Monitorens

Monitorens are display devices that present visual output from computers, video players, and other electronic sources. The term is used in Dutch to refer to multiple display units and is closely related to the word monitor (beeldscherm). Modern monitorens encompass a range of technologies and form factors, from desktop screens to portable displays, and they are distinguished by their panel technology, resolution, size, and interface.

Historically, monitors evolved from cathode-ray-tube (CRT) displays to flat-panel technologies. In the 1990s and 2000s, liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) supplanted CRTs in most markets, followed by light-emitting diode (LED) backlighting and later organic LEDs (OLED) and microLED. The term monitor reflects its original role as a device to observe output from a computer or system.

Common categories include CRT monitors (larger and heavier, now rare), LCD monitors, LED-backlit LCDs, and OLED monitors. Within LCDs, panel technologies vary: twisted nematic (TN), in-plane switching (IPS), and vertical alignment (VA). Curved and ultrawide monitors are popular for immersive computing and professional work.

Key specifications include screen size (measured diagonally in inches), resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K), aspect ratio (mostly 16:9, some 21:9), refresh rate (60 Hz–360 Hz for gaming), response time, color accuracy, brightness, contrast, and HDR support (HDR10, Dolby Vision).

Monitors connect via HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, and increasingly USB-C with power delivery and data. Modern monitors may support Adaptive Sync technologies such as FreeSync or G-Sync, VESA mounting, and ergonomic stands with height, tilt, pan (pivot) adjustments.

Choice depends on use case: office work benefits from color-accurate IPS panels and eye-friendly features; gaming favors high refresh rates and sync; professional media work values color accuracy and uniform brightness. Energy consumption and desk space are practical considerations.