LCD TV – the Basics

While plasma TVs generally have screens 42 inches or larger, many LCD sets top out at 32 inches. That’s changing, though – there are now more 37- to 46-inch LCD screens, and larger ones are coming, making LCD TVs increasingly competitive with plasma TVs.
An LCD TV is a flat panel television that utilizes the same basic Liquid Crystal Display technology that has been in used for some time in cell phones, camcorder viewfinders, and computer monitors.
LCD panels are made of two layers of a glass-like material, which are polarized, and are glued together. One of the layers is coated with a special polymer that holds the individual liquid crystals. Electric current is then passed through individual crystals, which allow the crystals to pass or block light to create images. LCD crystals don’t produce their own light, so an external light source like a florescent bulb is needed for the image created by the LCD to be visible to the viewer. Unlike standard CRT and Plasma televisions, there are no phosphors that light up, so LCD panels are thin and require less power to operate.
Because of the nature of LCD technology, there is no radiation emitted from the screen itself, unlike with picture-tube televisions. Also, since they don’t need a picture tube, LCD televisions can be made very thin, allowing them to be mounted on a wall or placed on small stand on top of a table, desk, dresser, or cabinet.

The best LCD TVS – mostly the high definition (HD) models – have the very good picture quality most consumers want in a large TV. Viewing angles are improved, and many new models display a better image from off-center than older models did.
Prices continue to decrease. The largest LCD screens have been very expensive in the past, costing more than comparably-sized plasma sets, but prices are forecast to drop by 25 to 30 percent in the near future. Some HD LCD sets with 30- to 34-inch screens are currently selling for around $2,000, which is significantly cheaper than in the past.
Not sure if you want a plasma TV or an LCD TV? Here are the pros and cons of each:

LCD Flat-Panel: An LCD TV is the best choice if you want a smaller flat-screen set. Screen sizes range from 15 to 50-plus inches. Generally speaking, a 26-inch HD ready set will cost approximately $1,600 at Circuit City; a 32-inch TV will cost $2,500. Prices may drop soon, though.

Pros: LCD TVs are thin, sleek, and can be wall-mounted. The best sets are capable of displaying good HD images. They maintain good contrast in bright lighting and pose no risk of screen burn-in.

Cons: Price goes up sharply as screen size gets larger. Most sets can’t render deep black, and some can’t display subtle shades of gray and black. Fast motion can sometimes blur. The picture may appear dim or washed out if your viewing position is at an angle, especially on less expensive models.

Plasma Flat-Panel: A plasma TV is the best choice if you want a very big, very thin set. Screen sizes range from 32 to 60-plus inches. A 42-inch HD ready set at Best Buy will cost approximately $3,500.

Pros: Plasma TVs are thin, sleek, and can be wall-mounted. The best display excellent HD images. The picture doesn’t appear dimmer if it’s viewed from off-center. Bigger sizes are cheaper than comparably-sized LCD sets.

Cons: The shiny surface can produce annoying reflections in brightly lit rooms. They use a lot of power and generate a lot of heat. Stationary images displayed for long periods of time can leave a ghost image. Some models are simply monitors, not including a tuner or speakers.

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