Liquid crystal display television (LCD TV) technology has come a long way in recent years. The implementation of thin file transistor (TFT) technology has removed many of the angular resolution and ghosting problems previously associated with cheap LCD televisions.
It is now possible to buy an inexpensive LCD TV that has state-of-the-art features and superior picture quality.
What is an LCD TV?
An LCD TV is a flat panel television that utilizes advanced materials technology to create a bright, attractive picture on a flat screen.
An LCD TV screen is made up of two glass plates with a thin layer of liquid crystals in between. When electricity passes through the crystals, tiny color pixels light up to produce an image.
How do LCD TVs Compare to Plasma and Tube TVs?
In the past, plasma TVs were the only real flat panel television option. Now, LCD televisions have progressed to the point where they can compete with plasma TVs in terms of picture quality.
LCD televisions are easier to maintain, less likely to degrade with time, and use less power than plasma TVs. And the new crop of LCD TVs have a sharper picture, require less space, and use much less electricity than tube TVs.
What are the Features of an LCD TV?
Here's a list of features found on newer model LCD TVs:
* Digital picture - the picture on an LCD screen is much sharper than on a tube TV and is now comparable to plasma TVs. * Space saving design - LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than tube or plasma TVs, and can be set up almost anywhere. * Widescreen format - LCD TVs utilize a widescreen format, similar to movie screens, so they are compatible with HDTV programming. * Flat screen - LCD TV screens are flat, so there's no distortion as with tube TVs.
Where can I Buy a Cheap LCD Television?
The best way I've found to get the best deal on a television is to first check out various models at your local electronics stores and discount stores. After you get a good idea of what you want in a TV and what's available, go online and check prices and ratings at a comparison shopping site.
With the site I use I can compare various LCD prices and find out which stores are reputable and give good service. I can also get detailed product information, ratings by electronics experts, and even consumer reviews by people who actually own the product.
Forget about sales and discount warehouses. The best way to save money on big ticket items like LCD TVs is to comparison shop online. I've saved thousands of dollars on TVs, computers, appliances, and even furniture using this method (click on the links below for more information on the site I use).
The main drawback with LCDs apart from price has been their size with many home theater enthusiasts much more comfortable with the larger screen plasma televisions. However, LCDs are rapidly gaining ground in the large screen stakes with improved technology and supposed better picture quality tempting even the most ardent plasma fans to at least look at their options.
Price is always a serious consideration with LCDs. It's been an amazing transformation during the last two years which have seen prices virtually tumble. What may have set you back close to $10,000 just 2-3 years ago is now less than half and the good news is, the size of the televisions has increased giving the consumer seemingly better value for money.
Large Screen TV Affordability
Major brands such as Sony, Samsung and Sharp have some excellent models available in the 40+ inch selection and it seems with improved technology, screen sizes over 50 inches will be more readily available. But that's in the future.
LCD technology was once limited to models under 30 inches because of light distribution and color issues but this is now appearing to be an issue of the past.
Should you buy a large screen LCD? Why not if your budget can afford it. As a home theater enthusiast there are other considerations to be taken into account first.
Home theater is a passion for more and more people each year with many joining the so-called revolution. Before you even look at price you need to consider your room layout and tv viewing distance.
There's no point in spending a small fortune on a large screen television if the specs of your theater room haven't been taken into account.
How To Determine Screen Size Choice?
There is a simple formula to ascertain the size of screen you'll ultimately need. Look at your floor plan if you're in the process of setting up a home theater room. You know where the television is going to be perched; now where are you going to sit.
If you are going for the larger 42+ inch model LCD then you should be sitting no closer than 10-12 feet from the screen. In some cases, a distance of up to 15 feet is preferred particularly for screens in excess of 50 inches.
For established home theater rooms it's just a matter of measuring your viewing distance from the screen. Under 10 feet then you should consider the smaller sets. Viewing distance with LCDs has got a lot to do with being able to enjoy your set. Sit too close and you lose a lot in viewing quality.
Both Brian Stevens & Dean Caporella are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Brian Stevens has sinced written about articles on various topics from Satellite, Information Technology and Satellite. Visit the to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for. Brian Stevens's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Dean Caporella has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Golf Guide and Surveys. Want to learn more about creating great ? Get the latest tips and tricks in. Dean Caporella's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.