CRT Monitors

A CRT Monitor is one of the most common types of computer monitors used today. The other most common monitor being the more recent invent, the LCD monitor. But what are the differences between the two models? How can you be sure that a CRT monitor is right for you? The main step is understanding the difference and the benefits of each type.

 

What is a CRT?

 

CRT is an abbreviation of cathode-ray tube. A CRT works by moving an electron beam back and forth across the back of the screen. Each time the beam makes a pass, it lights the phosphor dots on the inside of the glass tube. This illuminates the active portions of the screen, and by drawing many of these lines from the top to bottom of the screen, it creates the image or images you see on your computer screen.

 

Comparing CRT and LCD

 

Size-wise, the CRT monitor is much larger than the newer LCDs that are more compacted and lightweight. Due to the presence of the cathode-ray tube unit inside, adequate desk space must be allowed for CRT monitor that offers an added advantage of a larger viewing display size. LCDs, however, are becoming increasingly comparable in size to CRT monitors.

 

Many CRT monitors are able to display unlimited colors as well as multiple video resolutions. Both of these factors give CRT a leg up on LCD monitors that are limited in color capability and resolution. The CRT monitors can display multiple resolutions at the same quality while LCDs are limited to what is known as a Native resolution (the best display resolution).

 

CRT monitors generally do not have an issue with brightness due to the construction of the unit itself. The CRT also has the benefit of being able to be viewed from a very wide angle and from just about ever side.

 

While CRT monitors are generally cheaper than their LCD counterparts, the long-term costs of the CRT over the LCD are higher. CRTs consume much more energy than LCD monitors.

 

CRT Monitors in the Workplace

 

While LCDs have decreased in prices over the years, CRT monitors still have their fans in industry. The printing and broadcasting industry as well as other graphic fields (where higher resolution and viewing capabilities are needed) still use, almost exclusively, CRT monitors. Professional video and photography businesses are also still using CRTs because of the better color and contrast abilities.

 

Finding CRT Monitors

 

Deciding what type of monitor you purchase depends on your individual needs. Many major manufacturers of CRT monitors have discontinued or plan to discontinue production of these monitors. So, if you wish to purchase a CRT model, you may find yourself having to search harder than originally hoped.  However, be diligent, even with the newer models of LCD monitors becoming available with new capabilities, CRT monitors still have them beat in many important areas.