Understanding the evolution of monitor technology—from bulky, television-like screens to today’s slim and sophisticated displays is essential for making informed choices. This article provides an overview of the development of monitors, from the early days of CRTs to the advanced OLED technology available now. Beyond a historical perspective, it offers practical insights into how modern displays deliver improved performance, visual clarity, and user comfort, particularly for everyday use here in Malaysia.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
An Overview of Monitor Technology
Here’s how monitors evolved — from heavy CRTs to modern OLEDs:
From CRT - The Bulky Beginnings
Remember those big, heavy monitors at school or in old cyber cafes? Those were CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors. They used electron beams to light up a glass screen, making images appear. CRTs were strong and could show bright colours, but they were:
- Very heavy and bulky (hard to move!)
- Used a lot of electricity
- It could get hot after long use
- Sometimes caused eye strain from flickering
- Limited in screen size and shape
CRT monitors also had problems like “burn-in,” where static images left marks on the screen. Because of these issues, Malaysians quickly moved on when new monitor technology came out.
LCD - The Slim Revolution
Next came LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors. These were a game-changer! LCDs are:
- Much thinner and lighter than CRTs
- Use less electricity (save on TNB bill!)
- Offer sharper images and more comfortable viewing
- Available in bigger sizes and more stylish designs
LCDs use a backlight and liquid crystals to create images. Early models had some problems like slow response times and narrow viewing angles, but today’s LCDs are much better. Most monitors in Malaysia now use LCD or LED-LCD technology, making them the most common choice for homes and offices.
LED, QLED, and Mini-LED - More Colours, More Brightness
As monitor technology improved, manufacturers added LED backlighting to LCDs. This made screens even brighter and more energy efficient. Then came QLED (Quantum Dot LED) and Mini-LED:
- QLED: Uses quantum dots for better colour and brightness – great for watching Netflix or gaming.
- Mini-LED: Smaller LEDs for more precise lighting and deeper contrast – perfect for creative work and high-end gaming.
OLED: The Premium Experience
Now, OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) monitors are the latest and greatest in monitor technology. OLED screens are:
- Ultra-thin and lightweight
- Show perfect blacks and super vibrant colours
- Have wide viewing angles (no colour change from the side)
- Offer very fast response times for smooth gaming
Each pixel in an OLED screen lights up by itself, so there’s no need for a backlight. This means better contrast and amazing image quality. But OLED monitors are still more expensive and can have problems like image retention if you leave the same picture on for too long.
Monitor Technology Comparison Table
|
Feature |
CRT |
LCD/LED |
QLED/Mini-LED |
OLED |
|
Size/Weight |
Bulky/Heavy |
Slim/Light |
Slim/Light |
Ultra-Slim |
|
Power Use |
High |
Low |
Low |
Very Low |
|
Picture Quality |
Good |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Outstanding |
|
Price |
Cheap (now) |
Affordable |
Higher |
Premium |
|
Burn-in Risk |
High |
Low |
Low |
Moderate |
|
Viewing Angle |
Limited |
Good |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Why Monitor Technology Matters
- Gaming: Fast response and smooth graphics are a must. OLED and Mini-LED are top picks.
- Work from Home: Comfortable viewing and energy savings matter. LCD/LED is a solid choice.
- Movies & Streaming: For the best colours and contrast, QLED or OLED is king.
- Budget: LCD/LED monitors are affordable and reliable for most users.
Final Thoughts
Monitor technology has come a long way, from the days of heavy CRTs to today’s slim and stunning OLED displays. Malaysians now have more choices than ever, whether you want a budget monitor for your anak’s homework or a premium screen for your gaming rig. Always think about your needs, budget, and space before you buy. No matter what, the right monitor can make your daily life, work, and entertainment so much better!