How Many Types of Monitors Do You Know

There are many different types of computer monitors, and knowing the difference between them will ensure that you get a model suited to your specific needs.

Here is a breakdown of the most common types of computer monitors. I will also be discussing the pros and cons of each type in this guide.

CRT or Cathode Ray Tube

CRT monitors are the oldest type of monitor and use a cathode ray tube (CRT) to display images.

Pros

• CRTs are cheaper than LCDs because they have fewer components.

Cons

• The major drawback of CRTs is their size and weight. They are heavy and hence cannot be moved easily from one place to another.
• Also, they take up a lot of space so if you have limited space in your home or office, then these monitors are not ideal for you.
• They also generate a lot of heat, which can cause problems where high temperatures are already a problem. CRTs have been in use since the 1950s, but they have been replaced by LCDs due to their drawbacks.

LCD or Liquid Crystal Display

LCD monitors are the most popular types of monitors on the market today. An LCD monitor is made up of a number of pixels packed together to form an image. Each pixel comprises three sub-pixels, namely red, green and blue (RGB).

When these sub-pixels are illuminated by electrical current, they produce different colors. This technology is used in many other devices like televisions, mobile phones and tablets.

LCDs come in different sizes, including 19-inch, 21-inch, 24-inch to more than 50 inches’ models. The LCD screens are flat and thin, and they can be mounted on walls or used in portable devices like laptops and tablets. There are different types of LCD monitors, including TN (twisted nematic), VA (vertical alignment), and IPS panels.

Lightweight

LCD screens weigh less than their CRT counterparts, which makes it easier to transport them when needed.

Low power consumption

They use about half as much electricity as CRTs do, which makes them eco-friendlier than CRTs.

They also have higher resolutions than CRT monitors, which means that they can display more information on the screen at once. LCD monitors can be used for both office and gaming. They are good as they have better color depth, contrast ratio, and brightness than CRT monitors.

Cons

• In comparison to CRT monitors, LCD monitors are more expensive. However, they have many benefits that make them worth their price

LED or Light Emitting Diode Monitors

A light-emitting diode (LED) monitor is an LCD monitor that uses LEDs instead of cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) to light up the screen. You will also find an impressive array of sizes and resolutions available for LED displays, which makes them a good option for multi-display setups.

Pros

• LED monitors produce less heat than CRTs which makes them more energy-efficient and safer for users who like to keep their computers on constantly.
• LED monitors are also generally thinner so they take up less space on your desk.
• These monitors have better contrast ratios and color reproduction than traditional LCD monitors. They also consume less power, which is good for the environment.

Cons

• They tend to be more expensive than traditional LCD monitors.

Plasma Monitor

Plasma monitors are a type of display that uses gas or plasma to illuminate pixels in a monitor.

The use of plasma displays is not limited to computer monitors; they're also used in televisions and other consumer electronics devices.

Plasma monitors are available in both flat and curved monitors. Curved models tend to be more immersive and offer better viewing angles than flat models, but they're often more expensive as well.

Pros

• They use plasma technology to create images, which is why they're much brighter than an LCD monitor.
• Plasma monitors can be made into larger screens than LCD monitors. If you love having a lot of space on your screen, then plasma may be the best option for you.

Cons‍

• While plasma monitors are still available, they aren't as popular as they once were. It's more common to find an LCD or LED monitor these days because they're more affordable and have better picture quality than their older counterparts.
• Are less energy-efficient and have shorter lifespans.

How to Buy a Computer Monitor?

You should consider the following things when purchasing a monitor:

Resolution

The resolution of the screen determines how clear your images will be and how much detail they will show. Higher resolutions give you crisper pictures and better colors, but they also require more graphics processing power from your computer to run smoothly.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is how fast your display can update what's on its screen. Most modern monitors have 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates, which means that they can display 60 or 120 frames per second respectively (FPS).

This makes them more responsive and smoother when playing games or using applications like Photoshop or Premiere Pro that require quick reactions from your mouse cursor.