WestonNews

April 17, 2002
CRT vs. LCD - Which monitor is right for you?
 

While liquid crystal displays (LCD) are a lot smaller and sleeker looking than their older counterpart the cathode-ray tube (CRT) there is much more to making the decision between the two than what first meets the eye. For instance, if you’re going to be using your computer primarily for video editing or playing games, CRTs are probably going to be the best option for you. The lower refresh rates on LCD displays, while not noticeable during average computer usage, leave video displayed on them distorted. Also, although prices are dropping, LCDs are still more expensive than CRTs. LCDs also have a native resolution limitation. Where CRTs will allow a range of different resolutions to be displayed, altering the resolution from the default on an LCD can result in only a portion of the screen displaying the image or the image appearing distorted or blurry. Viewing angle limitations on LCDs are rapidly changing however, CRTs still have a larger viewing angle than LCDs enabling users to place their monitor at a variety of different angles and positions. LCDs have many advantages over CRTs as well.

For example, although CRTs do have a larger viewing angle, the highly reflective glass surface and rounded screen of a CRT make background lighting, side lighting, and other light sources glare off the screen causing at best, an annoyance for the user. LCDs do not have this problem however. The matte surface of a LCD monitor smoothes out light that would have otherwise proved to be reflective, making it much easier on the eyes of the user. Also, LCDs do not emit the harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) and X-Rays that a CRT emits. They are also lower power consumers consuming typically 40% less power than a CRT of similar size. Longevity is another area where LCDs seem to be winning the position of leader. The phosphorus on a CRT will begin fading immediately as the monitor is used and cannot be replaced once it fades beyond an acceptable level, while the backlight on a LCD typically does not fail until after many thousands of hours of usage and can be replaced after failure. LCDs are rapidly winning the industry of photo editors as well. Because of their sharp image quality and overall screen brightness users of sharp imaging software are turning to LCDs to provide their eyes a rest.

If you would like more information about which monitor is right for you please contact Weston Computing Services, LLC by calling (907) 248-4470.