Display technology has a significant role in people’s everyday life, with many people utilizing mobile devices, personal computers, laptops Cork, televisions, and other electronic devices to conduct their day-to-day activities. They use these devices for work, school, or entertainment, among various reasons.
Among these many digital devices, the television is one of those electronic systems that has gone through changes. Due to market competition since its release in the 20th century, it has evolved from huge boxes to flat screens with high-definition displays, providing a more colourful watching experience for users.
Before the organic light-emitting diode (OLED), active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), and quantum-dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display technologies were invented, televisions were first introduced to the public in black and white.
In the early 1940s, television inventors used a phosphor-coated screen to utilize an electron beam, resulting in a black and white image. However, later in 1907, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), which was initially invented in 1897, was used to develop television technology, making coloured displays a reality for users. A CRT television uses three electron beams representing each of the primary colours – red, green, and blue – to produce the different colours seen on the screen.
Between 1907 and 1961, the foundations for LED displays were established, and the first light LED (Light Emitting Diode) was invented. Through the LED developments, different display technology products were created. A LED display is a flat panel display that utilizes a collection of light-emitting diodes as pixels for displaying moving images. The LEDs are used as a backlight source for the display panel, providing the technology product with a capability wherein light can be dimmed.
Furthermore, in the 1960s, LCD (Light Crystal Display) technology was invented. This has laid the foundation for the possibility of the ever-familiar flat-screen televisions that are commonly seen in many households. In contrast with LED displays, LCD technology products utilize the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals as a backlight source. The difference between LED and LCD technology is that LCDs function through blocking light rather than emitting it.
And, in 1995, plasma displays were introduced to the public. Plasma technology uses small cells containing plasma, ionised gas that responds to electric fields to produce ultraviolet lights, which generates an image on the screen. The development of plasma display technology ultimately reduced the size of television Waterford as the CRT is absent in the display panel.
For more information on the progression of TV technologies, see this infographic by Irwin’s Megavision.
