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Choose between LCD and CRT monitors
LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors have enjoyed great popularity over the past few years. This has helped drive the price down as well. While LCD monitors are good for general use, CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors have been around longer and better suit some specific applications. Be sure to consider these applications when choosing a new monitor.
Let's look at some benefits of both before considering which applications suit one or the other.
LCD benefits over CRT monitors
LCDs are usually brighter than CRTs, sometimes by up to two times more. The image clarity at the LCD native resolution is sharper, crisper and is flicker free. They do not suffer from screen distortion, while some CRTs do. In addition, the stated screen size is the actual screen size. A 17" LCD monitor has a 17" viewable size, whereas a 17" CRT may only have 16.2" viewable.
LCDs take up less desk space and weigh less than CRTs. They also consume less power, sometimes up to half the power of CRT monitors in use. This can lead to a lower cost over time.
CRT benefits over LCD monitors
There are several benefits CRT monitors have over LCD's. Depending on how you use your computer, these could be important.
LCD's pixels are slower to respond than on CRT monitors; however, they are getting better. This is still an issue when you are viewing high motion images when watching videos or playing action-orientated games. CRTs are also viewable from wider angles, whereas LCD monitors become darker and "washed out" when viewing at an angle.
CRTs have better color reproduction than LCDs. While a casual user may not notice the difference, graphic designers will probably find this a significant limitation. In addition, the contrast ratio on CRTs is much better. Blacks look black, whereas many LCD monitors display black as dark grey.
CRTs can display many resolutions without any problems. LCD monitors can only display one native resolution with clarity. If you try running other resolutions on an LCD monitor, you get a lower image quality. CRT monitors do not suffer from "dead pixels," pixels that might be permanently bright or dark. You can't fix a dead pixel, and most of the time you can't return your LCD monitor unless it has several dead pixels. These can distract you.
Lastly, CRT monitors cost less to buy "up front." You can get a CRT monitor 1-2 inches larger than an LCD monitor for the same price.
Application suggestions
This table provides some suggestions based on how you use your computer:
| Application |
Suggestion |
| Create multimedia presentations, web pages, documents or 3D graphics, over long periods. |
LCD |
| Watch digital videos, home movies, streaming images. |
CRT |
| General business, home or home office use. |
Either |
| Play action games. |
CRT |
| Do graphic design, computer aided design, or have other high graphic needs. |
CRT |
Overall
Good LCD monitors provide better readability of online text for the same size screen. However, a larger CRT screen is often better than a smaller LCD screen. If you have specific application needs or if price is an issue, a larger CRT monitor might be a better choice.
Next: Use your monitor correctly
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