Flat panel displays encompass a growing number of technologies enabling video displays that are lighter and much thinner than traditional television and video displays using cathode ray tubes, usually less than 10 cm (4 inches) thick. These include:

Only the first two are currently viable commercial display technologies. OLED displays are beginning deployment in small sizes.

Flat panel displays balance their smaller footprint and trendy modern look with high costs and in many cases inferior images compared with traditional CRTs. In many applications, specifically modern portable devices such as laptops, cellular phones, and digital cameras, whatever disadvantages are overcome by the portability requirements.