CRT Technology
LCD Technology
Plasma Display
Definitions
♦ A cathode ray tube (CRT) is a specialized vacuum tube in which images are produced when an electron beam strikes a phosphorescent surface.
♦ CRT colour monitors have three electron guns, one red, one green and one blue, which combined produce three overlapping images.
♦ LCD (liquid crystal display) technology is comprised of either a passive matrix or an active matrix display grid. The current in an active matrix display can be switched on and off frequently (quick screen refresh time) Some passive matrix-LCDs have dual scanning capability (double the scan capability in same amount of time as the original technology).
♦ A plasma display is a computer video display in which each pixel on the screen is illuminated by a tiny bit of plasma or charged gas. Plasma displays are thinner than CRTs and brighter than LCDs. Sometimes marketed as "thin-panel" displays; plasma units can be used to display either analog video signals or modes of digital computer input.
Physical Size
♦ Bulky and heavy, due to tube.
♦ Compact and lightweight.
♦ Very thin screen. Ensures maximum space efficiency.
♦ Able to adjust screen for vertical or horizontal viewing (in most cases)
♦ Thin and compact. Some models are only 3-inches wide and are most commonly used as televisions
Display Size
♦ A 17-inch CRT has the viewing area of approximately 16-inches (325.4 * 244.1 mm)7
♦ Weight – 22.5 kg Gross
♦ A 15-inch LCD typically has a comparable viewing size of a 17-inch CRT unit (307 * 230 mm)8
♦ Weight – 7.1 kg Gross
♦ Larger than both CRTs and LCDs
♦ Ranges from 40 to 61-inches, at time of report
Colours
♦ Many are capable of unlimited colours
♦ Many are capable of unlimited colours
♦ Unlimited Colours
Resolution
♦ CRT monitors are capable of running multiple resolutions.
♦ Maximum – 1280 * 1024 60Hz
♦ LCD monitors will work well in one resolution – reducing eyestrain – but many offer multiple settings.
♦ Maximum 1024 * 768, with 13 Preset modes, 10 user modes
♦ High Resolution
Brightness
♦ A non-issue
♦ LCD monitors are backlit and have different levels of brightness.
♦ 250 cd/mz (typical) & 200 cd/mz (minimum)
♦ Different levels of brightness, examples include 200cd/m2 and 370cd/m2
Viewing Angle
♦ Sports a wide viewing angle, especially horizontally.
♦ Horizontal is +/- 60 degrees. Vertically is +/- 45 degrees.
♦ An issue constantly being addressed.
♦ Wide angle
Radiation Controls
♦ Low Radiation – MPR II, TCO-99
♦ Low Radiation
♦ TCO-99 compliant (Industry standard)
♦ Does not emit radiation, due to gas plasma technology
Power Consumption
♦ High levels
♦ 105 Watts (W) – Normal Setting, 15 W Standby and Suspend modes, 3 W off
♦ Lower levels, resulting in lower energy costs both for air conditioning and initial expenses
♦ 36 W On, 3 W Suspend, Standby and Off positions
♦ Low levels, due to the technology used.
Prices
♦ Lowest price of all monitor technologies. An example of pricing includes a 17-inch model available at approximately $300.
♦ Moderately priced. A 15-inch model for approximately $600
♦ Premium pricing. A 42-inch model had a suggested list of $7,995 US in Q4-01.
7 The 17-inch CRT referenced is LGE’s Flatron ® 775FT
8 The 15.1-inch LCD unit referenced is LGE’s Flatron ® 563LS
