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Monitor glossary

Monitor terms explained

Plain-English explanations of panels, resolution, refresh rate, HDR and desk connectivity.

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1440p

1440p is a progressive-scan video mode, commonly associated with a 2560 × 1440 image. On a monitor listing, it usually indicates supported input signal compatibility.

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4K

4K describes a display resolution around four thousand pixels across. On MonitorFit, the label mainly distinguishes 4K Ultra HD and 4K DCI products; it does not rate overall picture quality.

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A

Adaptive Sync

Adaptive Sync lets a monitor vary its refresh timing to better match a compatible graphics source, which can reduce tearing and uneven motion during gameplay.

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C

contrast ratio

Contrast ratio describes the difference between a monitor’s brightest white and darkest black. Higher figures can indicate more separation, but only when measured under comparable conditions.

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curved

A curved monitor has a screen that bends inward rather than staying flat. The label describes the screen’s shape, not its image quality, viewing comfort, or performance.

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D

daisy chain

A monitor daisy chain connects multiple displays in sequence, with one monitor passing the video signal to the next. It can reduce the number of direct connections to the computer.

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DCI-P3

DCI-P3 is a colour gamut standard used to describe the range of colours a monitor can reproduce. A DCI-P3 label indicates a colour-space capability, not image quality or calibration accuracy.

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DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a digital connection used to send video, and often audio, from a computer or other source to a monitor. The version, connector type, and port direction affect what it can support.

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DisplayPort Alt Mode

DisplayPort Alt Mode lets a USB-C connection carry DisplayPort video signals to a monitor, if both the source device and cable support the required features.

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F

flicker-free

Flicker-free describes a monitor designed to reduce or avoid rapid brightness fluctuations that may be hard to notice but uncomfortable for some viewers.

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FreeSync

FreeSync is AMD’s adaptive-sync technology for monitors. It adjusts the display’s refresh timing to match a compatible graphics source, helping reduce tearing during motion.

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G

G-Sync

G-Sync is NVIDIA’s variable-refresh technology, designed to synchronize a compatible monitor’s refresh rate with frame output from a supported graphics system.

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H

HDMI

HDMI is a digital connection used to carry video and, typically, audio between a source device and a monitor. A monitor’s HDMI listing indicates port availability, not picture quality by itself.

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HDR

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a display capability for showing a wider range of brightness and color than standard dynamic range. An HDR label alone does not rate overall picture quality.

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HDR400

HDR400 usually refers to VESA DisplayHDR 400, an entry-level HDR performance tier for monitors. It signals a defined peak-brightness capability, not overall picture quality.

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I

IPS

IPS (In-Plane Switching) is a type of LCD panel known for broad viewing angles and generally consistent image appearance. The IPS label alone does not indicate a monitor’s overall quality.

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K

KVM

KVM means Keyboard, Video and Mouse. In a monitor, a built-in KVM switch can let one keyboard, mouse and display setup work with more than one connected computer.

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M

MST

MST means Multi-Stream Transport, a DisplayPort feature that can carry separate display signals from one source to multiple monitors. Its presence alone does not specify how many screens or what resolutions are supported.

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O

OLED

OLED is a display technology in which each pixel produces its own light. It can turn individual pixels off for deep blacks, but the label alone does not rate a monitor’s overall image quality.

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P

PPI

PPI means pixels per inch, a measure of how densely pixels are packed on a display. It is calculated from a screen’s physical size and native resolution, not a quality grade.

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PWM

PWM (pulse-width modulation) is a way some monitors control backlight brightness by switching it on and off rapidly. The label describes the dimming method, not its comfort or image-quality level.

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R

refresh rate

Refresh rate is how many times a display updates its image each second, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher rate can make motion look smoother when your device can provide enough frames.

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response time

Response time is how quickly a monitor’s pixels change from one displayed state to another. Check whether the figure is measured as GtG or MPRT, because those labels are not directly interchangeable.

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S

sRGB

sRGB is a standard colour space used to describe a monitor’s colour gamut. An sRGB coverage figure indicates how much of that colour space the display is reported to reproduce.

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T

TN

TN (twisted nematic) is a monitor panel type. It identifies the display technology, but by itself does not rate the monitor’s overall image quality or suitability.

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U

ultrawide

Ultrawide describes a monitor with a wider-than-standard screen format, designed to show more horizontal workspace or a broader game view. The label alone does not specify the exact aspect ratio, resolution, or quality.

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USB-C

USB-C is a reversible connector used on some monitors for data, video input, and sometimes device charging. Its presence alone does not specify speed, video support, or power output.

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USB-C PD

USB-C PD means USB Power Delivery, a standard that negotiates power over a USB-C connection. On a monitor, it commonly indicates power delivery to a connected laptop or other device.

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V

VA

VA (Vertical Alignment) is an LCD monitor panel type. It describes how the liquid-crystal layer is arranged, not the monitor’s overall quality or performance.

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VESA

VESA is an industry standards organization whose specifications appear on monitors for mounting interfaces, display features, signal communication, and power management. A VESA label describes a standard or capability, not overall product quality.

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viewing angle

Viewing angle is the maximum angle from straight-on at which a monitor’s image is specified to remain usable. It may be listed separately for horizontal and vertical viewing.

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VRR

VRR, or variable refresh rate, lets a monitor adjust its refresh timing to match the source’s changing frame rate, which can reduce visible tearing and uneven motion.

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