What is LCD, What is the full form of LCD

ByPankaj Kumar

LCD or liquid crystal display represents a new era display technology commonly observed in contemporary electric devices including LED TVs, PC monitors, phones, and also tablets. Essentially, these liquids crystallizes between fully solid and totally fluid. This system uses electricity controlling the crystallines themselves to render these images or messages inside the LCD itself. Inventions were due by George H. Heilmeier back in 1968, What is LCD, What is the full form of LCD.

LCD monitor on table, What is the full form of LCD

The use of LCDs was first introduced in small electronic devices such as calculators and clocks. During the 1980s and 1990s, they became more popular with larger devices, such as TV, computer monitor, and laptops. LCDs are lightweight and thin, thereby occupying less space compared to other types of devices. They consume low power and tend to last for a longer time. The image displayed on LCD screens is very sharp and clear. These reasons show that LCD is widely used in TVs, computer monitors, smartphones, and many other electronic devices, What is LCD, What is the full form of LCD.

However, LCDs have some limitations. Sometimes the depth of colors can be less, and there can be a viewing angle problem, meaning if you don’t look at the screen directly, the image may not look right. Still, due to their lightweight design, low energy consumption, and long lifespan, LCDs have become a major technology in most modern electronic devices today.

What is the history of LCD

1960s – Invention and Start of LCD

Liquid Crystal Display was invented in the 1960s. Some scientists discovered that certain liquid crystals change their position when electricity is applied. Dr. James Fergason developed this and produced displays using this. At first, LCD was used in digital watches and calculators. Since LCD displays are lighter and consume less energy compared to CRT, LCD gradually gained popularity.

1970s: LCD Development and Commercialization

During the 1970s, LCD technology advanced, and commercial use started. In 1971, Sharp company invented the first commercial LCD display. The first LCD TV prototype was produced in 1974, but it took a long time before the LCD started gaining popularity. LCD’s lightness and energy efficiency contributed to its commercial development.

1980s – TFT LCD and Technological Advancements

The technology of LCD developed significantly in the 1980s. This was the TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD technology, where the display would be much brighter and colors will appear more clearer. LCDs were now available in larger units such as in TVs and monitors of computers along with smaller products. The new technology of TFT made LCD thinner, lighter and better, which made it relatively easier to have larger displays, What is the history of LCD.

1990s – LCD TVs Become Common

LCD technology became mainstream in the 1990s. HD and Full HD resolution LCD TVs enhanced TV quality. Companies such as Sony and Sharp began to manufacture LCD TVs that were thinner and of better quality than CRT TVs in 1997. LCD TVs utilized backlighting technology, thus making them thinner and more energy-efficient.

2000s – Development of 4K and Smart LCD TVs

In the end of the 2000s and early 2010s, 4K and Ultra HD (UHD) resolution LCD TVs arrived, bringing sharper and clearer pictures. Smart TVs also arrived, allowing internet connectivity for streaming services, apps, and web browsing. New technologies such as Mini-LED and Quantum Dot arrived in LCDs, enhancing color and contrast, making them lighter, thinner, and energy-saving.

2010s and 2020s – Current and Future of LCD

LCD is still very popular in smartphones, TVs, laptops, and other devices in the 2020s. Mini-LED and Quantum Dot are new technologies that have made LCD displays even better. However, newer technologies like OLED and MicroLED have challenged LCD in some areas, but LCD remains the most widely used technology due to its affordability and reliability. In the near future, LCD may also be upgraded in terms of colors, high resolution, and energy-saving capability, which makes it even more popular.

How Does LCD Work

Liquid Crystals

LCD screens consist of liquid crystals. These crystals are like liquids but are not transparent. Upon applying electricity, they change the direction. That helps control light appearing on the screen and helps make images. They are very tiny, and pictures on the screen are made from them.

Backlight

There is a backlight behind the LCD screen that lights up the screen. Without a backlight, nothing would appear on the screen. The backlight is usually made of LEDs, which use less power and last longer. Some older LCDs used fluorescent lights (CCFLs).

Polarizers

LCD screens have two polarizer films that bend the light in one direction. Once the backlight hits the screen, these polarizers bend it and then, changing the direction of the liquid crystals, an image is formed on the screen. This process helps create clear and accurate images on the screen, How Does LCD Work.

Color Filters

Each pixel in an LCD screen contains three color filters: red, green, and blue. When mixed, they can produce any color on the pixel. White light from the backlight passes through these filters, which changes it into different colors and produces colorful images on the screen.

Liquid Crystal Cells

Each pixel in an LCD screen consists of a small cell containing liquid crystals. When the electricity is passed through these crystals, they alter their direction. This alteration gives rise to images on the screen. The colors and light emitted are controlled by the crystals within the pixels, giving clear and colorful images.

Control Mechanism

It contains a system to govern the pixels of an LCD screen known as transistors (TFT). The transistors send different electrical signals to each pixel, altering the liquid crystals inside them; this process helps the screen show images and colors correctly. This system is responsible for governing millions of pixels on the screen simultaneously.

How Many Types of LCDs Are There

TFT LCD (Thin Film Transistor LCD)

In TFT LCD, each pixel is controlled by a transistor, allowing different information to be sent to each pixel on the screen. The advantage of this is that it responds quickly, making videos and games smooth and clear. It is used in smartphones, TVs, and computer monitors. The colors are accurate and brightness is good, but it consumes more energy and sometimes brightness control may be lacking.

IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching LCD)

In IPS LCD, the crystal pixels are arranged in such a way that you can view it from any angle without the colors and clarity changing. The advantage is that the colors are very accurate and bright, and it can be viewed from many angles. It is used more in smartphones, TVs, and tablets, but it is more expensive and may consume more energy.

VA LCD (Vertical Alignment LCD)

In VA LCD, the pixels are aligned vertically, which makes black colors and contrast very good. It is mainly used in TVs and computer monitors. It has good black color and contrast, but color accuracy and wide viewing angles are less than IPS LCD.

LED-LCD (Light Emitting Diode LCD)

In LED-LCD, an LED backlight instead of the older type of fluorescent is used. LEDs consume fewer calories, therefore extend the time to charge, while the screens will be thinner in terms of light used. This brightness and contrast improve, and though the new generation does nothing with the existing display technology, How Many Types of LCDs Are There.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)

In OLED, each pixel produces its own light, and hence it does not need a backlight. The benefits include the fact that black colors are deep, and the screen is slim and lightweight. However, it is expensive and easily damaged because pixels degrade over time.

QLCD (Quantum Dot LCD)

QLCD employs the use of quantum dots to have more vivid colours and brighter output. The edge is that, similar to OLED, it replicates the contrast and colours without having the need for the huge price tag but cannot achieve deeper black and more responsive blacks.

Curved LCD

Curved LCD screens are slightly bent, which enhances the viewing experience. The benefit is that large TVs and gaming monitors give a cinematic experience, and there is no loss of color and clarity in the corners. However, this design may not be suitable for everyone, especially if the screen is very large.

Flexible LCD

Flexible LCD displays bend, making it suitable for smartphone, watch, and portable devices. The advantage of this is being lightweight and flexible, but new technology and expensive at the same time.

E-Ink LCD

E-Ink LCD technology is mainly used in e-book readers. It consumes less energy and is clear even in direct sunlight. However, it only displays black and white colors and is not suitable for videos or fast activities.

Where is LCD Used

LCD, which is considered liquid crystal display, is used in many places today. This technology shows things clearly. Much technology is used in many devices, such as:

  • Television: The most common use of LCD is in TVs. It is light and thin. Less energy is used by this. LCD TVs have good colors, and the image looks clear and provides enjoyment while watching TV.
  • Smartphones: LCD screens are used in smartphones. It shows text, pictures, and videos well and uses less battery.
  • Computer Monitors: LCD screens are used in computer monitors. It is light and thin, and the image quality is better, making working on a computer or playing games fun.
  • Laptops: LCD screens are very common in laptops. They make the laptop screen thin and light, and the images and videos appear clear.
  • Cameras and Other Equipment: Digital cameras, smart cameras, and others contain LCDs. You can see images and set the camera through this device.
  • Gadgets: The use of LCD display can be found in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and gaming equipment. You can view time, information, or games.
  • ATMs: An ATM uses LCDs for the purpose of displaying balance and other details in relation to the transactions made.
  • Cars and motorcycles: In the modern automobiles, LCD displays car status, navigation, information regarding the engine, and more.
  • Airplanes: LCD is very helpful to pilots, while passengers can enjoy movies, music, and many more.
  • Household appliances: A microwave oven, washing machine, and even air conditioners contain LCD where you can view and change.
  • Digital Signage and Advertising: LCD screens are used in malls, airports, and railway stations to show advertisements and directions, attracting customers’ attention.
  • Medical Devices: LCD screens are used in medical devices like ultrasound machines and CT scans. Doctors can show clear reports and images of patients, helping in treatment.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of LCD

Advantages of LCD

LCD or Liquid Crystal Display has various advantages that make it a favorite for display technology. First, LCD screens are extremely thin and lightweight, which makes them easy to place anywhere. They consume less power, increasing battery life in devices like mobile phones and laptops. The colors seen on LCD displays are bright and clear, therefore, making pictures and videos visible. In addition, the view angle of LCD is also good so that you view it from a certain angle, and the image does not change much. It is inexpensive, and due to this, you can afford many users who simply use it frequently.

Disadvantages of LCD

Though LCD has plenty of advantages, it also includes some disadvantages:. The biggest disadvantage is that LCD displays can suffer from a lack of contrast between dark colors. Compared to some other technologies, such as OLED, in which black colors are very deep, LCD may lack contrast between dark colors. Moreover, the same image for a long period on an LCD screen causes problems like “burn-in,” which leaves permanent marks on the screen. Other negative aspects of the LCD screens involve rather slow response time, especially while playing video games or watching video with fast action. Some may also have low viewing angles: while this won’t be visible to the average user, under certain angles colors may change somewhat, What is LCD, What is the full form of LCD.

FAQs

What is the difference between LCD and LED

LCD and LED are the same type of display technology but in LED, LED is used for backlight and in LCD CCFL is used for backlight. LED has richer colors and better contrast and is energy efficient whereas LCD has somewhat lower brightness as well as colour quality.

What are pixels in an LCD

LCD pixels are very small elements on the screen to display images and text. A pixel has three colors: red, green, and blue, known as RGB. These three colors combine and show all colors on the screen and make an image clear.

What is the refresh rate of an LCD

Refresh rate: Rate at which an LCD display the images on screen measured in terms of Hertz abbreviated as Hz; 60 Hz means update image 60 times per one second. If higher, it presents sharper and smother image, What is LCD, What is the full form of LCD.