Monitors Key Terms

Learn the terminology for computer monitors

Maybe you're upgrading your desktop monitor from an old, bulky CRT model to the new lightweight LCD standard. Or perhaps you are trying to decide which laptop has the best screen for your needs. Regardless, there is some terminology you need to be familiar with to make the best choice. The following terms will bring you up to speed on the things you need to know about laptop and computer monitors.

 

CRT, or cathode ray tube

A CRT, or cathode ray tube, monitor was the old standard in the computer industry. It creates images using a beam of electrons projected through a large glass tube. Large screen sizes were supported by ever larger cathode ray tubes, making these monitors extremely heavy and bulky.
Try: WiseGEEK tells you everything you need to know about CRT monitors.

LCD, or liquid crystal display, also known as flat-panel display

LCD, or liquid crystal display, monitors are quickly replacing CRT monitors as the standard. They are also known as flat-panel displays. LCD monitors create images by shining light through polarized glass and liquid crystals. LCD offers several advantages over CRT, including less power consumption, smaller size and lighter weight.
Try: Learn LCD basics at ENERGY STAR. You can track energy savings with the LCD savings calculator.

Digital connection versus analog connection

There are two main ways of connecting your monitor to your desktop: a digital connection or an analog connection. CRT monitors use analog connections exclusively. Most LCD monitors come with both analog and digital connections. Plugging an analog connector into an LCD display can result in image distortion. It's always best to use a digital, or DVI, connection if your video card and monitor both support it.
Try: OnlineComputerTips.com describes the difference between a digital and analog connection for your monitor. CBS Interactive reviews the differences in quality between an analog and digital connection.

Response time and refresh rate

Response time is the length of time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another in an LCD monitor. The refresh rate applies to both CRT and LCD displays, and it refers to the amount of time it takes for your monitor to refresh the whole screen. LCD monitors blur if the response rate of their pixels is slower than the refresh rate. All but the newest LCD monitors have a refresh rate of 60hz, which is 60 screen refreshes per second.
Try: Knol on Google describes the difference between refresh rate and response time.

NIT

A NIT is a means of measuring the brightness of an LCD monitor or screen. It's a measurement of light in candelas per square meter. For example, many laptops come with screens that range from 200 to 250 NITs. This is fine for indoor office work but will be nearly impossible to see outside or in direct sunlight. For working in direct sunlight, you want a monitor with 500 to 900 NITs. Direct sunlight requires over 1000 NITs for a clearly visible display.
Try: STEALTH.COM has an excellent article on LCD technology, including a section describing the particulars of screen brightness, or NITs.

Screen resolution or display resolution

The display resolution or screen resolution is the number of pixels contained on a display. Pixels are individual dots of color. Resolution is described as the number of horizontal pixels by the number of vertical pixels, like 1024x768. As widescreen displays become more popular, new resolutions such as 1200x800 have become standard.
Try: HowStuffWorks describes how computer monitors work, including detailed information on display standards and resolution.

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