The liquid crystal display...
is based on what is known as polarized light. Basically there are two very thin polarized panels that have a liquid crystal gel in between them. The gel is not just simply in between the panels; instead it is divided into separate pixels. The pixels are arranged in such a way that each pixel can be activated individually instead of as a group or set. When the LCD pixels are darkest it polarizes at 90 degrees to the polarizing screens. This cross polarizing technology doesn’t allow light to pass through the liquid crystal display where the pixels have darkened. What this means is that the pixel darkens according to the voltage that is sent to it; if a bright pixel is needed, a low voltage is sent to the pixel, and if a dark pixel is needed, a higher voltage is applied to the pixel. Sounds complicated, but it really is not all that complicated when you see the LCD televisions in action.
is based on what is known as polarized light. Basically there are two very thin polarized panels that have a liquid crystal gel in between them. The gel is not just simply in between the panels; instead it is divided into separate pixels. The pixels are arranged in such a way that each pixel can be activated individually instead of as a group or set. When the LCD pixels are darkest it polarizes at 90 degrees to the polarizing screens. This cross polarizing technology doesn’t allow light to pass through the liquid crystal display where the pixels have darkened. What this means is that the pixel darkens according to the voltage that is sent to it; if a bright pixel is needed, a low voltage is sent to the pixel, and if a dark pixel is needed, a higher voltage is applied to the pixel. Sounds complicated, but it really is not all that complicated when you see the LCD televisions in action.
LCD televisions are also known as liquid crystal display televisions. This is basically a television that uses the LCD technology for the visual appearance. Most computer monitors are LCD monitors, which is why they are bright, crisp, and clear. Unfortunately, in the past using the LCD technology to create televisions was very expensive and they simply could not compete with the price tags on plasma televisions. It seems that times are changing and that the LCD is becoming a big time competitor in the big screen television industry.
Many electronics dealers have stated in the past that the LCD technology was not suitable for big screen televisions. This is why the plasma has dominated the market for so long. Luckily some of the big name manufacturers have pressed on and have found that not only is LCD perfect for bigger televisions, but they’ll sell too! Some of the companies that are now producing the larger sizes of LCD televisions are Sharp, Sony, and Samsung. These televisions are seen in increasingly large sizes for prices that are more and more affordable and can be compared to the plasma televisions that have dominated the market for so long. In fact, by 2004 40-45 inch LCD televisions were available and by the next year they had grown to more than 82 inches! Such advancements have a lot of manufacturers really excited about the future of the LCD market.
Benefits of an LCD Television
Many electronics dealers have stated in the past that the LCD technology was not suitable for big screen televisions. This is why the plasma has dominated the market for so long. Luckily some of the big name manufacturers have pressed on and have found that not only is LCD perfect for bigger televisions, but they’ll sell too! Some of the companies that are now producing the larger sizes of LCD televisions are Sharp, Sony, and Samsung. These televisions are seen in increasingly large sizes for prices that are more and more affordable and can be compared to the plasma televisions that have dominated the market for so long. In fact, by 2004 40-45 inch LCD televisions were available and by the next year they had grown to more than 82 inches! Such advancements have a lot of manufacturers really excited about the future of the LCD market.
Benefits of an LCD Television
Many people are finding that an LCD television is clearer than other televisions. The clarity is a huge selling point for most, as is the brightness. This clarity makes reading text on the screen easier to read, which is a benefit for most is. This means that you can see what is on the screen regardless of whether or not you are right in front of it or sitting back. Clarity is an important part of the overall appeal of any television and the LCD delivers it like nothing else. If you are looking for the highest quality picture, the best clarity and truest color, an LCD television may be right for you.
The resolution is a huge selling point for the LCD television. The overall number of pixels horizontally as well as vertically will determine the panels resolution in terms of pixels or dots per in. The greater the resolution, the better the image will be, or you’ll be able to view more of the picture at once. CRT’s can display multiple resolutions, but the LCD has just one optimized resolution so that ever picture is crystal clear.
Many LCD televisions have some beneficial extras built into them that are very appealing. Some of the extras include built in speakers, mounting stands, and screens that omit most of the glare or shine from lights. These are great additions that often come with the television that will make your television viewing experience all that much better.
The resolution is a huge selling point for the LCD television. The overall number of pixels horizontally as well as vertically will determine the panels resolution in terms of pixels or dots per in. The greater the resolution, the better the image will be, or you’ll be able to view more of the picture at once. CRT’s can display multiple resolutions, but the LCD has just one optimized resolution so that ever picture is crystal clear.
Many LCD televisions have some beneficial extras built into them that are very appealing. Some of the extras include built in speakers, mounting stands, and screens that omit most of the glare or shine from lights. These are great additions that often come with the television that will make your television viewing experience all that much better.
LCD Particulars
There are a lot of good things about LCD televisions, but their viewing angle is one of the things that many people need to concern themselves with. When you compare an LCD with a CRT television they have a somewhat limited viewing angle, which can determine whether or not this type of television will work for you. When you view an LCD television straight on the picture is outstanding, but if you move your head to the side or look at it from an angle it will have a very washed out appearance. If you buy a cheaper LCD television you might find that it only has a viewing angle of up to 100 degrees, and depending on the configuration of your home this may not work well for you. If you need your television to be clear from the whole room, an LCD television might not be your best choice.
The brightness of LCD televisions is one of its best selling points. Many electronics retailers put the plasma panels next to the LCD panels to show the difference. While the plasma offers a great picture, the LCD is usually even brighter. The LCD panels are usually equipped with backlights, and these backlights will run for anywhere from 10 to 50 thousand hours of viewing time. The lights are somewhat fragile, so if you are mounting the television you will want to be careful that you do not break the backlights. Most backlights have a one year warranty, after that you are on your own. Be careful with moving or handling your LCD television for this reason, and see if the retailer you purchase from offers an extended warranty.
Positioning Your LCD Television
These days the big screen televisions, that are often plasma and LCD, are purchased so that consumers can mount them on walls; hang them from ceilings, and more. The LCD television can easily be mounted on walls, and is often easier than mounting a plasma because they are usually lighter. Some of the LCD television models even allow you to pivot the screen up to 90 degrees so that you can view it in either landscape or portrait mode or so that you can see it from another vantage point in the room. Many of the screens also will allow one to tilt and swivel it, if it is suspended. The elimination of a big entertainment center and television is a benefit to the LCD television.This can be particularly helpful if you want a big screen.
It’s important that the television is well secured, and if possible, that you can make adjustments easily should you find that the picture does not look good from one side of the room. Many people opt to mount the televisions over fire places or on large walls that are in need of some decoration or could stand to be broken up. You can get fun accessories and such for your television once you have it mounted on the wall so that it looks more like a picture than a television! If you hang your LCD television on the wall it becomes an accessory to the room instead of taking up precious floor space. You might find that your room suddenly becomes much larger with the television off the floor; you might just have to go out and buy some new furniture! Your LCD television will free up space and provide you with a great viewing experience.
If you will be mounting your LCD television you should check to be sure what type of mounts it needs. Recently there have been some standards set for the flat panel LCD televisions and their mounting requirements. Before you begin to mount you should double check to see if you can use the standard tools or if you need a specialty mount of some type. The specialty mounts will probably be weeded out as time goes along, but there are some still models out there that require special mounting accessories. Some retailers will offer mounting services to save you dealing with this particular issue.
If you will be mounting your LCD television you should check to be sure what type of mounts it needs. Recently there have been some standards set for the flat panel LCD televisions and their mounting requirements. Before you begin to mount you should double check to see if you can use the standard tools or if you need a specialty mount of some type. The specialty mounts will probably be weeded out as time goes along, but there are some still models out there that require special mounting accessories. Some retailers will offer mounting services to save you dealing with this particular issue.
LCD Accessories
There are of course a ton of great accessories that you can buy for your LCD TV. One of the most popular accessories is speakers. While an LCD television by itself is an awesome thing, you can complete the experience with a great home theatre system. You will find that the experience is best completed with five or more channels connected to the television to deliver superior sound. These speakers will bring your LCD television experience to new heights in an instant.
Many LCD televisions actually come with a 2 channel stereo built in and speakers may or may not be included, depending on the specific model that you buy. A home theatre set will include at least five channels which are usually the front left and right, the front center, and a rear left and right. This is a great investment for any consumer that wants to make the most of their LCD television. If you are into movies or you just enjoy a fulfilling television experience, surround sound is the only way to go.
You can ask your sales person to help you select the best system for you and what you watch, and there is no doubt that you will be satisfied with the coming together of the LCD picture and superior speaker sounds! A surround sound system is not a must right away, instead you can buy the LCD television now and down the road you can opt for a stereo system that will make it even more outstanding. This is the great thing about accessories, you don’t need any of them, but when you get them they sure are a lot of fun!
If you go for an LCD television with the surround sound home theatre set up you may want to consider a new remote. This is not a necessary accessory, but many people find that a remote that can work everything is much easier than having one remote for each thing. Ask your sales person to help you locate a universal remote that will work on all of your electronics and will be easy to use. Be careful though, there are some universal remotes out there that can really break the bank!
Protecting Your Investment
Many LCD televisions actually come with a 2 channel stereo built in and speakers may or may not be included, depending on the specific model that you buy. A home theatre set will include at least five channels which are usually the front left and right, the front center, and a rear left and right. This is a great investment for any consumer that wants to make the most of their LCD television. If you are into movies or you just enjoy a fulfilling television experience, surround sound is the only way to go.
You can ask your sales person to help you select the best system for you and what you watch, and there is no doubt that you will be satisfied with the coming together of the LCD picture and superior speaker sounds! A surround sound system is not a must right away, instead you can buy the LCD television now and down the road you can opt for a stereo system that will make it even more outstanding. This is the great thing about accessories, you don’t need any of them, but when you get them they sure are a lot of fun!
If you go for an LCD television with the surround sound home theatre set up you may want to consider a new remote. This is not a necessary accessory, but many people find that a remote that can work everything is much easier than having one remote for each thing. Ask your sales person to help you locate a universal remote that will work on all of your electronics and will be easy to use. Be careful though, there are some universal remotes out there that can really break the bank!
Protecting Your Investment
Because your average LCD television can be considered an investment, you might want to think about protecting that investment with surge protectors and power conditioners. These are special accessories that are a good idea to add onto your purchase any time you are spending a considerable amount of money on electronics. You may suffer from sticker shock when you see the prices on these items, but they should be considered a necessary part of buying a high quality LCD television. Dirty power supplies and unpredictable weather can damage your television before you ever get to enjoy it, so protect your investment and buy these items, you’ll be so glad that you did.
A surge protector is a power string that has a built in circuit that can deal with peaks and dips in the electrical current. A surge protector will help when there is bad weather and such that produces powerful fluctuations in power that can ruin electronics. The surge protector generally keeps the electric surge from entering your electronics, keeping them safe regardless of the surges in the rest of the home. You can spend anywhere from $10 to over $1000 on surge protectors, depending on your specific needs.
Power conditioners work in conjunction with the surge protectors. These accessories basically clean the power that is provided so that you can have the best picture quality possible. With clean power the surge protector will not have to work as hard either, and you will be better protecting your investment. Power conditioners can also be quite expensive, but in the end they are worth their weight in gold because they can extend the life of your LCD television and allow it to work better while you have it.
Shopping, Buying, and Caring for your LCD Television
A surge protector is a power string that has a built in circuit that can deal with peaks and dips in the electrical current. A surge protector will help when there is bad weather and such that produces powerful fluctuations in power that can ruin electronics. The surge protector generally keeps the electric surge from entering your electronics, keeping them safe regardless of the surges in the rest of the home. You can spend anywhere from $10 to over $1000 on surge protectors, depending on your specific needs.
Power conditioners work in conjunction with the surge protectors. These accessories basically clean the power that is provided so that you can have the best picture quality possible. With clean power the surge protector will not have to work as hard either, and you will be better protecting your investment. Power conditioners can also be quite expensive, but in the end they are worth their weight in gold because they can extend the life of your LCD television and allow it to work better while you have it.
Shopping, Buying, and Caring for your LCD Television
Before you buy your LCD television you should shop around a little bit. Talk to the sales people and ask them what they think about the televisions, and which models would be the best ones in your price range. Also, ask about concerns related to the technology and any suggestions or warnings they may have for you. Sales people have usually heard all of the worst horror stories out there, so you can learn a lot from them if you can find someone that is knowledgeable. If you shop around you will likely see a difference in pricing, don’t hesitate to ask about discounts that are offered or sales that are coming up. You are considering spending a good deal of money, so these questions are not out of line. If there is a good sale, you may want to take advantage, but remember to really look into the television before you buy. Comparison shopping is a helpful way to save on your LCD television.
You might find that the Internet is your best friend when it comes to shopping for an LCD TV. You can read reviews by consumers just like yourself, or you can read consumer reports, that are filed by experts. You can then compile all of this information to decide which televisions may be worth investing in and which ones you should just leave behind. You may find that some brands or models simply have a poor track record and this will help you weed out some of the contenders. You may even be able to price compare various LCD televisions online.
When you decide to buy you may want to buy with the electronics retailer that you feel has the best price, offers the best service, and also offers extended warranties. An extended warranty on something that you may be spending several thousand dollars on is a good idea, because you never know when something may go wrong. You will find that if you have to use this extended warranty that it was totally worth it’s purchase price, and if you never have to use it, it will provide you with peace of mind that there is always a back up plan if something goes wrong with the television. Many major electronics retailers offer extended warranty coverage.
Caring for your LCD television is something that you will want to consult your television owners manual about. Each LCD television may require something a little bit different, so really pay attention to what the owner’s manual says about cleaning and such. Some of the most benign cleaning agents out there can damage electronics, so it is important that you clean the television according to the manufacturer’s directions if you want the television to hold up well over time.
Once you get your television home and you learn how to work it and take care of it properly you will find that it was a very wise investment. All of your research and comparison shopping will pay off because you will have a television that looks and works great. Enjoy the bright, crisp, clear picture that you receive when watching your new LCD television!
You might find that the Internet is your best friend when it comes to shopping for an LCD TV. You can read reviews by consumers just like yourself, or you can read consumer reports, that are filed by experts. You can then compile all of this information to decide which televisions may be worth investing in and which ones you should just leave behind. You may find that some brands or models simply have a poor track record and this will help you weed out some of the contenders. You may even be able to price compare various LCD televisions online.
When you decide to buy you may want to buy with the electronics retailer that you feel has the best price, offers the best service, and also offers extended warranties. An extended warranty on something that you may be spending several thousand dollars on is a good idea, because you never know when something may go wrong. You will find that if you have to use this extended warranty that it was totally worth it’s purchase price, and if you never have to use it, it will provide you with peace of mind that there is always a back up plan if something goes wrong with the television. Many major electronics retailers offer extended warranty coverage.
Caring for your LCD television is something that you will want to consult your television owners manual about. Each LCD television may require something a little bit different, so really pay attention to what the owner’s manual says about cleaning and such. Some of the most benign cleaning agents out there can damage electronics, so it is important that you clean the television according to the manufacturer’s directions if you want the television to hold up well over time.
Once you get your television home and you learn how to work it and take care of it properly you will find that it was a very wise investment. All of your research and comparison shopping will pay off because you will have a television that looks and works great. Enjoy the bright, crisp, clear picture that you receive when watching your new LCD television!
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