The Flat Screen Revolution
The death of the CRT and the birth of HD.
Explore this event on the interactive timeline →At the turn of the millennium, bulky, heavy Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions were rapidly replaced by thin, lightweight Plasma and LCD panels. This technological shift enabled massive screen sizes, digital High-Definition (HD) broadcasts, and widescreen cinematic aspect ratios in the home.
Verified Facts
- A large 36-inch CRT television in the late 90s could weigh over 200 pounds (90 kg).
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology originally relied on CCFL backlights, which were later replaced by LEDs, making screens even thinner and more energy-efficient.
- The shift to flat digital panels forced the entire broadcast and gaming industry to transition from 4:3 standard definition to 16:9 widescreen HD.