MegaVision MV170-0 Monitor

The dot pitch rating of a computer monitor indicates how sharp the monitor's picture will be; smaller numbers are better.

Monitor resolution is measured in pixels and expressed as width by height. Most 17-, 18- and 19-inch LCD monitors are 1280 x 1024.

The difference (rarely exceeding 1000:1) in intensity between the brightest white and the deepest black.

Dynamic contrast ratio is considered a useful measure for LCDs that use LED-backlighting technology; for lamp-based LCDs, however, some experts consider it an irrelevant spec, because manufacturers arrive at the ratio through testing with the backlight off, which increases the ratio but is of no practical use because the monitor never will be as dark as it is with the backlight off.

This measures how quickly a pixel can change colors; the lower the milliseconds, the faster the pixels can change, thus reducing the ghosting or streaking effect one might see with a moving image.

A measure of how much light a panel can produce, expressed in candelas per square meter (cd/m2). A measurement of 200 to 250 cd/m2 is sufficient for most tasks; 300 to 400 cd/m2 is better for movies and games.

How far (to 180 degrees) you can move above or below from the center of the display before the image quality deteriorates to unacceptable levels. Viewing for yourself, as opposed to comparing specs, is the best way to determine whether the viewing angle is acceptable.

How far (to 180 degrees) you can move to the side from the center of the display before the image quality deteriorates to unacceptable levels. Viewing for yourself, as opposed to comparing specs, is the best way to determine whether the viewing angle is acceptable.

Is text and image reproduction sharp? Are colors true? Is brightness high and black level low?

Do viewing angles make it convenient for more than one person to see the monitor? Are the connections easy to access? Are contrast and brightness controls easy to access?

Does the screen tilt and/or swivel? Can the height be adjusted? Does it have a USB port?

Refers to the size, design and/or physical arrangement of the monitor and its components.

Digital signals deliver the highest quality video.

Compared with digital, analog delivers lower quality images.

The range of relative humidity at which the monitor will function properly and/or not be damaged.

The lowest temperature at which the monitor will function properly and/or not be damaged.

The highest temperature at which the monitor will function properly and/or not be damaged.

How long does the monitor function as it did when new? Does image quality remain consistent?