5. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
For decades, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) were at the heart of televisions and computer monitors, shaping how millions viewed media and interacted with early computers. Their bulky frames and glowing screens defined living rooms and offices, setting the standard for image quality and user interface design. While LCD, LED, and OLED screens have replaced them, CRTs left a lasting mark on display technology. Modern screens still borrow concepts first popularized by CRTs, from refresh rates to color rendering.
