LCD vs. CRT Computer Monitors

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LCD vs. CRT Computer Monitors	Summary: Most computer monitors nowadays are liquid crystal displays (lcd) but some older cathoid ray monitors are still in use by us old timers and graphic artists. Jack DeAngelis, PhD OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

CRT Monitor Technology

CRT is short for "cathoid ray tube" and is the original technology for displaying electronic images and video. Prior to about ten years ago virtually all TVs and computer monitors utilized CRT technology. When personel computers were first generally available in the late 1970's computer monitor displays were black and white (or black and green/amber), much like old black and white TVs.

CRT technology uses a phosphor screen surface and electron guns to generate an image. The cathoid ray tube and electron guns impart a depth and weight to CRT monitors that most people today find unacceptable.

LCD Monitor Technology

LCD is short for "liquid crystal display" and was originally developed for the laptop computer market. Infact, laptop computers did not become widely available until an affortable LCD could be employed. LCD monitors do not need bulky cathoid ray tubes and electron guns to generate an image so are much lighter and thinner (back to front) than same-size CRT monitors.

A high-end LCD computer monitor from Samsung

Which monitor type is better?

Most general-purpose computer monitors sold today are the LCD type. Some specialized CRT monitors are still made but are not as widely available. There are however many CRT monitors still in use so colorimeters and monitor adjustment software continue to support this older technology.

Besides size and weight, LCD monitors have other advantages over CRT technology. LCD monitors are, overall, brighter and display higher contrast which makes the image appear sharper. A word of caution, however. Inexpensive LCD monitors can appear fuzzy because of cheap internal electronics. Over time a fuzzy image can result in significant eye strain. I believe that a high quality monitor is the single most important buying decsion when assembling a computer system.

Finally, you can often get by with a smaller LCD monitor because they are so much brighter and sharper than CRT monitors. For most applications a 17" or 19" LCD monitor will be more than adequate. Digital photographers and videographers may want a larger screen size, however.

[main Monitor Adjustment page]

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Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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