Monitor Technology: The Difference Between Resolution, Dot Pitch and Refresh Rate

It may not seem like it, but monitors can be very user specific. Some people want smaller screens, others want larger ones. One important specification for anyone purchasing a monitor is the resolution of the screen. This is actually something you can set to your specific needs via you OS program. Resolution refers to the number of pixels or little dots in a display. This number is generally the horizontal number by the vertical number.

For example my monitor is set at 1024x786. This is the number of horizontal pixels (1024) by the number of vertical pixels (768). Changing these specifications helps to make objects displayed on the screen look larger or smaller. Additionally, higher resolution monitors result in a smoother overall picture display. As such, high resolution is something you should look for in a monitor. Not all monitors have the same capabilities, so it is important to seek one out that is able to display the resolution you're looking for.

Dot pitch, or pixel pitch is the spacing between the pixels on a screen. The amount of space between each dot or pixel is generally measured in millimeters and the smaller the space between each dot the higher the resolution and thus the better quality the picture is. Resolution and Dot Pitch are related in that they both contribute to the overall quality of the picture being displayed.

The Refresh Rate is how many times a computer "redraws" or refreshes the screen per second during operation. Every display image needs to be refreshed a certain number of times per second. A sloe refresh rate causes the screen to flicker and can be very hard on the eyes. A fast refresh rate will create a smooth picture where flickering isn't visible. VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) states that the refresh rate of a monitor should be at least 75 times per second. Without a high refresh rate the smoothness of the resolution and dot pitch won't matter because you'll be too occupied with the flickering of the monitor.

When looking to buy a monitor it's important to find one that is the right size for you. As mentioned earlier, a smaller monitor is preferred by some, but others find it excessive. If your vision is bad, you'll probably want to get a decent sized monitor so you don't have to strain your eyes to see. Additionally, if the monitor is going to be used a great deal for watching videos, or playing games you'll want to get a nice sized one so that the picture is big enough to enjoy the media. You'll also want a high resolution, dot pitch, and refresh rate to give you a smooth vibrant picture.

Next, you'll have to choose a type of monitor. For me, an LCD is optimal. LCDs provide the latest technology and fewer problems with natural lighting and screen glares. The price is also a huge consideration. Sometimes you don't need to buy the most expensive to get a good monitor. Consider your purpose when selecting a monitor.