LCD vs CRT in a warehouse

[Cervantes]

Hi;
I'm hoping someone here can help me formulate an opinion. Part of the office I admin is a large warehouse. They have a few terminals down there, and they'd like to change up from their CRTs to LCDs. Now, aside from the craziness of putting several hundred bucks worth of monitors in to replace CRTs that I have tonnes of spares for, my argument has been that LCDs aren't as good a choice in the warehouse, where it's very (VERY) dusty and dirty, and the temperature fluctuates a good amount, and also easy for things to get bumped into a screen. But they're still making noise about it.

So, does anyone have any opinion? Are LCDs better or worse that kind of environment?
Any advice or links would be appreciated.

 

[wahnula]

Hola Cervantes,

You can plan on buying the LCDs. They are what everyone wants to see these days. They are cheap and tough, and aside from being more sensitive to cleaning they should hold up to dusty conditions at least as well as their glass-tube cousins.

One of you electronics guri can correct me if I am wrong, but CRTs require a flyback transformer to create very high voltages inside the CRT chassis. I would think that they would be more sensitive to internal dust issues.

Look into LCD protection screens:

http://www.photodon.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=500-17NG

that will keep the original screen surface intact. People work better when they LIKE their tools...

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[kmcferrin]

Definitely LCD over CRT for a warehouse environment. CRTs generate much more heat, and consequently are vented, which means that all sorts of dirt, dust, and grime can work it's way inside the monitor. LCDs dont have those same issues.

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[edfair]

Well, it appears that I am to be the minority responder.

The glass collects more dirt but it can be cleaned easier and the brightness comes through the grime better. And for those in a production environment, you can see the screen through a wider range.

I've not lost any from inhaled dirt.

The warehouse manager where I made my last replacement was offered his choice, and he chose the CRT.

 

[xwb]

LCDs have been used in industrial environments for years. Normally a very expensive add on to a 19" rack. The big problem is cleaning greasy fingerprints from the screen. That is a lot easer on a CRT.

 

[wahnula]

Lots of different viewpoints...

I would make the decision based on your answer to the following:

Do the company's clients see the warehouse?

If so, then definitely LCD, rather than the Seinfeld-era CRT. My small company placed our first $400 15" LCD (2001 I think)at the reception desk, to have a more upscale-looking office. The receptionist also loved the extra room on her desk.

Now 8 out of 10 PCs use LCDs, the latest 19" 4:3 cost $199. I have my 19" 4:3 Sony on an Ergotron arm that raises, pivots to landscape mode, and amazes customers when I grab it and lift it up and move it towards them to show them something.

I realize yours is an industrial use, but looks and space efficiency can make a difference in how your company is perceived by others.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[LawnBoy]

I'd give them a single dim, low-viewing-angle, soft surfaced lcd and then laugh out loud when you hear "err, remember that monitor?".

Been here, done this... 2 months later they wanted the tubes back. Lack of intensity and low viewing angle were giving people headaches.




"We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes

 

[tf1]

Go for LCD and there are many now with glass screens: so all objections are nulled!

The advantages:

use fraction of the power (GREEN)
use fraction of the space (expensive real estate)
a fraction of the weight (saves someones back from injury)
can be wall mounted for security (pivot comfort and saecure)
readily available (try finding a CRT)


Regards: tf1

 

[wahnula]

tf1,

You forgot to mention that with LED backlighting they are brighter than ever now and have a much broader viewing angle than a year or two ago...

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[FlyingDevilFish]

I did a warehouse upgrade last year. No question to go LCD. My decison was based on 1) all those spares you have...look at all the space they take up...time to clean out the closet sort of speak. 2) I replaced 100 CRTS on 24/7..power saving. 3) Warehouse is next to RR tracks and the trains produced EMI to the display. LCD, problem solved.

The dust and dirt buildup was more noticable on the LCD, but can be cleaned easier and the brighness and contrast of the LCD kept the display crisp even when a bit dusty.

 

[acewarlock]

Why don't you just get 1 or 2 and place them out there and see if they work OK and if the user's like them and them you will be able to make an informed descision.




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