How Do LCD Computer Monitors Work?

LCD Origins

LCD monitors have long been used on laptop screens. In the last decade, however, they have been the standard monitor of choice for desktop computers as well. Because LCD monitors have so many advantages over standard CRT monitors, many people have begun to choose LCD screens over their much larger and bulkier counterparts.

The Interior

And LCD screen is made of many layers of material. The backlight, a fluorescent light unit, is situated at the back layer of the monitor. As the light leaves the fluorescent tube, it passes through two layers of polarizing material. Once the light passes through the filters, it enters a layer containing the liquid crystal components of the monitor. Those LCD pixels are set up in small groups that make up pixels. The closer together that the pixels are arrayed, the better the resolution will be on the monitor. The crystals on the display are excited by a small electric current, and aligns with the filter, allowing the light to pass through to form the current picture on the monitor. LCD monitors allow each pixel to be activated individually, allowing them to create much sharper images and colors that are far richer than any that were reachable before. The images that appear on an LCD display are significantly sharper than those that are capable on the bulkier CRT monitors. While CRT monitors can often display photos with smoother edges and can blend the colors better than LCD monitors, the LCD monitors can create far sharper text. The LCD monitors are much more comfortable to look at for extended periods of time.

Why Buy LCD?

LCD monitors are significantly less bulky than CRT models. They weigh less and even the largest models can fit comfortably on most desks. Since they are typically less than 4 inches thick, it's easy to fit them into very tight spaces. Also, prices on LCD monitors have dropped significantly in recent years, often being less expensive than similarly sized CRT models.