The Evolution of Desktop Monitors

The curved, widescreen workstations we now use weren't always this sleek and powerful. Revisit the evolution of desktop monitors.

1. The Evolution of
Monitors: From Blinking
Lights to Quantum Dots

2. Let There Be (Only) Lights
Early computers were
primitive. Feedback came
from blinking lights or
punched paper cards
converted into printed text.

3. CRTs Give Basic
Readouts
The first screens
used cathode-ray
tubes (CRTs) for
basic readouts, like
radar screens, but
were small, basic
and costly.

4. The First
Virtual Paper
CRTs were used as
“virtual paper” with
small, text-only,
monocolor glass
teletype screens
replacing
printed paper.

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6. Co-Opted TVs
Inventors adapted closed- circuit
security monitors and small
TVs as computer screens.
The consumer PC
movement began.

7. The First Desktops
Emerge
In the ‘80s and
‘90s, PC makers
tied CRT monitors
to exact system
specs, but at high
costs and limited
flexibility.

8. Multisyncing
Changes Everything
New tech brought flexibility
from proprietary monitors.
Many resolutions were
supported, but devices
were bulky energy hogs.

9. LCD Debuts
LCD tech evolved from
pocket calculators to
full-sized, slimmed-
down desktop screens.
Costs were high and
sizes limited.

10. LED Puts
Screens on Diets
LED arrays and
edge-light strips
replaced fluorescent
light tubes. Profiles
slimmed, and weights
and energy demand
decreased.

11. New Form
Factors
Emerge
Aspect ratios
expanded from
4:3 to 16:9 and
more. Multitasking
increased, and
curves provided
eye health benefits.

12. A Wide, Curvy Future
The future of monitors is now wide and
curved, offering unprecedented screen
space, ergonomics and efficiencies.

13. ©2019 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung is a registered mark of Samsung Electronics Corp., Ltd. All brand, product,
service names and logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers and companies.
Learn more about Samsung’s curved,
USB-C-enabled widescreen monitors.
www.samsung.com/computing/monitors