220-1101 Question 176
Single answer3.1 Compare and contrast display components and attributes.A graphic designer connects a new 27-inch monitor to a workstation and complains that text appears blurry and the desktop looks stretched. In Windows, the display is set to 1920×1080, but the monitor's specifications list a native resolution of 2560×1440. The technician confirms the monitor and cable both support 2560×1440. Which action should the technician take FIRST to provide the sharpest image and correct aspect ratio?
- A
Increase the refresh rate from 60 Hz to 120 Hz
- B
Change the display resolution to 2560×1440
- C
Lower the color depth from 32-bit to 24-bit
- D
Enable HDR in the operating system
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
This question tests understanding of display attributes, especially native resolution and aspect ratio. Flat-panel displays are designed to look best at their native resolution because each displayed pixel maps directly to a physical pixel on the panel. When a lower, non-native resolution such as 1920×1080 is used on a 2560×1440 monitor, the display must scale the image, often causing blur and distortion. The first best practice is to set the operating system to the monitor's native resolution, assuming the graphics adapter, cable, and monitor all support it. This aligns with standard vendor documentation from monitor and GPU manufacturers, which consistently recommends using native resolution for optimal sharpness.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Refresh rate affects how often the image is redrawn each second, which can influence smoothness and reduce flicker on some displays, but it does not correct blurriness caused by using a non-native resolution. A higher refresh rate also does not fix a stretched image if the resolution and aspect ratio are wrong.
- B. Correct.
Correct. LCD and LED-based monitors look sharpest at their native resolution because that matches the physical pixel grid of the panel. Setting the display to 2560×1440 will restore proper 1:1 pixel mapping and the correct aspect ratio for the monitor, eliminating the scaling artifacts and stretching seen at 1920×1080.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Color depth determines how many colors can be displayed, not whether the image is sharp or properly proportioned. Reducing color depth would not address the blurry text or stretched desktop and could reduce image quality.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. HDR affects brightness, contrast, and color range when supported by the display, graphics adapter, content, and operating system. It does not resolve problems caused by an incorrect resolution setting.