The Flat Screen Revolution
The death of the CRT and the birth of HD.
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.
Open in interactive timeline →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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was The Flat Screen Revolution?
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.
When did The Flat Screen Revolution happen?
The Flat Screen Revolution: c. 2000 CE.
Why does The Flat Screen Revolution matter?
The death of the CRT and the birth of HD.
Sources & Further Reading
Cite This Page
AskHistoryAI. “The Flat Screen Revolution.” AskHistoryAI — Interactive Timeline of Everything. Updated 2026-09-11. https://askhistoryai.com/event/tech-flatscreen/
Every fact on this page is checked against the published fact ledger and methodology; sources are listed above.