| If you are looking for a new television, LCD TVs are a | | | | change the image it reflects. Although measurements |
| great place to start. The most popular brands are | | | | for response time are not regulated and can be |
| Sharp, Samsung, LG, JVC, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, | | | | inaccurate, Sharp's Aquos line of LCD TVs are |
| and Philips, but there are several other quality brands | | | | accurately measured at 6 milliseconds. Some of the |
| available. They come in many different sizes, from | | | | markers of poor response time are ghosting, streaking, |
| small, 15-inch versions to giant televisions of over 100 | | | | smearing, or blurring. If a beautiful picture can be blurred |
| inches. No matter what space you are looking to fill, | | | | by a poor response time, it should definitely be taken |
| there is an LCD TV out there that will fit your location | | | | into account in your search. |
| and budget needs. | | | | What to look for: Refresh rate is displayed on boxes |
| There are several reasons that LCD TVs are the | | | | as 50Hz, 100Hz, 200 Hz, 400Hz, or even 600Hz on the |
| technology of the future. The research behind these | | | | newest models. 200Hz marks a substantial increase |
| TVs is extensive, and manufacturers are constantly | | | | from 50Hz, but the highest response rates are |
| improving upon the original technology. LCD stands for | | | | recommended mostly for sports or other similar fast |
| liquid crystal display, but the name can be misleading, | | | | action programming. |
| as there is actually no liquid inside the screen. Instead, | | | | In addition, an LCD television has a resolution of either |
| the television uses twisted crystals to create its picture. | | | | 720p (HD ready) or 1080p (Full HD). Especially for |
| "Liquid" is the term used to describe the qualities of the | | | | computer input, LCD TVs have an advantage as they |
| crystals, hence the abbreviation LCD TV. | | | | clearly display images that may appear jagged on |
| There are a few things you should consider when | | | | Plasma systems. The High Definition experience takes |
| comparing LCD TVs. Contrast or Black Level is a | | | | television to a whole new level! |
| measure of the blackest black compared to the | | | | Though Plasma TVs are a good alternative, LCD TVs |
| whitest white. A good LCD TV's contrast level will be | | | | offer a wider range of sizes and prices, which makes |
| at least 3,000:1, but the contrast will range widely, so be | | | | them very accessible. In addition to being a mere three |
| sure to ask or check the box before you buy! The | | | | inches thick, they have an average life span of 60,000 |
| individual ratios of different TVs are a common point | | | | viewing hours, so they make a great long-term |
| of comparison for shoppers looking to get the best | | | | investment. |
| picture for their money. The Philips 56" 1080p quotes a | | | | Whether you enjoy watching sports in High Definition |
| contrast ratio of 80,000:1, but anything 10,000:1 or higher | | | | at blistering speeds, or taking in a good movie with the |
| can be considered excellent. | | | | family, purchasing an LCD TV will enhance your |
| Another quality to research is response time. | | | | viewing experience and bring friends and family |
| Response time measures how quickly a crystal can | | | | together for countless hours of fun! |