Switching over from a convectional TV to a LCD TV indeed reveals the desire to enjoy programmes on a wider screen with mind blowing sound quality and amazing picture quality.

There are various models available in various sizes ranging from 15 inches up to 70 inches completely designed with features such as speakers and TV-tuners. LCD TVs are sold at various competitive prices depending upon the screen sizes.

Factors to be considered while buying a LCD TV:

Screen Size

Screen size normally refers to the diagonal measurement of the screen. Screen size range between 15 inches to 40 inches.

Picture and sound quality

Wide screen TV gives better viewing experience with different aspect ratio depending upon the type of programme. Different aspect ratios can be set such as 16:9 for films, 4:3 for traditional, standard mode for common TV programmes and the zoom option. Picture can be viewed clearly from a wider angle without any picture alteration.

Viewing Angle

Viewing angle is the angle from where viewing is possible. Zero degree is the angel that is directly at the middle of the screen. 170 degrees means you can watch programmes from the most sideway. This is one of the most important factors to be considered while buying a LCD TV.

Contrast Ratio

This is the ratio of the brightest colour to the darkest colour. The average ratio is 500:1.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the ratio of the longer dimension and the shorter dimension of a two-dimensional shape. LCD TVs come with different aspect ratios depending upon the type of programme. Depending on the features and the manufacturer the prices varies. Price also depends on the aspect ratio of the LCD TV.

Resolution

Resolution of the picture refers to the number of pixels that are displayed in both the dimensions. It is represented in pixels. The more the number of pixels, greater will be the clarity.

Frequency Rate

Frequency rate or Refresh rate refers to the number of times that a TV picture is updated per second. Some TVs come with a rate of 50Hz a second at which some people can notice flickering. Recent model TVs are often 100Hz, giving a steadier picture.

Connections

Right connection can be taken depending upon the type of input you need. Connections to a DVD player, game console, camcorder may be taken. LCD TVs come with scart sockets to connect to various devices. Scart is a connection or cabling to carry audio and video signals that are located at the back of the TVs and videos.

High Definition TV (HDTV)

HDTV is made up of 1080 vertical lines which make the picture clearer. TVs with HDTV-Ready or HDTV-compatible displays HD signals with the help of a receiver or a tuner.

Free View

This is a feature whereby you will be able to watch free satellite channels that are available without having a separate digital decoder.

Dolby Surround Sound

Greatly improved sound quality can be achieved when the Pro Logic decodes the new Dolby Digital signal from the DVD and digital TV broadcast.

Home Cinema

Home Cinema features five speakers that give a cinema effect. Extra speakers have to be bought apart from the TV. Usually all LCD TVs support this feature.

Rear Projection TVs

A projector transmits the picture by bouncing if off a series of tiny mirrors to create the image. They are not suitable for hanging on the wall as they are quite slim-line and light.

Component video

This provides a better quality connection to give the best picture quality.

HDMI and DVI

If you choose to take a HD-Ready TV, it comes with either the HDMI or the DVI connection to receive digital signals from HD receiving equipment. You can watch High Definition broadcasts by connecting it to a HDMI or DVI cable. Sound and picture quality can be improved by using better cables.

LCD TV Vs Plasma TV

LCD TV has lower contrast ratio as they are not quiet efficient in reproducing the dark greys and the black colour. Also the response time is slower compared to the plasma TV. This causes blurring of fast moving action films. But the latest models are available that can refresh the display 120 times per second. This is achieved by interpolating the frames by creating new frames with pixels illuminated between the preceding and succeeding real frames.

LCD TVs are designed to have one to several inches thicker than plasma TV and have narrower viewing angle. LCD TVs can run cooler than plasma TVs and hence do not necessarily need fan cooling.

General

If you are planning to mount a TV on a wall or place it in a brightly lit room, then a LCD TV is an ideal option. You can also use the LCD TV as a computer monitor. LCD TVs are designed to be flatter, streamlined and lighter than conventional TVs. Careful scrutiny is necessary while buying a LCD TV to see that the TV you need contains all necessary features, thereby avoiding all the unnecessary features.