The look of screens to come
A. Read the text and then decide whether the sentences below are true
or false. (Don't worry if you don't know the abbreviations, they're
explained later.)
 Have
you noticed how much your computer screen flickers? This may be
because your computer monitor uses CRT technology. This kind of
technology offers colour and high-resolution pictures for relatively
little money but the monitors are large, use a lot of energy, can
flicker and emit electromagnetic radiation.
 In
recent years flat screens have become increasingly popular. Users
talk of benefits such as more desk space, how easy they are to adjust
for tilt and height, crisper, clearer images and the total elimination
of screen flicker. It's like having a different PC, they say, a
new window on the world.
Most flat screens are based on LCD technology which has a lot of
benefits over CRT technology. Among them:
- LCDs are inherently flat, CRT monitors are not, so LCDs require
much less space
- LCDs use less power than CRTs
- LCDs are distortion-free while typical CRTs are curved, which
may cause image distortion
- most LCD displays use a TFT system offering a wider angle of
vision and high-quality images.
But there is one major drawback to flat screens: their cost. They
are expensive compared with CRT monitors. Prices are falling, however,
and they'll soon find their way into homes, schools and businesses.
Monitor manufacturers like Philips, Apple, Sharp or Panasonic offer
compatible flat screens including built-in stereo speakers, headphone
connection, and a USB port. Some models can also be removed from
the stand and mounted on the wall. They come with stylish designs
for a variety of applications. LCDs range from small-size PC screens
and TVs to large-screen projectors.
B. Find the abbreviations in the text. Do you know what they
stand for?
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