Getting cheaper by the minute.

It is important to consider advantages and disadvantages of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors before committing to purchase one. Although the technology has improved and prices have come down in the last several years LCD monitors are still not the best choice for the most critical color work.

However, the technology has many advantages to its credit. Price points for LCDs versus traditional CRT are lower. The monitors are lightweight, very bright, have a small footprint, consume less power and can offer picture of outstanding sharpness. LCDs are more consistent so calibration and color profiling does not need to be as frequent as in case of CRTs.

LCDs are a good choice for on the set use due to high brightness and low weight but they can be sensitive to strong heat if left in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

LED backlight LCD monitors are a recent development. This technology is capable of delivering dynamic range (range from minimum black to maximum white) comparable to that of traditional CRT monitors.

On the negative side, most other LCD monitors lack the ability to produce dynamic range necessary for color critical use such as color correction. Black is typically never as dark as black on CRT monitors. Viewing angle of LCD monitors is limited which means that more you step to the side less accurate the color reproduction is. This problem is so acute on some monitors that it is virtually impossible for two people to see identical color even if they put their heads cheek to cheek. LCD screens can have problems displaying interlaced video which limits the usability in an edit bay. Almost all LCDs delay video which puts sound and picture out of sync.