CRT monitors are based on cathode ray tube technologies. This type of computer monitor has been out of production for some time because of their increased cost when compared to modern LED or LCD monitors.
You can, however, still find CRT monitors available on older computers for sale, at discount or thrift stores, and in limited locations. Here are the pros and cons of CRT monitors to consider.
Pros of CRT Monitors
1. They offer excellent color rendering.
The primary advantage that CRT monitors have always offered is a better contrast ratio and color depth when compared to other monitor types. Many LCD/LED monitors have come close recently to the CRT monitor, but it will still take another generation or two to get there.
2. They offer scalability.
CRT monitors are incredible easy to scale to different resolutions. You can scale downward without losing clarity thanks to this monitor’s ability to multisync.
3. High refresh rates are also available.
CRT monitors have an outstanding refresh rate, which reduces blurring for moving objects on the screen. Some of the best CRTs back then offered a better refresh rate than the 60hz rates that are still found on some LCD/LED televisions and monitors today.
Cons of CRT Monitors
1. They are big and heavy.
CRT monitors are about 80% heavier than modern LCD/LED monitors. If you use the large CRT monitors that were manufactured for graphic design, the monitor could weigh as much as an adolescent.
2. They consume a ton of power.
The amount of energy that a CRT monitor requires is enormous. A 17-inch CRT display that is rated for 75 watts, using an average price of $0.10 per kilowatt hour, would cost $13.69 per year to operate if it were on 5 hours per day. The cost of a similar LCD/LED monitor used for the same amount of time would be just $5.48 for the year.
3. They generate a ton of heat.
CRT monitors need to be in open spaces because of the amount of heat they produce. The heat production is so high, in fact, that some CRT monitors could begin to yellow or even melt their outside casing if not given enough ventilation.
CRT monitors may not be produced today as they were in the past, but it is still important to take a look at this milestone technology. It set the stage for where we are with modern computing.