Color Display Technology—An Overview

Shadow mask color CRTs continue to dominate the color electronic display market. In this overview of color display technology we discuss some recent advances in shadow mask technology wherein the use of a flat taut mask permits higher brightness and resolution. We describe Sony's new beam index tube and then two frame sequential color systems, a beam penetration system and a tunable liquid crystal band pass filter placed in front of a CRT. Many projection TV systems exist; here we describe only a three CRT in-line system. Several flat panel technologies are being investigated but we limit our discussion to active matrix LCDs, vacuum fluorescent devices, and AC thin film EL panels. Even with all of this research activity it is felt that the shadow mask CRT will retain its edge for years to come.