Monitor Evaluation Clarified: Methods Used for Screen Assessment on Personal Computers
Top-Tier Contrast Ratio Sets Anker's Nebula X1 Pro Apart
In the realm of monitor comparisons, the monitor with the highest contrast ratio often stands out as the best choice. But what exactly is a contrast ratio, and why does it matter?
Simply put, the contrast ratio is calculated by dividing the black level into the white. This ratio provides a clear indication of how well a monitor can differentiate between the darkest and brightest areas of an image, leading to a superior perceived image quality in PC monitors.
The tests begin with the panel in its factory default configuration, measuring 0-100% signals with the brightness slider on its maximum setting, before any color adjustments. Another essential gauge of contrast is the ANSI test, which uses a checkerboard pattern of 16, 0, and 100% squares. This test is designed to evaluate a display's ability to simultaneously maintain low black and full white levels, factoring in screen uniformity.
The ANSI pattern tests intra-image contrast and is a good indicator of the quality of a display's grid polarizer. The test uses full-white and full-black patterns to measure white level, black level, and contrast. The result is obtained by dividing the average of the eight full-white measurements by the average of the eight full-black measurements.
In a recent round of tests, the monitor (projector) with the highest measured ANSI contrast value over the last nine years is Anker's Nebula X1 Pro model. Introduced in 2025, this device boasts a dynamic contrast ratio of 56,000:1 and 3,500 ANSI lumens, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
Professional studio screens do not need to be as bright, but photographers using them on location might prefer a brighter screen. For gaming monitors, lots of light is preferred, especially those with a blur-reducing backlight strobe. However, the benchmark contrast ratios remain: a suggested 1,000:1 for PC monitors using IPS or TN panels, and 3,000:1 for VA displays.
It's worth noting that OLED monitors have unmeasurable contrast ratios due to their ability to turn off individual pixels frame by frame. This technology ensures an unparalleled level of detail and contrast in the dark areas of images, making OLED monitors a popular choice among professionals.
In conclusion, when it comes to monitor performance, the contrast ratio is a crucial factor to consider. Whether you're a professional photographer, a gamer, or a general PC user, a monitor with a high contrast ratio will provide you with a more vibrant and detailed viewing experience. With Anker's Nebula X1 Pro leading the way, the future of high-contrast monitors looks bright indeed.
