LCD101

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» LCD Term Glossary

How does an LCD work and what are the differences among some types of technologies?
The liquid crystal acts like a shutter that either blocks the backlight or lets it pass through to light up a particular color filter. The alignment mode of the liquid crystal twists the incoming light with differing results. For a more technical explanation, read our comprehensive white papers.

Twisted Nematic w/ Film H-P Switching SuperClear MVA Technology Cost low medium high Viewing Angle good very good very good Contrast Ratio good very good excellent Response Time good good very good Power Usage excellent good very good

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How does LCD resolution differ from CRT resolution?
There is a fixed number of pixels on an LCD so the actual (what you see) and the addressable resolution are the same. On a CRT, often the actual is lower than the addressable resolution. There is no flicker because while a CRT must be refreshed (the light travels across and down the screen), the LCD has a constant source of light over the whole screen (once a pixel is on, it stays on until turned off).

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How does the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an LCD compare to CRT monitors?
First, the LCD backlight will last anywhere from 2-1/2 to 5 times longer than the typical CRT. The chart also shows how similar viewing experiences have different operating costs over time (a 15" LCD roughly compares to a 17" CRT because on a CRT, part of the screen is hidden by the bezel, unlike an LCD in which you see the total screen).

Viewsonic VE150 Typical CRT Viewsonic VP201m Typical CRT Description 15" LCD 17" CRT 20.1" LCD 21" CRT Power Consumption (Watts) 38 75 70 120 Energy Cost (kw/hr) $0.1566 $0.1566 $0.156 $0.1566 Years of Operation 4 4 4 4 BTUs/Hour (air conditioning needs) 129.694 255.975 238.91 409.56 Total Power Usage Per Year in kw (per unit) 118.56 326.6 305.76 524.16 Total BTU Per Year Per Unit (x1000) 404.65 1118.10 1043.56 1788.96 Energy Cost Per Year Per Unit $18.57 $51.30 $47.88 $82.05 Total Monitor Power Use in $ Over Lifetime $74.27 $205.21 $191.53 $328.33

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How can LCD displays improve productivity?
The completely flicker-free screen is easier on the eyes and thus can be used for longer periods of time. Additionally, the wide viewing angles allow more than one user to collaborate on images or data from one monitor, eliminating the need to print out or share files when a simple on-screen review will suffice.

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