Our testing was based with home and business users in mind, with an emphasis on Image quality based on resolution, mask pitch, refresh rate, and Set-up with ease of use. The testing was done using Displaymate (www.displaymate.com), which has the ability to generate hundreds of test patterns designed to highlight any flaws in monitors. The resolution we tested was 1280 x 1024 at 16bit colour depth and 85Hz vertical refresh rate. Rather than having a definite result at the end of the testing, each pass or failure is more susceptible to the opinion (or eyesight!) of the person actually doing the review. We tried to achieve some consistency by getting opinions from three different people for each test so it wasn't just down to one individual. Points awarded for each product are from a total of 100 - consisting of 80 total points from the monitor tests either 1,2 or 3 points are awarded and 20 total points from the specification and features of each monitor based on Warranty, Tube Technology, Resolution supported, Vertical Refresh Rate and USB options.

Set-up
This part of the test determines the fine image sharpness and colour scales to ensure sharp reproduction on the monitor, black and white levels are set correctly, testing for glare and specular (mirror-like) reflections, brightness and contrast controls are set correctly, and checks the colour level intensity. - Total Section Score: 12

Geometry & Distortion
The test checks to see whether the brightness and contrast controls are set correctly, and determines the monitor's black-level and white-level. Total Section Score: 18

Sharpness & Resolution
This uses finer detailed images to check the monitor's capabilities in showing more definition by displaying very fine horizontal and vertical lines on the screen. Moiré test for pattern intrusion caused when the electron beam is not lined up correctly with the shadow mask or aperture grille holes. Total Section Score: 33

Colour & Greyscale
The colour and greyscale tests are pretty much as they sound by displaying all main primary colours and their derivatives. They also have totally contrasting colours, such as black next to white, to show any signs of streaking or ghosting on the screen. Total Section Score: 27

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