A screen protector is an additional layer of material used to protect the LCD screens of digital, electronic devices. Screen protectors first entered the market after the rise of personal digital assistant (PDA) since PDAs were often operated via a stylus. The tip of the stylus could scratch the sensitive LCD screen surface, screen protectors provided sacrificial protection from this damage. The "
first generation" of screen protectors were made from very thin films based on the concept that an extra layer between the two surfaces (screen and stylus) would provide the needed protection to prolong the life of the device. These screen protectors come in packs of 10 to 20 protectors and are hand-cut by the end consumer to fit the specific device enabling the end user to fit them to different devices. Such screen protectors, while offering extra protection, did not completely fill the need in the marketplace. They peeled off easily and they scratched almost as easily as the screens, causing the protector to be replaced often. The newest generation of screen protectors are made from a much more durable film and are designed to be a more permanent part of the gadget which they protect. The material is a urethane-based film which is a little thicker than traditional screen protectors (.008 inches compared to .005 or .003),[citation needed] but the film is hardly noticeable once installed. The film originated when the U.S. military was looking for a way to protect the leading edges of their military helicopter blades from abrasive airborne particles (sand) while traveling at hundreds of miles per hour. The negative is that it is hard to remove and leaves a sticky residue. It is also made in small sizes, not recommended for bigger than four inch diagonal screens. Since the film is clear, there are problems with UV rays emanating from the display to the eyes and bounce back from the sun. It also does not provide protection from glare and hard to read outdoors. Second-generation screen protectors on the other hand, although more expensive, offer better long-term protection and are generally made specifically for each individual device, providing the user with a better fitting protector. For less permanent solutions there are screen protectors that are non-adhesive and work by sitting in the gap between the LCD screen and the case of the device. The film can be removed, cleaned and reinstalled without any problem. This new generation of film is available with anti-glare coating to help users see the screen in daylight. The non-adhesive screen protector can cover LCD screens from one inch to 50 inch diagonal and is used on digital cameras to large HDTVs. The anti-reflective screen protector film has been introduced in 2008 in Japan and works by canceling out glare and blocking the reflection of UV rays. This allows users to see the display clearer, even outdoors and while wearing polarized sunglasses. The film has a tacky rubberized backing which adheres to the display, but can easily be removed and reinstalled when necessary. The film comes in sizes up to 50 inch diagonal and can be installed without need for water or soapy solutions. The film has been approved for use by the military, boaters, laptop manufacturers, law enforcement agencies and is recommended for everyone who likes to use their device outdoors. The film can stay in place for over 1 year and retains its glare canceling benefit. There are mainly 8 kinds of screen protector: Privacy Screen Protector, Mirror Screen Protector, Anti-Glare Screen Protector, Ultra-Clear Screen Protector, AR Screen Protector, Fingerprint resistant/glossy Screen Protector, Dirt-repellent luster Screen Protector and Antibacterial Screen Protector.
