Monitor Replacement - understanding aspect ratio impact

[Richardgregory]

I will need to replace my 4:3 aspect ratio LCD monitor with another, but finding 4:3 ratio monitors are difficult these days.  So if I have to settle with a 16.9 type monitor, what exactly does this mean for the picture?

Ie. does this mean that the picture will be smaller and centered in the middle of the monitor, and I need to make a new bezel for one?

Thanks

[slybunda]

Can maintain aspect ratio via pillar boxing.

[javeryh]

Ie. does this mean that the picture will be smaller and centered in the middle of the monitor, and I need to make a new bezel for one?

Yes.  You could cover that area with a bezel but people have come up with other solutions.  Take a look at the Bezel Project.  Personally, I think digital bezels look weird but lots and lots and lots of people think I'm wrong so 

[Vocalitus]

There is an over abundance of 19 and 20 inch 4:3 at newegg.

But I got all mine from Goodwill for $10.

[slickam]

Display Wars is a useful site for comparing screen sizes. You can punch in 2 different sizes and aspect ratios and it will show you 2 rectangles to visually show the difference, and a bunch of measurements, including how big a 4:3 image each one can show.

[MartyKong]

I went with a 16:10 ratio. This way you gain more height so... much better for 4:3 images. The display wars site is a great way to compare. Only issue you might have is the majority of the bezel packs are designed for 4:3 or 16:9 ratio's. But with the extra gaming area, I don't mind.