Difference between CRT and LED Monitors

In a computer system, monitor is the most significant output device that

conveys the information from computer system to the output world. When it
comes to the types of computer monitors, then several types of display
technologies are used, such as CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), Plasma Display, etc.

In this article, we will discuss the important differences between CRT monitors
and LED monitors. But before discussing the differences, let us first discuss the
CRT and LED monitors individually.

What is CRT Monitor?

CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube. CRT is one of the older display technologies
used in computer monitors. This type of computer monitor was very commonly
used before the adoption of LCD and LED monitors.

A CRT monitor typically consists of a large tube made of glass, an electron gun
and a phosphorescent screen. The electron gun emits high energy electrons to
form images on the phosphorescent screen. In the process, the electron gun
generates a beam of high energy electrons to strike to the screen, the screen
then glow and produces the desired picture.

To create proper images on the screen, the intensity of electron beam is

controlled through a control mechanism. Before the LCD and LED display
technologies, the CRT monitors were supposed an efficient display technology to
produce high-quality graphics with high contrast colors.

However, the CRT monitors are less power efficient, larger in size, and bulky.
Therefore, over time they are replaced by newer display technologies like LCD,
LED, etc.

What is LED Monitor?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. LED is one of the newer display technologies
used in computer monitors. Today, LED monitors become the most popular type
of computer monitors used due their low power consumption, high efficiency,
higher resolutions, eye protection feature, etc.

An LED monitor typically consists of a series of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)

which are used to illuminate the display screen. Therefore, LED monitors
produce more bright, sharp, and vivid pictures as compared to CRT monitors.

Also, LED monitors come in several display sizes and screen resolutions. LED
monitors can display images at a higher refresh rates that make them better
suited for displaying fast moving images and gaming.

LED monitors are also quite environment friendly as they generate less heat and
consume less power. The lifespan of an LED monitor is also more than that of a
CRT monitor. Overall, an LED monitor is a better replacement of CRT monitor.

After getting an overview of CRT and LED monitors, let us now discuss the
important differences between them.
What is LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. The LED is a specially designed PN junction
diode which is capable for emitting light when electric current passes through it.
This emitted light is then used in display technologies as backlight.

The LED is constructed by joining a P-type semiconductor with an N-type

semiconductor. Basically, the LED is a heavily doped PN junction diode. When
an electric current is passed through the LED, the recombination of holes and
electrons takes place at the PN junction and light is emitted in this process.

The color of emitted light by an LED depends upon the semiconductor material
used and the amount of doping. The LEDs have very long life and requires less
maintenance. However, they are costlier than LCD. In the display technology
the LED is used as the backlight and such a display is known as LED display.

Difference between CRT and LED Monitors

The following table highlights all the important differences between CRT monitor
and LED monitor −

Parameter CRT Monitor LED Monitor

CRT monitor stands for Cathode Ray LED monitor stands for Light Emitting
Full Form
Tube monitor. Diode monitor.

LED monitors use a series of small light

Display CRT monitors use cathode ray tube to
emitting diodes to illuminate the display
technology form images on the screen.
screen.

LED monitors produce images of high

CRT monitors offer poor picture
Picture quality picture quality as compared to CRT
quality.
monitors.

Screen CRT monitors offer lower screen LED monitors offer high screen resolutions
resolution resolutions, hence they are not suitable making them better suited for intensive
 for intensive graphics applications. graphics work.

Heat CRT monitors produce more heat while LED monitors produce less heat than CRT
production operating. monitors.

LED monitors have a faster refresh rate,

Refresh rate CRT monitors have a lower refresh rate. making them suitable for displaying fast
moving graphics.

LED monitors are compact in size, hence

Size CRT monitors are larger in size.
they require less space.

LED monitors are light in weight, hence

Weight CRT monitors are bulky.
they are easy to port.

CRT monitors are less energy efficient,

Power LED monitors consume very less electric
and hence consume more electric
consumption power than CRT monitors.
power.

CRT monitors do not support eye saver

Eye saver LED monitors support eye saver feature.
feature. Thus, they may cause eye
feature Hence, they do not affect the eyes.
strain, fatigue, headache, etc.

CRT monitors have better contrast ratio LED monitors have poorer contrast than
Contrast ratio
than LED monitors. CRT monitors.

CRT monitors generate a humming

Noise sound while operating. Although, this LED monitors operate silently.
noise is very low.

CRT monitors impact the environment

Impact on LED monitors are more environment
as they consume more power and made
environment friendly than CRT monitors.
up of relatively hazardous materials.

LED monitors have relatively wider

CRT monitors offer narrower viewing
Viewing angle viewing angles as compared to CRT
angles.
monitors.

Lifespan CRT monitors have longer life span LED monitors have shorter life span as
 than LED monitors. A CRT monitor compared to CRT monitors. An LED
can run for many years with proper monitor can run for five to ten years with
maintenance. proper maintenance.

LED monitors are more expensive due to

CRT monitors are less expensive as
Price newer technology and enhance
they use older technology.
performance.

Conclusion
The most significant difference between CRT monitors and LED monitors is that
the CRT monitors use cathode ray tube technology to generate images on the
screen, while the LED monitors use light emitting diodes to form images and
graphics on the screen.

Basis of Difference LCD LED Display

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal

Full form LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.
Display.

The ‘LCD’ is a combination of The ‘LED’ is a PN junction diode

solid and liquid states of which emits visible light when the
matter which is used to electric current flows through it. This
Definition
display the information in light is then used as the backlight for
the form of texts and displaying the information in the
images. form of texts and images.

LCD uses cold cathode

LED display uses light emitting diode
Backlight fluorescent lamp (CCFL) as
(LED) to provide the backlight.
backlight.

Switching The switching speed of LED is more

LCD is slower than LED.
speed than LCD.

LCD has high response time, The response time of LED is less
Response
hence their switching speed than LCD, thus the LED is better
time
is less. than LCD in terms of response time.

The liquid crystals and glass

In case of LED, the gallium arsenide
Material electrodes are used for
phosphide is used for manufacturing
manufacturing of LCD.
Basis of Difference LCD LED Display

Power LCD consumes less power

LED consumes relatively more power
consumption than an LED.

Cost The cost of LCD is less. LEDs are costlier than LCDs.

Picture The picture quality of LCD is The picture quality delivered by LED
quality good. is relatively better than LCD.

Color LCD delivers good color The color accuracy for LED is better
accuracy accuracy. than that of LCD.

Resolution The resolution of LCD is low. LED has high resolution.

In LCD, the viewing angle

LED has a relatively wider viewing
Viewing angle decreases by 30° from the
angle as compared to LCD.
centre of the image.

Effect of The direct current reduces The direct current does not affect the
direct current the lifespan of LCD. LED.

Mercury is used in LCDs

Effect on No mercury is used in LEDs, thus
which causes harm to the
environment they are environment friendly.
environment.
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Conclusion
The most significant difference between LCD and LED display is that the Liquid
Crystal Display uses Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp to provide backlight while
the LED Display uses Light Emitting Diode to provide the backlight for displaying
the information.