Monitor: Importance and Uses of Monitors

A monitor is an electronic output device used to display information being entered and processed on a computer. The primary use of a monitor is to display images, text, video, and graphics information generated by the computer via a computer’s video card. It can be referred to as the main output device of a computer device. The first monitor display was introduced on 1 March 1973.

Monitor

The monitor is a very useful device as it helps display the information being processed inside the CPU of the computer. It is also known as the VDU i.e. Visual display unit.

Evolution of Monitor and Its Different Types 

• The first computer display was a feature of the Xerox Alto computer, which was released on March 1 of that year. This monitor utilised CRT technology.

• The 1024x768 resolution display on colour CRT displays was supported in the late 1980s.

• Apple was the first company that started producing desktop computer colour LCD monitors in 1998.

• The LED monitor with its new-gen technology was first introduced in 2008.

Different Types of Monitor

1. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube ) Monitor:

It is a technology used in early monitors. Today's Flat Panel Monitors i.e. LCD and LED display monitors have replaced the CRT monitors.

CRT Monitor

2. Flat Panel Monitor:

These types of monitors consist of a flat display panel. These monitors are portable and take up less room. They use less energy than CRT monitors do. Due to the fact that they do not emit hazardous radiation, these monitors are more efficient. 

Flat Panel Monitor

3. LED Monitor:

It is a flat-screen computer monitor, also referred to as an LED display. It is very slim and shallow in size along with being very lightweight. It makes use of a panel of LEDs as its light source.

LED Monitor

Components of a Monitor 

Monitors require one of the following kinds of connectors or components to connect with a computer.

1. VGA (Video Graphics Adapter)

It is used to connect a computer with a monitor, projector, etc. It can only show lower quality, and lower resolutions displayed on the screens.

VGA Cable

2. Thunderbolt

It connects peripheral devices to a computer, including a mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, and more. It has the ability to transmit data over great distances and transport DC power.

Thunderbolt Cable

3. HDMI Cable

‘High Definition Multimedia Interface’ is the full form of HDMI. It has the capacity to transfer high-bandwidth, high-quality audio and video streams between gadgets. It can be utilised with a DVD player, HDTV, Blu-ray player, or projector.

HDMI Cable

Do It Yourself

Choose The Correct Option For The Following Questions.

1. What is the complete form of VDU?

1. Visual display unit

2. Visual departure unit

3. Visual design unit

2. When was the first CRT monitor invented?

1. 1 March 1989

2. 1 March 1973

3. 5 April 1989

3. Which of the following statements is not valid?

1. The monitor is an output device.

2. Flat panel monitors emit more radiation than CRT monitors.

3. VGA is used to display high-quality output on display.

Solved Questions

1. What are LED monitor displays?

Ans: An LED monitor display is a flat-screen computer monitor, also referred to as an LED display. It is very slim and shallow in nature, and it is also very light in weight. It uses a panel of LEDs as its light source.

2. What is an HDMI cable and what are its uses?

Ans: High Definition Multimedia Interface is what HDMI stands for. It has the capacity to transfer high-bandwidth, high-quality audio and video streams between gadgets. It can be utilised with a DVD player, HDTV, Blu-ray player, or projector.

3. What is the importance of monitors?

Ans: The monitor is the main visual display of a computer as it displays everything that is being processed inside the CPU. It is very helpful as it helps us get a visual image of every task being performed inside the computer.

Summary

A monitor is an output device that displays information being processed in a computer.

It is also known as VDU or Visual display unit. The first monitor was developed on 1 March 1973 and it was a CRT monitor. The LED monitor was first introduced in 2008 and is the least power-consuming mode of display. Flat panel monitors consist of a flat display and emit way less radiation. There are mainly three types of monitor components and connectors –  VGA, HDMI, and THUNDERBOLT.