A panel with multimedia capabilities can provide a presentation that combines computer animation, textual information, photographs, and full action video. Similar in appearance to their monochrome predecessors of a few years ago, the color LCD panel of today still resides on the glass platforms of overhead projectors. They are equipped with translucent LCD screens and receive data from microcomputers. However, unlike the earlier panels, today's LCD models are more compact, have distinctive levels of color capability, have much higher resolution, and the varying degrees of electronic aptitude required for advanced graphics, full motion video and audio applications. In order for a panel to function as a true multimedia unit, it must meet minimum requirements in the above mentioned areas.
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.