Schermi

Schermi, the plural of schermo, is the Italian term for display screens or monitors. In English usage it corresponds to 'screens' and can refer to any surface that presents visual information generated by an electronic device. Screens are central components of computers, televisions, smartphones, tablets, cameras, and signage, and they vary widely in size, technology, and performance.

Historically, early screens used cathode-ray tubes (CRTs), which were bulky and energy-inefficient. The dominant modern class is LCD-based displays, which use liquid crystals modulated by polarizers and backlit by a light source. LED-backlit LCDs use light-emitting diodes for the backlight, enabling brighter images with lower power consumption. More recent generations include OLED and AMOLED displays, in which each pixel emits light, delivering high contrast and fast response. E Ink and other reflective technologies are used in e-readers and low-power signage. Touch-sensitive screens integrate input sensors with the display, enabling multi-touch interactions in phones, tablets, and kiosks.

Key specifications include resolution, size, aspect ratio, brightness, contrast, color gamut, and refresh rate. Higher resolutions and faster refresh rates improve clarity and motion handling, while HDR expands the range of luminance. Connectivity standards such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C govern how screens receive video and power.

Beyond consumer devices, screens play roles in industrial, medical, and automotive contexts, and ongoing research explores flexible, foldable, and transparent displays. The Italian term schermo and its plural schermi broadly cover these display technologies in everyday language.