Differences in Display Latency Between LCD Monitors and CRT Televisions
In games that require fast reflexes, such as FPS and fighting games, the difference in display latency between LCD monitors and CRT televisions is receiving attention.
LCD monitors are prone to latency during the processing of digital signals, and this delay can affect player performance, especially in games that require high-speed reactions.
On the other hand, because CRT televisions display analog signals almost directly, they can theoretically achieve a state where latency is near zero.
Due to this characteristic, CRTs have been re-evaluated in recent years among professional gamers and retro game enthusiasts.
Latency in LCD monitors is caused by the digital processing of video signals and the pixel switching speed (response time).
Specifically, since the input video signal is displayed after undergoing processing such as scaling, color correction, and noise reduction inside the monitor, a delay of about 0.5 to 10 milliseconds is common.
Furthermore, response speeds vary depending on the type of LCD panel (TN, IPS, VA, etc.); while TN panels are relatively fast, IPS and VA panels tend to have slightly higher latency as they prioritize visual beauty.
In gaming monitors, products claiming response times of 1ms or less and high refresh rates (120Hz or higher) are increasing to minimize this latency, but the current reality is that they are still far from zero latency.
CRT televisions use a mechanism where an electron beam hits a phosphor screen directly to display images, so there is almost no intermediate processing.
For this reason, the delay from input to display is in the microsecond range, which is effectively negligible to human perception.
Furthermore, by utilizing a technique called overclocking, CRTs can achieve refresh rates exceeding the standard 60Hz, such as 100Hz or higher.
This was utilized especially by professional gamers and arcade game players in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and was valued in environments where high-speed visual representation was required.
However, overclocking is an unofficial modification, and there are risks that it may shorten the lifespan of the equipment or affect display quality.
According to recent information, CRT televisions are back in the spotlight in e-sports tournaments and retro game communities due to their low latency.
On social media, there are posts from fighting game players who use CRTs for practice to ensure input immediacy and maximize their reaction speed.
Additionally, there are reports that some manufacturers are developing OLED monitors that pursue low latency for gaming purposes, aiming for performance close to that of CRTs.
OLEDs have faster response speeds than LCDs and can keep latency within a few milliseconds, but high prices and burn-in issues are pointed out as challenges.
From a research perspective, a 2024 paper analyzes the impact of display latency on human reaction time.
This study showed that when latency exceeds 5ms, there is a statistically significant impact on aim accuracy and reaction speed, particularly in FPS games.
On the other hand, with CRTs and the latest OLED displays, if the latency is less than 1ms, it is considered that almost no decline in player performance is observed.
However, due to their weight, power consumption, and lack of compatibility with modern digital equipment, the use of CRTs in general households is on a downward trend, and they are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.
Considerations
The latency issue between CRT televisions and LCD monitors goes beyond a simple technical comparison, highlighting interesting themes such as gaming culture, player psychology, and the intersection of technological evolution and nostalgia.
First, the background behind the renewed attention on CRTs is largely related to the professionalization of esports and competitive gaming.
In FPS and fighting games where a single frame of latency (approximately 16.7ms at 60Hz) can determine victory or defeat, the value of a CRT with near-zero latency is immeasurable.
In this respect, while the CRT is an "old technology," it is a rare existence that still holds unparalleled advantages for specific niche needs.
However, the re-evaluation of CRTs involves not only practicality but also nostalgia and cultural elements.
For gamers from the 1990s to the early 2000s, the CRT is a device that symbolizes the golden age of arcades and home game consoles.
Looking at discussions on social media, the "warm image quality" of CRTs and the "reproducibility of the gaming experience of that time" are often mentioned, suggesting that emotional connection, not just performance, is a factor in the renewed attention.
This point may be difficult for the modern digital-native younger generation to understand, but it is an important value in the retro gaming community.
On the other hand, the evolution of LCD and OLED monitors is remarkable, and efforts to overcome latency issues continue.
OLEDs, in particular, have response speeds comparable to CRTs while also being able to meet modern visual needs such as 4K and HDR.
However, price, the risk of burn-in, and the unavoidable latency of digital processing prevent them from being a complete "replacement for the CRT."
This technical limitation symbolizes the challenges of the modern era, where display technology is heavily dependent on digitization.
While the CRT was able to achieve near-zero latency due to the simplicity of handling analog signals directly, digital displays cannot avoid complex processing in exchange for their multifunctionality.
Furthermore, the expandability of CRTs through overclocking is also an interesting point.
From a modern perspective, this technique can be called a type of "hack" or "mod," reflecting the DIY spirit of the gaming community.
The attitude of modifying equipment while knowing the risks to extract performance beyond its limits has something in common with the competitive spirit of esports.
However, the fact that such modifications are difficult on modern monitors due to firmware and hardware constraints, limiting user freedom, can be said to be a trade-off of technological evolution.
As a future prospect, attention is focused on how far the evolution of display technology can approach the "zero latency" of cathode ray tubes.
If next-generation technologies such as quantum dot displays and micro-LEDs are put into practical use, the latency issue may be further improved.
However, the simplicity and immediacy of the cathode ray tube seem likely to maintain an invincible position for certain applications for the time being.
Also, from the perspective of environmental impact and recyclability, how the reuse of cathode ray tubes is evaluated as a sustainable option will likely be a point of discussion in the future.
Considering the potential applications of cathode ray tubes in fields other than gaming, such as medical care and air traffic control, where latency is not tolerated, the value of this old technology may not be exhausted yet.
In conclusion, the renewed attention to cathode ray tubes is a phenomenon unique to the modern era, where technological evolution and human needs intersect in complex ways.
No matter how much LCDs and OLEDs evolve, the absolute strength of the cathode ray tube's "zero latency" continues to hold irreplaceable value for specific communities.
This phenomenon teaches us that technology is not necessarily "new equals better," and that the optimal solution differs depending on the application and cultural background.
The ultra-low latency of cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions is being re-evaluated due to their superiority in games that require reflexes, such as FPS and fighting games.
Because CRTs use a mechanism that projects analog signals directly onto phosphors via an electron beam, unlike LCD or OLED monitors that involve digital processing, they are characterized by latency that is nearly zero in the microsecond range.
This immediacy minimizes the time lag from input to display and is supported by professional gamers and retro game enthusiasts.
The refresh rate of a CRT varies depending on the product, ranging from the standard 60Hz to models that support 85Hz, 100Hz, or higher.
If overclocked, rendering at 100fps or more is possible, but this is an unofficial modification and carries the risk of affecting the durability and stability of the equipment.
On recent social media, examples of using upscalers and converters to connect CRTs to modern game consoles are being shared, and attempts to convert HDMI signals to analog to play on CRTs are spreading.
In recent studies, the impact of CRT low latency on reaction speed in e-sports has been verified, and it has been confirmed that while latency of 5ms or more leads to performance degradation, there is almost no impact with CRTs.
The idea of applying cathode ray tube technology to smartphones, while lacking in practicality, is sometimes discussed among technology enthusiasts and creators due to its Showa-retro design and appeal as a unique gadget.
The following is a ranking of ideas for creating a smartphone utilizing cathode ray tube technology, based on creativity and technical possibility.
Note that there are currently no commercial examples of CRT smartphones, and the following is summarized as a set of theoretical and experimental ideas.
1st Place
Integration of a miniature CRT display
Miniaturize the structure of a CRT to develop a small CRT display suitable for smartphone sizes. Project an electron beam onto a screen of a few centimeters to achieve monochrome or low-resolution color display. Specialized for mini-games and retro UI display with zero-latency output. Technically, miniaturizing the vacuum tube and controlling high voltage are challenges, but 2024 micro-display research can be applied.
2nd Place
Hybrid CRT-OLED display
Design a display that combines the low latency of a CRT with the thinness of an OLED. Integrate CRT electron beam technology into a thin panel to reduce latency while maintaining smartphone thinness. In the experimental stage, attempts are underway to use nanoscale phosphors for electron beam control.
3rd Place
Retro-designed chassis
Design the smartphone exterior to look like a Showa-era CRT television. Apply decorations that mimic wood grain or dial-style buttons, and reproduce CRT-like display effects via software. The actual display is OLED, but CRT scanline effects are added to evoke nostalgia.
4th Place
External CRT module connection
Develop an adapter to connect a small external CRT unit to a smartphone. Convert video signals to analog via USB-C and display them on a mini CRT. Specialized for retro game enthusiasts as a portable CRT.
5th Place
Virtual CRT filter
Develop a display filter that reproduces CRT scanlines and color bleeding via software. Emulate the visual characteristics of a CRT while using the smartphone's existing display. Latency does not increase, but it is a creative way to enjoy a retro atmosphere.
6th Place
CRT acoustic effects
Reproduce the high-pitched 'whine' unique to CRT televisions using speakers. Play this sound during smartphone startup or gameplay to enhance the Showa retro immersion. An approach based on acoustic design research.
7th Place
Analog touch panel integration
Experimental technology to add touch functionality to a CRT display. Overlay a capacitive touch sensor on the CRT surface to ensure smartphone-like operability. Technically, a shield is required to prevent interference with the electron beam.
8th Place
Overclock-capable CRT chip
Incorporate a dedicated chip into the smartphone to increase CRT rendering speed, pushing the refresh rate to 100Hz or higher. Power consumption and heat generation are challenges, but it is specialized for gaming use.
9th Place
Retro game-specific OS
Develop an OS optimized for CRT display characteristics. Prioritize high-speed rendering at low resolution to provide the feel of 80s and 90s game consoles. References ongoing projects in the open-source community.
10th Place
CRT-style projector
Project CRT-style images onto a wall using a small projector built into the smartphone. Reproduce scanlines and color bleeding to provide a retro visual experience. Applies advancements in 2023 projector technology.
11th Place
Foldable CRT screen
Research flexible CRT materials to prototype a foldable display. Practical application is far off, but possibilities are being discussed through the application of nanotechnology.
12th Place
Custom cooling system
Equip the smartphone with liquid cooling or heat pipes to handle the high-temperature operation of a CRT. Apply cooling technology from gaming smartphones to ensure stability.
13th Place
Analog signal input port
Equip the smartphone with RCA or composite input terminals to receive analog signals directly from external retro game consoles and perform CRT-style display. A measure to improve compatibility.
14th Place
CRT emulation AI
Utilize AI to reproduce CRT display characteristics (luminance unevenness and scanlines) in real-time. The display is OLED, but AI processing minimizes latency. Based on 2025 AI display research.
15th Place
Reuse of vintage parts
Recover parts from discarded CRT televisions to hand-craft smartphone-sized displays. Combines sustainability with retro hobbies.
16th Place
CRT-style lighting
Add LED lighting to the edges of the smartphone that mimics the phosphor glow of a CRT. A design-oriented approach to create a visual retro feel.
17th Place
Dedicated game controller
Develop a Bluetooth controller for CRT smartphones that mimics the arcade sticks of the CRT television era. Enhances the operational feel.
18th Place
Cloud-based CRT simulation
Simulate CRT display on a cloud server and stream it to the smartphone with low latency. An approach that leverages the evolution of 5G technology.
19th Place
Modular CRT unit
Attach a detachable CRT module to the back of the smartphone. Allows the CRT display to be used only when needed, maintaining portability.
20th place
CRT App for Education
Developed an app to learn the mechanics of CRTs. It simulates the operation of a virtual CRT on a smartphone and is used as an educational tool for the history of technology.
Analysis
The idea of applying CRT technology to smartphones is a very interesting theme in terms of both technical challenges and cultural significance.
First, from a practical standpoint, integrating a CRT into a smartphone faces many hurdles.
Since CRTs require vacuum tubes and high voltage, it is almost impossible to adapt them to the thin, lightweight, and low-power requirements of modern smartphones.
While the development of miniature CRTs or hybrid display attempts are theoretically attractive, costs, manufacturing complexity, and safety (risks due to high voltage) are major barriers.
In fact, even in the latest research, although the miniaturization of CRTs is progressing somewhat in the micro-display field, practical application for smartphones remains at the experimental stage.
Nevertheless, the reason this idea attracts attention is the strong cultural demand for Showa-era retro and nostalgia.
On social media, communities that love retro games and 80s-90s design are active, and the unique "warm image quality" and "scanline texture" of CRTs are discussed as charms that modern pixel-perfect displays lack.
The miniature CRT in 1st place and the retro-designed housing in 3rd place are approaches that directly incorporate this nostalgia, and even if their technical practicality is low, they have the potential to capture the hearts of gadget enthusiasts and collectors.
Such demand reflects a trend where, while modern technology pursues "perfection," intentional imperfection and analog experiences are being re-evaluated.
From a technical perspective, the ultra-low latency of CRTs remains a major attraction.
The hybrid CRT-OLED in 2nd place and the overclock-compatible chip in 8th place are attempts to incorporate CRT low latency into modern technology, but realization requires nanotechnology and advanced engineering.
In particular, as OLED and micro-LED are currently advancing toward lower latency, the superiority of CRTs is narrowing down to "absolute zero latency."
However, considering smartphone usage, a few milliseconds of latency is not a problem for applications other than gaming (such as social media or video viewing), so use cases that can leverage the strengths of CRTs are limited.
In this respect, the external CRT module in 4th place and the modular unit in 19th place can be said to be realistic compromises that meet niche needs.
From a cultural and social perspective, the idea of a CRT smartphone symbolizes the balance between technological evolution and a return to the past.
The vintage parts reuse in 15th place is also an interesting approach from the perspective of sustainability.
While modern electronic devices are difficult to recycle, CRT parts have high reusability due to their relatively simple structure.
This idea shows a fusion of rising environmental awareness and retro hobbies, and also resonates with DIY and upcycling culture.
Furthermore, the educational app ranked 20th holds significance in conveying the history of CRT technology to the younger generation, offering educational value that transcends mere gadgets.
However, the biggest challenge for CRT smartphones is the gap between marketability and practicality.
While there is a certain demand among retro gaming enthusiasts and tech hobbyists, for the general consumer, the weight, power consumption, and low compatibility of CRTs are unacceptable drawbacks.
The AI emulation ranked 14th and the cloud-based simulation ranked 18th can be considered realistic solutions that attempt to bridge this gap by recreating the "atmosphere" of a CRT using modern technology. These function not as pure CRT reproductions, but as a compromise between nostalgia and practicality.
Looking ahead, it is considered likely that the idea of a CRT smartphone will develop more in the realms of art and entertainment than in terms of technical feasibility.
For example, development as limited-production concept devices or as art pieces for exhibition is realistic.
Additionally, by combining them with VR and AR technology, a direction that recreates the visual experience of a CRT within a virtual space is also conceivable.
In any case, the CRT smartphone sits at the intersection of "reinventing technology" and "reinterpreting culture," making it a unique endeavor that provides a new perspective on modern technology culture.
This idea will likely serve as a catalyst for a creative dialogue that connects the past and the future, going beyond a mere technical challenge.
The ultra-low latency of cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions holds an overwhelming advantage over LCD monitors in games that require reflexes, such as FPS and fighting games.
Because CRTs draw analog signals directly with an electron beam, there is virtually no latency caused by digital processing, theoretically achieving response speeds in the microsecond range.
In contrast, LCD monitors inevitably experience several milliseconds of latency due to processing such as image signal scaling and color correction.
Due to these characteristics, CRTs are being re-evaluated among professional gamers and retro gaming enthusiasts.
In particular, PC CRT monitors can have their refresh rates pushed to over 100Hz through overclocking, allowing for high frame rates such as 150Hz at a resolution of 1024×768, or 100Hz at 1920×1200.
However, standard home CRT televisions are often limited to refresh rates of 60Hz or 75Hz by their specifications, making overclocking more difficult compared to PC monitors.
On social media, CRT monitor enthusiasts praise their smooth visuals and low latency, with voices frequently calling for the "buttery smooth" feel that cannot be replicated by modern gaming monitors.
Recent research has confirmed that while the response speed of a CRT is less than 1ms, even LCDs and OLEDs experience a latency of about 1 to 5ms under optimal conditions, supporting the superiority of CRTs for competitive use.
Combining AI models developed by major companies around the world (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek) to optimize CRT overclocking and gaming applications brings new possibilities for technical problem-solving and improving the user experience.
The following are specific ways to utilize these AI models.
ChatGPT can leverage its natural language processing and extensive knowledge base to generate tutorials on how to overclock and configure CRT monitors.
For example, it can provide detailed instructions on custom resolution settings using NVIDIA or AMD graphics drivers, offering a guide for users to safely achieve refresh rates of 100Hz or higher.
ChatGPT is well-suited for generating easy-to-understand explanations for beginners and troubleshooting FAQs.
Claude can play a role in warning users about the risks of CRT overclocking (such as shortened equipment lifespan and overheating issues) through an ethical and safety-oriented approach.
It can explain the pros and cons of overclocking in a balanced manner, providing sufficient information for users to make configuration changes at their own risk.
Additionally, Claude can simulate the analysis of community feedback to suggest which CRT models are suitable for overclocking.
Copilot specializes in programming assistance and supports the development of scripts and tools to automate CRT monitor overclocking.
For example, it can generate Python scripts that automate custom refresh rate settings using the NVIDIA Control Panel or CRU (Custom Resolution Utility), reducing the effort required by the user.
Copilot can also provide code to check the compatibility between graphics cards and CRTs.
Gemini excels at integrating with the Google ecosystem to search for and analyze the latest display technologies and CRT-related research papers in real-time.
It can collect specifications for CRT models capable of overclocking (e.g., Sony GDM-FW900) and research data on display latency in 2024 to suggest optimal settings for the user.
Gemini can also provide tools to visualize latency comparison data between CRTs and modern gaming monitors.
Grok combines technical depth with creative thinking to suggest ideas for applying CRT overclocking beyond gaming.
For example, it can explore the potential of utilizing the low latency of CRTs to assist in the development of simulators for medical equipment or air traffic control systems.
Grok can deeply contemplate why a user would be committed to CRTs in response to their questions, providing answers that consider the balance between nostalgia and practicality.
DeepSeek focuses on technical optimization and efficiency, mathematically modeling CRT overclocking settings.
It can calculate the trade-off between resolution and refresh rate, suggesting, for example, the optimal dot clock and horizontal sync frequency to achieve 150Hz at 1024x768.
DeepSeek is well-suited for analyzing the physical limits of CRT electron beam control to calculate safe upper limits for overclocking.
As a specific method for combining these AI models, one could first provide the user with basic overclocking procedures via ChatGPT, and then supplement that with risk explanations from Claude.
Next, Copilot generates an automation script, and Gemini proposes optimal settings by referencing the latest CRT model data and research.
Grok presents unique ways to utilize CRTs to broaden the user's perspective, while DeepSeek precisely calculates the technical parameters.
Through this collaboration, users can safely and effectively overclock their CRTs to achieve a gaming experience of over 100 fps.
For example, collaborative work is possible where ChatGPT explains 'how to create a custom resolution in the NVIDIA Control Panel,' Copilot provides a script to automate the process, DeepSeek calculates the optimal timing settings to achieve 100Hz at a resolution of 1920x1200, and Claude warns that 'excessive overclocking may shorten the monitor's lifespan.'
Discussion
The feasibility of achieving over 100 fps through CRT monitor overclocking and the method of utilizing a combination of multiple AI models is an interesting theme that fuses technical challenges with the possibilities of modern AI technology.
First, the fact that CRT overclocking can achieve over 100 fps stems from the flexible design of PC CRT monitors and the simplicity of analog signal processing.
High-performance CRTs like the Sony GDM-FW900 support 2304x1440 at 80Hz as standard, and 160Hz is possible by lowering the resolution, with even higher refresh rates achievable through overclocking.
However, general consumer CRT televisions are bound by NTSC or PAL standards, with 60Hz or 75Hz being the upper limit, so the application of overclocking is limited.
This difference arises from the fact that PC CRTs are designed to allow for the adjustment of custom resolutions and dot clocks, whereas consumer CRTs are optimized for fixed scanning frequencies.
The combination of AI models is of great value in streamlining the CRT overclocking process and lowering the technical hurdles for users.
Natural language models like ChatGPT and Claude provide information that is accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced users.
In particular, ChatGPT's ability to provide plain explanations is effective for concisely conveying complex overclocking procedures.
On the other hand, Claude's ethical perspective makes users aware of the potential damage that CRT overclocking can cause to equipment (e.g., degradation of the electron gun or overload of the power supply circuit), encouraging balanced decision-making.
Copilot's programming assistance becomes a powerful tool that saves time for technically savvy users, and by automating the configuration of tools like CRU, it can reduce errors and trial-and-error.
Gemini and DeepSeek maximize the potential of CRTs with a data-driven approach.
Gemini's search capabilities are useful for gathering specifications for each CRT monitor model and overclocking results from the community.
For example, there have been reports on social media of the Sony GDM-FW900 operating at 160Hz, and by referencing such information in real-time, users can select the optimal model.
DeepSeek's numerical analysis proposes settings that take into account the physical limits of the CRT (the upper limit of the dot clock and constraints on scanning frequency), thereby increasing the stability of the overclocking.
For example, the relationship between resolution and refresh rate is determined by the dot clock (pixels per second), and since the display becomes unstable if the CRT's bandwidth is exceeded, DeepSeek's calculation model is useful for identifying a safe range.
Grok's creative perspective opens up the possibility of applying CRT overclocking to fields outside of gaming.
For example, a 2023 study used the low latency of CRTs for psychological experiments (verifying slow-motion perception under stress), and by proposing such niche applications, Grok can redefine the value of CRTs.
Additionally, the idea of combining the "retro aesthetic" of CRTs with modern VR and AR technology to recreate CRT-style displays in virtual spaces is another area where Grok's originality can shine.
However, there are also challenges when combining AI models.
First, because each model operates independently, integrating information or achieving consistent output can be difficult.
For instance, if the overclocking procedures provided by ChatGPT do not match the safe ranges calculated by DeepSeek, it could confuse the user.
For this reason, a framework that streamlines coordination between AIs (such as collaboration via a common API or database) is required.
Furthermore, CRT overclocking is an unofficial modification, raising concerns about the risk of voiding monitor warranties or damaging equipment through excessive settings.
Claude's ethical warnings are important, but since users may underestimate the risks, AI needs to provide clearer guidelines and simulation results.
From a cultural and social perspective, the renewed attention on CRTs and the use of AI symbolize the intersection of technological evolution and nostalgia.
Although CRTs are inferior to modern 4K/144Hz monitors in terms of resolution and power consumption, they possess the absolute strength of zero latency, maintaining their status as the "ultimate monitor" for certain gamers.
Combining AI not only meets this niche demand but also amplifies the passion of technology enthusiasts and the retro gaming community.
On social media, the "warm image quality" and "reproducibility of the gaming experience of that time" of CRTs are praised, and by having AI understand these cultural values and make suggestions that resonate with user emotions, it can provide an experience that goes beyond mere technical support.
Looking ahead, a platform that integrates AI models could potentially centralize the CRT overclocking process.
For example, a one-stop service could be envisioned where a user enters their monitor model number and graphics card specifications, and ChatGPT explains the procedure, DeepSeek calculates the optimal settings, Copilot generates the scripts, and Grok proposes creative ways to use it.
Also, as the difficulty of obtaining CRTs increases, AI could provide features to analyze second-hand market data and auction information to recommend suitable CRT models.
Ultimately, the combination of CRT overclocking and AI is a unique endeavor that connects the past and future of technology, and it will likely serve as a catalyst for re-evaluating the diversity of gaming culture and display technology.