CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) TV's
A CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or Direct View is the name given to a conventional TV or 'the tube'. CRT TV's are inexpensive in comparison to other TV types, dependable, have high refresh rates. With new features like widescreen format and flat screens they still have a place in the current television market. The falling price point of Plasma and LCD TV's are reducing the demand for CRT TV's.
A CRT (or Cathode Ray Tube), is a display device that was traditionally used in most computer displays, video monitors and televisions. Direct view or CRT TV's are the old stand-by, tube-type sets we've all come to know and love. Because these sets use cathode-ray tubes to 'paint' the image on the screen, direct-view TV's have a bright, clear picture that can be viewed from any angle in the room. See below for more information on CRT TV's:
Pros and cons
- The viewing angle - you can view a CRT TV from almost any angle and the colour display will remain consistent.
- Relatively inexpensive compared with other TV types.
- Their high refresh rates making them very suitable for video and gaming.
- Flat screen and widescreen models are now available.
- Reliable and dependable technology.
- You can expect at least 5 years of intensive TV watching before the picture quality will start to degrade.
- They are are bulky and very deep, taking up a lot of room.
- Environmentally unfriendly, as they consume up to 3 times as much power as other TV types.
- Some people believe the low level of radiation emitted from a CRT TV is unhealthy.
- CRT TV's are quite heavy (between 12-45kg) and can be difficult to move around.
- The screen size of a CRT TV is limited to around 102cm (40").
- With the rise in demand for Plasma and LCD TV's, the days of the CRT TV are numbered.
- Largely a stagnant technology, with manufacturers development effort now being focussed on LCD and Plasma.
Related links:
CRT TV buying guide
How does a CRT TV work?
Display resolutions
CRT TV FAQ's