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- Calculator Vs. Computer
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What is a Computer Monitor?
A computer monitor also called a video display terminal or video display unit is an output device that displays images, text, videos, and graphics produced by the central processing unit (CPU) on the screen. The full form of "monitor" in the context of computer science is "Machine Output Number of Information To Organize Report".
Monitors are connected to computers through various signals and connections, including Digital Visual Interface, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, USB-C, low-voltage differential signalling, and many other.
History of Computer Monitor
The following table shows the history of computer monitor −
| Period | Details |
|---|---|
| 1964 | The Uniscope 300 machine had a built-in CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. It was not a real computer monitor but was an early version of CRT technology. |
| 1973 | The Xerox Alto computer was the first computer monitor released on March 1, 1973. The monitor used CRT technology and showed only one color. |
| 1975 | George Samuel Hurst developed the first resistive touch screen display in 1975, but it was not used until 1982. |
| 1985 | Eizo L66 was one of the first LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display) monitors for desktop computers made by Eizo Nanao Technologies. |
| 2009 | MultiSync EA222WMe was one of the first LED monitor made by NEC in late 2009. |
| Post-2010 | In modern monitors, the display technology is usually a TFT liquid crystal display, with LED backlighting replacing the cold-cathode fluorescent lamp. |
Different Types of Computer Monitors
1. Monitors with Cathode Ray Tube Display
The term CRT refers to the cathode-ray tube in various types of monitors and television screens. This technology was used in older displays. A CRT display creates images by discharging negatively charged particles from the rear of the phosphorus tube to the front of the screen.
2. Monitors with Flat Panels
Flat-panel monitors are computer displays that may be analogue, digital, or a combination of both. Choosing a flat-panel monitor offers advantages such as no bulky tube, consistent viewing angle, improved picture quality, and lower cost.
3. Monitors with Touch Screens
Touch screen monitors enable interaction with the screen by touch, and the result is displayed on the monitor. These monitors offer more features than traditional computer monitors. One of the main disadvantage of a touch screen is shorter battery life.
4. Monitors with LED Displays
An LED monitor is a flat-screen computer display that uses a light-emitting diode for its display. These monitors are lightweight and thin. LED displays are commonly found in many devices such as laptops, mobile phones, televisions, computer monitors, and tablets.
5. Monitors with OLED Displays
OLED technology is ground breaking, using a series of thin organic layers placed between two conductors, unlike LCDs. OLED displays are emissive, meaning they donât require a backlight. They provide superior image quality and are commonly used in laptops, televisions, smartphones, etc.
6. Monitors with DLP Technology
DLP is a TI data projection technology that offers sharp images on panels in dimly lit environments. DLP is used in everything from portable projectors to large cinema projectors. It also delivers higher-quality images, especially in well-lit spaces.
7. Monitors with TFT Displays
TFT technology, a form of thin transistor technology, is found in most modern LCD panels. A good TFT monitor ensures sharp text, bright colors, and faster response times for multimedia applications.
8. Monitors with Plasma Displays
A plasma display illuminates each pixel on the screen using a small amount of plasma or charged gas, similar to tiny neon lights. Plasma displays are thinner than earlier TVs, allowing them to be wall-mounted and concealed behind a well-placed curtain.
Factors That Affect Monitor Performance
Key factors that determine monitor performance quality:
- Aspect Ratio − The ratio of vertical and horizontal lengths of a monitor (e.g., 16:9 or 4:5).
- Dot Pitch − The space between each pixel in each square inch of the display. The image becomes clearer and sharper as the distance between pixels’ decreases.
- Resolution − This controls the number of pixels per linear inch, also known as dots per inch (DPI). The dot pitch influences the maximum number of pixels the display can hold.
- Size − The size refers to the diagonal measurement of the display screen.