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If
you look at a computer monitor for hours each day, you
should select one that best meets the demands of your
work. The flat-panel liquid-crystal display screens
(LCDs) and the familiar cathode-ray-tube monitors (CRTs)
are both good choices. Here are some facts to consider
when choosing one over the other:
Cost:
- CRTs
cost less than LCDs. You can get more size for your
money with a CRT. This is very important if you
need a large screen for spreadsheets or Cad-cam
drawings. A very good 19” CRT costs about
the same as a very good 15” LCD. Both are
in the $350-400 range.
Display
Quality:
- Color
choices:
CRTs have more color choices and are preferred by
graphic designers for this reason.
-
Image response:
CRTs respond faster than LCDs to fast-moving images
in games or movies and are preferred by gamers.
-
Viewing angle:
CRTs have a wider viewing angle than LCDs. If you
are not directly in front of an LCD, the screen
fades as you move to the side.
- Resolution:
CRTs usually have adjustable pixel resolutions for
displaying more material. LCDs are designed to work
best at a pre-set resolution. Changing it reduces
image quality.
-
Flicker:
LCDs don’t flicker like CRTs. The refresh
rate on a CRT must be at least 75 Hz or higher for
15-17” screens and 85 Hz for 19” screens
or you will have flicker problems.
-
Distortion:
LCDs have crisper displays than CRTs with less distortion.
However, CRTs are still very good.
-
Glare:
LCDs do not have glare issues. While CRTs have glare
issues, flat screen CRTs are better than the less
expensive curved picture tube CRTs in reducing reflections.
Facilities
Management Issues:
- Weight:
CRTs are heavier with 17” models weighing
40 to 50 pounds. LCDs weigh about 10 pounds.
-
Size:
The depth of a CRT is usually equal to the screen
size. A 17” monitor requires 17” of
clearance behind the screen for positioning on the
desk. LCDs are only 6 to 9” deep. Steelcase
designers have estimated the space savings of LCDs
to be approximately 600 square inches. This eliminates
the need to design corner workstations for LCDs.
-
Power Consumption:
LCDs consume about half the power of CRTs reducing
energy costs. The average LCD consumes 25 to 40
watts and CRTs average 65-95 watts. Heat emissions
are also reduced with LCDs.
- Lifespan:
LCD's last about twice as long as CRT's.
Summary:
LCD
monitors save space and have clear, crisp pictures
without flicker or glare problems. They are often
more comfortable to view in brighter settings or near
windows due to a higher luminance factor.
CRT
monitors are less expensive offering more screen size
for the money and are better for graphics displays.
So, consider your budget, space issues and the software
programs you use when making a decision.
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