09-04-2020, 03:03 PM
The EyeLink system works with any monitor or properly calibrated surface and doesn't require special presentation hardware. For the majority of tasks any computer monitor will do. However, choosing the right display is crucial for experiments that rely on precise timing, such as gaze-contingent paradigms.
Key Specifications to Consider
When selecting a monitor, two specifications are particularly important for minimizing display latency.
Recommendations for Experiment Builder
For optimal performance with Experiment Builder, we generally recommend a 24-inch, 1920x1080 monitor with a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz. Also, it is strongly advised to disable any VRR technologies, as they are not compatible with its presentation methods.
Before purchasing any new hardware, always consult the PC System Requirements and Maximizing Real-time Performance sections of the latest Experiment Builder user manual.
Tested Monitors
Below is a list of monitors that we have tested internally and found to have excellent performance (< 2 ms response time at their native resolution and maximum refresh rate).
This is not an exhaustive list and may not reflect the latest models available in your region. However, the vast majority of monitors we have tested perform as advertised.
Based on our internal testing, the following monitors have proven to be highly flexible, with response times under 2 ms across all tested refresh rates:
Ultimately, if your research requires the highest degree of timing accuracy, it is always best practice to independently test your monitor with the hardware and configuration you plan to use to collect data with. This allows you to characterize its precise performance with your specific Display PC, stimulus software, and experimental stimuli.
Such tests typically require a photodiode test rig, such as the Millikey deluxe or the Black Box Toolkit. Please refer to the documentation for your stimulus presentation software for instructions on how to perform these tests and interpret the results.
If you have any questions, please contact support@sr-research.com.
Key Specifications to Consider
When selecting a monitor, two specifications are particularly important for minimizing display latency.
- Refresh Rate (Hz): This is the number of times the screen updates per second. For tasks with rapid display changes, a monitor with a refresh rate of 120 Hz or higher is recommended to reduce the time between screen updates.
- Response Time (ms): This measures how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another (often gray-to-gray). A faster response time means the image appears more quickly and with less motion blur. Look for the lowest response time possible (ideally < 2 ms).
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Technologies like GSYNC and FreeSync are designed for gaming and can cause timing issues in scientific presentations. You should determine if your stimulus software is compatible with these features.
Recommendations for Experiment Builder
For optimal performance with Experiment Builder, we generally recommend a 24-inch, 1920x1080 monitor with a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz. Also, it is strongly advised to disable any VRR technologies, as they are not compatible with its presentation methods.
Before purchasing any new hardware, always consult the PC System Requirements and Maximizing Real-time Performance sections of the latest Experiment Builder user manual.
Tested Monitors
Below is a list of monitors that we have tested internally and found to have excellent performance (< 2 ms response time at their native resolution and maximum refresh rate).
This is not an exhaustive list and may not reflect the latest models available in your region. However, the vast majority of monitors we have tested perform as advertised.
| Make | Model | Panel Size | Native Resolution | Max Refresh Rate | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aorus | Fi25F | 24.5" | 1920x1080 | 240 | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 (x2) |
| Asus | VG258Q | 24.5" | 1920x1080 | 240 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, DVI-D |
| Asus | VG248QG | 24" | 1920x1080 | 165 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, DVI-D |
| Asus | XG17AHP* | 17" | 1920x1080 | 240 | Mini HDMI 2.0, USB-C |
| BenQ | XL2540 | 24.5" | 1920x1080 | 240 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4 (x2), DVI-D |
| BenQ | XL2540k | 24.5" | 1920x1080 | 240 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4 (x2), HDMI 2.0 |
| Asus | VG248QE | 24" | 1920x1080 | 144 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, DVI-D |
| BenQ | XL2420TE | 24" | 1920x1080 | 144 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4 (x2), DVI-D, VGA |
| BenQ | XL2420Z | 24" | 1920x1080 | 144 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4 (x2), DVI-D, VGA |
| BenQ | XL2411Z | 24" | 1920x1080 | 144 | HDMI 1.4, DVI-D, VGA |
| BenQ | XL2430 | 24" | 1920x1080 | 144 | DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, DVI-D, VGA |
| Dell | S2421HGF | 24" | 1920x1080 | 144 | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 (x2) |
| BenQ | XL2420T | 24" | 1920x1080 | 120 | HDMI 1.4, DVI-D, VGA |
| BenQ | XL2420TX | 24" | 1920x1080 | 120 | HDMI 1.4 (x2), DVI-D, VGA |
| BenQ | XL2410T | 24" | 1920x1080 | 120 | HDMI 1.4, DVI-D, VGA |
| Samsung | 2233RZ | 22" | 1680x1050 | 120 | DVI-D |
| Viewsonic | VX2265wm | 22" | 1680x1050 | 120 | DVI-D |
| Viewsonic | VX2268wm | 22" | 1680x1050 | 120 | DVI-D |
Based on our internal testing, the following monitors have proven to be highly flexible, with response times under 2 ms across all tested refresh rates:
- BenQ: XL2420Z, XL2411Z, XL2430T, XL2430, XL2540, XL2540K
- Asus: VG248QE
Ultimately, if your research requires the highest degree of timing accuracy, it is always best practice to independently test your monitor with the hardware and configuration you plan to use to collect data with. This allows you to characterize its precise performance with your specific Display PC, stimulus software, and experimental stimuli.
Such tests typically require a photodiode test rig, such as the Millikey deluxe or the Black Box Toolkit. Please refer to the documentation for your stimulus presentation software for instructions on how to perform these tests and interpret the results.
If you have any questions, please contact support@sr-research.com.