Is An LCD TV The Right Choice?

By Jack Stansfield

If you've thought about purchasing an LCD television, you probably have quite a few questions. Factors to consider include available screen sizes, longevity of the product, clarity of the image, and whether the television will be compatible with existing add-ons such as a VCR. Let's take a look at the LCD television.

Most consumers are aware of LCD technology from watches, cell phones, and video camera screens, but may not know what it is. Simply the screen is two panels of transparent matter, which have been "cemented" together. A polymer material containing the liquid crystals is applied to one of these layers. When electricity is connected to these crystals, they will either allow the light through or become opaque. It is this action which forms the images we see.

Although LCD and plasma TV's look much alike, their technology is entirely different. Plasma televisions are comprised of individual cells. Each of these cells is filled with neon-xenon gas. When electricity is passed through the cells, it strikes blue, red and green phosphors to react. Each group of these phosphors is a pixel, or picture element; one tiny part of the whole image.

For some time after the introduction of LCD television, the plasma TV's 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 TV's are now comparably priced, and practical for the everyday shopper.

Since LCD TVs are so similar to the LCD computer monitor, buyers often wonder if they can be integrated with a PC and used as a computer monitor. Most of the LCD televisions do have the VGA input connections that will allow this integration. Gamers, especially, enjoy using the large screens with their computers to enhance their game-playing.

When purchasing an LCD TV, purchasers often ask if their older auxiliary equipment will work with the new technology. The new TVs are equipped with the standard A/V connections, so this is not a problem. Be aware, though, that the low resolution of the VHS tapes, as well as the color quality, means that the picture will not be as clear as it was when shown on a conventional analog television.

Although LCD TV's have internal speakers, many buyers prefer to integrate their TV with a home theatre system for the best all-around experience. Decide ahead of time where you would like to place your new TV in order to purchase a stand or cabinet. Ensure that you have the correct cables and a surge protection device to guard against a power surge.

An LCD television is a wise choice. The LCD panels are quite thin, and take up little space. They use less power than a conventional or a plasma TV. In addition they have a bright, clear image, and a long-life expectancy of 60,000 hours or more. - 29967

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