The computer monitors help to display the output of a computer. But, can a computer monitor store data?
We use data storage devices to store different types of files like photos, videos, documents, mp3, etc. Mobiles, laptops, computers, pendrives, etc, are the popular storage devices.
Let’s see what type of data we can and can’t store in a monitor. And we will see how to find a monitor storage.
Which Monitors Can Store Data?
No, monitors can’t store our personal data like photos and videos. But they can store data (RAM) and process it to make their function (displaying output) run smoothly.
Everything you see on a monitor is a type of data or storage. For example, if you are seeing an image on your monitor, the size of an image is 500KB, 5 MB, 50MB.
After your command to show that image to you on the monitor screen, the computer sends the data in the form of output to the monitor. Then the monitor immediately reads this data and displays it in the form of pixels.
This type of memory in monitors is called RAM (Random Access Memory). The image stored in the computer’s hard disk is ROM (Read Only Memory)
Is CCTV Footage Data Store in Monitor?
As I said before, monitors can’t store personal data.
No, CCTV footage data can’t be stored on a monitor. Instead, all the data is stored in a hard disk of a computer connected to it. However, you can change the storage location in the CCTV settings.
How to Access Stored Data On Your Dell or Any Monitor?
Unlike TVs, monitors barely read external storage devices like pendrives, hard disks, etc. If you connect a pendrive or a storage device to a TV, it will display a type of storage added to the system.
The above image will show how a TV can read a storage device. Not all the TVs can read external storage devices. It depends on the available ports on it.
Monitors can’t do the same thing like TVs do. Monitors can’t read a storage device by itself until it is connected to the computer or CPU. Why? That’s the nature of the device and it is one of the differences between a Monitor and a TV.
Steps to verify that a monitor can’t read a storage device
- Turn off your computer if it is active
- Remove the cable connection from the CPU to the Monitor
- Add or plug a storage device like pendrive to the monitor
- Now turn ON your monitor
- Go to the monitor settings and find the options related to the storage device
- You can’t find anything like I do on my Dell monitor
Why Monitors Can’t Store Data?
A monitor can’t store data because of the following reasons.
To Reduce Cost
Monitor cost is high. If there is a storage placement in a monitor then the price is unbearable. Also, the storage has some lifespan after that it will damage the monitor hardware. So the monitor storage placement will do more harm than good.
For Individual Privacy
If there is data on a monitor and it is not protected with a password, then anyone can turn ON the monitor able to access it. It is a major disadvantage to individual privacy.
Of course, if the companies want they can create a password-protected data storage option. It all leads to an increase in manufacturing costs.
Computer Storage is Enough
We can store all types of data we need on a computer. And the computer storage is vast i.e., Gigabytes, and Petabytes. This much storage can’t be placed in a monitor.
We can increase or decrease storage in a monitor. But it can’t be possible with a monitor.
Monitor Storage Accessing is Difficult
How long can you press the monitor buttons to access the storage in it? Difficult, right? This is also a reason that a monitor can’t store data.
More Power Usage
Obviously, if the monitor has other storage elements in it, then the power requirement of a monitor will increase.
It affects a lot in the long run because we use monitors all day. If the storage in a monitor runs all the time, they become dead soon.
By considering all these factors, the monitor can’t store data. Popular monitor manufacturing companies like LG, Dell, Samsung, HP, etc, can bring data-stored monitors if they want, but they are not reliable and budget-friendly.
FAQs of Data Storage on Monitor
Is Monitor A Storage Device?
The monitor is an output device in a computer and it can also store data in the format of RAM. However, the monitor has not been used as a personal storage device.
How to Add Storage to Monitor?
You can add storage to your monitor by using external storage devices like pendrives, hard disks, etc. In most cases, pendrive is the most convenient way to add storage to your monitor.
