A software application designed to simulate the visual characteristics of older cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, offered without cost, allows users to experience the look and feel of vintage monitors on modern devices. These programs typically mimic features such as scanlines, curvature, phosphor glow, and other imperfections inherent in CRT technology. An example would be a program applied to retro video games to evoke the original graphical presentation from the era of those games.
The availability of such applications serves several purposes. They cater to individuals seeking nostalgia, enhance the authenticity of retro gaming and art projects, and provide artists and designers with unique visual effects. Historically, CRT displays were the standard, and their distinct visual qualities heavily influenced the aesthetics of early computer graphics and video games. Emulation allows for the preservation and re-creation of these aesthetics on contemporary hardware.