Specifications

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Chapter 15 Video Hardware
Figure 15.3 Note the small footprint of this 15'' LCD, which makes these panels ideal for use in cramped
quarters.
Two basic LCD choices are available today on notebook computers: active-matrix analog color and
active-matrix digital—the latest development. Monochrome LCDs are obsolete for PCs, although they
remain popular for Palm and similar organizer devices and are sometimes used for industrial display
panels. Passive-matrix displays using dual-scan technology were popular for low-cost notebook models
until a few years ago, but they have been completely replaced by analog or digital active-matrix dis-
plays. Passive-matrix displays are still used with handheld organizers or for industrial-use desktop dis-
play panels because of their relatively low cost and enhanced durability compared to active-matrix
models.
Note
The most common type of passive-matrix display uses a supertwist numatic design, so these panels are often referred to as
STNs. Active-matrix panels usually use a thin-film transistor design and are thus referred to as TFTs.
Desktop LCD panels are analog or digital active-matrix units. Typically, lower-cost 15'' LCD panels use
the traditional analog VGA connector and must convert analog signals back into digital, whereas more
expensive 15'' and most larger LCD panels provide both the analog VGA and the DVI digital
connector found on most high-end and mid-range video cards. Note that some LCD vendors of
VGA/DVI-compatible panels might provide only the cheaper analog VGA cable, leaving it to you to
buy your own DVI cable. If you plan to connect your new LCD to your video card’s DVI port, be sure
that the panel supports DVI and that the cable is included. And, while you’re shopping for an LCD
panel, be sure to note which models include the DVI cable; the presence of a DVI cable in the box of a
nominally more expensive display can more than make up the difference in price between it and an
apparently less expensive panel that doesn’t include the cable.
The latest trend in LCD displays is the so-called TV monitor. These LCD displays integrate TV tuners
and AV video inputs to enable a single device to be used for business, gaming, and video entertain-
ment. Many of these displays, particularly those with a 17'' or larger LCD panel, also incorporate a
wide-screen (16×9aspect ratio) design for better display of wide-screen video and TV content.
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