If you look at a computer monitor for hours each day, you should select one that best meets the demands of your work. The flat-panel liquid-crystal display screens (LCDs) and the familiar cathode-ray-tube monitors (CRTs) are both good choices. Here are some facts to consider when choosing one over the other:

Cost:

• CRTs cost less than LCDs. You can get more size for your money with a CRT. This is very important if you need a large screen for spreadsheets or Cad-cam drawings. LCD's, however, leave more room on the desk and tend to produce less glare on the screen. As in many ergonomic issues, it is a matter of what is comfortable for you.

Display Quality:

• Color choices: CRTs have more color choices and are preferred by graphic designers for this reason.
• Viewing angle: CRTs have a wider viewing angle than LCDs. If you are not directly in front of an LCD, the screen fades as you move to the side.
• Resolution: CRTs usually have adjustable pixel resolutions for displaying more material. LCDs are designed to work best at a pre-set resolution. Changing it reduces image quality.
• Flicker: LCDs don’t flicker like CRTs. The refresh rate on a CRT must be at least 75 Hz or higher for 15-17” screens and 85 Hz for 19” screens or you will have flicker problems.
• Distortion: LCDs have crisper displays than CRTs with less distortion. However, CRTs are still very good.
• Glare: LCDs do not have glare issues. While CRTs have glare issues, flat screen CRTs are better than the less expensive curved picture tube CRTs in reducing reflections.

Facilities Management Issues:

• Weight: CRTs are heavier with 17” models weighing 40 to 50 pounds. LCDs weigh about 10 pounds.
• Size: The depth of a CRT is usually equal to the screen size. A 17” monitor requires 17” of clearance behind the screen for positioning on the desk. LCDs are only 6 to 9” deep. Steelcase designers have estimated the space savings of LCDs to be approximately 600 square inches. This eliminates the need to design corner workstations for LCDs.
• Power Consumption: LCDs consume about half the power of CRTs reducing energy costs. The average LCD consumes 25 to 40 watts and CRTs average 65-95 watts. Heat emissions are also reduced with LCDs.
• Lifespan: LCD's last about twice as long as CRT's.

Summary:

LCD monitors save space and have clear, crisp pictures without flicker or glare problems. They are often more comfortable to view in brighter settings or near windows due to a higher luminance factor.

CRT monitors are less expensive offering more screen size for the money and are better for graphics displays. So, consider your budget, space issues and the software programs you use when making a decision.