CRT Monitor Definition
A CRT, or cathode ray tube, monitor uses electrons to transfer images from a program source (most likely a computer or antennae). CRT monitors are both heavy and bulky, but were the types of monitors that were associated with desktop computing for much of the '80's and '90s until the flat panel revolution.
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How It Works
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A CRT monitor has a cathode tube in the back. Electricity causes the cathode ray to release electrons, which accelerate and hit the screen. As the electrons collide with the screen, which is often made from phosphor, it fluoresces to create an image.
The interaction between the electrons and phosphor generates three colors: red, green and blue. The CRT monitor uses these colors in different combinations to form all the other necessary colors. This is why the monitor cable that connects to the computer is sometimes called the RGB cable.
The CRT monitor uses information sent from the computer to create images one by one, essentially "refreshing" the screen a certain number of times per second. The higher the number of times the screen is refreshed in a second, the smoother the images on the screen will be. A low refresh rate causes the flicker effect commonly seen on older CRT monitors and televisions.
Size
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CRT monitors normally range in screen size from 15 to 21 inches. Although larger sizes are possible, it would become impractical to use with desktop computing due to the sheer bulk of larger monitors. The rated size is slightly misleading because the size is measured to include the monitor case.
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Misconceptions
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CRTs are often thought of as being obsolete in light of liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma monitors. However, CRTs often produce a picture that is sharper and clearer than newer technologies because the CRT is able to achieve a higher resolution. The reasons for replacing CRTs with flat panel monitors were that the flat panel monitors saved space and energy, while significantly reducing radiation.
Considerations
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CRTs create better contrast and are cheaper than flat panel technology monitors, but they are also bulkier and heavier than LCDs. LCDs consume about half to two-thirds the energy of a CRT monitor. In addition, CRTs emit more radiation than flat panel monitors. Although the negative health effects of CRT radiation (which is mostly electromagnetic) have not been substantiated, always exercise caution when dealing with radiation exposure.
Future of CRTs
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Traditional CRT monitors are no longer able to compete with LCD or plasma monitors, but there is talk of developing flat panel CRTs, which will not be as bulky as older models. The ultimate goal of monitor technology is to build the cheapest, thinnest model that still delivers a quality image. However, there are still many applications for CRT monitors. Games with high motion graphics work better on a CRT monitor than an LCD because LCDs can have motion blur or pixelation problems. Also, graphics designers rely on such things as accurate color reproduction and high contrast ratios, which can be achieved better with CRT monitors than LCDs.
In the long run, however, the number of CRT's going unused continues to rise. The EPA identified used computer equipment as one of America's fastest growing waste problems. This raises the issue of how to dispose of the monitors. In some cases, companies such as IBM will buy back the monitors. There also are pay-per-monitor recyclers, and the government offers free recycling programs. Another option is to donate the monitors to different charities in need of computer equipment.
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