LCD SHOPPING GUIDE

By Xpgadgets

CRT or LCD, Which one is suite for our requirements?

LCD monitor has a stylish and spacing-saving design compare to bulky CRT monitor that takes half of the desk space. At the first time LCD Monitor launch to the market, the price is very high but with the price drop during the past months, they are no longer too expensive to buy.

There are several things you have to consider before you leave the CRT Monitor and switch to LCD Monitor.

The Good:

• Design: stylish and space-saving
• Health: easy on eyes, less radiation
• View area: +2 inch actual view area than same-size CRTs (15" LCD = 17" CRT, 17" LCD = 19" CRT, etc)

The Bad:

• Expensive
• View angle: Narrower (If you move away from the center, screen appears darker and less detailed)
• Response time: Longer response time (on fast-moving images it’ll slight ghosting)
• Resolution: Native resolution-Fixed-size pixels good only for a specific resolution

So if your application requires fast response, such as real-time gaming, video editing, animation, your old CRT is the choice.

Things to consider when buying a flat-panel LCD Monitor

Size, native resolution and Dot Pitch:

The Dot Pitch factor indicates the pixel size and the native resolution factor indicates the number of pixels on the screen. So basicly Size = resolution x Dot Pitch.

Which size is the best value? 17 inch!Resolution alone determines the image quality. Usually with normal Dot Pitch, 15-inch LCD has a 1024 x 768 resolution, and 17 inch LCD has 1280 x 1024.

With smaller Dot Pitch (pixel size), same number of pixels may be fit in a smaller-size screen. A 15-inch LCD with less Dot Pitch can show the same details as a 17 inch LCD if they have the same native resolution, but of course, the latter is easier on eyes because things look bigger.

The larger, the better, and the greater the resolution. But since LCD monitors tends to have larger usable areas than CRT monitors, you don't really need to empty your pockets to pay for the large and expensive models on the market.

View Angle:

This factor defines the angle range that you can view the screen without the darken effects. Look for at least 100 degrees vertical and 120 degrees horizontal.

Pixel Response time:

For a performance comparable to that of CRT, go for a number less than 25ms. 16ms is fit for even gamers, and 30ms is the bottom line for even just watching video.

Contrast Ratio, Brightness, Color deepth:

These factors define the contrast, brightness and variation of colors you can see on the screen. The bigger, the better. Try at least 300-to-1 for contrast ratio (450:1 is good), 230 nits (300 is good) for brightness and 24bit color for true color.

Video Interface:

There is 2 types of video inputs for monitors, digital and analog. Most monitors on the market only accept analog inputs though a analog VGA connection. LCD monitors with DVI-D connectors are the latest trend. For the compatibility, most of these new models also has a analog VGA connector or can accept both types of signals from a single DVI-I connector.

Other Multimedia extras:

Speakers, USB ports, Microphone and headphone jacks, positioning options (wall-mounting accessories, pivoting frame for landscape/portrait orientation, arms to adjust height, angle, etc).

LCD monitors with built-in TV Tuner and S-Video inputs (mostly a remote control too) are usually called LCD TVs. They allow you to view both computer applications and television program with one device.

Why LCD Monitors Are Better Than CRT

By Peter Dobler

When choosing a new computer monitor, there are many choices and options available on the market. Consider whether or not you are looking for sharp graphics, bright colors and sleek designs. Perhaps you need a larger monitor for videos or games. Or, perhaps, you just need a basic monitor for basic computer functions. There are two types of monitors to choose from, LCD and CRT. Here are some reasons why LCD monitors are the top choice for computer buyers.

CRT (cathode-ray tubes) is a basic, inexpensive computer screen. While they are inexpensive, they are often bulky and take up a lot of room on a computer desk. Flat screen CRT monitors are also available, but they often create a glare, making sitting at the computer hard on the eyes.

LCD (liquid crystal display) is the newest trend in computer monitors. They are often more expensive but offer many advantages over traditional CRT screens. They also offer sleek, space saving designs and as an added benefit, are good for the user. Space: LCD screens take up considerably less space than CRT monitors. This is a perfect option for those who are short on space. Most computer users do not have unlimited amounts of space to store their computer equipment. With the LCD screen, it can be moved closer to a wall to increase desk space. Some LCD screens can even be mounted on the wall. It is possible to get a larger screen, and still take up less space than a CRT. The actual viewing size of an LCD is much bigger than that of a traditional CRT. A 12-inch LCD screen has only a slight smaller viewing area than a typical 14-inch CRT screen. When purchasing a new LCD screen, remember that the advertised size is the actual viewing area of the screen. This is not always so with a CRT monitor.

Better for health: LCD screens are healthier to use, too. CRT screens direct radiation equal to three electron beams constantly towards the user. Those beams are refreshed every 60-80 seconds. Many people even buy special radiation shields for their CRT screens. Also, the constant refreshing of the screen causes strain on the eyes. Not so with the LCD monitor. LCD monitors use pixels that alternate between on and off. This reduces the strain and fatigue on the eyes. Also, CRT screens are heavy and bulky. The LCD screen weighs about 20 pounds less than a CRT helping to save on muscle strain. Quality: LCD screens have the best image quality of any computer monitor on the market. It has sharp, crisp pictures and has excellent contrast. While a CRT monitor works more like a television, the LCD screens has the technology found in digital watches with a fine mesh of tiny crystals displaying the colors. This makes a higher quality picture on the screen.

The color quality of the LCD far outperforms a CRT screen. Many of the newer LCD screens have unlimited color capabilities, while a CRT screen has limited colors. The resolution on the LCD is also better than a CRT. With an LCD monitor, the resolution is generally the highest resolution possible. With that, the display appears much more in focus and sharp. A CRT screen has a limited amount of video resolution.

LCD screens are way ahead of traditional CRT monitors when space and quality is an issue. The health benefits of the LCD make it an appealing choice as well. As far as price goes, the LCD usually does cost more than the traditional CRT screen. However, a CRT screen will use more energy in the long run. The LCD is more energy efficient making it a wise choice for those looking to save on energy costs. The prices of LCD screens have gone down in the last couple of years. The cost of energy could add up for businesses or people who have multiple computers.

In addition LCD monitors are now sold with a wide variety of extras such as built in speakers, or jack outlets for headphones or microphones. Others might have multiple input connections so more than one computer can be hooked together. Accessories such as anti-glare filters and stands can also be purchased with LCD screens

Peter Dobler is a veteran in the IT business. His passion for experimenting with new internet marketing strategies leads him to explore new niche markets. Read more about his experience with home electronics; visit http://home-theater-systems.tip4u2.com