In today's modern world we take many scientific advances for granted. The technology responsible for today's world of computers, televisions and game consoles is not generally understood.

LCD technology is ubiquitous but often goes unnoticed. What understanding do you have of liquid crystal display - LCD?

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.

This was a long way from the LCD digital signage we know of today, but it still represented the first point that such liquid crystals were discovered. It would not be until 1962 that the optical nature of liquid crystals would be discovered by Richard Williams, who worked for ICA.

What are the uses for LCD technology?

LCD technology is most often seen in two main areas - televisions and computer monitors. The flatness of the item is very advantageous in both cases. This allows televisions, for example, to be hung on a wall. Computer monitors are also easier to sit on a desk since they take up a lot less space.

You will also find the technology in use with LCD projectors. This system allows cinema sized images to be projected onto a suitable wall or screen. Here the LCD component is not the actual screen but is included in a chip in the projector.

LCD displays are also used in military contexts. The main reason for this is the portability and lightweight nature of the displays, as well as for the accurate images displayed. Only LCDs of the highest quality are acceptable in this particular area.

The development of LCD technology for screens

Manufacturers have been constantly seeking improvements in technology ever since the first breakthrough took place in 1968.

The thinking and processes behind LCD technology did not develop enough to be used for television screens until the late Nineties. It was, however, several years before LCD televisions achieved widespread popularity. Like so many new developments the first commercially available televisions were limited to the wealthy. Now, however, because prices have fallen dramatically, millions of LCD televisions and monitors have been sold. The applications of LCD technology, whether in queue management systems or exchange rate boards, are legion.

In addition to this, various companies are continually exploring new ways to make their LCD screens even better than they are now. These companies compete with each other by making frequent small improvements to the quality of the picture.

How do LCD screens play a role in advertising?

Advertising as an application of LCD technology may not seem an obvious area. But in fact this is a most fruitful area for these screens to be used, thanks to their quality and sharpness.

Marketing and promotional activities have led to the production of special LCD advertising screens. 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.

Being able to change an LCD display quickly and easily represents another great advantage of such displays. 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.

The future for LCD displays is bright. Everyone, whether watching an LCD TV or a PC monitor, will be aware of the advantages of LCD technology. No-one knows what future developments there might be in LCD technology.