Should You Buy An LCD TV?

By Oliver Stansfield

Many consumers are asking themselves if buying an LCD television is a good decision. They have questions about the clarity of the picture, screen sizes, cost, and how long it will last. They want to know if it will work with the equipment they already own. Let's look at some of the facts.

Exactly what is an LCD TV? LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. This is the same technology that has been used for some time for camera screens and cell phones. It is constructed of two panels of glass-like material, which are bonded together. One layer is coated with a special polymer which contains the liquid crystals. An electrical current is run through the crystals which can turn dark or allow light to pass through, thus creating the picture.

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.

Many consumers wonder if they can use their LCD TV as a computer monitor. Most of them can be, due to the fact that LCD TV's are an outgrowth of the LCD computer monitor. The majority of TVs have the VGA input connections necessary to be integrated into a PC. Gamers like to integrate their PC and game systems in order to have a large screen to play their games on.

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.

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. - 29939

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