Output Devices

The computer monitor, screen or VDU (Visual Display Unit) is the most
common output device.

Screen sizes are measured diagonally and are still quoted in inches. Popular
sizes are 15 inches (38 cm) and 17 inches (43 cm). Larger monitors make
working at a computer easier on the eyes and are essential for use in DTP
(desktop publishing) and CAD work.

Cathode ray tubes (CRTs): Most computer monitors are similar in many ways to a
television. They use cathode ray tubes (CRTs) containing an electron gun at the back of
the tube which fires electrons at groups of phosphor dots coating the inside of the
screen. When the electrons strike the phosphor dots they glow to give the colours. On a
colour monitor each group of phosphor dots is made up of one green, one blue and one
red dot (RGB). By varying the brightness of each of these primary colours, the whole
group will appear to the human eye as any colour possible. One group of dots is called a
pixel (short for picture element).

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) - these use tiny crystals which, when a charge is applied
across them, polarise the light passing through them. Used in combination with special
filters, this means that light will not pass through when an electrical charge is applied.
LCDs are also used in watches and calculators. They use much less power than a normal
monitor and are also used in watches and calculators.

Thin film transistors (TFTs) - this is a more advanced type of display,

giving full colour and high quality output. Each pixel on the screen is
controlled by its own transistor and this provides a higher resolution
and more contrast.

Field emission displays (FEDs) are used in the more modern flat-panel
displays. They use two thin sheets of glass a millimetre apart, separated by a vacuum.
The back glass is made up of millions of tiny tips that can be switched on and off and
fire electrons at the front screen across the vacuum. When the phosphor dots are hit
by the electrons, they glow to produce bright, sharp images.

Speakers: These can play music by the computer from programs or from CD-
ROMs as well as spoken output. This is particularly useful for blind users where
text or figures can be spoken by the computer. Speech synthesis is used by BT
for their directory enquiries service. When the operator has located the
number for you the information is given to you through a computer-synthesised voice.
The telephone numbers are stored in a database and the computer reads out the number
selected by the operator in the form "The number you require is...".

Lights: These use too much current to be powered directly by a computer but
they can easily be switched on using a relay switch. Light-emitting diode (LED)
- small low power devices which emit light. Used to indicate various events such
as 'power on' or 'hard disk in operation' and to monitor other control
applications. Today's LEDs can be found in just about every color of the rainbow
and in the invisible regions at each end too. They even come in white, plus they last
100,000 hours or more before they need to be replaced! They can be bright enough to
illuminate an entire room, and are no longer just a dim red light on a stereo.

Relay switches & motors: A computer can be programmed to turn relay switches on
and off at the required times. For example to control traffic lights
or electric motors in a robot arm. Motors are used in the automobile
industry to control robot arms that spray body shells or assemble and
weld parts together or assemble delicate electronic components on a
printed-circuit board for computers, radios and almost anything else you
can think of.

TASK Using the text book or website, make a list of advantages and
disadvantages of the output devices and where you could use them.

Device Use Advantage Disadvantage

CRT

LCD

Speaker

Light