What are the types of Computer Monitors?

A computer monitor, technically termed as a visual display unit, can be plainly described as an electronic device that transmits information from the computer onto a screen, thereby acting as an interface and connecting the viewer with the computer. At present, computer monitors are available in a variety of shapes, designs and colors. However, based on the technology used in the making of computer monitors, they can be broadly categorized into two types. These include CRT (cathode ray tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Technology).

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitors: These monitors employ the CRT technology used most commonly in the manufacturing of television screens. In this, a stream of intense high energy electrons is used to form images on a fluorescent screen. A cathode ray tube is a basically a vacuum tube containing an electron gun at one end and a fluorescent screen at another end. From this electron gun, a strong beam of electrons is generated by a process called thermionic emission. These electrons are made to travel through a narrow path within the tube with high speed using various electro-magnetic devices and finally strike the phosphor points present on the fluorescent screen, thus creating an image. There are several advantages of using CRT monitors.

These monitors are highly reliable, efficient and are capable of generating a resolution up to 2048 x 1536 pixels, thereby providing a clear picture quality. Also, CRT monitors that are now available are capable of producing thousands of different colors.
Secondly, CRT monitors are affordable and cost effective.
Unlike conventional CRT monitors, modern technological advancements have resulted in the development of flat screen CRT monitors that reduce the glare and are good for your eyes.

However, the only concern with buying CRT monitors is that they are heavy and can occupy a great deal of work space. Also, these devices get heated up very easily.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Monitors: Liquid crystal display, also known as liquid crystal diode, is one of the most advanced technologies available at present. Typically, an LCD monitor consists of a layer of color or monochrome pixels arranged schematically between a couple of transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters. Optical effect is achieved by polarizing the light in varied amounts and making it pass through the liquid crystal layer. At present, there are two different types of LCD technology available. These include the active matrix or TFT, and a passive matrix technology. Among these, TFT technology is much secure, reliable and generates better picture quality. On the other hand, passive matrix has a slow response time and is slowly becoming outdated.

In the recent times, LCD monitors are becoming increasing popular with consumers. Some major advantages of using a LCD monitor include:

These monitors are compact, light in weight and do not consume much desk space.
Secondly, these monitors do not consume much electricity and can even be operated by using batteries.
Also, the images transmitted by these monitors do not get geometrically distorted and have little flicker.

However, LCD monitors do have certain disadvantages. Most importantly, these monitors are very much expensive. Secondly, image quality is not constant when viewed from different angles. Also, the resolution of an LCD monitor is always constant. Any alterations can result in a reduced performance.