What Is a High-Definition PC Monitor?

The meaning of HD, UHD, 4K, and other terms for monitors

A high-definition PC monitor delivers a clearer picture than possible with low-definition, low-resolution screens. High-resolution displays generally have a higher density of pixels per inch than past standard TV screens. This high pixel density makes the image sharper and clearer because the human eye can't make out individual pixels as easily.

When it comes to high definition PC monitors, the term high definition is used somewhat interchangeably with high resolution.

High Definition

High-definition television (HDTV) is a selling point for flat-panel plasma and LCD screens. HDTV makes sports, movies, and the Weather Channel look amazing if those shows are broadcast in HD.

Though a TV or monitor may feature HD, the content displayed must be HD quality. If not, it might be upscaled to fit the display but will not be true HD.

Most people have at least a vague idea of what high definition delivers for television: a beautiful, sharp picture with more vibrant colors than lower-definition displays.

Monitor Resolution and Evolving Video Standards

Standards have become clearer on what HD means compared to what it meant in the past. The following are the standard definitions for HD monitor resolutions and express the number of pixels in the display horizontally by vertically:

  • 1280x720 (also called 720p)
  • 1920x1080 (also called 1080i)
  • 1920x1080 progressive (also called 1080p)
  • 2560x1440 (often found in monitors for gaming)
An Acer G247HYL bmidx 23.8-Inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Monitor
Acer, Inc.

The next step up from HD is Ultra High Definition or UHD (4K quality) in both TVs and monitors. Technically, 4K and UHD are different. Still, when it comes to what is available on the market, the two are interchangeable and refer to the same type of product. This monitor resolution is around 3840x2160, and these are sometimes called 4K UHD monitors.

A small step up from 4K UHD is called 5K. Monitors in this category have resolutions around 5120×2880. 5K displays are usually computer monitors.

The level beyond 4K UHD is known as 8K UHD. The technical standards and the names can differ. As this video definition becomes more prevalent, it might be assigned other marketing names. The resolution for an 8K UHD monitor is 7680x4320.

4K may be everywhere in TVs and monitors. Still, true 4K content that takes advantage of this resolution lags in availability. More 4K movies and other content become available all the time, but it isn't common.

Progressive vs. Interlaced Scanning

The "i" and "p" denote interlaced and progressive scanning, respectively.

Interlaced scanning is the older technology of the two. A PC monitor that uses interlaced scanning refreshes half of the horizontal pixel rows in one cycle and takes another cycle to refresh the other half while alternating rows. The upshot is that two scans are necessary to display each line, resulting in a slow and blurry display with flickering.

Progressive scanning scans one complete row at a time, in sequence from top to bottom. The resulting display is smooth and detailed, especially for text, a common element on screens used with PCs.

FAQ
  • What is an HD Ready monitor?

    HD Ready means that the display can output 720p images (1280 x 720 pixels). However, an HD Ready display may not be as sharp, rich, or clear as a full HD monitor.

  • What is a full HD monitor?

    Full HD means that the display can output 1080p images (1920x1080). Full HD, or FHD, uses progressive scanning, which is better for motion and fast-moving visual media.

  • How can you tell if your monitor is HD?

    In Windows, go to Settings > Display and find the Screen Resolution Settings. On a Mac, select Apple Button > About this mac > Display.

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