Friday, August 21, 2009

Computer Monitors: An Overview

by Craig Stephenson

Computer monitors have a rich history, using technologies first invented in the late 1800s. CRTs (cathode ray tubes) were first used in the 1940s in television sets and, with advances and modifications, developed in to the CRT computer monitors in use today. Development of newer types of video displays has led to a general changeover in preference from CRT monitors toward the LCD (liquid crystal display).

Cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors work by using an electron gun, or cathode, that fires electrons (cathode rays) through a vacuum tube within the monitor. By using magnetic fields, these rays are eventually translated in to the appropriate colors on the display. Until recently, CRT computer monitors were the standard in home and business computer systems. However, because of the way CRT monitors work, they are extremely bulky and heavy. They consume much more power than cutting edge technologies like LCD. As a result, CRT computer monitors are no longer as popular as they once were.

Using a cathode, or electron gun, the CRT monitor functions by firing cathode rays (electrons) through the monitor's vacuum tube. Magnetic fields transmit the electrons to the video display which translates them into the appropriate color. One drawback of the early CRT computer monitors was the curved screen, which distorted objects at the screen edge. This problem was eliminated with the manufacture of flat screen CRTs. Even with advances in technology, the CRT has obvious disadvantages when compared to a LCD. CRT computer monitors are prone to flickering or fading, because of what is called the refresh rate. The refresh rate refers to how many times the display is drawn per second. CRTs are also power-hungry, bulky and heavy.

Filtering a light through liquid crystals that produce color on a display, LCD flat panel computer monitors have benefited from rapidly developing technologies. Much lower response times have resulted in little or no ghosting when playing games or watching video on a LCD monitor. With non-glare screens, a space saving size, a longer life span, lower power consumption, higher contrast ratios and much better rendering of color, LCDs have overtaken the traditional CRT in sales.

The CRT has some advantages over a LCD. While a LCD must use its native screen resolution (the maximum number of pixels that can be displayed without distortion), a user may change the resolution on a CRT and not lose any display quality. A CRT offers excellent viewing angles, a liquid crystal display does not. CRT monitors are generally less expensive than LCD. However, CRT monitors are no longer being manufactured or developed at the rate they were and are considered obsolete by many.

Today's computer monitors offer more features than before. Add-ons often include USB ports, DVI connections and TV In/Out options. Touch screen monitors are available for use in business settings.

LCD computer monitors offer many advantages over the traditional CRT. Until recently, many graphic designers and gamers have preferred the CRT because of its more accurate color display. With advances in LCD technologies, LCD monitors now are able to compete with the CRT. More affordable prices, a smaller footprint, lower energy consumption and longer life span have all made LCD computer monitors the preferred choice for millions.

About the Author:

Craig Stephenson is an expert in computer monitors. With in depth technical knowledge he is a trusted voice in the computer industry. If you are looking for cheap computer monitors please visit http://www.ebuyer.com

Get all the information and photos:: http://coringa.info/technology-and-gadgets/computer-monitors-an-overview

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