LCD TFT Monitors

LCD term is used for Liquid Crystal Display.
TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology provides a much sharper image and higher refresh rate to satisfy gamers in particular. The TFT screen also uses a special assembly process, with layers of glass and various filters. The process greatly increases the viewing angle, both horizontal and vertical.

Advantages:

1. Thin and stylish and takes up very little space.
2. Is energy efficient and consumes very little energy.
3. Relatively lightweight, especially in larger sizes.
4. LCD monitors have extremely fast response times. Varies from 8 ms to 2 ms.
5. TFT monitors have a very crisp image only comparable to very expensive CRT monitors. Pixels are refreshed at a rate of 25 milliseconds. This virtually eliminates eye strain.
6. Have contrast ratio from 5000:1 to 30000:1.
7. More display area (a 15 inch LCD is equivalent to a 17 inch CRT).
8. TFT LCD monitors are not affected by magnetic sources, namely speakers.
9. Widescreen (in the approx. ratio of 16:10) to enhance the viewing of spreadsheets, games and movies.
10. LCDs don't have the geometric, convergence or focus problems of CRTs, and their clarity makes it easier to view higher resolutions than equivalent CRTs.
11. There is much less glare from a TFT monitor.
12. TFT monitors produce less heat and radiation than CRT monitors.
13. The monitor can be mounted on the wall to save even more desk space.
14. Since, LCD monitors are not affected by magnetic sources, namely speakers. As a result, some LCD monitors even offer integrated speakers, and do not require special shielding. Look for in-built speakers to avoid desk clutter.
15. Look for suitable screen resolution as TFT displays are usually designed to run at a specific resolution. Most 15" TFT displays are designed to run at 1024x768 @ 75Hz. Although you can use smaller displays (eg 800x600), the fonts can look out of proportion and blocky. Most 17" TFT displays are designed to run at 1280x1024 @ 75Hz.
16. Look for Extra connectivity such as HDMI and DVI inputs.
17. Look for Additional USB ports for greater connectivity.
18. Look for warranty which may range up to 5 years, even if it costs a litter higher.
    

HDMI - The High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. This offers high definition images for gaming or high end graphics applications.

DVI - The Digital Visual Interface is a video interface standard designed to maximize the visual quality of digital display devices such as flat panel LCD computer displays and digital projectors. Ideal for high end gaming or work that requires a high detail of graphics.

Disadvantages:

1. They are costlier than CRT monitors.
2. TFT monitors have a limited angle of view.
3. You may experience some blurring on lower end models when there is movement on the screen. This is most prominent in full screen games where you get a motion blur effect but is also noticeable when scrolling through documents or websites.
4. LCD monitors have a single optimum resolution. If a user wants to use a lower resolution, then either only part of the LCD panel is used, or the pixels have to be scaled up to fill the screen, resulting in a blockier look.
5. Dead LCD pixel is another problem. Dead pixels mean pixels that simply do not function. These pixels cannot be repaired, and can be quite annoying if they are in the main viewing area of the monitor, and especially where the screen background is generally white. Discuss this issue before buying.