Definition

LCD stands for liquid crystal display, a name that comes from the liquid crystal sandwiched between two pieces of glass. This liquid allows light to pass through at varying strengths to display images on a screen.

Size

The main benefit of LCDs is their compact, lightweight design, allowing for use in digital watches, laptop screens and built-in displays.

Benefits

LCDs are not subject to "burn in," or the permanent marking of an often-displayed image on the screen, as CRT or plasma screens are.

Cost

LCDs are more cost effective than LED or plasma displays for extremely small screens, such as digital clocks and phone displays.

Color Quality

LCDs do not display color as vividly as other technologies and are incapable of displaying "true black."

Misconceptions

LCDs are commonly referred to as "flat screens" or "flat panels." However, this term can also apply to plasma and LED screens.