LCD Screens Technical Glossary Key LCD display terms explained clearly and simply
Not sure what a technical term means? Select any topic below to understand how LCD screens work and what really matters when specifying a professional display.
Everything you need to know about commercial LCD screen technology - without unnecessary jargon.
LCD Technology
LCD
A flat-panel display that uses liquid crystals and a backlight to create images.
Backlight Technology
Compact LEDs where multiple colours are housed in a single chip, enabling high resolution and close viewing.
Edge-Lit LCD
A backlight positioned around the edges of the screen, allowing for slimmer displays.
Full-Array LCD
A backlight placed directly behind the panel, enabling better brightness and contrast control.
Local Dimming
A feature that adjusts backlight zones independently to improve contrast and black levels.
IPS Panel
A panel type offering wide viewing angles and accurate colour reproduction
VA Panel
A panel type known for higher contrast and deeper blacks, with narrower viewing angles
Image and Performance
Brightness (Nits)
The level of light output, determining how visible the screen is in different environments.
Contrast Ratio
The difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks on the screen.
Colour Gamut
The range of colours the display can reproduce.
Colour Depth
The number of colours the screen can display, affecting image smoothness.
Refresh Rate
How often the image refreshes per second, influencing motion clarity.
Response Time
The speed at which pixels change colour, affecting motion blur.
Viewing Angle
The angle at which the image remains clear without colour or brightness loss
Resolution
The number of pixels displayed, defining image sharpness and detail.
Video Walls and Formats
LCD Video Wall
A large display created by combining multiple LCD screens.
Aspect Ratio
The proportional relationship between the screen’s width and height.
Orientation
The physical mounting direction of the display.
Bezel
The visible frame surrounding each screen in a video wall.
Ultra-Narrow Bezel
A reduced frame width designed to minimise visible gaps between screens.
Bezel-to-Bezel Measurement
The total visible gap between two adjacent panels.
Operation and Reliability
Commercial-Grade LCD
Displays designed for professional environments and extended daily operation.
Duty Cycle
The number of hours per day the screen can operate reliably.
Operating Temperature
The temperature range in which the display performs safely and consistently.
Power Consumption
The amount of electrical energy used during operation.
Image Retention
Temporary ghosting caused by static images, which typically fades over time.
Control and Connectivity
Video Wall Controller
Hardware that manages how content is displayed across multiple screens.
Connection types such as HDMI or DisplayPort used to feed content to the display.
Remote Management
The ability to monitor and control screens from a central location.
Content Management System (CMS)
Software used to upload, schedule and manage on-screen content.