You may not realize it, but you probably use an LCD device every day. Whether you have a laptop, a microwave oven, a modern thermometer, a CD player or a digital clock, this is all LCD technology. LCD stands for “liquid crystal display”. Look at the numbers displayed on your microwave oven; See how crisp and clear they are? What about the faces and numbers on your digital watch? LCD technology outperforms traditional cathode ray tube and projection televisions in clarity, resolution and sharpness. Not only is it virtually impossible to mount a crude CRT TV on the wall, but the tubes wear out quickly and the picture quality of projection TVs is notoriously poor.
For home entertainment purposes, most people are especially interested in LCD televisions. When LCD technology was first introduced, the prices of these televisions used to be very high. But in recent years, LCD TV prices have come down as the technology becomes more mainstream and affordable. Try this simple experiment: Go to a big box electronics store and ask the sales staff to show you an LCD TV and then a traditional CRT TV (if they have one!). You’ll notice the image superiority of the LCD screen right away. Also, LCD TVs are thinner, lighter, and consume less power than cathode ray TVs. LCD TVs come in high-definition (HD)-compatible models that create an even sharper picture, in slim flat-panel models, and wide-screen models. Each type of these LCD televisions has specific advantages. For example, if you want an LCD TV in your bedroom but don’t have a lot of wall space, a flat-panel model will serve you well. But in your living room, you most likely want a TV that has high definition and a wide screen to set up your home theater components.
When you decide to buy an LCD TV, you have many models, sizes, and price options to choose from. Consumer guides and customer reviews rate “best of 2008” LCD TVs as:
– Samsung 52-inch 1080p HDTV
– Sony Bravia 52-inch 1080p HD TV
– The 50-inch 1080p Panasonic HD TV
– Sharp Aquos 42-inch 1080p HDTV
– Samsung 32-inch 720p HDTV
You can find the LCD TV that meets all your space requirements, including 19-inch, 37-inch, 46-inch, 61-inch and 65-inch TVs. You can also find great prices on LCD TVs locally or online. One thing is for sure: Cathode Ray Tube TVs are rapidly becoming obsolete compared to LCD HDTVs. Projection televisions are no longer manufactured. Also, LCD technology tends to be cheaper than plasma technology for televisions and computer monitors. The best buying strategy is to specify what type of equipment you need, what size TV you need, and what type of TV system you can afford.
You can find the latest version of this article and read any updates here: LCD TVs are a great alternative to CRTs.
