Notes on Standard Video Displays

It is worth discussing a few notes about the standard displays that most digital artists use. Many of the other things discussed in this article aren&#;t standalone technologies, but rather techniques that modify or adapt pre-existing technologies into new applications. Each of these technologies could fill several books, so we&#;ll just touch on some relevant bits.

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Standard Monitors

These can be a range of different technologies. Cathode Ray Tubes or CRT displays were common up until about but are difficult to find these days &#; they do have a lot of unique properties (not necessarily good ones..) that aren&#;t available in many standard modern displays. Right now, the most common display is the Liquid Crystal Display or LCD and it is in most laptop screens, desktop monitors, commercial TV&#;s and so on. LCD&#;s have a backlight, a rear polarizer, a glass layer with electrodes and liquid crystals that react to electrical changes, and a front polarizer. Each pixel has a set of 3 sub pixels with red green and blue color filters that can be combined at different levels to recreate their millions of colors.

Things like Quantum Dots are on the horizon to further improve LCD&#;s color reproduction and accuracy by allowing more precise tuning of light wavelengths. Plasma displays were contender for LCD for a while, but they have become less popular. Pixels in plasma displays are individually lit which result in a deeper contrast compared to LCD&#;s. Organic Light Emitting Diode displays or OLED displays operate in a similar principal to Plasma and have started to become more and more common. OLED has a lot of interesting properties since it can be made smaller and thinner than LCD or Plasma, this means that flexible displays and transparent displays are a much more viable option with OLED. OLED is still quite expensive in comparison to LCD&#;s at the moment, but this will change as the market shifts. MicroLED is another technology that works in a similar fashion but is still very new.

Standard monitors are affordable for most applications, are high resolution which makes them ideal for applications when the view is standing up close, have a decent color and dynamic contrast range, accept a variety of inputs, and are long lasting. Their brightness is suitable for primarily indoor applications. Brightness of these is generally measured in nits or candela/sq meter &#; most laptop screens are around 300nits at maximum. For outdoor applications, you have to source specially made outdoor monitors that are weatherproof, can withstand a variety of temperature fluctuation, and have a considerably higher brightness rating &#; some available ones can do nits or more which would be almost painful to look at up close in an indoor setting.

Of course, these displays have their limitations. They are only viable up to a certain size for a single unit. Most of the largest max out at 120in or 305cm of diagonal image. Past this, they must be tiled together to form a larger video wall, and there are inevitable lines or bezels between adjacent units. Even those larger video walls start to reach a limitation at a certain point where Projectors or LED video walls are a more economical choice. The color and dynamic range of these monitors appears to be decent, but it is actually not as good as you might expect &#; we are missing out on a whole range of visible colors. Most standard displays are also locked at 60hz refresh rate (the speed that the screen is redrawn every second) which is perfectly fine for most applications like movie watching, but things like gaming monitors have started jumping to 144hz or more. Even though our brain&#;s visual refresh rate is about 60hz (a huge oversimplification), there are some intriguing things that can be done with a higher refresh rate. Imagine scrolling this page up and down and having it look as natural as a piece of paper moving up and down instead of the commonly jittery experience. There are also researchers looking into using high frame rate or high temporal resolution displays to do things like turning normal displays into higher resolution displays &#; here is an incredible survey of a range of options with computationally augmented displays. Consumer displays are also typically two dimensional and flat, even if displaying 3D content with glasses or another method.

Projectors

I have covered projectors in depth in another article so I won&#;t go into detail with them here. It is important to remember that they are not much more than a fancy implementation of a light source, an imaging element and a lens. They are best for darker environments, but they tend to be the most economical choice for large scale imagery. It is also easier to blend multiple projectors together more seamlessly.

LED Video Walls

LED Video Walls are another common option for displaying digital art on a large scale (also called LED Displays &#; not to be confused with LED Monitors where the light source is simply the LED backlight). These are usually comprised of individual tiles that are linked together and driven by a special display driver box that addresses the tiles from a standard monitor input. The tiles are generally either single all-in-one RGB LED&#;s or larger individual R,G and B LED&#;s that are placed close together. The primary spec of an LED wall is its pixel pitch, measured in millimeters. If you are viewing a wall close up, you want a low pixel pitch &#; some of the lowest available are around 1.6mm. Larger pixel pitch like 16mm to 20mm is perfectly acceptable if your viewer is really far away from the screen because their eye won&#;t be able to discern individual pixels as easily. LED walls are also one of the only display types that can be viewable in direct sunlight. Some of them are nits or more of brightness, which explains why they are the display of choice in places like Times Square.

They have a wide variety of models and applications. Some are used as jumbotrons in stadiums, as high end storefront signage, or are used as sculptural stage elements. Some move towards the spectrum of lighting elements and are extremely high pixel pitch. These large pixel pitch tiles can be used almost as &#;transparent&#; elements because when the audience is far away, they are able to see through the frame &#; as in this video wall. Stage lighting examples are the LightSlice, Vanish, and the Saber. Some manufacturers also provide custom LED tile work and can do more unusual shapes like spheres or triangles.

The primary drawback of LED walls is cost, although the prices have been dropping rapidly in the past few years as these become more commonplace. Finding price points for certain elements isn&#;t usually publicly available but it can cost around $ for an individual tile and the driver box can be $&#;10,000. Most LED walls are typically rentals due to the large cost of purchasing them. They do last a long time in the case of purchasing, but even a modest sized wall at a high resolution can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars very quickly. The cost of installation (for rental or permanent) can also be an additional hurdle since you typically need an experienced technician to set them up and get the pixel mapping established. They also have a particular aesthetic that is suited to viewing from far away. Up close they can be uncomfortably bright, and their pixels can be a distraction. Some stage designers will overlay a black or dark grey rear projection material or even acrylic overtop of the LED&#;s to soften them and provide a more diffuse look.

To find the best shaker bottles on the market, we shook things up in The Verywell Testing Lab . Under the guidance of Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD, a board-certified specialist in sports nutrition, we tested 29 top-rated shaker bottles . We assessed each bottle for design, effectiveness, and ease of cleaning. We then scored each shaker bottle based on key features to determine the best ones on the market today. A registered dietitian and certified personal trainer from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy and evaluated any claims surrounding how to find the best shaker bottles.

Alongside a fitness tracker, a gym towel, and a set of workout headphones , the best shaker bottles are a fitness gear staple that'll round out any dedicated gym-goer&#;s starter pack. This part kitchen appliance, part workout accessory offers a convenient way to shake up anything liquid you might need to mix&#;from greens supplements and powdered medicine to homemade salad dressing and protein shakes .

What to Look For

Best Overall

Contigo Shake and Go Fit Shaker Bottle

View On Amazon

$15

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.5

  /5

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Ease of Cleaning

  4.8

  /5

Pros

• Unique shaker ball is easy to clean

• Budget-friendly

• Snap-shut design

Cons

• Not insulated
  

Key Specs

Capacity: 28 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Mechanism: Weighted shaker ball | Insulated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack only

Who It's For

This leakproof shaker bottle is ideal for people on the go who want a no-frills blender.

Why We Love It

The Contigo Shake & Go shaker bottle has a convenient carry loop, a leakproof design, and a large capacity. It fits into a standard car cup holder, so it&#;s perfect for when you&#;re rushing to a gym session or taking your breakfast on the go. The dense shaker ball makes for easy and effective mixing, earning it a perfect score for effectiveness. After shaking for just 30 seconds, we enjoyed a smooth and satisfying protein shake. 

It also sports vertical bars on the outside of the container that make it easy to grip the bottle, a nice carry loop on the lid, and BPA-free plastic. Cleaning it is simple and seamless, and you won't end up with any sticky residue. The unique textured design of the shaker ball is easier to clean than its spiraled stainless-steel counterparts.

Potential Flaws

• While this shaker cup is a great choice for on-the-go use, we recommend that its contents be consumed quickly because it isn&#;t insulated.

Most Valuable Insight

&#;It sports these nice vertical bars on the outside of the container that make it easy to grip the bottle, a nice carry loop on the lid, and BPA-free plastic.&#; &#;David Jean Louis, Production Assistant, Studio Operations, and Verywell Fit product tester

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

Easiest to Clean

Helimix Vortex Blender Shaker Bottle

View On Amazon

$23

View On Walmart

$25

View On Helimix.com

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.8

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4.5

  /5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5

  /5

Pros

• Doesn&#;t require added shaking accessories

• Easy-to-read measurements

• Snap-shut design

Cons

• Not insulated

Key Specs

Capacity: 28 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Mechanism: Helix walls of cup | Insulated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack only

Who It's For

This shaker is well suited for people who prefer simplicity, as its unique design allows it to perfectly mix shakes without a blender ball.

Why We Love It

With a unique helix-shaped design, Helimix's 2.0 Vortex shaker cup doesn&#;t require a mixing ball or blender blades to effectively make a smooth protein shake. With one less item to wash, this shaker cup is hassle-free and earned a perfect score for ease of cleaning.

The product performs just as well as its competitors without requiring any added blending mechanism. When using it, we noted that the protein powder and water were so well mixed that the protein shake was left looking smooth and frothy. The spout is wide and snaps shut, making it completely leakproof and easy to drink on the go. These features make it an easy pick for daily use.

Potential Flaws

• This shaker bottle is not insulated, so you will need to drink your shake quickly to avoid spoilage.
  

Most Valuable Insight

&#;The product feels nice and premium, and I can't recommend it enough. The fact that it can mix well without a shaker ball is game-changing.&#; &#;Justin Javier, Verywell Fit product tester

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Electric

VOLTRX Electric Protein Shaker Bottle

View On Amazon

$26

View On Voltrx.com

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.3

  /5

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5

  /5

Pros

• Easy to clean

• Doesn&#;t require manual mixing

• Long-lasting charge

Cons

• Measurements are difficult to read

Key Specs

Capacity: 24 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Mechanism: BPA-free plastic blades | Insulated: No | Dishwasher Safe: No

Who It's For

As an electric shaker, this blender bottle is great for someone who wants a fast shaker that requires minimal manual effort.

Why We Love It

VOLTRX&#;s Premium Electric Protein Shaker Bottle uses BPA-free plastic blades and a strong motor to perfectly blend your pre- or post-workout drink. After two minutes of hands-free blending with this shaker, we enjoyed a smooth and clump-free protein shake. 

The bottle has a sleek and silent design, which is great for mixing up a post-workout snack at the gym without distracting those around you. To clean, you simply fill the bottle up with water, add some soap, run the blender, and rinse&#;the bottle simply cleans itself, which we love. 

Potential Flaws

• The measurement markings found on the blender's side are difficult to read.

Most Valuable Insight

&#;After two minutes, it was ready to go and nicely mixed. I actually enjoyed the drink.&#; &#;Leslie Kelly, Verywell Fit product tester

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

Make Delicious and Nutritious Protein Shakes at Home With These Top Blenders

Best Classic

BlenderBottle Radian 26 oz Shaker Cup

View On Amazon

$25

View On Walmart

$30

View On Blenderbottle.com

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.8

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Ease of Cleaning

  4.5

  /5

Pros

• Handle for easy portability

• Easy-to-read measurements

• Double-wall vacuum insulation

Cons

• Lid may leak

• Noisy when blending

Key Specs

Capacity: 26 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Blending Mechanism: Wire blender ball | Insulated: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No

Who It's For

Perfect for anyone who prefers a basic, no-frills shaker bottle that is durable and offers a secure grip.

Why We Love It

If you're looking for a no-frills bottle that will provide a smooth and satisfying pre- or post-workout shake, the BlenderBottle Radian Shaker Bottle is for you. We like the design of this bottle, especially the durable aluminum finish, secure grip, and wide mouth spout that allows for easy sipping. 

The wire blending ball is standard but gets the job done. After 30 seconds of shaking, the liquid and protein powder were well-mixed. Simplicity was apparent across the board with this product, as a soap and water solution cleared out any residue with ease. We appreciate that the bottle is effortless to clean&#;an important feature in any shaker bottle.

Potential Flaws

• This shaker bottle can be noisy while blending, but we think that's a fine trade-off for the bottle's durability.
• The lid may leak, so be extra careful when transporting it in a gym bag.
  

Most Valuable Insight

&#;This is a durable shaker bottle that'll last you quite a long time.&#; &#;David Jean Louis, Production Assistant, Studio Operations, and Verywell Fit product tester

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

The 7 Best Protein Shakes of

Link to Shengjia

Best Leakproof

BlenderBottle SportMixer Shaker Bottle

View On Amazon

$15

View On Walmart

$16

View On Blenderbottle.com

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.2

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5

  /5

Pros

• Budget-friendly

• Comes in a variety of fun colors

• Rubber grip for secure carrying

Cons

• Not insulated

Key Specs

Capacity: 28 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Mechanism: Wire blender ball | Insulated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Who It's For

If you despise leaky shaker bottles, this BlenderBottle is for you.

Why We Love It

A foldable carry loop, twist cap, and sport grip provide added security and allow you to sport this bottle worry-free all day. The bottle's unique shape also makes it even easier to hold. And the included wire blender ball effectively mixes protein powder and your liquid concoction of choice, leaving a clump-free protein shake ready to enjoy.

We love the rubber sport grip that rounds the bottle and helps us sip securely during sweaty workout sessions. This shaker also got a perfect score for ease of cleaning because we didn&#;t find any hard-to-reach crevices that required additional cleaning tools&#;a simple soap and water solution and a quick shake did the trick.

Potential Flaws

• This shaker bottle isn't insulated, which means you will need to consume its contents right away.
  

Most Valuable Insight

&#;Not only does it do what it's supposed to do, but the rubber grip and easy-to-tighten opening are an added convenience.&#; &#;Matt Lubin, Verywell Fit product tester

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best With Protein Storage

PROMiXX Shaker Rechargeable Bottle

View On Amazon

$35

View On Walmart

$35

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.2

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5

  /5

Pros

• Long-lasting charge

• Doesn&#;t require manual mixing

• Snap-shut design

Cons

• No handle

Key Specs

Capacity: 20 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Mechanism: BPA-free plastic blades | Insulated: No | Dishwasher Safe: No

Who It's For

If you like to take your protein powder with you and mix it later, this PROMIXX is well-suited for you.

Why We Love It

PROMiXX&#;s Pro Shaker Rechargeable Bottle has a small compartment to store protein powder or other workout supplements so you can take them on the go. This feature is perfect if you&#;re looking to bring pre- or post-workout powder on a walk or to the gym. In addition to its storage compartment, this shaker has an excellent overall design. In terms of the blending mechanism, it uses BPA-free plastic blades to mix liquid and powder into a smooth and frothy drink.

The shaker is easy and convenient to use. What's more, the device essentially cleans itself&#;all you have to do is add a drop of soap and some water, push the machine's blending button, and rinse, making this blender bottle effortless to maintain.

Potential Flaws

• The shaker bottle doesn't have a handle, making it harder to transport.
  

Most Valuable Insight

&#;This blender bottle has a built-in container for extra protein powder in case you want to mix a shake on the go, which is pretty awesome.&#; &#;Leslie Kelly, Verywell Fit product tester

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

• VeryWell Fit / Tamara Staples

The 7 Best Organic Protein Powders, Tested and Reviewed

Other Shaker Bottles We Like

While we didn't test these shaker bottles, we still think they deserve a spot on our list of top recommendations. Many of these shaker bottles have the same qualities we love in our top, tested picks.

Best Insulated

Ice Shaker 26oz Shaker Bottle

View On Amazon

$35

View On Iceshaker.com

Pros

• Made of stainless steel

• Twist-off agitator

• Keeps drinks cold for hours

Cons

• Lid can be tricky to attach

Key Specs

Capacity: 26 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Blending Mechanism: Twist-off agitator | Insulated: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack only

Who It&#;s For

This shaker is ideal for anyone on the go who prefers a stainless steel shaker that can keep their protein shake cold for up to 30 hours.

Why We Love It

Making its debut on Shark Tank, the IceShaker shaker bottle is a real find for anyone who wants a quiet shaker that keeps drinks and shakes cold for up to 30 hours. Made of stainless steel, this BPA-free shaker is insulated and features a twist-off agitator that blends smoothies and shakes without much of the noise you might get with other stainless steel shakers. The blender mechanism also connects to the bottle, so it never gets lost&#;a real plus for people on the go.

We appreciate that it has a wide mouth that makes adding protein powder or other ingredients easy. It also features a tapered bottom that fits snugly in a cup holder&#;making this stainless steel shaker an ideal travel companion. Plus, the insulated double wall prevents condensation and does not absorb odors. With this shaker, smelly plastic bottles that get condensation all over your things will be a thing of the past.

Potential Flaws

• The cap can be tricky to screw on and potentially cause leaks if not secured properly.
  

Best Stainless Steel

BrüMate Shaker Bottle

View On Amazon

$35

View On Brumate.com

$35

Pros

• Leakproof flip-top lid
  

• Keeps drinks cold for hours
  

• Specialty lids available
  

Cons

• May be hard to grip for smaller hands
  

• Doesn't fit in a standard car cup holder

Key Specs

Capacity: 26 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Blending Mechanism: Removable agitator | Insulated: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes 

Who It&#;s For

People who prefer stainless steel shaker bottles above all others will fall in love with this shaker for its capacity to keep drinks cold and its versatility.

Why We Love It

If you have been searching for the perfect stainless steel shaker bottle, look no further than the BrüMate Multishaker. Not only does this shaker bottle keep your drinks and shakes cold for nearly 25 hours, but it also features a removable agitator that blends your greens and protein powder and can double as a water infuser for herbs and fruits&#;a real bonus for anyone looking for versatility.

We also appreciate the leakproof flip-top lid and the volume markings on the inside. For gym-goers who want to use their shaker bottle for multiple purposes, you can purchase a straw lid for your shaker, instantly converting it from a shaker bottle to your favorite water bottle.

Potential Flaws

• Given the wide diameter of this shaker bottle's base, it can't fit in a standard car cup holder.
• Due to its larger diameter, some users with smaller hands say it's hard to grip with one hand.
  

Best 3-in-1

YOUCAN PLATO Shaker Bottle

View On Amazon

$27

View On Proteinpowder.com

Pros

• Made with BPA-free materials

• Strong seal prevents leaks

• Impact-resistant

Cons

• Not insulated

  
  

Key Specs

Capacity: 21 ounces | Material: BPA-free Tritan | Blending Mechanism: Wire whisk ball | Insulated: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Who It&#;s For

Busy, on-the-go protein shake lovers will love that they can take their protein powder and supplements with them with this 3-in-1 shaker bottle.

Why We Love It

If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to transport your protein powders and supplements to the gym, this 3-in-1 YOUCAN PLATO shaker bottle is for you. Equipped with two storage compartments, one great for storing protein powders and the other ideal for your supplements, you can take your wellness routine with you on the move.

Plus, convenient measurement markings eliminate the need for measuring cups or other utensils when preparing your shake. We also appreciate how sturdy and durable this shaker bottle is, ensuring it holds up well without sustaining damage as you take it to the gym, office, or on a trip. And its strong seal will prevent leaks.   

Potential Flaws

• This shaker bottle is not insulated, so you will need to consume your protein drink right away to avoid spoilage.
  

Best Investment

Bolde Shaker Bottle

View On Boldebottle.com

Pros

• Easy-to-read measurements

• Snap-shut design

• Insulated

Cons

• No handle

• Pricier than other options

Key Specs

Capacity: 20 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Blending Mechanism: Removable wire blender ball | Insulated: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Who It's For

Ideal for anyone who wants a high-quality shaker that offers a silent shake.

Why We Love It

If you're looking for a top-quality shaker bottle that will last for sips to come, Bolde's Shaker Bottle is for you. It features a patented double-walled vacuum-insulated body that works to prevent odor, flavor, and bacteria build-up while keeping your protein shake cold for up to 36 hours. We love the unique wire mixer that's attached to the bottle's lid for a silent shake but is also removable for easy washing.

The 6-ounce detachable bottom storage compartment, easy-to-read internal measurement markings, and snap-shut design allow you to take your shakes on the go, worry-free. And the bottle fits into standard cup holders, which is a huge plus. We also appreciate the bottom compartment for storing protein powder or other small gym essentials like headphones, hair ties, and more.

Potential Flaws

• Bolde's bottle is one of the higher-priced products on our list, but we think it'os worth it for its innovative design, useful features, top-quality durability, and lifetime guarantee.
• The shaker bottle does not have a handle.
  

For more information, please visit Substitute Shaker Screen.