (3) can magnification and/or scaling be used to 'fix' any unwanted smallness without undoing the 2K resolution?

These questions have been discussed to one extent or another, but I guess this is a good summary.

I appreciate everybody's input.