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LCD vs CRT Pros and Cons (A Quick Overview)
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This article provides a bird's eye view of the differences between CRT and LCD computer display technologies.

As of July 2021, CRT monitors are no longer in production. Even if you managed to get a used CRT monitor, there is a issue of connecting it to your system as newer PCs/notebooks come equipped only with HDMI and/or DisplayPort display ports. However, this can be worked around using HDMI to VGA adapters.

Major Advantages of LCD (Pros of LCD, Cons of CRT)

 

CRT LCD

Slim Factor

Bulky, the back size is proportionate to the size of the monitor LCDs are much slimmer than their CRT counterparts. This slimness brings along a host of advantages such as space saving and portability.

Viewable screen

The viewable area is about 0.9 - 1.1 inch smaller than the size specified on paper. This is due to the frame around the glass screen. So a 15" CRT would have only about 14" of viewable area. 17 inch LCD has 17 inch viewable. 24 inch LCD has about 23.8" viewable depending on model. Slightly less viewable as sizes go bigger, but not as severe as CRT.

Screen Flatness

Many manufacturers tout true flatness for their CRT monitors, but the sad truth is that most are fake. In reality it is only the outer glass that is flat, and not the actual screen. The true 100% perfect flat monitors are the aperture grille tubes made by Mitsubishi and Sony. Even then, these tubes have a disadvantage - a faint thin line or two (depending on size) running through the screen to stabilize the grill. Some people find this distracting, especially if you work on a white background (eg. documents) most of the time. 100% ninety degrees true perfect flat screen. There are curved models which are sold at higher prices. These models are said to provide greater immersion during gaming.

Radiation

CRTs emit electromagnetic radiation. Much of it is filtered by the lead heavy glass front and the rest that reaches your eyes are mostly harmless. Even then, radiation still passes through the screen and some people regard them as hazardous. LCDs emit a very small amount of radiation compared to CRTs. Health conscious consumers prefer them for this one reason.

Weight

CRTs weigh heavier, especially in the front (the display area) 17 inch CRT weighs around 16kg. 19 inch CRT weighs around 20kg. LCDs are very light 17 inch LCD weighs around 2.6kg. 24 inch LCD weighs around 3kg.

Power Requirements

Higher power usage, more than 400% compared to an LED backlight LCD of equivalent size. 17 inch CRT requires around 90 watts 19 inch CRT requires around 110 watts Considerably lower power usage. 17 inch LCD requires around 20 watts 24 inch LED LCD requires around 22 watts

Glare

Glare is reduced by the use of special filters and treated glass. Little or no glare depending on screen - Matte or glossy

Display Sharpness

Slightly less sharp images - but it is noticeable when comparing with LCDs Sharp (when used at native display resolution)

Automatic Resize

Newer CRTs come with a Auto-Fit feature, but unfortunately it does not work well and requires micro adjustments to fill the screen Hit the Auto button, and the display resizes to fit every pixel within its viewable area.

Burn-In

Suffers from burn-in problem. If displaying a same image for a prolonged period, it could be embedded in the display permanently. LCDs are free from the burn-in issue that plagues CRTs and Plasma displays. However, they do occasionally have Image Persistence problems which can be fixed by switching off the LCD for an extended period of time.

Refresh Rate (Screen Flicker)

A minimum of 72hz is required for a flicker free image depending on your eye. LCDs do not "paint" their image. They provide a flicker free image every time. However, games and fast moving videos benefit from a higher refresh rate monitor by appearing smoother

Warmness

Back gets noticeably warm after some time Little

Major Advantages of CRT (Pros of CRT, Cons of LCD)

 

CRT LCD

Dead / Stuck Pixel

There is no such problem in CRTs as images are painted on the screen. LCD panels are prone to dead or stuck pixels (or dots) on the screen due to their manufacturing process. However, stiff competition has made many manufacturers adopt zero dead pixel / stuck pixel warranties for their products.

Response Time

CRTs already have a very fast response time hence this attribute does not apply to it. This attribute is specially for LCDs as the lower the response rate is, the better the chance of avoiding "ghosting" effect.

Price

Affordable and cheaper than LCDs due to their declining popularity. No prices as it is no longer being manufactured. Prices have stabilized. 17 inch LCD costs around $150 24 inch LCD costs around $190

Native Resolution

Can be used at any resolution up to the maximum supported. No image quality is lost at any resolution. Must be used at its native resolution (maximum resolution) for best quality. Using the display at a lower resolution will result interpolation (scaling of the image), causing image quality loss. For this reason, gamers should avoid buying a monitor too high a resolution (e.g. 4K) as you will need more processing power (and more fan noise) to run the game in native resolution. As of 2021, we recommend 1920 x 1080 monitors when paired with recent GPUs/processors.

Max Colors

32 bit Native 8-Bit max (consumer models)

Viewing Angle

180 viewing angle About 170 degrees, depending on technology employed.

Video

Ideal for any video including HD Not ideal for full screen Standard Definition videos, but great for 1080p High Definition videos

Blackness

True Black Between Dark Gray to Gray

Summary

Pros of LCD vs Cons of CRT

 

LCD CRT

Slim Factor

Slim Bulky

Viewable screen

Full or very close Usually 0.9 inches or less than actual size

Screen Flatness

True Flat Fake Flat (unless aperture grille)

Radiation

Little or none More Radiation

Weight

Light about 2kg Heavy about 16kg

Power Requirements

Low Power requirement 400% or more power

Glare

Depends on screen, matte/glossy Reduced Glare

Image Sharpness

Sharp, when used in native resolution Slightly less sharp images

Automatic Resize

Perfect Imperfect

Burn-In

None Suffers from burn-in problem

Refresh Rate

Does not apply, except for gaming Needs refresh rate (minimum 72hz)

Warmness

Little Back gets warm after some time

Pros of CRT vs Cons of LCD

 

CRT LCD

Dead / Stuck Pixel

No such problem May have dead / stuck pixel

Response Rate

No issue with response rate Depends on model

Price

N/A (but no longer manufactured) Normal

Native Resolution

None Has a native resolution

Max Colors

32 bit 6-Bit - 8-Bit, 16.7 million colors.

Viewing Angle

Wide viewing angle Almost-wide viewing angle

Video

Ideal for any video including HD Not ideal for videos, unless HD

Blackness

True Black Between Dark Gray to Gray

Figures were compared using a typical 24 inch LED LCD (VA2432, previously Viewsonic VA926) and 19 inch CRT (Viewsonic G90F).

Our Recommendation

As CRT monitors are no longer manufactured, LCD monitors are the only way to go. Our recommendation is to go for a LED backlight LCD monitor that has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080.

If you are a gamer, you'll want a high response rate 144hz FreeSync compatible monitor but we still recommend 1920 x 1080 native resolution for smoother frame rate (FPS).

Currently I am using a curved 31.5 inch 1920 x 1080 G-Sync 144hz monitor - the Acer Predator Z321 Qbmiphzx. It was bought from Amazon UK but it is no longer available as of July 2021. My reason was that it was the biggest G-Sync monitor I could get for 1080p resolution as I did not want Windows to scale font sizes (but I still had to anyway). Before this I was using a 26" Sony LCD TV as a monitor for its 1360 x 768 resolution.

Acer Predator Z321

This document is Copyright(©) 2001-2021 by G.Ganesh. Visit Bootstrike.Com (http://bootstrike.com).

Last Updated 25 July 2021.

38 comments RSS of last 10 posts

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Taizo (1 posts) Taizo I love my CRT monitors. The only reason I use a flat screen is because 1: I own a laptop. And 2: My desk has trouble fitting a larger CRT.

I tell you though, the picture on my Macintosh SE's monitor is so crisp after degaussing.
posted 24 Jan 2011 - Reply - Permanent Link
Unregistered Anonymous The last 8 bits are for alpha.
posted 5 Nov 2010 - Reply - Permanent Link
Unregistered Anonymous lcds are better!
posted 26 Jul 2010 - show 1 replies - Reply - Permanent Link
Unregistered Anonymous i had many problems with these things so it sucks
posted 9 Jul 2015 - Reply - Permanent Link
ImageProcessor Unregistered Anonymous My Iiyama 450 (CRT) just broke. I'm now stuck with a Samsung SyncMaster 2494HM that is supposed to be modern, better etc. but in my eyes LCD is a disaster. Fonts look jagged, even in native 1920x1080, colors are ugly, viewing angle is important. I cannot understand how people can live with this: an image with variable quality when you move your head. I now start to realize what a fantastic CRT I had for seven years. I hope organic leds are going to help me out.
posted 17 Apr 2009 - show 1 replies - Reply - Permanent Link
Admin Administrator Admin I am actually now using a 26" Sony LCD TV from a 19" CRT due to LCD Monitor's ultra high native resolution. My personal experience with Samsung LCD TVs are not that good. You may want to try other brands.
posted 18 Apr 2009 - Reply - Permanent Link
bw Unregistered Anonymous My 6 year old, 20", Sony Trinitron CRT uses 54 watts running. Not sure where the reported high CRT power usages are coming from. Possibly very old units? How about a few more specifics?
posted 22 Feb 2009 - show 1 replies - Reply - Permanent Link
Admin Administrator Admin Viewsonic G90F
http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/UK/Support/NonCurrentCRTs/CRTGraphics/G90f+.htm#Specs
posted 22 Feb 2009 - Reply - Permanent Link
Kev Unregistered Anonymous Thanks all, helped loads
posted 1 Jan 2009 - Reply - Permanent Link
foro Unregistered Anonymous LCD 8 Bit color ??? dont you have to update that ?
posted 24 Feb 2008 - show 1 replies - Reply - Permanent Link
b8two Unregistered Anonymous 8 bit = 256 colors for Red, Green & Blue

256 x 256 x 256 = 16,777,216 colors.

If you can find the specifications of an LCD with more colors post it here.
posted 21 Apr 2008 - Reply - Permanent Link
pvrtech Unregistered Anonymous what you are referring to is the panel type

TN panels are 6 bit and actually have 262,000 colors (+/-)MVA panels are 8 bit and actually are true 16.7 mil color

most panels are TN however and dither the colors to mimic a 8 bit panel. you can tell the difference best by looking at the picture from the bottom up as a TN panel will look like the colors are inverted and the MVA panel will only show a fluctuation of contrast and brightness but the colors will be the same.
posted 5 May 2008 - Reply - Permanent Link
skythra Unregistered Anonymous where did you get the idea that "Most panels are TN" with only 6bit? Maybe back in 2006 they were, but these days a company who does that isnt competitive anymore. No new brand name monitors will be 6bit, and in fact on spec tech sheets you will read that most just say "16.7 million colours" or... colors as you 'mericans like to cut out vowels.

Also how you have worked out your "8bit color" is wrong. 8bit color is "3bits for red 3bits for blue and 2bits for green" where as 32bit color is actually 24bit color with a bunch of values left blank (or for a game would be used to bumpmap). IE: 8bits for red, 8bits for blue and 8 bits for green.

So you've essentially misunderstood. But Each pixel is worth 32bits of data for the color alone. With 24bits of that data actually being useful on the monitor and the other 8 being empty bits.

Hope this clarifies..

check "www.wikipedia.com" for more info and then click the reference links if you still dont believe :)
posted 5 Jul 2008 - Reply - Permanent Link
skythra Unregistered Anonymous Im not sure if I was clear, Its not that your logic is wrong in 256x256x256 = 16.7 million colors, but its still not 8 bit, because even by your logic, its 8Bit + 8Bit + 8Bit =24 (+8bits of uselss info).

So therefore because each pixel has to be able to display ALL COMBINATIONS of those, its called 24Bit [32bit].

Im guessing this is what the above poster was also referring to. But the logic works from the other way.. if you know what i mean...

Essentially on the box, it will say either 24 or 32bit color, and that should align with what it says here. Because thats what people are using to look at when they are trying to make purchasing decisions..

GRR im making a bigger hole as i dig :D
posted 5 Jul 2008 - Reply - Permanent Link
Unregistered Anonymous This all sounds correct to me. I think perhaps another issues is being missed, I might be mistaken on this but I believe that color depth on a CRT may actually be infinite, not 32 (24) bit as it is analog?? Not that you would be able to visually tell the difference.
posted 8 Dec 2009 - Reply - Permanent Link
alinadrian Unregistered Anonymous very nice thanks for the info! ...sure helped ;)
posted 13 Feb 2008 - Reply - Permanent Link
Dime Unregistered Anonymous Thanks, that help a lot...
posted 25 Jan 2008 - Reply - Permanent Link
aceuang Unregistered Anonymous cool man...
help me a lot...
thankz ya...
posted 4 Dec 2007 - Reply - Permanent Link
thanks Unregistered Anonymous Cool thanks alot, I always thought that CRTs took up more power but I never knew it was that much, thanks for this it helped alot.
posted 5 Jun 2007 - show 1 replies - Reply - Permanent Link
Unregistered Anonymous Guys do not buy LCD TV. As per the survey they have average life span of 5 years. CRT is far better than LCD in terms of durability. Servicing of LCD is very costly. Companies are forcing us to buy LCD by which they are getting benefit.
posted 7 Dec 2015 - Reply - Permanent Link

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