Why did TV and computer screens used to flicker in videos, and now they don’t?
CRTs work by scanning a electron beam left to right 15 to 100 thousand times a second while scanning top to bottom at 50 to 120 (numbers are approximate) times per second. That fills the screen, but the beam only hits one spot at a time. The phosphors glow brightly at first but start to fade quic…
The Short Answer
CRTs work by scanning a electron beam left to right 15 to 100 thousand times a second while scanning top to bottom at 50 to 120 (numbers are approximate) times per second. That fills the screen, but the beam only hits one spot at a time. The phosphors glow brightly at first but start to fade quickly. By the time a spot is scanned again its intensity had faded significantly. If the video camera and the monitor are running at the same frame rate, the result is pretty good, but if they are running at different rates you see flicker. LCDs can also have flicker, but not as bad as CRTs. Plasmas have very little flicker on camera. Source: am a broadcast TV engineer who has to deal with flicker.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Flicker, crts, scanning
This explanation focuses on flicker, crts, scanning and spans 126 words across 8 sentences. At 68% above the average Technology explanation (75 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “CRTs work by scanning a electron beam left to right 15 to 100 thousand times a second while scanning top to bottom at 50” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 8 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #77 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 16%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why tv and computer screens used to flicker in videos, and now they don't?
CRTs work by scanning a electron beam left to right 15 to 100 thousand times a second while scanning top to bottom at 50 to 120 (numbers are approximate) times per second. That fills the screen, but the beam only hits one spot at a time. The…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 126 words, ranked #77 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are flicker, crts, scanning.
What approach does this answer take to explain tv and computer screens used to flicker in videos, and now t?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 126 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.