Should You Buy An LCD TV?

By Jimmy Young

When faced with the need to buy a new television, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, Should I buy an LCD television? There are pros and cons to this decision, including issues of size, clarity, space, and longevity of the product. Can I use it with my current auxiliary devices like my CD player and VCR?

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is familiar to anyone who already owns a digital camera or mobile phone, but most people don't understand how it works. An LCD screen is comprised of two panels of a clear material, which are glued, or bonded, together. A polymer compound, which contains the liquid crystals, is layered onto one of the panels. When an electrical current is applied to the panel, the crystals either let the light though, or turn dark, thus creating the image.

The difference between LCD TVs and plasma TVs is not readily apparent. They look quite similar, but use entirely different technology. A plasma TV is made up of cells, which have been injected with a gas called neon-xenon . When electricity is applied to the cell, red, green and blue phosphors are struck. Each of these is called a pixel, and together they comprise the picture.

For some time after the introduction of LCD television, the plasma TVs still cornered the market in large-screen televisions. Although the smaller screen televisions were popular, the LCD technology made the large screens more expensive. The technology has been refined to the point where the large-screen LCD TVs are now comparably priced, and practical for the everyday shopper.

Since most LCD televisions are equipped with VGA input connections, and are so similar to an LCD computer monitor, many people buy them with the thought of integrating them with a PC. The large-screen LCD is an excellent piece of equipment for this use, especially for those who enjoy game-playing with friends.

You may have older auxiliary devices such as a VCR, and wonder if they are compatible with the LCD televisions. They will work together, since most LCD televisions have standard AV connections. However, a VHS tape, with its lower resolution and poorer colour quality, will not look as good on an LCD TV as it did on a smaller analogue television.

If you decide to purchase an LCD TV, choose the right place in your home for it before hand. That way, you can purchase the correct stand or hanging bracket at the same time. LCD TVs have internal speakers, but you can integrate your LCD television with your home theater system. Be sure that you have the correct cables, and provide power surge protection for your new television.

LCD panels are thin and take up little space in your home, as well as using less power than a conventional or plasma TV. You can expect long life, in excess of 60,000 viewing hours, and a brilliant, clear image. The LCD television is definitely a wise purchase. - 29967

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