India Broadband Forum

Preeti_20

Although a LCD and TFT look the same, but theyare obviously different, as they have different names and abbreviations are different.

But what I have never known is what exactly is the differenence in the two!

itsmemad

Both are actually LCD displays. The TFT's(Thin Transistor Film), are just a better type of LCD(Liquid Crystal Displays).

There are three different formats of TFT.
XGA (extended graphics array),
SXGA (super extended graphics array), and
UXGA (ultra extended graphics array).

TFT is the most widely used active matrix technology for LCD displays. TFT (active matrix) LCDs have a faster response than passive matrix ones. If you race the mouse from one side of the screen to the other in both, you'll see a definite difference.

rajan1311

hmmm... thx 4 info.

But most of the LCD screens, 4 desktops , i have not seen TFT LCD specified.
Its very common for laptop ones, it says TFT, but have not seen for desktop LCD's. I could b wrong. Can u also tell me if there any difference in the lcd screens we see on laptops and those on desktops. If yes, could u briefly tell their pros and cons. Thx.

Preeti_20

Thanks for the information mads, but yes it would help if you could also mention the pros and cons of LCD and TFT.

Thanks

itsmemad

TFT LCD's are found in abundance both in desktop monitors & laptops...

LCD

They are basically liquid crystals that are activated by electric current and are constructed of layered materials (liquid crystal that is sandwiched between layers of glass or plastic).

Pros

* Size - They are smaller in every way than their CRT counterparts - with the greatest saving in their depth, allowing a lot more desk space than a CRT monitor of similar size.

* Weight - Anyone who has had to carry a 17" or larger CRT monitor will tell you that they are HEAVY. Even the oldest and cumbersome TFT monitors have a huge weight advantage. When coupled with the much smaller size, this makes them much easier to handle.

* Price - Cheaper than most of the other screens that you will find. A lot of bang for the buck.

* Screen Size - Very large screen sizes are possible with a LCD screen. The resolution for these larger screens can be quite high as well, but the higher the resolution, the higher the price of course.

Cons

* Image - LCDs will display images very well, but only in their native resolution. It is best to have your images the same resolution as the screen or there will be noticeable loss of clarity.

* Viewing angle - The larger the angle from the screen you are, the worse the image will look.

* Backlight - LCDs need a backlight to illuminate the screen, and draw quite a bit of power.

Overall
One of the best choices for a medium priced screen. You won’t get as clear a picture as maybe some of the others, but you will not be disappointed at all in what you get. Well established and reliable technology, especially good for small handheld screens.

TFT-LCD

TFT is very similar to LCD screens in construction, but improves on the image quality. It uses an Active Matrix rather than the Passive Matrix still used in many LCD products. In essence it is an evolved form of an LCD Screen.

Pros

* Size - Enjoy same advantage over CRTs

* Weight - Again weight is similar to normal LCDs.

* Price - Definitely one of the features. A little more expensive than a LCD screen but worth it if you want those clearer images.

* Image - Like LCD it produces very clear images, but they are much brighter and sharper. You still should keep the resolution the same however.

* Screen Size - Large size TFT screens are no problem, and are very nice to look at.

* Future - The future looks good for TFT screens, and more and more products screens are starting to use them than almost any other.

Cons

* Viewing angle - Less of a problem than a LCD, but you will still see a difference if you view it at a larger angle.

* Backlight - TFT screens use a backlight that’s a bit of a drain on a battery if you’re using a portable device.

Overall
What more can I say than this is a better LCD for generally a little more money? Expect to see many screens in the future that use TFT. Especially good for Car DVDs.

Bottomline- Choose a monitor which please your eyes & pocket. And ofcourse quality differ a lot in different brands.

rajan1311

thx buddy, rep added !!

Softronicx

Hi Preeti and Mad.

Thanks a lot 4 your tech conversation. Me 2 have the same confusion