Early computer monitors used blinking lights and printed text to provide feedback, while later CRT screens gave basic readouts but were small and expensive. As technology advanced, CRTs became the first "virtual paper" allowing small monochrome screens to replace printed outputs. Adapted TVs and security monitors then helped launch the consumer PC movement by serving as early computer screens. LCDs were later developed from calculators but remained costly and limited in size, while LED arrays reduced profiles and energy usage of screens. Modern monitors have expanded aspect ratios, increased multitasking, and incorporated curved designs for improved ergonomics.

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 papercards
converted into printed text.

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

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

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6. Co-Opted TVs
Inventors adapted closed- circuit
security monitors and small
TVs as computerscreens.
The consumerPC
movement began.

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

8. Multisyncing
Changes Everything
Newtech 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 nowwide and
curved, offering unprecedented screen
space, ergonomics and efficiencies.

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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