LCD Screen: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

If you’re planning to import LCD screen from China, read this guide.

It has all information that will help you find high performance, durable and reliable LCD screen at affordable prices.

Whether you want to know the history, advantages, disadvantages, technology or applications of LCD – you will find everything right here.

Keep reading to learn more.

When were LCD Screens Introduced?

The first LCD screen was introduced in 1968.

This invention was done and put into a demonstration by a team of four (4) namely:

• Bernard Lechner.
• J. Marlowe.
• O. Nester.
• Tults.

However, it was Bernard Lechner while working for RCA laboratories that conceived the idea.

The four introduced a matrix of 18*2 dynamic scattering mode.

What is an LCD Screen?

Popularly known as Liquid Crystal Display.

This is a screen with a flat panel display.

You will find that in most instances it uses an optical device modulated electronically.

You will observe that this is achieved by the polarizers in conjunction with the liquid crystals.

How do LCD Screens Work?

An LCD is a popular technology that displays electronic signals.

It uses liquid-filled crystals to give out images.

Liquid crystals contain a light-modulating property hence making them effective for this purpose.

These liquid crystals will propagate light from the backlight system and they are embedded on the display screen.

Polarized filters and electrodes make up the several layers that make up the liquid crystal display.

When the activation of the backlight system happens, it will produce light.

Liquid crystals will then obstruct this light which goes on to display images on the LCD display.

The backlight is an important factor when it comes to displaying images.

Examples of backlights are:

• RGB-LED array
• Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL)
• EL-WLED array
• WLED array

What are other Alternatives to LCD Screens?

You can consider any of the following options:

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

Light-emitting diode (LED).

Plasma display.

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

Electroluminescent display.

What are the Advantages of LCD Screens?

When you invest in high quality LCD screen, you will enjoy the following advantages:

Privacy

Screen privacy due to small viewing angle.

This implies that viewership can be done at a specific angle.

Energy Efficiency

In comparison to cathode Ray Tube, LCD screens consume lesser energy by close to 50%.
Manufacturers and web-based calculators can be used to determine energy efficiency before buying.

This means more savings on electricity costs.

Cost-effective

Liquid crystal displays (LCD) are more affordable.

This coupled with their long-term benefits makes them cost-effective.

Space Economization

Liquid crystal displays are flat in nature.

This reduces the amount of space that they occupy.

This makes them convenient for organizations as it leaves room for more employees within the office.

Thereby reducing also, the cost of office space.

Healthy

Liquid crystal display (LCD) Screens tend to be safer for the health of their users.

This is because it emits low levels of heat.

This negates the need for an air conditioner.

LCD screens do not emit any radiation making them healthier to use.

Lightweight

Liquid crystal display screens are very light and portable.

This makes them much more convenient.

Less Eyestrain

Liquid crystal display screens do not cause eyestrain.

This is because of the following qualities

• LCDs reduce glare
• Uniformity of screen brightness
• Lack of flicker

Enhanced Image

Images on LCDs are much sharper and vivid.

This is because of the use of individual pixel elements

What are the Disadvantages of LCD Screens?

Some of the common disadvantages of LCD screens are:

• Limited use in dark lit areas and conditions
• Tend to be more fragile
• Tend to have delayed motion display for images moving fast
• They have both fixed aspect ratio and resolution
• Angle of view is limited

Who are the Leading LCD Screens in China?

Some of the leading manufacturers of LED screens include:

• Shenzhen Startek Electronic Technology Co., Ltd
• Changsha Sunman Electronics Co., Ltd
• Guangzhou Taoyuan Electronic Technology Co., Ltd
• Shenzhen City Mingxinhui Technology Co., Ltd
• Qingdao Miko Technology Company Ltd
• Shenzhen X.H. Technology Co., Ltd
• Shenzhen U-Chance Electronic Technology Co., Ltd
• Shenzhen Yunlea Electronics Co., Ltd.
• Guangzhou Shooan Electronic Technology Co., Ltd
• Guangzhou Yingyi Electronic Co., Ltd
• Truemax Electronics Co., Limited
• BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd
• Beijing STONE technology co., LTD
• Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd
• Xinli optoelectronics co., LTD
• Shenzhen sanlong electronics co., LTD
• TCL display technology (Huizhou) co., LTD
• Tian Yi fu electronics co., LTD
• Jiangmen yidu semiconductor co., LTD
• Yushun electronics co., LTD

Can LCD Screens be Recycled?

Yes, LCD screens can be recycled.

Research continues to happen on the best way for recycling LCD screens.

Various industries use different ideas, practices, and processes.

There are manufacturers that also specialize in which LCD screens to recycle.

Some processes will remove hazardous material from the screens.

Others will take apart the screen piece by piece to determine what they can resell or refurbish.

After this, they will dispose of the remaining parts in environmentally friendly ways.

It is possible to recycle up to 98% of an LCD screen.

These industries can recycle all plastic materials into new items.

Also, they can recover valuable metal by smelting printed circuit boards.

Besides, they can recover copper and other metals by stripping the cabling units.

Do LCD Screens Suffer Image Burns?

Yes, they do.

An image burn will cause discoloration on an area of the electronic display.

This happens when light-emitting pixels suffer from luminance degradation.

It may take long to develop into a permanent burn.

LCD can also be impacted by image retention.

Image retention is temporary and you can reverse it earlier before becoming permanent.

However, this can be reversed.

This is achieved by shutting the device down for 48 hours.

Some other ways of fixing image burns include:

Prevent LCD Screen Burn

Preventing image burn is possible by not leaving the screen on a still image for a long time.

The time for an image burn to occur varies from one screen to another, manufacturer, panel, or size.

Lower LCD Image Burn

It involves lowering the screen contrast as the calibration of most screens is not correct.

Lowering contrast will even the light across the entire screen.

It will apply less strain on certain areas of the screen thus limiting image burns.

Apply Static to Solve LCD Image Burn

This involves turning a white static for between 12 to 24 hours.

As the black and white colors move randomly on the screen, it may remove ghost images.

Apply Pixel Shift to Solve Image Burn

Some LCDs have a pixel-shift technology.

This technology works by adjusting the screen images in small changes on a constant basis.

It may counteract the image burn.

White Screensavers

It involves leaving the gadget on a completely white background for a few hours.

This may reset the image burn even though it mainly helps with image persistence.

What are the Most Common Colors used in LCD Screen Pixels?

The most common colors used in LCD screens are red, green, and blue.

What are the Types of LCD Screens?

The various types of LCD screens are:

Twisted Nematic Display

Are the most common.

They are cheap.

The response time is quick.

Commonly used by gamers.

Some of its disadvantages are:

• They are of low quality
• They do not have a complete contrast ratio
• The viewing angle is not great
• The color reproduction is not completely accurate

In-plane Switching Display

Considered to be the very best.

They are highly favored by graphic designers.

Common characteristics are image vibrancy and quality.

It also has better viewing angles and precise colors.

Vertical Alignment Panel

These have superior viewing angles and color production compared to twisted nematic.

Also, they have a low response time ad fresh rates.

They produce deeper black levels than twisted nematic displays.

Numerous crystal alignments help with impressive viewing angles.

Besides, they are expensive than other display screens.

Advanced Fringe Field Display

These displays give the best performance and wide color ranges than the In-Plane Switching display

Also, they minimize color distortion without affecting its wide viewing angle.

Used in professional surroundings such as airplane cockpits.

This is because it reduces color distortion without compromising broad viewing angles.

Passive Displays

This display works by using a simple grid that supplies charge to specific pixels on these screens.

It also comes with two substrates that are glass layers.

One glass layer will give columns while the other glass layer will give rows.

A clear conductive medium makes up these layers.

Active Displays

They work by depending on thin-film transistors [TFT].

How much do LCD Screens Cost?

There are several factors that will affect the price of an LCD screen.

They include:

Size of the Screen

Larger screens will cost more than smaller screens.

Type of Fluid in the LCD Panels

LCD fluids will alter the light orientation the passes through the glass substrates.

Various LCD fluids will provide various behavior to the viewing angle, temperature variation, and display accuracy.

The types of fluid you can find in an LCD panel may be:

• Twisted Nematic (TN)
• Super Twisted Nematic (STN)
• Film-Compensated Super Twisted Nematic (FSTN)
• Color Super Twist Nematic (CSTN)

Temperature Range

LCD screens come in variations that can work in a wide range of temperatures.

There are those that can work well in both cold and hot environments.

Low quality LCD screens may develop glitches when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.

In hot environments, the crystals may weaken, and electronic components may overheat thus damaging the screen.

In cold environments, the LCD fluid may freeze hence the display cannot function.

The two LCD display temperature types include:

• Normal temperature LCD display
• Wide or extreme temperature LCD display

Color Accuracy

LCD screens capable of producing colors are expensive than monochromatic displays.

The color variation on colored displays also affects the price of LCD screens.

Touch Screen Availability

Touch screen displays will cost more than non-touchscreen displays.

This human machine interface will determine how fast one can operate the machine.

Some touch screen technologies available include:

• Capacitive
• Resistive
• Infrared grid [IR]

Factoring all these, an LCD screen may cost between 99 and 4000 US dollars.

What are the Effects of LCD Screens on the Environment?

Studies have shown that LCD screens cause global warming.

This is because of Nitrogen trifluoride, a component used in the manufacuture of LCD screens.

Also, the manufacturing process release nitric oxides, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid.

This can cause acid rain.

Hydro-fluorocarbons in some LCD’s assist in getting rid of the ozone layer.

LCD screens are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which is harmful to the soil.

LCD screens are also known to cause water eutrophication.

For instance, mercury from fluorescent that comes from fluorescent-backlight LCD monitors.

Mercury may leech in water bodies and converts to methylated mercury.

This may get in living organisms and accumulate over time as these organisms consume the water.

Also, by irrigating crops using this toxic water will enable plants to take up the toxins.

Area that use non-renewable energy sources may have solid waste generation such as by-products from coal and sludge.

Radiation that emits from LCD screens can negatively affect human health.

What are the Brands of LCD Screens from China?

There are several LCD screen brands from China.

They include:

• Haier
• The Creative Life [TLC]
• Changhong
• Konka
• Xiaomi
• Skyworth
• Hisense

How are LCD Screens made?

It takes accuracy to manufacture an LCD screen.

Different LCD screens pass through various manufacturing processes.

These are the steps of making the screen:

Preparing the Substrates

Begin by cutting the two glass substrates in the proper sizes using a diamond saw or a scribe.

After that, polish and wash them.

Lapping is the polishing process and involves holding the glass on a rotating wheel that has abrasive particles on it.

After washing and drying the substrates, you proceed to coat them with a silicon dioxide layer.

Manufacturing Electrode Patterns

Here, the substrates need to have transparent electrode patterns in them.

This happens by coating both sides with a thin layer of indium tin oxide.

Manufacturers use masks that have patterns using silk-screening or photolithography.

After this, apply the mask on the coated glass, and remove extra areas chemically.

Ultraviolet light can also be used to achieve a finer pattern by using a light-sensitive glass.

Applying Polymers

Coat the substrate with a polymer after applying the electrode pattern.

The polymer will assist the liquid crystals to align in place.

Examples of polymers include polyamides, some silanes, and polyvinyl alcohol.

Polymides are popular since moisture can affect polyvinyl alcohol, while silanes produce thin inconsistent coatings.

After coating, apply a stroke of polymer in one direction by using a soft substance,

This can produce small parallel corrugations, or stretch the polymer coat after applying the polymers.

It causes liquid crystals to align in a parallel direction to the stroke.

To align crystals perpendicularly, the manufacturer can coat the glass fiber with an amphophilic substance.

The amphophilic substance will attract water molecules on one end and reject them on the other end.

Besides, the end that attracts will stick to the surface of the glass.

The other end will point to the crystal area while repelling the crystals to form a perpendicular alignment.

Applying Sealants and Liquid Crystal

Here, you will apply a sealing resin, then plastic spacers on the substrates.

It will make the liquid crystals have the proper thickness.

Next, apply liquid crystal between the two glass substrates.

The LCD thickness should be between 5 and 25 micrometers.

Glass fibers or beads can be put inside the spacers to hold the cell properly while the sealant is setting.

This allows manufacturers to achieve a uniform thickness throughout the glass substrates.

Next, the manufacturer will add polarizers to make the LCD’s visible.

Polyvinyl alcohol film with iodine is the component that makes the polarizers.

It is possible to add colored polarizers that have dye and not iodine.

Acrylic adhesives will help the polarizer to stick to the glass.

Finally, you will add a protective film to the glass.

Using a metal foil reflector will make the polarizers reflective.

Assembly

After attaching the polarizers, leave the unit for some time.

Finally, mount the display on a circuit board that has the control and drive electronic components.

This can then go to the final product for final assembly, testing, and packaging.

What is the Application of LCD Screen Technology?

There are several applications of LCD screen technology.

Some of them are:

• Computer monitors
• LCD televisions
• Digital wristwatches
• Aircraft cockpit displays
• Calculators
• Digital camera displays
• Laboratory equipment
• Mobile phones
• Video players
• Indoor and outdoor signages
• Control panels
• Digital clocks

What are the Chemicals used to make LCD Screens?

The following chemicals are used in the manufacture of LCD screens.

• Biphenyls
• Terphenyls.
• Carbontrile

What are the Technologies used in Making LCD Screens?

The technologies assist in making accurate, thin, portable, light, and durable LCD screens by using pixels.

Why Should you use LCD Screens?

LCD screens help with displaying information hence allows one to easily use the piece of equipment.

How are LCD Screens Structured?

There are several components that make up an LCD screen.

The structure is as follows:

Bottom Chassis

This part will house and shield the entire LCD

Backlight

It provides the light that liquid crystals will use.

The backlight can be either artificial or ambient and is at the backside of the display.

Reflector Sheet

It assists in recycling the LCD backlight.

Light Guide Plate

This is an acrylic panel made from pure polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA] resin.

It is transparent and weather resistant.

It comes with bumps that reflect light in certain directions.

Bottom Glass Substrate

It is part of the manufacturing process of the substrate for the thin film transistor.

Diffuser Sheet

It will soften and distribute an even light thus reducing LED hot spots.

Prism Sheet

It comes with small ridges that have angles that recycle off-axis light until it emits at the best viewing angle.

The light waves may exit at the brightest angle in line with the viewer or undergo recycling until they exit correctly.

Bottom Polarizer

It allows vertical light waves to pass through while blocking off the other light waves.

Thin-film Transistor

They help with changing the voltage of each small pixel to form the display image.

Liquid Crystal

It changes direction under electric fields hence can pass or block light.

Transparent and opaque crystals will form the image on the screen.

Electrode

It applies voltage to liquid crystals with the help of transparent indium-tin-oxide [ITO].

Also, it assists in maintaining matching pixel voltage on the entire LCD screen.

Color Filter

These will form the colors that will show on the LCD screen.

In colored screens, comes in red, green, and blue [RGB] pigments.

Top Glass Substrate

The color filter manufacturing process uses this special glass.

Top Polarizer

It will horizontally polarize light, improve color, and details, hence visible on the LCD screen.

Top Chassis

It is at the top of all these parts and uses an open framework.

What are Factors to Consider when Buying LCD Screens?

The factors to be taken into consideration are:

Refresh Rate

This is the time the LCD screen takes to update a new image every second.

High refresh rates mean the images will be smooth.

Response Time

It is the time a pixel takes to change color in milliseconds.

A lower response time means moving images will be smooth.

Screen Size

The larger the screen, the larger the pixels it can show.

Also, larger LCD screens will cost more than small LCD screens.

Reproduction of Color

This is how accurate the LCD can display colors.

Calibrating the LCD screen is one way of altering the color accuracy.

Brightness

This is the maximum amount of light the screen shows when it is pure white.

Candela per square meter is the measurement unit.

Viewing Angle

It measures in degrees how one can move to the extreme ends before you can not distinguish the image.

Contrast Ratio

This is the measurement between the brightest and darkest parts.

A low contrast ratio produces faded colors when you adjust the brightness.

How do you Clean LCD Screens?

You should use a feather duster to wipe off any dust that has accumulated on the screen.

You can also use a damp alcohol-based duster to wipe off any fingerprints.

If you do not have an alcohol-based solution you can use distilled water.

In the case of persistent grease stains, you should use a little amount of white vinegar.

Caution should be taken to wipe from the outwards moving inwards.

In no circumstance should you use the following chemicals

• Ammonia.
• Acetone.
• Ethyl alcohol.

You should also avoid using paper as this could cause scratches.

If the screen is mounted on an electronic device, switch it off and wait six seconds before commencement.

Do LCD Screens need a Screen Protector?

There are instances an LCD screen may need a screen protector.

For instance, smartphones are better off with screen protectors as they are on different surfaces at all times.

On the other hand, a television set may not necessarily need a screen protector.

• Keep off fingerprints
• Protect the LCD screen from scratches
• Provides an easy cleaning process than on the actual LCD screen
• Preserves the aesthetic value of the actual LCD screen
• Protects the actual LCD screen from damages that are not cheap

Do LCD Screens Pose any Health Hazards?

Yes, they do.
Some of the common problems they pose are:

• Eyestrain.
• Headaches.

Research has shown that the light from the LCD screen inhibits the production of melatonin.

Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating both the sleep and waking cycle.

If the production of melatonin is suppressed this leads to other health complications such as:

• Stress.
• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.

What are the Different Sizes of LCD Screens?

There is a wide array of LCD screen sizes starting from 9 inches.

However, the most common screen sizes range from 32 inches to 46 inches.

The largest screen is 150 inches.

What is the Durability of the LCD Screens?

The durability of an LCD screen may vary from one LCD to another.

High-quality LCD screens can last up to 10 years.

Factors that determine the durability of an LCD screen are:

· Usage

The extent to which you are using an LCD will influence its durability.

Extreme usages will lower the durability of the LCD.

· Environmental Factors

LCDs that can withstand both high and low temperatures will last for a long time.

· Material Construction

LCDs with the best material will last more than those made with cheap materials.

What are the Different Designs of LCD screens?

The designs can be either colored or monochromatic.

Do LCD Screens have a Warranty?

Yes, some manufacturers offer an LCD screen warranty.

The warranty period will vary from one manufacturer to another and maybe between a few months to a few years.

Can LCD Screens be used Underwater?

Yes, you can use LCD screens underwater.

Also, not all LCD screens are waterproof.

Confirm with the technical specifications to know if the screen is waterproof.

This is indicated as an Ingress Protection [IP].

IP will determine how long and deep you can use an LCD screen underwater.

The higher the Ingress Protection, the more expensive the LCD screen.

How does LCD Screen compare to LED Screen?

LCD stands for liquid crystal display while LED stands for a light-emitting diode.

LCD screens use cold cathode fluorescent to provide the backlight.

On the other hand LED screens do not have a backlight.

The LCD screens are energy efficient as they use less power compared to LED.

The display screen area in LCD is large whereas in LED it is small.

LCD screens cost less as opposed to LED screens which are expensive.

LCD screens incorporate mercury in its structure, while LED screens do not.

LED has a high resolution than LCD.

The switching time for LED is faster than that of an LCD.

Direct current will not affect an LED while it will reduce the life span of an LCD.

LEDs have a low contrast ratio than LCDs.

What should you Consider during LCD Screen Replacement?

Resolution.

The more the resolution the clearer the display.

Response rate.

This refers to the amount of time it takes to change the color from black to white.

Purpose.

The use of the LCD screen will determine which type to purchase.

You will need a more expensive screen if you are to do photography work.

Size.

You will replace an LCD screen with the same size as the device it is to be mounted on.

Can LCD Screen be Repaired?

No, an LCD screen cannot be repaired.

This is because it is difficult for the transistors within the screen itself which is irreparable.

How can you Test the LCD Screen?

You can test an LCD screen using an LCD tester.

The screen tester comes in:

LST02

LSTO3

What are the Quality Standards for LCD Screens?

LCD screens need to meet quality standards set by international bodies for the good of the public.

Such standards include:

Restriction of Hazardous Substances [RoHS]

The purpose of this standard is to reduce environmental effects and health impacts.

China Compulsory Certificate mark [CCC]

This is a mandatory safety mark for LCD screens that are imported, sold, and, and used in Chinese environments.

European Union CE Marking

All companies in the world accept this quality standard even though it applies to European Economic Areas.

Current Good Manufacturing Practice [cGMP]

Current Good Manufacturing Practice quality standard ensures that LCD screens have:

1. Consistent manufacturing practices.
2. The machine conforms to international quality standards.
3. Produces reliable and quality features

UL quality Standard

It implies the LCD screen has undergone extensive safety parameters and scientific expertise.

Is LCD Screen IP Rated?

Yes, LCD screens are IP rated.

IP [ingress protection] is an identification to digit number that defines the sealing effectiveness of electronic equipment.

Let us have a look at IP65 as an example.

The first digit represents ingress protection against solid substances and ranges from 0 to 7.

0 indicates no protection while 7 indicates 100% protection.

The second digit represents ingress protection against liquids and ranges from 0 to9.

Also, 0 represents no protection while 9 represents complete protection from fully immersing the equipment underwater.

At Tj chinafreight, we help you import any type of LCD screen from China.

You don’t have to worry about customs clearance, warehousing or loading process.

Tj chinafreight will handle everything for you – contact us now.