refresh cycles and LCD

[Andrews, A.S.]

Hi

No, that is not quite right. An LCD screen still receives the signal in the same way, i.e. frame by frame at a particular frequency, usually 60 or 75HZ. If the computer changes the contents of the graphics memory in mid-frame this will still lead to display errors. This is true for analogue or digital connections.

Where LCDs differ is that they have a constant backlight and so are not subject to flicker in the way that phosphor displays (CRTs) are. The 16ms you refer to is the response time of the LCD pixels. Various manufacturers define this in different ways, but I think it is becoming accepted for this to mean the time it takes to turn from fully-off to fully-on and back again. 16ms is particularly fast, with many panels that are currently in use (particularly cheaper ones) having response times of e.g. 40ms. For this reason, CRTs are still my preferred display device. Also, LCDs have a relatively short life, particularly the backlight, so if you are planning a purchase, make sure you get a good warranty plan.

Regards

Tony Andrews
Senior Computer Officer
School of Psychology
University of Leicester.

-----Original Message-----
From: eprime at mail.talkbank.org [mailto:eprime at mail.talkbank.org]On
Behalf Of Yoav Bar Anan
Sent: 23 November 2004 11:47
To: e-prime unofficial forum
Subject: refresh cycles and LCD


Hi

I was told that unlike CRT screens, LCD screens do not use refresh-cycles.
Rather, any request to paint the screen is transmitted immediately to the
screen, and after a certain delay (16ms?) the screen applies the paint
request. It means that on LCD, there is no obligation for the durations to
be a product of the refresh-duration. Is it true?