LCD displays brought a crystal clear experience to the world of video enjoyment though advancements in technology that started years ago. The lightweight construction of previous devices was too appealing to leave behind and improvements in materials and technology brought brighter things to life. Learn how these devices became a part of everyday existence.
Pocket calculators presented LED viewing that stepped aside to allow LCD displays. It was easy to keep one of these in a shirt pocket to balance the checkbook without waiting until the end of the month. Solar cells powered some of these and even worked off indoor lighting. The wristwatch underwent changes from a clock face with seconds, minutes and hour hands to join the digital revolution. They made it possible for people to keep their calendar and reminders within reach of a push button.
Mobile devices changed from base stations to LCD displays and with a greater range of coverage that slipped easily into a belt strap carrying case. Phone calls were easy to place and receive on a screen that offered color coding of calendar events. To-Do lists were easier than ever and a small computer keyboard brought text messaging to the land of mobile operations.
The automobile dashboard lit up like a festival when LCD displays took the place of old style meters and gauges. The experience was similar to finding oneself in the middle of sci-fi movies flying spaceships to distant galaxies. Don't forget the digital clocks that implemented liquid crystal technology to offer easy viewing at a single glance while driving into traffic.
Televisions took on a new look of improved clarity when pixels were replaced with tiny crystals that mysteriously changed colors for fast action movies and high definition. Viewing sports and television series became more lifelike with the finely tuned color separation. It is not true that the word pixel came from the idea of Pixies, but both are equally magical when it comes to providing vivid colors.
Video advertisements made a great escape when they appeared on traveling message signs and the world of outdoor signage took a giant leap into the future. Motorists seem unable to ignore the colorful and life-size activities presented across these screens. Sitting in rush hour traffic was no longer as boring since these digital signs offered weather reports, news and sports scores, along with upcoming local events schedules.
Scoreboards at sports arenas changed from placarded numbers put in place by a human being. LCD displays not only presented immediate tally of the last point made, they showed the exact play-by-play that resulted in changing the possible outcome of who would win the game. Mechanical devices no longer had a place where digital equipment and electronics ruled.
LCD displays require so little power they actually operate off a USB connection. The energy efficiency ratings are much better than their predecessors and continue to help lower electric bills. When touch screen technology became old news, 3D video made a debut and changed the world of online games, movie watching and sports telecasts. It is difficult to stay up-to-date on the latest in this technology.
Alex Stein is a computer programmer and technology consultant. For more information about LCD displays and contract manufacturing, visit www.allshore.com.