Visual capacity is the most important factor to consider in selecting an LCD panel. This alone determines the operating level of the panel and its ultimate cost. The quality of an LCD panel is measured by colors available, image resolution, and whether the system is a passive or active matrix. Availability of color in a panel will range from 8 to 16 million color types. The more colors available result in superior rendition of an image.
Resolution is determined by the number of pixels available to construct the image on the screen.
The more pixels available result in a sharper and easily focused image. However, some LCDs designed for full motion video may have considerably more than the standard. Whether an LCD panel is a passive matrix or an active matrix defines the differences between multimedia and non-multimedia panels. A passive matrix system delivers an electronic pulse along rows of pixels in a wave form across the screen. Most of the older monochrome and the inexpensive color panels use this system.