Define 'active matrix' in the context of display technology.

In display technology, 'active matrix' refers to a type of display that utilizes a grid of transistors, with each pixel controlled individually. This architecture allows for better image quality because each pixel can be addressed independently, providing finer control over brightness and color. This means that the display can achieve faster response times and display more complex images compared to other types, such as passive matrix displays, which typically use a shared electrode approach and do not control individual pixels as effectively. This characteristic is crucial in applications requiring high resolution and fast refresh rates, such as video playback and interactive displays.

Other types mentioned, such as relying solely on passive components or using just one transistor, do not provide the level of control and quality that an active matrix display offers, making the active matrix design a preferred choice for modern high-performance display technologies.