LCD TV Checklist: Are You Prepared?

LCD flat screen TVs provide a superior picture aspicture-in-picture in your flat panel LCD TV, keep in
compared to a traditional television - and they canmind that single-tuner picture-in-picture lets you watch
come in more attractive styles to boot. A flat screenTV in one window and another source (like a DVD) in
LCD TV can be mounted on a wall, under a cabinet,the second window. A flat panel LCD TV with two
on the ceiling... or can sit on a stand or on top oftuners lets you watch two television sources at once.
furniture. LCD TVs are versatile, flexible, and provide a4. Do you need HDTV? A flat panel LCD TV with
better entertainment experience... but how do theyEDTV is cheaper, but it can't display high-definition
work?signals. The price difference between smaller flat panel
LCD flat screen TVs, and LCD technology itself, isHD-ready LCDs and ED-ready LCDs is fairly low, so
based on the properties of polarized light. LCD TVsyou're better off buying a HD-ready set. In fact, most
consist of two, perpendicularly arranged panes ofexperts say there's little reason to buy a non-HD LCD
polarized glass "stuck together" by a liquid-crystal-filledtelevision. These lower resolution LCD TVs won't be
polymer solution. When they are exposed to electricalable to accept high-definition signals, so the picture
currents, the crystals untwist to varying degrees,won't look any better than regular analog TV. And
permitting specific amounts and colors of light to passsmall HD-ready LCD TVs can be found for $500 or
though them. Flat screen LCD TVs are, in effect,less, which is cheap enough that there really isn't much
projection TVs that depend on an extremely brightto "save" on a non-HD LCD TV.
lamp as their light source, so they're considered aCheck to see if the TV comes with a stand or
"passive" display.mounting hardware. Most flat panel LCD TVs come
So how do you choose the right flat panel LCD TVwith a basic table stand, but wall-mounting hardware
for you? You should at least consider the followingcosts an additional $100 to $200.
factors when shopping for a flat panel LCD TV.5. Look into the manufacturer's warranty policy before
1. Look for a HDMI input. This port keeps the signalbuying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies
all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as theregarding authorized dealers. If you buy a Sharp LCD
signal passes through other components (like yourTelevision, for example, from an unauthorized dealer,
cable box). HMDI carries high-definition audio as well asSharp may not offer warranty coverage. (However,
video. Some satellite receivers and DVD players alsothe retailer may offer a substitute warranty that
connect through this port.sufficiently covers you.) The difference in price
2. Match the LCD TV size to the size of the roombetween an authorized Sharp dealer and a discounter
where it will be placed. Because LCD TVs have highercan sometimes be hundreds of dollars, so make sure
resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closeryou're comfortable with the risk of not having a
than you normally would, so you can view a largerwarranty, or make sure you ask the dealer for
screen comfortably. (Keep in mind a 42-inch screeninformation about their warranty terms for the flat
may overwhelm a small room, though.)panel LCD TV you're considering.
3. Decide if you want the picture-in-picture feature. The6. Finally, learn about LCD TVs. There are far more
picture in picture feature allows you to simultaneouslythings to learn about LCD TVs than the above
view two video sources at once, with one appearingmentioned points. Get educated on how to buy an
as a small window on the screen. If you do wantLCD TV.