LCD monitors are a flat-panel display technology used in TVs, computer monitors, and mobile devices. They are significantly different from CRT monitors in both appearance and operation. LCD monitors have a backlight that illuminates individual pixels, which are arranged in a rectangular grid. Each pixel has red, green, and blue sub-pixels that can be turned on or off to create millions of color combinations. The backlight in an LCD monitor can be either a traditional bulb or an LED light. While LED-lit LCD monitors are thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient than their predecessors, they are more expensive. LCD monitors with TN technology are preferred by gamers due to their faster response times, but they suffer from poorer colour reproduction and narrower viewing angles.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Compatibility with nearby speakers | LCDs are more compatible with nearby speakers than CRTs |
Space efficiency | LCDs are more space-efficient than CRTs |
Image quality | CRTs are more likely to display a clearer image than LCDs at the same resolution |
Power consumption | LCDs require less power than CRTs |
Refresh rate | The LCD refresh rate dictates how often a pixel is allowed to change |
Resolution | LCDs have a single, fixed, native resolution |
Viewing angle | Older LCD panels have poorer viewing angles than active-matrix LCD panels |
Response time | TN-based LCDs offer better response time for the money |
What You'll Learn
LCDs are more compact and compatible than CRT monitors
LCDs are also more compatible with nearby speaker magnets. CRT monitors use electron guns that are aimed by magnets, whereas LCDs do not have this component. This makes LCDs a better choice for those who want to save desk space and avoid interference from nearby speakers.
The compact size of LCDs is due in part to their use of LED backlighting. Most modern LCD monitors use LEDs, which are much smaller and lighter than the cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) that were used in older LCDs. LED-lit LCDs also use less power and last longer than CCFL-lit LCDs.
The lightweight and compact design of LCDs makes them easier to transport and more environmentally friendly, as they consume less energy and generate less heat than CRT monitors. The smaller size of LCDs also makes them more customizable, allowing users to easily adjust their desktop setup without the clutter of a large and heavy monitor.
Overall, the advantages of LCDs in terms of compactness and compatibility make them a more attractive option than CRT monitors, especially for those who need to save space or have limited desk area.
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LCDs require less power than CRTs
LCDs, or Liquid Crystal Displays, require less power than CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube, monitors. Power consumption varies greatly depending on the technology in use. CRT displays are notably power-hungry, with a 19-inch display consuming approximately 100 watts. In comparison, the average power consumption for a 19-inch LCD display is about 45 watts. This difference in power consumption has a significant impact on energy costs. For example, running a CRT monitor constantly for a year would cost approximately $152 at a rate of $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. On the other hand, an LCD monitor running constantly for a year at the same rate would cost around $32.
LCD monitors are more power-efficient due to their backlight technology. They use a backlight to illuminate individual pixels arranged in a rectangular grid. Each pixel consists of red, green, and blue (RGB) sub-pixels that can be turned on or off. When all the sub-pixels are off, the pixel appears black, and when they are all on, it appears white. By adjusting the intensity of each colour, LCDs can display millions of colours. The backlight in an LCD provides an even light source behind the screen, and only half of the light shines through to the liquid crystal layer due to polarisation.
In contrast, CRT monitors operate by firing electrons at a glass screen, requiring more power. Additionally, LCD monitors are thinner and lighter than CRTs, making them easier to mount and taking up less space. They also offer more adjustability in terms of tilt, height, swivel, and orientation.
While LCD monitors have made significant advancements in power efficiency, there are other factors to consider when choosing a monitor. CRT displays have traditionally offered better colour accuracy and responsiveness, but LCD manufacturers are continuously improving in these areas as well. Therefore, it is essential to consider factors such as specific needs, typical applications, and budget when deciding between an LCD or CRT monitor.
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LCDs have a single, fixed resolution
The native resolution of a liquid crystal display (LCD) refers to its single, fixed resolution. LCDs are built with a fixed quantity and size of display pixels, which is the native resolution. This is the maximum resolution an LCD screen can display and it uses all of the pixels in the screen exactly as it was engineered.
LCDs have a backlight that provides light to individual pixels arranged in a rectangular grid. Each pixel has a red, green, and blue (RGB) sub-pixel that can be turned on or off. When all of a pixel's sub-pixels are turned off, it appears black. When all the sub-pixels are turned on, it appears white. By adjusting the individual levels of red, green, and blue light, millions of color combinations are possible.
The backlight in an LCD provides an even light source behind the screen. This light is polarized, meaning only half of the light shines through to the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystals are made up of a part solid, part liquid substance that can be "twisted" by applying electrical voltage to them. They block the polarized light when they are off but reflect red, green, or blue light when activated.
The term "native resolution" applies only to LCD screens and not to CRT monitors. CRT monitors can project a variety of different resolutions onto their blank display screens, similar to how a movie or slide projector works.
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LCDs have poorer image quality than CRTs
CRT monitors are considered outdated since the production of cathode ray tubes has essentially halted due to cost and environmental concerns. However, CRT monitors provide better colour clarity and depth, with superior contrast ratios and colour depth compared to LCD monitors. This is because LCD monitors have a fixed, native resolution, and at the same resolution, CRT monitors are more likely to display a clearer image. CRT monitors also offer higher refresh rates, which can result in smoother motion and less eye strain.
LCD monitors, on the other hand, are smaller in size and easier to handle, with a compact, lightweight design. They also tend to produce less eye fatigue due to their lower intensity, and the constant display of pixels being on or off. Additionally, LCD monitors are more compatible with nearby speaker magnets, whereas CRT monitors require bulkier components that take up more desk space.
While LCD monitors have improved over the years, CRT monitors still offer superior image quality. The main drawback of CRT monitors is their size and weight, which can make them impractical for most users. Therefore, despite the poorer image quality of LCD monitors, they remain the standard choice due to their ease of manufacture and transport.
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LCDs use LED backlighting
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, a flat-panel display technology used in TVs, computer monitors, and mobile devices. LCD screens don't produce their own light, so they require a backlight to illuminate the pixels. While some LCDs use CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlighting, most modern LCD monitors use LED backlighting.
LED, or light-emitting diode, is a more recent technology that offers several advantages over CCFL. LED-backlit LCDs are significantly thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient than their CCFL predecessors. They also provide more even lighting across the screen and last longer. Additionally, LED backlighting allows for local dimming, which increases the contrast between bright and dim areas of the display. This results in darker blacks and brighter, more dynamic colors.
There are two main types of LED backlighting: edge lighting and full-array lighting. Edge lighting, also known as ELED, places LEDs around the perimeter of the monitor, with light spread using a sheet of plastic. Full-array lighting, also called direct-lit or DLED, distributes LEDs evenly across the entire back of the screen. Both types of LED backlighting can support local dimming, but the specific implementation varies.
While LED-backlit LCDs offer improved image quality and energy efficiency, they may struggle to achieve true blacks due to light leakage from the backlight. This issue is known as the “blooming” or “halo” effect. Additionally, some edge-lit LED monitors can be hard to see at certain viewing angles.
In summary, LCDs use LED backlighting to enhance image quality, reduce power consumption, and improve the viewing experience. The combination of LED backlighting with LCD display technology has become the standard for modern monitors and TVs, offering a thinner, lighter, and more environmentally friendly option compared to older CCFL-backlit LCDs.
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Frequently asked questions
The concept of refresh rate has no meaning with regard to LCD monitors.
"LED" and "LCD" refer to different aspects of monitor technology (the backlighting and display, respectively). All monitors that have LED backlighting are LCDs, but not every LCD uses LED technology to illuminate the screen.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors feature a layer of liquid held between two pieces of polarized glass. The LCD monitor does not produce its own light. The electric current aligns the crystals in the liquid layer, which allows or blocks light, depending on what colour it's supposed to display.
Native resolution.
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