If you’re looking to build your own DIY smart mirror, one of the most essential components you’ll need is a monitor. The monitor is essentially the brains of the operation, as it’s what will bring the ‘smart’ aspect to your mirror. With so many monitors available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for your project. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a monitor for a DIY smart mirror, pointing to some top options available.
Types of Monitors
You’ll first want to understand the main types of monitors. There are four primary types: liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), in-plane switching (IPS), and organic light-emitting diodes (OLED).
LCD monitors use liquid crystals to create images, offering good image quality but, sometimes, limited brightness and color contrast. LED monitors use a backlighting system, boasting better brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency.
IPS monitors, a subsection of LCD monitors, provide superior color accuracy and viewing angles, making the image on the monitor look correct from any angle. Lastly, OLED monitors present vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to using individual LEDs for each pixel.
While these all have their pros and cons, LED or IPS monitors are usually the most recommended for smart mirrors due to their brightness and viewing angle characteristics.
Monitor Size and Aspect Ratio
The size of your monitor should fit the size of your mirror, and the aspect ratio also plays a role in choosing the right monitor. Common aspect ratios include 16:9, 4:3, and 21:9. Depending on your smart mirror’s intended purpose and location, you’ll need to carefully consider the size and aspect ratio.
For a full-length smart mirror, you might consider a large monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio. For a smaller bathroom or makeup mirror, a monitor with a 4:3 aspect ratio might be more suitable.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that the monitor can display, directly impacting the precise detail and clarity of the image. Higher resolutions offer a better quality image, making the interface on your smart mirror clearer and easier to interact with.
The common resolutions are 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (QHD), and 2160p (4k Ultra HD). Considering the purposes of a smart mirror, 1080p should be sufficient without overburdening the system requirements.
Refresh Rate
The monitor’s refresh rate is the number of times it refreshes the image it displays per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher refresh rates deliver smoother motion clarity. Although this is more significant in gaming or high-definition video displays, for a smart mirror, a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz should suffice.
Connectivity
Ensure your chosen monitor has the right connectivity for your needs. Most smart mirrors use either a Raspberry Pi or an old laptop to run the software. Check whether they have HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA ports, and ensure your selected monitor matches this.
Touch Screen Capability
Your preferences and planned usage will guide you towards whether you need a touchscreen monitor. If you want to interact directly with the mirror, instead of using voice commands or a separate remote or app, you’ll need a monitor with touchscreen capabilities.
Brightness and Contrast
Lastly, consider the monitor’s brightness and contrast ratio. It’s important to go for a monitor with high brightness (measured in nits) and a good contrast ratio to ensure that the display can overcome the mirror’s reflectiveness.
When exploring monitor options, consider models like the ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV, the Dell P2419H, or the Acer R240HY. These monitors are reputable within the DIY smart mirror community due to their combination of screen size, resolution, connectivity, and price.
If you’re looking for a touchscreen option, the ASUS VT229H or the Dell P2418HT are worth considering. They provide impressive touchscreen capabilities without compromising on image quality.
Choosing the best monitor for your DIY smart mirror is critical to the success of the project. Carefully consider your specific requirements and what features are most essential to you. By assessing the type, size, resolution, refresh rate, connectivity, touchscreen capability, and brightness and contrast of each monitor, you can guarantee you’re picking the one that will work best for your smart mirror.
Remember, a smart mirror offers a personalized experience, so your selection should ultimately serve you best. With the right monitor, your DIY smart mirror project will be a fantastic success, combining functionality, creativity, and technology to provide a helpful tool for everyday life.
Note: Always remember to ensure the safety of your setup, especially if your smart mirror is intended for a damp environment like a bathroom. It’s recommended to have proper ventilation around the monitor to avoid overheating and place it safely away from water sources.
Sources:
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“Guide to Monitor Technology: Resolutions, Panel Types, Refresh Rates and More.” Hardware Unboxed. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
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“How to choose a monitor for gaming.” IGN. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
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“The best monitors for Raspberry Pi.” PC World. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
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“What is a Smart Mirror and How Does It Work?” ExplainingComputers.Com. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
