Viewing Characteristics

Operating Modes

As liquid crystal displays do not emit light they require external light sources to provide screen illumination. This is achieved by three modes of operation; reflective, transmissive or transflective.

Reflective mode

(for monochrome displays)
Relies upon the reflection of ambient light, or other front lighting, to illuminate the screen. Simple, effective and low cost. Ideal for energy saving but the displays will not function under dark conditions.

Transmissive mode

(for monochrome and colour displays)
Relies upon powered backlighting to illuminate the screen such as LED, EL or CCFL. Allows TFT and CSTN screens to display full colour. Backlighting needs to be continuously on to enable displays to function.

Transflective mode

(for monochrome displays)
Uses a combination of reflected ambient light for energy saving and powered backlighting (such as LED or CCFL) for situations where ambient light is poor or non-existent.

Backlighting

CCFL: Cold cathode fluorescent lamp that provides a bright illumination of the display in conjunction with a diffuser. Requires a separate high voltage inverter to operate.

EL: Electro-luminescent panel that provides an even illumination of the display without the need for a diffuser. Requires a separate high voltage inverter to operate.

LED: Light emitting diode backlight that provides a long life illumination of the display. Uses a low voltage supply.

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Reflective mode (for monochrome displays) Relies upon the reflection of ambient light, or other front lighting, to illuminate the screen. Simple, effective and low cost. Ideal for energy saving but the displays will not function under dark conditions.

Transmissive mode (for monochrome and colour displays) Relies upon powered backlighting to illuminate the screen such as LED, EL or CCFL. Allows TFT and CSTN screens to display full colour. Backlighting needs to be continuously on to enable displays to function.

Transflective mode (for monochrome displays) Uses a combination of reflected ambient light for energy saving and powered backlighting (such as LED or CCFL) for situations where ambient light is poor or non-existent.