LCD vs. CRT - Which Monitor is Right for You?
Teresa Pfeiff-Naughton

Today the LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor is becoming more popular than the CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor. There are pros and cons to both types of monitors. In this tech tip we will explore those pros and cons so you can make the appropriate choice the next time you are in the market for a monitor.

• Size. Obviously the LCD is much smaller and lighter than the CRT, thus it can give you more space in your work area. Some models can even be mounted on the wall to get it off the work area. Others can be placed on smaller surfaces or on adjustable arms so multiple users can adjust the distance in which it sets in front of them.
• Viewing Angle. One feature of the LCD, which in some cases can be bad or good, is the limited viewing angle. What this means is that you get the best view when you are right in front of the LCD, so trying to view images on the screen at an angle may be hard to do. This can be good for privacy in some instances but bad if you have to frequently turn your monitor for another person to view.
• Price. LCDs have dropped tremendously in price over the past couple of years but are still more expensive than the CRT. LCD prices are definitely competitive to CRT prices. However, you can justify the more expensive LCD because they will, in time, save on energy costs. This brings us to the next comparison of Energy Consumption.
• Energy Consumption. Most LCD monitors consume between 20 to 50 watts of power, while CRT monitors consumes between 50 to 160 watts of power.
• Safety. LCDs are safer to use because they have no electromagnetic radiation.
• Personal Comfort. Some studies have shown that people are more efficient when using a LCD due to less eye strain. Since LCDs don't refresh like CRTs workers don't need to take as many breaks from looking at their computer screen because their eyes aren't as strained.
• Image Quality. LCDs can't match CRTs for displaying video and animation. The pixels on a CRT are tiny phosphorescent dots that illuminate instantly when struck by an electron beam. The slow rotation of an LCD's crystals in liquid can cause fast-changing images to blur. Most users in the office and home won't notice this but hard core gamers will and thus they will want to stay with the conventional CRT or purchase a very high end LCD.