I think that it is fair to say that when it comes to new display screens – be they for your TV or computer monitor – the screens that use a cathode ray tube to display their images are dead and gone. Flat screens are the order of the day and, of course, things like tablets and smart phones would not be available were it not for flat screen technology that started to appear along with the first laptop and notebook computers.
Whatever The Screen, We Want To See What It Is Showing
Nobody wants to sit in the dark to watch their TV or hide in an unlighted room to see what is on the screen of their tablet, etc. We all need daylight readable screens.
What Makes The Best Flat Screen?
This is still somewhat debateable and subject to technological change. Flat screen development for both computer monitors and TV’s has fluctuated around light emitting diodes (LED), plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is not only a question of which produces the better image but also one of cost since many flat screens are used in mass produced, competitively priced consumer electronics.
Plasma
Plasma was probably the leader when considering display screens larger than 32 inches but that position is currently being weakened. They are called plasma displays because small cells filled with electrically charged ionized gases are utilized and these are known as plasmas. Often they are heavier than other types and possibly not so durable.
LED
An LED is a two-lead semiconductor light source that can, effectively form the pixels for a graphic display on the screen. They can be bright enough to be seen in strong light but can also emit heat. Refinements, known as OLED (organic light-emitting diode) where the electroluminescent material comprising the emissive layer of the diode is an organic in nature, can improve performance. Another variation known as AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) is proving viable in both small smart phone screens and screens of 40 inches and above.
LCD
The liquid crystals do not emit light and a separate light source has to “activate” the crystal display; this is known as “back lighting”. Earlier LCD screens were difficult to view from an angle and did not perform well in bright light. Developments such as the use of LED backlight have considerably improved this to a point where Daylight Readable LCD display screens are definitely with us and proving popular on such as outdoor signage screens.
Suntronic Outdoor LCD Products design, assemble and sell a wide range of customized Daylight Readable LCD screens either as standalone monitors or fully computerized panels, See Sitename for more details.
