The television industry is now utilising the latest Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology used in digital clocks, microwave ovens and calculators. Liquid crystals allow light to pass through by an application of current, producing crystal clear images. Use of this technology has given birth to sleek, slim, bright televisions that are frequently seen in both corporate lobbies and home entertainment applications. There are various options and a lot of groundwork is needed before you choose the right LCD TV.

LCD Television

LCD TVs are usually slim with an attractive flat-screen and built-in tuner, saving more space when compared with traditional TVs. The screen size generally ranges from 13 to 55 inches. An important tip to remember is if you choose a larger screen TV, there may be some loss of colour definition and in TVs below 15 inches there will be a lower quality of display. An LCD television produces clearer pictures than the conventional cathode ray tube TV and is flicker-free, causing less strain to your eyes. Better models have wider viewing angles of up to 160 degrees allowing you to get a clear picture from just about wherever you are in the room.

Features

Most of the current LCD models have built-in speakers and stereo amplifiers, which you can use independently or along with a home theatre system for better sound performance. Active matrix TFT models have higher refresh rates and contrast levels when compared with passive matrix sets. LCD TVs have the capacity to perform multiple functions, producing sharp high-resolution pictures throughout. Some LCD TVs have dual outputs offering you the convenience of connecting two computers into one screen.

You can start off by connecting your antenna, VCR and DVD player to the TV. To install video game systems, satellite TV receivers and camcorders, you will need a set of A/V inputs on your new TV. So it is essential to decide on your connectivity requirements before choosing your TV. Most current LCD TVs are compatible with high definition TV (HDTV) broadcasts and you will have to buy a HDTV tuner to receive HD input, if the TV does not already have an inbuilt tuner.

The power consumption of an LCD TV is typically 30% lower than its plasma equivalent.

Installation

LCD TVs are vastly slimmer than CRT models, around 3” deep. This enables the TV to be hung on a wall or from a ceiling. Wall mounts with the facility of tilting allow you to mount the set to allow viewing from just about anywhere in the room. With some mounting kits, you also have the convenience of pushing the set flush to the wall when the TV is not in use. It is advisable to use professional advice or help for installation as the larger sets are heavy and require a solid connection with the wall!

Price and Lifespan

A typical LCD TV now provides a lifespan of up to 60,000 hours. The lifespan of the backlight needs to be high as the older the bulb the lower the picture quality. Most major manufacturers offer a guarantee for the backlight. Some backlights are internally fitted while others offer a replaceable model. This depends on the model or brand you decide to choose.

As you may imagine, LCD televisions are still relatively expensive when compared to CRT counterparts. However, competition is high and consumers are demanding ever better performance at lower cost. The price varies depending on the screen size and features you opt for and currently ranges from around £300 to in excess of £3000.

Conclusion

LCD TVs are visually attractive whether switched on or off. The slimline design of the current crop of offerings makes them an attractive proposition, particularly for those of use with contemporary interiors. Add to this the emergence of HDTV broadcasting and the fact that LCD technology is now fairly mature and it could be argued that now is a good time to consider an LCD unit. As ever, when selecting a complex piece of technology, check your specific requirements against specifications and look for a knowledgeable and plain speaking retailer who can offer honest and practical advice.