LCD vs. CRT Monitors
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In this article, we compare the strengths of LCD monitors and CRT monitors side by side. For an in-depth look at LCD monitors' traits, read our Advantages and Disadvantages articles.
Dimensions
LCD monitors are sleek and slim, and these traits are some of their biggest attractions. CRTs, on the other hand, are bulky and take up a lot of space. Though some CRTs have a sexy profile (such as this Samsung SyncMaster), LCDs are still way thinner.
Moreover, an LCD monitor is usually less than a foot deep (from the front to the end of the base) and many models can be detached completely and attached to a different stand, rotatable arm, or even the wall. LCDs are also roughly half the weight of a CRT monitor.
The winner: LCDs.
Color
Simply put, an LCD monitor's color accuracy does not match a CRT monitor's. In most cases, CRTs provide richer color in a fuller spectrum than LCDs. Because of this, graphic artists prefer CRT monitors; however, the more general user need not fret over this LCD disadvantage.
The winner: CRTs.
Refresh Rate
Measured in hertz (Hz) or pixel response time (milliseconds: 1/Hz), refresh rate is roughly the amount of time it takes to paint an image on the screen. Generally, CRTs are notorious for their low refresh rates on CRTs -- remember the flickering of the screen? This annoyance might even cause eye strain.
On the other hand, LCD monitors don't suffer from refresh problems, as each pixel is turned on and off as required. However, this leads to another problem -- pixel response time. In videos and fast-paced video games, this problem is obvious, manifesting as "ghosting" (the updated image is superimposed on the previous image on the screen). Some LCD monitors have eliminated this problem, though.
The winner: Undecided.
Power Consumption
LCD monitors draw less than half the power a CRT monitor does for the same screen area, leading to huge power savings. Imagine if you're using dual monitors or whole arrays (at work or on display) -- the power savings can be truly enormous!
Also, the amount of heat generated by an LCD monitor is way less than a CRT monitor. This means your air conditioning system has less work to do, which translates to further savings on your bill.
The winner: LCDs.
Brightness
Spend a short time with both an LCD and CRT monitor of the same screen size, and you'll immediately notice a big difference: LCDs are brighter than CRT displays. Usually, LCD monitors have a brightness of 200 to 300 nits, while typical CRTs boast of 100 nits.
The winner: LCDs.
Resolutions
As we mentioned in our LCD Monitor Sizes article, LCD monitors display information well at only the resolution they were designed for (the "native resolution"). CRT monitors trounce LCDs in this aspect, as they don't have this problem. CRTs can switch between multiple resolution settings without significant image degradation.
The winner: CRTs.
Price
Need we say more? CRTs are way cheaper than LCD monitors!
The winner: CRTs.
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