LCD (liquid crystal displays) monitors are available in a variety of modern configurations. Perhaps the most high-tech version of LCDs to rise to prominence in recent decades is the TFT display. Read about the pros and cons of TFT display technology in this article, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is a suitable option for your specific application and project needs.
Features of TFT Displays
TFT stands for thin-film transistor, which means that each pixel in the device has a thin-film transistor attached to it. Transistors are activated by electrical currents that make contact with the pixels to produce impeccable image quality on the screen. Here are some important features of TFT displays.
- Excellent Colour Display.Top notch colour contrast, clarity, and brightness settings that can be adjusted to accommodate specific application requirements.
- Extended Half-Life. TFT displays boast a much higher half-life than their LED counterparts and they also come in a variety of size configurations that can impact the device’s half-life depending on usage and other factors.
- TFT displays can have either resistive or capacitive touch panels.Resistive is usually the standard because it comes at a lower price point, but you can also opt for capacitive which is compatible with most modern smartphones and other devices.
- TFT displays offer exceptional aspect ratio control.Aspect ratio control contributes to better image clarity and quality by mapping out the number of pixels that are in the source image compared to the resolution pixels on the screen.
- Monitor ghosting doesn’t occur on TFT displays.This is when a moving image or object has blurry pixels following it across the screen, resembling a ghost.
- TFT displays are incredibly versatile.The offer a number of different interface options that are compatible with various devices and accommodate the technical capabilities of all users.
Types of TFT LCD Technology
There are two main types of TFT LCD displays:
- · Twisted nematic TFT LCDs are an older model. They have limited colour options and use 6 bits per each blue, red, and green channel.
- In-plane switching TFT LCDs are a newer model. Originally introduced in the 1990s by Hitachi, in-plane switching TFT LCDs consist of moving liquid pixels that move in contrast or opposite the plane of the display, rather than alongside it.
Pros of TFT Displays
- Minimal energy consumption
- Sharp visibility
- Excellent physical design
- Fast and accurate response time
- Minimizes eye strain
- Space efficient design (can be placed anywhere in your workspace on a rotational mount so you can turn it in all directions)
Cons of TFT Displays
- Higher price point than other displays
- Disproportionate viewing angles
- Restricted utility due to glass paneling (e.g., ineffective for outdoor use where glass can showcase glares from natural lighting)
- Relies on backlighting to provide brightness rather than producing its own light, hence, they need built-in light emitting diodes (LEDs) in their backlighting structure
Factors to Consider when Selecting a TFT Display
The type of TFT LCD monitor or industrial display you choose to purchase will depend on the specifications of your application or project. Here are a few important factors to consider when selecting an appropriate TFT LCD display technology:
- Life expectancy/battery life.Depending on the length of ongoing use and the duration of your project, you’re going to want to choose a device that can last a long time while maintaining quality usage.
- Touch type and accuracy.What type of activities are you planning on using your device for? If it’s for extended outdoor use, then you should go with projected capacitive touch as this is more precise and accurate. Touch accuracy is important for industrial and commercial applications.
- Response times.TFT displays typically have faster and more accurate touch response times and performance.
- Image clarity.Some TFT displays feature infrared touchscreens, while others are layered. The former is preferable, especially in poor lighting conditions or for outdoor and industrial applications, because there’s no overlay and therefore no obstructions to light emittance.
- The environmental conditions make a difference in operation and image clarity. When choosing a TFT for outdoor or industrial applications, be sure to choose one that can withstand various environmental elements like dust, wind, moisture, dirt, and even sunlight.
As a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality digital displays in North America, Nauticomp Inc. can provide custom TFT LCD monitor solutions that are suitable for a multitude of industrial and commercial indoor and outdoor applications. Contact us today to learn more.