A screen with a coating that reduces reflections is called an anti-glare screen. The haze value and screen surface have an impact on its efficacy. Here is a useful guide that may be of assistance to you.
A screen with a coating that reduces reflections is called an anti-glare screen.
The haze value and screen surface of an anti-glare treatment determine how successful it is (matte or glossy).
Glare occurs when light from a source (like the sun) reflects off of a window or a screen, making it challenging to see what is on the display.
These glare effects can be lessened with the use of an anti-glare coating.
Nevertheless, depending on the haze degree of the coating and the type of screen surface, they can also increase the appearance of grit in the image.
What is Anti-Glare Screen Filter?
Screen glare is avoided by using anti-glare filters. These filters are especially useful when a TV or computer screen is close to a window. Normally, the glare from the window’s sunlight would make it difficult to see the screen. Anti-glare filters are useful in these circumstances because they lessen the amount of light that reflects off the TV or computer screen.
Anti-glare filters are also referred to as privacy screens, glare filters, and glare filters.
How Does Anti-Glare Screen Work?
The way an anti-glare filter works is by removing the light that screens reflect. A computer monitor, LCD, or flat-screen display could be used as the screen. They also contribute by improving privacy by lowering monitor viewing angles. Thus, it is impossible to observe the screen from the side. Privacy screens are hence another name for displays with anti-glare filters. In order to reduce glare, typical anti-glare filters use a coating that lessens reflection from plastic or glass surfaces.
Glossy vs Matte Screen Surface
There are two varieties of screen surfaces: glossy and matte (textured) (smooth).
Displays with anti-glare coating and matte screen finishes disperse light rather than reflecting it. Although the image may appear a little hazy as a result, reflections are effectively avoided.
Anti-glare coatings come in a variety of haze levels. A greater haze value results in better handling of reflections, but it also increases graininess.
Displays with light or medium matte anti-glare coatings (with a maximum of 25% haze) are ideal since they reduce reflections without significantly degrading image quality.
Smooth or glossy screens are exceedingly reflective, but because there is no additional graininess, the images on these displays are more vibrant. Therefore, you must consider the lighting in your home if you choose to get a monitor with a glossy screen surface.
Some glossy screens also come with low-haze (1-4%) anti-glare or anti-reflective coatings, which can reduce reflections without significantly altering the image as matte coatings do. However, these coatings are still quite reflective, making them ineffective in bright environments (next to windows without drapes or blinds) or outdoors.
Additionally, “semi-glossy” screens are possible to find, although they actually have a matte finish that is a little smoother and has a low haze surface of 15%.
How To Choose The Right Screen
Unfortunately, the types of screen surfaces and coatings used are rarely disclosed by monitor makers.
Additionally, it can be difficult to accurately define the various coating types because the terms can be subjective. What some people may find to be excessively reflecting or grainy may not be noticeable to others.
The presence of glossy screens, anti-glare coatings, and/or anti-reflective coatings is typically indicated on monitors, however these kinds of displays aren’t all that common.
When it comes to matte screens, you’re unlikely to find information about the type of matte anti-glare finish, the haze value, or the surface smoothness/texture.
One of the few businesses, Philips, at least lists the haze value for its displays with anti-glare coatings.
We always note in our assessments whether a monitor has a glossy surface or a matte finish that is overly gritty. Sometimes, you can presume that the anti-glare coating is either light, medium, or normal matte.
