1. Resolution and screen
The first thing you need to do is make sure your monitor is set to its native resolution. The default resolution is the highest resolution supported by the monitor and provides the clearest screen quality.
Windows usually recognizes this automatically, but switching to a different screen mode, such as split-screen mode, can cause resolution confusion. In this case, the resolution may become jumbled when using modes such as splitting the screen. In this case, you can change the screen resolution by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting ‘Display Settings’. You can find the features you need in the ‘Scale and Layout’ section.
tip : When changing resolution, always maintain the correct screen ratio. For example, the 16:9 or 4:3 ratio must be maintained to prevent the image from being distorted. The scale settings allow you to adjust the size of the application displayed on the screen. To improve readability, 150% magnification is recommended. If you’re using a secondary monitor, setting it to portrait mode makes long text easier to read.
2. Brightness and contrast
It is also important to optimize screen brightness, especially in changing lighting conditions. Make sure the screen is comfortable to look at. If it’s too bright, you may unconsciously overuse your eyes, which can cause fatigue and headaches. Conversely, if the screen is too dark, everything becomes difficult to read, which creates another problem.
Brightness settings can be found in the ‘System’ and ‘Display Settings’ menus. If you select ‘Night Mode’ here, it filters out blue light, which is useful when looking at the screen for a long time in the evening. However, it is not recommended when editing images or playing games because the colors are distorted.
Improving contrast makes the monitor screen appear clearer. You can find tests to check your contrast ratio online, and proper contrast ratio can help improve your viewing experience when streaming movies or TV shows. Gamma correction is also useful, but most monitors use standard values. Proofreading tools for this can also be found online.
For the best contrast, it is recommended to use a monitor that supports HDR. You can also activate HDR mode in Windows 11, which can display a wider color range and details. With HDR, colors appear more vivid and vibrant, and more details are visible in bright and dark scenes.
3. Monitor location and ergonomics
Ergonomic aspects should not be overlooked when using a monitor. In general, the appropriate distance between your head and the monitor is about 50 to 70 cm. If the screen is too close or too far, it can strain not only your eyes but also your neck.
You should also adjust the height of the screen so that the top edge is at or slightly below eye level. If you have to raise your head when reading, your neck may be overly tense, which can cause headaches.
If you can tilt the monitor back slightly, tilting it up to 35 degrees is ideal. Otherwise, it is best to place it squarely on a desk or front and center. Continually turning your head to one side causes tension in your neck.
4. Screen refresh rate
If you are a gamer, you probably know this well. If the screen refresh rate is low, what’s happening on the screen doesn’t look smooth. 60Hz is sufficient for most people, but if it is a gaming monitor, it is better to choose a higher refresh rate.
Especially in multiplayer games, it is advantageous to set it up to 144Hz. This is because the screen must appear smoothly so that there is no delay. Although the degree of recognition varies from person to person, the degree to which a person’s eyes can recognize may vary depending on an individual’s viewing habits.
To set your monitor’s refresh rate, right-click on the desktop and open ‘Display Settings’. You can set the desired refresh rate in ‘Advanced display settings’. The maximum refresh rate is set by the manufacturer, so it is best to check the maximum refresh rate when purchasing.
5. Power consumption
Lastly, when working from home or playing long gaming sessions, you need to manage your monitor’s power consumption. Otherwise, power consumption can quickly increase along with many other devices.
If you have any concern for the environment, energy saving mode is a must. It is a good idea to set the screen to turn off automatically when you leave the room for a long time. When the screen is not in use at all, it is recommended to completely disconnect it from the power supply.
Setting the brightness too high will increase the screen’s power consumption. High-resolution screens of 4K or higher also consume a lot of energy. Fortunately, LED monitors are one of the most energy-efficient options.
editor@itworld.co.kr
Source: www.itworld.co.kr
