TFT stands for Thin-Film Transistor. This technology is utilized by LCD display manufacturers. In fact, TFT Monitors were invented to replace the CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) displayed. Not only the monitors, but the TFT display is also widely popular as other Flat-Screen Displays like Televisions, etc.
This technology is actually utilized to enhance the effectiveness of our LCD display panels. This technology was invented to provide a better color output to the users.
As compared to the monochrome displays, the TFT came along with numerous advantages for the users. This is the reason why these monitors went so much popular in the 2000s. The trends went very high and there were actual reasons for the same.
The TFT monitors are capable of producing amazing colors because of their latest technology. They basically use One Dot to form three RGB pixels. This means each individual pixel will be capable of producing so many colors using these three primary color combinations. The TFT monitors are very effective when it comes to beautiful colors and great sharpness.
However, these days, there are a lot of advanced technologies available and are providing impressive features. But, still, a good number of the market is covered by the TFT monitors.
The TFT monitors are great if we talk about their vibrant color outputs and fast response times. But, the trends are going down because of numerous drawbacks which we are going to cover later in this article. In fact, we have gathered so much information for you so that you get everything cleared about these monitors. So, without any further delays, let’s get started.
What is TFT Display Technology?
As we discussed earlier, TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor. The special thing about these displays is each of its pixels is controlled and enlightened by one, two, three, or four transistors. The numbers would depend on the type, brand, and price, etc.
These transistors are then connected to circuitry so that they can brighten up those pixels and as per the inputs received. This results in very accurate color reproduction and impressive sharpness levels.
If we talk about the features, there are some main things you can do with these TFT LCD displays. Some of them are as follows.
- Great color reproduction
- Long product life
- They offer a great aspect ratio
- You won’t see the monitor ghosting problem here
- They can work with almost any interface because of their wide technical compatibility
The TFT displays are just impressive because they are available for cheaper prices these days. But, you can’t compare them with today’s OLED, and 8K displays at all. The TFT is a little outdated technology now. Moreover, we are going to get to it later in this article.
Which is better TFT or OLED?
There can be similar benefits from both types of displays. However, each of them has its own specialty. So, if you are going to choose between any of these both, we should surely address these issues. This is just a normal comparison to point out the main areas where one of these is lacking.
Let’s see what are those things which you should keep in mind before choosing between an OLED or TFT display.
- The TFT is a clear winner when it comes to energy efficiency. These screens are capable to offer you great service by consuming very little energy.
- The OLED has a wider color gamut as compared to the TFT display. So, in terms of color reproduction, the OLED is clearly a winner.
- The OLED again has impressive viewing angle and blackness levels as compared to the TFT screens.
So, these are some of the basic differences between these both types of screens. Consider keeping these things in mind before you choose any product for any purpose. If your work needs to have a special focus on colors, you should surely go or OLED instead of a TFT one.
What are the advantages of TFT monitors?
You might have had a good idea of the main features of the TFT displays and hence the monitors as well. But, it is good to introduce you to the main things you are going to get along with a TFT monitor.
These things are surely going to bring a difference to the selection you are going to make. So, below are some of the main advantages you will receive with your TFT monitor.
- Very Low Energy Consumption
- Great Physical Designs
- Clear and sharp visibility
- Fast response time
- Low eye strain
- Vibrant colors
There are numerous other benefits you can get along with any specific model and brand of a TFT display. But, these are some of the universal benefits you are going to see any TFT you would buy for yourself.
What are the drawbacks of TFT monitors?
Along with these benefits, you are surely going to get some drawbacks of these monitors. Keep a note that some of the drawbacks are not the cons if you are not comparing them with a TFT monitor with another monitor using another technology.
However, we are going to keep a basic idea of the latest trends and try to tell you the things you may not get with a TFT monitor. So, let’s get started with this.
- Viewing angles are not that great. You may start to see the distorted images when the angle is changed.
- The resolution can’t change normally
- They can be expensive as compared to the other displays
- Glass panels can show a lot of glare
- Need their own backlight for brightness
These are some of the main drawbacks of using the TFT monitors. We would like to tell you that you shouldn’t go for a TFT monitor if you are looking for a screen with a good viewing angle. Some displays are going to perform very badly even at very low viewing angle differences.
Differences Between CRT & TFT Monitors
CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube and you might be having a good idea of the TFT monitors after reading this article. The basic difference is that the CRT displays use a cathode ray to illuminate the display panel. There is a single ray that keeps running from the top left of the screen to the bottom right of it.
Obviously, it happens within very short time frames. But, the basic concept is to move that ray so that different colors and hence the visuals can be created.
This whole circuitry makes that screen a very bulky machine. You might have seen these monitors in earlier days when they have a very big load on the backside.
However, the TFT was introduced to get over that bulkiness and various other drawbacks which we were getting along with our CRT displays. The TFT displays were much more compact and capable of providing us amazing colors and enhanced sharpness.
The TFT screens are utilizing the LCD panels so the whole system can be found inside a very thin cabinet. This is the main difference between these both types of monitors.
List of Best TFT Displays LCD Monitor with BNC, VGA Input (Portable Mini HD Color, Mostly Inbuilt Speaker)
After reading this article, if you have made your decision to buy a TFT monitor, we are going to help you choose the right products. Below are some of our best picks which you should surely check out.
Color Reproduction TFT Monitor, Curved screen with Glossy
This one is perhaps the very best monitor you can ever buy in the TFT category. This one has almost all the features that you can get with any other LED monitor. It has got a curved screen with glossy finishing. It comes along with MagicBright and FreeSync technology support.
If we talk about the connections, it has got HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort connection options. It offers a sharpness level of 3000:1. The color reproduction is just amazing. Check it out on Amazon right now.
SyncMaster flicker-free TFT 1080p Panel Displays
Although this one isn’t a curved monitor, it has got a 75Hz refresh rate. This one is also supported by a TFT panel and its offers you an impressive response time of 8ms.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have FreeSync, flicker-free technology, and it’s not VESA compliant.
It has got an ordinary glossy display panel. If we talk about the connections, it has only got a VGA port and nothing else. It is capable of providing natural colors along with its MagicTune software. Consider checking it out on Amazon.
ANGEL POS 1006017 17-Inch
We all know that TFT monitors have a lot of applications in the corporate world. The ANGEL POS 1006017 is one of the best monitors you can buy if you want a perfect pick for your POS store.
This monitor can be installed perfectly with any version of Windows along with Mac and Linux. It only has a VGA port to connect your main device.
Also, you can connect the touch screen interface with the help of a USB. Consider checking it out on Amazon.
Podofo Ultra Secure TFT LCD (Suitable for CCTV or Video Surveillance)
This compact TFT LCD Display is the perfect option for CCTV installation. It can be operated with its remote control as well. The OSD controls are given on the mainframe. It can display four-camera outputs at the same time. As per your needs, you can choose any viewing mode.
The mount can be used to install this device anywhere you want. The size of the screen is just 9”. So, you can easily make use of it for any kind of CCTV installation.
Portable LCD Monitor, VNC input channels
This one also comes in the category of Portable TFT LCD. It has support for HDMI, VGA, AV, and VNC input channels and displays a high-resolution image of 1366*768.
It is a perfect option for Raspberry Pi, PCs, gaming, and CCTV installation. However, the 12” inch display can be smaller for some tasks. You can check other features on Amazon.
Is the TFT screen good for gaming?
If you have asked me this question in 2005, we would have surely said Yes. But, this time, you got a lot of amazing other things to try out. You have got very impressive FHD, 4K, and 8K displays with amazing refresh rates and wider color gamuts.
The TFT has become so old that if you try to play any new game on it, the color experience would get ruined.
However, if your goal is to play the older games using an emulator and you are good with low resolution and low refresh rates, We would recommend going for these displays. But, in today’s world, it is not a good idea to buy a TFT display, especially for gaming purposes.
Still, if you are capable of buying the latest monitors like Samsung B078WF965Q, Dell E2221HN, etc, they have got all the features required for gaming. But, don’t just go for any older version.
Final Verdict
We hope you have found this article helpful and it will help you to choose the best TFT displays as well. If you think there is something else that can be added to this article, just let us know in the comment section.
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