What is a Flat Panel Monitor?

Flat panel monitors are electronic display screens in which a two-dimensional layout of pixels forms viewable patterns, pictures, and words. This thin monitor differs from the cathode ray tube (CRT). Cathode ray tubes have been widely used for display devices such as televisions and monitors, though they have a substantial depth, are heavy, and drive a high voltage. In contrast, flat panel display devices (FPD) can be operated by low voltage, are thin, and substantially flat.

The two most popular flat panel monitors are liquid crystal display devices and plasmas. Each type of flat panel display device (FPD) is different in its detailed structure, but every type of FPD has electrodes disposed between two opposing plates, and the electrodes are operated to emit electrons. The emitted electrons excite a phosphor layer formed on one of the plates and this is how a predetermined pattern can be displayed.

Using various mechanisms such as cathode rays (electrons), plasmas, and liquid crystals, a flat panel monitor is able to display information on the faceplate. The flat panel display device receives an analog video signal and synchronized signal from a beginning source such as a personal computer system to convert the analog video signal to a digital video signal then to the display.

Emissive display devices such as plasma display panels (PDP) and cathode ray tubes are self-luminous. Liquid crystal displays are non-emissive and are not self-luminous, so they require backlighting in the form of a lighting unit that is as flat as possible.

The most popular flat panel monitors are liquid crystal displays (LCDs). They have a thin profile, are light weight, have a low driving voltage and consume less power than older monitors. LCD panels are used in televisions, personal computers, and other audio and video equipment. The LCD monitor is non-emissive and displays images through a process that uses a liquid crystal material.

Plasma display panels (PDP) are a good replacement for the cathode ray tube (CRT) and can be used in televisions, especially big-screen televisions that don't require the screen to be viewed at a direct angle, and computer monitors. With its minimal thickness and large display area, the plasma display panels have a greater advantage over cathode ray tubes. A PDP has front and back glass layers joined to each other, and the space in between is filled with a discharge gas.

Flat panel monitors will continue to be popular because of its positive features such taking up less room, low power consumption, being free of radiation, and its high picture quality.