by: Tim Jeffries
LCD flat screen TVs provide a superior picture as compared to a traditional television - and they can come in more attractive styles to boot.
A flat screen LCD TV can be mounted on a wall, under a cabinet, on the ceiling? or can sit on a stand or on top of furniture.
LCD TVs are versatile, flexible, and provide a better entertainment experience? but how do they work?
LCD flat screen TVs, and LCD technology itself, is based on the properties of polarized light.
LCD TVs consist of two, perpendicularly arranged panes of polarized glass "stuck together" by a liquid-crystal-filled polymer solution. When they are exposed to electrical currents, the crystals untwist to varying degrees, permitting specific amounts and colors of light to pass though them.
Flat screen LCD TVs are, in effect, projection TVs that depend on an extremely bright lamp as their light source, so they're considered a "passive" display.
So how do you choose the right flat panel LCD TV for you?
You should at least consider the following factors when shopping for a flat panel LCD TV.
1. Look for a HDMI input.
This port keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (like your cable box).
HMDI carries high-definition audio as well as video.
Some satellite receivers and DVD players also connect through this port.
2. Match the LCD TV size to the size of the room where it will be placed.
Because LCD TVs have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would, so you can view a larger screen comfortably.
(Keep in mind a 42-inch screen may overwhelm a small room, though.)
3. Decide if you want the picture-in-picture feature.
The picture in picture feature allows you to simultaneously view two video sources at once, with one appearing as a small window on the screen.
If you do want picture-in-picture in your flat panel LCD TV, keep in mind that single-tuner picture-in-picture lets you watch TV in one window and another source (like a DVD) in the second window.
A flat panel LCD TV with two tuners lets you watch two television sources at once.
4. Do you need HDTV?
A flat panel LCD TV with EDTV is cheaper, but it can't display high-definition signals.
The price difference between smaller flat panel HD-ready LCDs and ED-ready LCDs is fairly low, so you're better off buying a HD-ready set.
In fact, most experts say there's little reason to buy a non-HD LCD television. These lower resolution LCD TVs won't be able to accept high-definition signals, so the picture won't look any better than regular analog TV.
And small HD-ready LCD TVs can be found for $500 or less, which is cheap enough that there really isn't much to "save" on a non-HD LCD TV.
5. Check to see if the TV comes with a stand or mounting hardware.
Most flat panel LCD TVs come with a basic table stand, but wall-mounting hardware costs an additional $100 to $200.
6. Look into the manufacturer's warranty policy before buying online.
Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. If you buy a Sharp LCD Television, for example, from an unauthorized dealer, Sharp may not offer warranty coverage. (However, the retailer may offer a substitute warranty that sufficiently covers you.) The difference in price between an authorized Sharp dealer and a discounter can sometimes be hundreds of dollars, so make sure you're comfortable with the risk of not having a warranty, or make sure you ask the dealer for information about their warranty terms for the flat panel LCD TV you're considering.
7. Finally, learn about LCD TVs. There are far more things to learn about LCD TVs than the above mentioned points. Get educated on how to buy an LCD TV.
About The Author
Tim Jeffries is author of ?The LCD TV Shopping Guide.? Get your copy at http://www.llcdtv.com.
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Visualizing Your Home Theater
Visualizing Your Home Theater
by: Parvati Markus
What do the words home theater mean to you? A big screen TV in your living room with surround sound speakers hidden behind the couch, or a custom designed room with every possible high-end audio/video equipment and dedicated theater seating? The choice comes down to your level of use . . . and your pocketbook.
Start with the room you plan to use as your home theater. If it?s your multi-purpose living room, think about mounting a flat-panel LCD HDTV on the wall and finding one of the many artistic solutions for hiding the screen when it?s not in use. Make sure the furniture that houses your audio/video components has a cable management system to hide power cords and sufficient ventilation. Rear wheels on the cabinet make accessing your connections much easier!
There is a large range of possible entertainment centers: a plasma console or wall system, an entertainment center with bookcase or...
Visualizing Your Home Theater
Hdtv > Visualizing Your Home Theater
Why Is Digital TV Better Than Analog TV?
Why Is Digital TV Better Than Analog TV?
by: Mitchell Medford
To believe this one should watch both of them and feel the difference on their own. The quality of picture and sound are of high quality which gives you ultimate excitement and satisfaction while watching your favorite programs. Digital TV compresses images which help to broadcast multiple channels at a same band width. Whereas Analog which is generally called as SDTV uses magnetic waves to transmit and display pictures and sound which has been traditionally used. The special features available in Digital TV is surround sound, crystal clear pictures, sharper pictures which is all requires for the latest evolution of television the High Definition Television.
Compared to the analog the SDTV is significant as it provides more channels from the same station. If you observe the analog broad casting you will find that it is a hassle the capacity to accommodate only a few stations. Where...
Why Is Digital TV Better Than Analog TV?
Hdtv > Why Is Digital TV Better Than Analog TV?
Will A New Law Make Your TV Obsolete?
Will A New Law Make Your TV Obsolete?
by: Max Stein
The United States government is requiring TV stations to cease broadcasting analog channels.
April 7th, 2009 is the current date the FCC is requiring U.S. stations to broadcast using digital signals instead of existing analog signals.
With a conversion date slightly over three years from now and little publicity on the topic, what is an American consumer to do?
First, let?s take a look at what is driving these changes and then we?ll look at what options American consumers have regarding their home television sets.
Why convert to digital TV?
There are three main factors driving the industry change from analog signals to digital.
Standardized digital conversion will create a common and effective way for TV broadcasters to encrypt their content and protect against piracy.
Digital content not only provides better content for viewers, but perfect reproduction...
Hdtv > Will A New Law Make Your TV Obsolete?