by Scott Leonard
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©copyright Future Shop 2006
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0 H. n# C5 P9 N! j! E V, B "How long does the average LCD monitor last?"
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- Michele M.
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4 P& ?( Q2 d# [1 Y3 k) ]2 `' j+ b% RLCD monitors are a great replacement for traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. Not only do LCDs have a longer lifespan than CRTs, but they also have several other advantages.
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. k% y6 f5 L& [They keep going and going.
$ u- B% j5 D& C* N$ Q7 lWith LCD screens (either computer monitors or TVs), the only part that really affects longevity is the backlight. Since LCDs don't emit any light of their own, a separate light source is required in order for you to see the images. Without the backlight the screen itself is too dark for any image to be visible.
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The backlight consists of one or more fluorescent tubes, somewhat similar to overhead fluorescent lights or compact fluorescent light bulbs. This special fluorescent tube backlight is generally rated to have a 50,000-hour half-life (versus 10,000 to 20,000 for CRT). This means it will take 50,000 hours before it's half as bright as it was when new. At eight hours a day, it would take 17 years before it reaches its half-life. Even then, the monitor is still usable, just dimmer.
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: |4 i4 I# W |: CAlthough LCDs have a long lifespan, it's still prudent to take measures to ensure that you enjoy your screen at its maximum efficiency for as long as possible. Unlike CRTs, LCDs do not suffer from screen burn-in when displaying static images, so you don't have to worry about using a screensaver. However, the backlight, like anything else, wears out the more you use it. When you're away from the computer, adjust your computer's power settings so that the monitor turns off after a specific time (e.g., 20 minutes).
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! H, {" c/ |$ v- ~Other benefits of LCDs.
' G5 W0 E: ?+ l4 y E+ o( WElectric utility companies are now promoting the use of compact fluorescent bulbs over filament bulbs in order to save energy, and the same power-saving principle applies with LCDs. An LCD monitor consumes approximately one-third the power of a comparably sized CRT.
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Unlike a CRT, which is constantly redrawing the screen, an LCD always displays a full image, only changing the necessary pixels when the image changes. What this means is that LCDs do not suffer from any kind of screen flicker, making it easier on your eyes, especially after prolonged use.
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a3 a! q# v+ _* z" m/ `8 W& l3 _Get rid of that CRT cluttering up your desk and replace it with a space-saving – and now very affordable - LCD monitor. Your eyes will thank you – for years to come.
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Scott Leonard
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Future Shop - Kingston, ON
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(If you have a question for our experts, please email us at
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