What is a CRT Monitor?

CRT Monitor (Cathode Ray Tube Monitor)

What is a CRT Monitor?

A CRT monitor is an old-style display device that uses a cathode ray tube to display images. These were the first type of computer monitors and were widely used before flat-panel displays like LCDs and LEDs became popular.

How Does It Work?

• It uses electron guns that shoot beams of electrons onto the screen.
• The screen is coated with phosphor dots that glow when hit by the electrons.
• These beams move rapidly across the screen to create images using red, green, and blue colors (RGB).
• The entire image is refreshed many times per second — this is called the refresh rate.

Main Parts of a CRT Monitor

Part	Function
Electron Gun	Emits electrons to create an image
Phosphor-Coated Screen	Glows when hit by electrons
Deflection Coil	Controls the direction of the electron beam
Glass Tube	Vacuum tube where electrons travel
Power Supply Unit	Powers the internal electronics

Features of CRT Monitors

• Deep and bulky design
• Heavy in weight
• Good color reproduction
• High refresh rate possible
• Low cost (in older times)

Advantages

• Accurate color and contrast
• No native resolution — good for old games and videos
• Strong and durable (physically)

Disadvantages

• Bulky and heavy
• Consumes more electricity
• Emits more heat and radiation
• Not suitable for modern slim desk setups

Where Are They Used Today?

• Rarely used today
• Sometimes seen in legacy systems, testing labs, or old gaming setups