Dot matrix screens are different from LCD screens.
There are significant differences between dot matrix screens and LCD screens in terms of display principles, display methods, resolutions, and energy consumption. The dot matrix screen represents information through multiple small dots. Each small dot can emit bright or dark signals by controlling the corresponding light-emitting diode or light-emitting tube, thereby generating different information such as text, pictures, animations, etc. This display method is progressive scanning, that is, the content of the display screen is line by line, so the refresh speed is relatively slow, which is not suitable for displaying high-speed moving images and is prone to shadowing. Dot-matrix screens usually have high brightness and contrast, using light-emitting diodes or fluorescent display tubes as pixels, with vivid display effects and bright colors. However, since it needs to control each lattice one by one, it consumes a lot of power and easily generates heat during operation, so it generally needs to be equipped with heat sinks and other heat dissipation measures.
In contrast, an LCD screen displays different images and text by adjusting its transparency through the rotation of liquid crystal molecules. The information on the entire screen of the LCD screen is displayed at the same time, and the refresh speed is much faster than that of the dot matrix screen, and there will be no shadowing phenomenon. LCD screens are slightly inferior to dot matrix screens in terms of display effect, with viewing angle limitations and contrast problems, but modern LCD screens have made great progress. The LCD screen does not emit light and needs to be illuminated by a backlight. It has the characteristics of small size, light weight, large display area, picture documentation, no radiation, and low energy consumption.
In general, dot matrix screens and LCD screens each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and their application scenarios are also very different. Dot matrix screens are suitable for applications that require high brightness, contrast, and bright colors, while LCD screens are more suitable for applications that have requirements on energy consumption, cost, and require a fast refresh rate.