Two common types of LCD are
1.Transmissive LCD
The Transmissive LCD is illuminated from one side and viewed from the opposite side.
Activated cells appear dark and inactive cells appear bright. One disadvantage of
Transmissive LCD is that lamp used to illuminate the LCD consumes more power than
consumed by the LCD itself.
2. Reflective LCD
This is commonly used in pocket calculators and digital watches. It is viewed by ambient
light reflected in a mirror behind the display. They have lower contrast than the
Transmissive type, because the ambient light passes twice through the display before
reaching the viewer. The advantage is that there is no lamp to consume power, so the
battery life is long.
Following link describes the terms normally used for LCD
http://www.pacificdisplay.com/lcd_glossary.htm
