The poor cathode ray tube (CRT), when placed next to a flat-screen model, looks bulky and archaic. However, in spite of initial appearances, CRT is still a dominant force in the monitor marketplace - although LCDs are creeping up the adoption chain.
Reon Coetzee, marketing manager at Rectron, debates the viability of CRT when compared to LCD, highlighting benefits offered by both technologies, while also making some predictions for the future.
Today, there are many advantages to living in a flat-panel world. First - and most obvious - is that these monitors take up significantly less space on your desk.
Second, flat panels require less electricity than CRTs (cathode ray tube). A 19-inch CRT uses approximately 120 to 130 watts of power, while a similar-size LCD (liquid crystal display) uses only 50 to 60 watts.
But, does this mean that CRTs are going the way of the Dodo? I think it`s debatable - these bulky workhorses still account for more shipments than their flat-screen counterparts and many users - especially in SA - are still not ready to replace them just for the sake of a sleeker-looking working environment.
Old, but not dead yet
Although LCD prices have plummeted globally as well as locally, CRTs are still less expensive, which is a differentiator if you`re working on a tight budget.
According to a recent report by research authority Gartner Dataquest, LCDs - although prices are more competitive - are still more expensive than CRTs.
"CRTs are inherently cheap. It`s a pretty mature process to produce them," notes Gartner.
Still, the gap is closing and many 17-inch LCDs today compete favourable with 19-inch CRTs.
In addition to the price, CRTs also have some performance benefits. Analyst group, IDC comments that LCDs suffer from poorer refresh rates and do not offer as much flexibility in terms of resolution settings.
CRTs provide better contrast and colour saturation and change easily from their "native" resolutions, without the text becoming blurred, as in the case of LCDs.
These monitors are also well suited for number of specific applications such as video editing and display, high-end gaming and some graphics programs.
Why LCDs are worth it
In terms of safety, a flat panel is just far more superior. Virtually no radiation is emitted, and reduced glare and flicker translate into less eye strain.
There are also two issues to keep in mind when looking at LCDs: the overall operating issues and the end of life.
LCD is a very low power consumption device - several watts as supposed to hundreds.
But importantly, LCDs have a longer lifespan. The backlight is usually the first thing that fails in time, and current backlight technology is somewhere between 40 000 and 50 000 hours, roughly twice the operating life of a CRT.
Looking at a possible downside, however, is that LCD pricing varies considerable when it comes to models of the same size - which can be confusing.
This inconsistent pricing can largely - and obviously - be attributed to the various monitor manufacturers. Some monitors offer image qualities that are better than others, while some have additional features such as television tuners and onscreen controls.
So, if you`re going to be irritated by defective pixels, usually found on cheaper monitors, rather opt for an expensive device that offers more features at higher quality.
The future
After weighing up CRT and LCD, it`s important took have a look at future technologies.
Currently, vendors are launching technologies to compete with flat-screens and CRTs - these have, however, not matured enough to pose any real threat.
Wireless displays and plasma monitors are two of the most promising new innovations, but they`re not really affordable yet.
Another closely watched technology is organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), which in theory make screens brighter, cheaper, lighter and thinner than anything currently on offer.
Says IDC: "An innovative technology is great for conceptual theory and making waves in the press, but it takes a significantly long time to perfect the concept and arrive at a realistic price point for consumers."
What is boils down to, therefore, is that CRTs and LCDs will in all likelihood coexist for a long time in a market that requires cost-effective and well-known technologies.
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