A Video Display Terminal (VDT) refers to an electronic device equipped with a screen that displays visual information, typically used for computing purposes. Commonly known as a computer monitor or screen, a VDT is an essential component of a computer system, providing visual output from the processor and displaying text, images, videos, and other graphical data.
The screen of a VDT is composed of a grid of tiny electronic dots called pixels, which are illuminated to form images or text. The monitor's size is measured diagonally from corner to corner, typically in inches, and it determines the amount of display area available for presenting information. VDTs can use various display technologies, including cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD), with LCD currently being the more prevalent choice due to its smaller size, thinner profile, and energy efficiency.
These terminals are used in a wide range of applications, such as personal computers, gaming consoles, TVs, and information kiosks. VDTs' purpose extends beyond mere display; they also allow users to interact with the displayed content through input devices like keyboards, mice, or touch screens.
In modern technological contexts, the term VDT is often used interchangeably with computer monitor or display screen, highlighting its primary function as a visual interface between the user and the computer system.
