The main advantage of LCDs over CRTs is their razor sharp pixels. Unlike CRTs, LCDs have a physical grid of pixels. Sharp pixels give you crisp, clear graphics and text, which reduces eye strain and just plain looks better. While we thought our Sony CRTs were sharp, they just don't compare to the perfection of the CPD-L181. If you primarily deal with text, such as while writing or browsing the web, the CPD-L181's easy readability will make you extremely happy.
The disadvantage of this grid of pixels is the lack of flexibility it provides. You cannot run a 1280x1024 LCD monitor full-screen at any hardware resolution other than 1280x1024. You can run other resolutions and have them take up only part of the screen, and you can run other resolutions and have them take up the whole screen through sophisticated interpolation schemes, but these methods either leave you with a smaller image or fuzzy text. The interpolation method is fine for gaming and DVD use, but if you're a graphics professional, what shows up on screen will not exactly fit what you're working on, so you should either run at 1280x1024 only or avoid the CPD-L181 entirely.
LCD Panel
- LCD Type: TFT Active Matrix
- Viewable Image Size: 18.1"
- Color Filters: RGB Vertical Stripes
- Pixel Pitch: 0.281mm
- Screen Treatment: Anti-Glare Coating
Video Input
- Max. Resolution: 1280 x 1024 @ 85Hz
- H. Frequency: 30-92kHzv
- V. Frequency: 48-85Hzv
Another advantage of LCDs is their low radiation emissions. Many are concerned with radiation from electronics causing health trouble. CRTs are especially infamous since they spray a stream of electrons at the user. LCDs have significantly lower radiation than most monitors do. The CPD-L181 is TCO 99 compliant, which translates into extremely low emissions that few CRTs can match.
One added bonus of low emissions is that LCDs can be viewed up close without much eyestrain. Sitting with your face a foot away from a CRT is a recipe for headaches and worsening eyesight. (Remember when your parents said not to sit so close to the TV?) But LCDs are much easier on the eyes, which means you can sit closer and see the screen easier. The CPD-L181 is pleasantly easy on the eyes.
Regulatory Standard Compliance
- Safety: UL 1950, CSA C22.2 No.950, EN60950
- Human Factor: ZH-1/618, ISO 9241-3, 7, 8, (TUV Ergonomic Mark)
- CE Mark: EMC Directive (89/336/EEC and 92/31/EEC), Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)
- EMI: FCC Class B EN55022-B, IC Class B, VCCI Class B
- ELF/VLF: MPR II (TUV Ergonomic Mark), TCO '99
- Power Management: NUTEK/International Energy, Star/Spec 803299