active matrix - technical definition

A display technology that is used for graphics-based screens (a matrix of rows and columns). Using one transistor for each red, green and blue subpixel, active matrix screens are addressed one row at a time for each electronic frame. They are sharper and have more contrast than passive matrix screens, and they do not suffer from the "submarining" effect, in which the cursor disappears when moved rapidly.

All LCD and OLED laptops and desktop computer monitors, as well as LCD and OLED TVs, are active matrix. Since it uses thin film transistors (TFTs) deposited on the backplane, active matrix LCD displays are also called "TFT displays." For more details about active and passive matrix LCDs, see LCD types. Contrast with passive matrix.