Science advances but we simply accept it without question. Even though we are surrounded by games consoles, computers and televisions most of us are unaware of the technology upon which they are based. 

LCD technology is ubiquitous but often goes unnoticed. LCD stands for liquid crystal display, but how much do you really know about it? 

How was LCD first discovered? 

Liquid crystalline substances were, amazingly enough, discovered as long ago as 1888, the time of Jack the Ripper. An Austrian scientist, Friedrich Reinitzer, was the first to make this breakthrough. 

Although there has been amazing progress since then, it was, nevertheless, the original discovery of liquid crystals, albeit a far cry from the LCD displays we are accustomed to seing today. The optical properties of liquid crystals was first discovered in 1962 by Richard Williams, an employee of ICA. 

What are the uses for LCD technology? 

The most common applications of LCD technology are seen in PC monitors and televisions. The advantages of being flat are obvious in both cases. In the case of a television this means it can be hung on the wall. The flatness of monitors allows them to occupy spaces that would be too small for the older CRT monitors. 

LCD projectors also make use of this technology. This system allows cinema sized images to be projected onto a suitable wall or screen. In this case the LCD element is included in a chip that forms part of the projector itself, rather than it being an actual screen. 

LCD displays are also used in military contexts. Accurate images and portability make these displays ideal for such purposes. Only LCDs of the highest quality are acceptable in this particular area.

 The development of LCD technology for screens 

Improvements in technology have been sought by manufacturers ever since the first breakthrough in LCD displays occurred in 1968. 

It was not until the late Nineties that the thinking and processes behind LCD technology made possible the production of television screens. LCD televisions did not, however, become immediately popular. As is the case with many other new technologies, expense was a key factor in limiting the number of televisions sold initially. Today, though, the relative cheapness of LCD screens has resulted in huge and widespread sales. Many industries and market sectors make use of LCD technology: for example, LCD screens are commonly used as exchange rate boards, and are utilised too within sophisticated queue management systems. 

As well as this, new advances are constantly being sought by various companies. These companies constantly strive to improve the viewing experience. 

How do LCD screens play a role in advertising? 

One area you may not have considered with regard to LCD technology is advertising. But in fact this is a most fruitful area for these screens to be used, thanks to their quality and sharpness. 

LCD advertising screens are developed specifically for use in marketing and promotional activities. That such screens are better at displaying a promotional message is obvious. Products can be sold by means of a moving image instead of by a static poster. 

There is also the distinct advantage of being able to change the content shown on the LCD screen whenever necessary. You could literally have a new promotion shown every day, whereas the cost of changing a poster campaign would no doubt be prohibitive, not to mention time consuming. 

Beyond doubt a great future lies ahead for LCD displays. Whether you have an LCD monitor to use with your computer or you sit down to watch your LCD television every night, you will probably appreciate the technology more now than you did before. The future may well reveal exciting new developments in LCD technology.