Both technologies of CRT and LCD have advantages and disadvantages, but it is important to know that neither is ideal for all situations. The CRT monitor has been the dominant display apparatus for desktop computers since they first appeared in the early 1980’s. As time progresses, so does the choice in which is the more preferred monitor for computer users, as well as for the TV connoisseurs. The quality and performance of large flat-panel displays, most notably large colour liquid crystal displays or LCDs, has improved significantly since their conception. The LCD monitor has now risen to the top of the favourites list by many users, and has become the preferred option for some desktop applications.

The primary advantages for the CRT are its obvious lower cost, somewhat better overall image quality, reliability, and ease of set up. The LCD on the other hand is much thinner and lighter, uses less electricity, and is much more versatile with respect to placement and viewing options. The overall consensus is that LCD monitors will become more common as quality improves and prices continue to decline. Most industry experts believe that the LCD, as well as some other flat-panel technology, will eventually replace the CRT as the preferred technology.

Image Quality Comparisons
Most users will not notice any significant difference between the qualities of images displayed on high quality CRTs and LCDs when using business software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, business graphics, and presentation software. The CRT, however, is capable of better colour rendering, usually noticeable when displaying photographic images, and provides the user with more control over the appearance of colour images in general, making this a preferred monitor for the graphic designer.
Images displayed on an LCD often appear to be sharper than the same images displayed on a comparable CRT.

Designer & Physical Attributes
Clearly, an LCD monitor is superior for workstations in confined areas where use of a large CRT would not be practical. Similarly, an LCD monitor’s lower weight makes it easier to move and position on a work surface. Additionally, some LCD monitors can be attached to a wall or other vertical surface. Others can be pivoted 90 degrees into an upright or ‘portrait’ position so that an entire 8 1/2 in. x 11 in. page of text can be displayed without scrolling.

Low energy consumption and good to excellent image quality of the LCD monitor are other pluses. The most significant disadvantages for LCD monitors are higher cost and poorer image quality in some situations, typically low resolution images and video.

The CRT monitor, on the other hand, is less costly, more reliable, and easier to set up. Image quality is also better in some situations. The chief drawbacks of the CRT monitor are its size and weight.

So with all of this in mind, the obvious movement is towards perfecting the LCD monitor to perform to all of the standards of the CRT, and this does not appear to be very far away in the future.