Buyer's guide - LCD Televisions

Big-time entertainment that won't break the bank

As with the introduction of colour television, the onset of LCD technology has been a milestone in the history of the television. This major advance has brought with it exceptional image quality with no flickering or blurring. Even if you only watch TV now and then, that doesn't mean you should compromise on quality when you're looking to upgrade. If you don't want to spend too much, take a look at TVs with smaller screen sizes (up to 19 inches), which will save on space and fit easily into your home. With models in glossy black, silver, white and more, you're spoilt for choise when it comes to design, but you should also think about the most appropriate picture format. For example, film fans should look for an LCD TV with a 16:9 format for cinema-style viewing. For those who prefer watching the news or playing [#url typecms=c;id=16#]video games[#fin_url#], a 4:3 image format is preferable for increased response times and smaller set sizes, even if 4:3-format screens are becoming harder to find. However, most LCD TVs now allow you to switch between image formats with just the touch of a button!

A TV for film buffs

LCD technology has seen screen sizes soar. You can now find TV sets that are over 46 inches in size. Even the largest [#url typecms=s;id=59#]LCD TVs[#fin_url#] don't compromise on picture quality and definition, making them an ideal choice for die-hard fans of the silver screen. What's more, you can now enjoy a full range of digital channels (via Freeview, satellite or the internet) with cinema-quality sound and images. Your LCD television can be as discreet or as eye-catching as you like, and some models equipped with a USB port or memory card slot can even be used as giant [#url typecms=M;id=1896 #]digital photo frames[#fin_url#]. When it comes to comparing figures, don't be fooled by impressive-looking high numbers, particularly when it comes to brightness and contrast. In fact, to stop your eyes getting too tired, it's better to adjust these settings in relation to the time of day and surrounding lighting conditions. Plus, you'll find that most models come with pre-programmed settings to ensure all your entertainment is easy on the eyes. If you like watching films with friends and family, then you'll need to consider the viewing angle. An angle of around 160° ensures all viewers can enjoy the same image quality, no matter where they're sitting!

The High-Definition experience

HD: you'll see these two little letters a lot and they're not to be ignored! They're not just jargon for demanding viewers and technology geeks, "HD" is your guarantee of exceptional image quality and breathtakingly life-like viewing! A high-definition LCD television is your passport to the world of high-quality viewing! Wherever you see the "HD Ready" and "Full HD" seals of approval, you're guaranteed detailed, accurate digital images that are bursting with colour. What's the difference between HD Ready and Full HD? An "HD Ready" LCD TV displays images in a minimum resolution of 1,280 pixels x 720 lines, or 1 million pixels. "Full HD" offers an even higher resolution of 1,980 x 1,080 on average, or 2 million pixels. The "Full HD" picture is therefore clearer and more detailed as it's made up of more pixels. There's more to choosing between these two standards than a simple number of pixels though - otherwise "HD Ready" would already have disappeared from the market. Your decision should also be based on your existing audiovisual equipment (DVD players, games consoles, [#url typecms=m;id=14#]hifi systems[#fin_url#], etc.), which are the source of images and sound on your TV. If your devices are compatible with high definition, then you should go for a Full HD [#url typecms=m;id=8#]LCD television[#fin_url#], as it will bring out the best in all your external AV equipment. What if your devices aren't ready for 100% HD? That's fine, but don't forget just how important resolution is - in fact, it's likely to be a major area of development over the coming years. In the meantime though, to get the best out of what are now know as "standard" images (including DVD, Freeview and satellite TV), you should look for an "HD Ready" LCD TV.

Boost your audiovisual entertainment possibilities

Superior-quality sources

It's all very well having a top-of-the-range LCD screen, but it's even better if you use it to play and watch high-quality content! A [#url typecms=m;id=9#]DVD player/recorder[#fin_url#] is ideal for playing, recording and sharing all your films. Make sure you choose a model with an HDMI port to ensure you get top-of-the-range sound and images. For prime-quality HD quality viewing, a Blu-Ray player is a serious must-have. When it comes to delivering the best possible audio and visual quality, these devices offer the best results on the market. If you're looking to save some space, you can always create your own high-definition video library on a [#url typecms=s;id=10222#]multimedia hard drive[#fin_url#]. These compact devices offer huge storage capacities, and are small enough to take wherever you and your films want to go. You can enjoy loads of great TV shows in fantastic HD quality, too. And because the number of digital channels keeps growing, there's something to interest everyone. A new revolution is coming with the launch of [#url typecms=m;id=269,type=pm#]Freeview and satellite[#fin_url#] HD channels! From 2009, you'll be able to watch a selection of new high-definition TV channels with crystal-clear HD sound and images. Try it once and you won't go back! If you can't wait for the terrestrial roll-out, you can also subscribe to a package of HD channels via satellite or cable TV. Some internet access providers even offer programmes via "HD streaming". You can bring a whole new dimension to your LCD TV with a home cinema system and enjoy the full-on sensations of cinema sound in your living room! It's an experience to rival the big screen. The practical and stylish [#url typecms=m;id=10#]home cinema system[#fin_url#] is usually composed of a DVD player and a set of powerful, sometimes wireless speakers that deliver breathtaking sound! Most home cinema systems have an HDMI connection so they can be hooked up to a high-definition TV to enhance your viewing and take full advantage the advanced image settings. If you already have a hifi or a DVD player, you can always add an amplifier, speakers, and a subwoofer to create your own home cinema set-up. You'll be able to blast out all your favourite action scenes and more... just make sure you invite the neighbours over first to stop them complaining! [#url typecms=m;id=9#]See the full range of DVD players/recorders[#fin_url#]

Connections

Another key development in small-screen technology has seen LCD TVs transformed into veritable multimedia hubs, with audio and video connections which are often geared-up for high-definition peripherals. This means that in addition to the traditional SCART, S-Video, RCA and headphones sockets, you'll now find HDMI and YUV (or component) ports for connecting HD devices to your TV. Whether it's a Blu-Ray player, a home cinema system, or a games console, there's a whole world of HD out there! You can even hook up your [#url typecms=m;id=5#]HD camcorder[#fin_url#] directly to your TV and watch your latest holiday video in quality that will take you straight down memory lane! Some models of TV have a memory card slot so you can enjoy viewing all your photos on the big screen. Plus, if the TV has a USB port, you can even print photos directly via a PictBridge-compatible printer with no need for a computer. LCD TVs with DVI ports can even be used as a second [#url typecms=m;id=1899#]LCD monitor[#fin_url#] for work and entertainment via your PC. With so many connections on offer, the possibilities are endless! [#url typecms=m;id=12#]See the full range of TV accessories[#fin_url#]

Stands and mounts

Once you've selected your brand new LCD TV, you should also think about how you're going to support and position it in your home! Most new models come with their own stand, but to optimise your viewing experience, why not consider investing in a TV unit or wall-mount? As well as showing off your new purchase nicely, [#url typecms=s;id=11071#]wall mounts[#fin_url#] help save space in your living room. This means that those living in smaller spaces can still treat themselves to the largest LCD screens. Some wall mounts can even be angled to maximise visual comfort! To take care of your treasured new possession, you should make sure you use a special cleaning kit rather than a glass-cleaning product, or worse, a soap-based product that will damage the screen's protective coating. A special cleaning kit will help protect your screen and get rid of static to keep dust at bay. [#url typecms=m;id=1974#]See the full range of TV furniture and stands[#fin_url#]

Choosing a screen size

For many people, this is the most important point to consider when it comes to choosing a [#url typecms=M;id=3;type=pm#]TV[#fin_url#]. You may be tempted by the giant screens currently available on the market, but before you run out and buy the 52-inch TV of your dreams, you'll need to do a quick calculation.... Gone are the days of placing your old cathode ray tube TV 3 metres from the sofa to enjoy a smooth-looking picture. With high definition screens, you can get as close as you like to the TV with no loss in quality or eye strain. However, to optimise your LCD TV's 16:9 (widescreen) format, it's recommended to maintain a certain minimum viewing distance between you and the HD screen. This distance depends on screen size and the type of HD standard you choose. The minimum viewing distance is calculated as 4 times the screen size for an HD Ready TV, and 3 times the screen size for a Full HD TV. This means that for a 42-inch HD Ready TV, you should sit 2.5 m away from the screen, and for a Full HD LCD TV of the same size, you should sit 1.6 m away.

High definition explained

High definition, HD, HD Ready, Full HD… it's a jungle out there when it comes to TV jargon. Read on for everything you need to know about the high definition revolution! There are two different types of high definition - HD Ready and Full HD - each with their own specific logo and each offering a different image resolution. An HD Ready TV has a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels, displaying a minimum of 1 million pixels in total, whereas Full HD has a resolution of 1,980 x 1,080 pixels, displaying double the number of pixels. As we saw above, this difference is not an essential factor on which to base your choice. Your decision should instead be based on whether you current peripheral devices are HD compatible. An HD Ready LCD TV will stretch standard format pictures to fit its own resolution. This means taking an image containing 720 x 576 pixels and making it fit a screen with 1,280 x 720 pixels, resulting in a loss in quality. A Full HD TV has to stretch the standard image even further from 720 x 576 pixels to its 1,980 x 1,080 pixel-resolution which, logically, results in an even greater loss in quality. So, contrary to what you may think at first glance, Full HD only offers exceptional performances when used with HD sources, such as ([#url typecms=s;id=70#]home cinema systems[#fin_url#], games consoles, HD Freeview tuners, [#url typecms=s;id=10715#]Blu-Ray players[#fin_url#], etc. This means that if you're thinking of upgrading to high definition, an HD Ready LCD TV may be the best choice at the moment since it will perform better when displaying "standard" images (for non-HD DVDs, Freeview TV, satellite channels etc.).

LCD screen response times

Nowadays, most LCD TVs integrate an "active matrix", also known as a Thin-Film Transistor, or TFT, which allows screens to display millions or even billions of colours! This makes for reduced response times, smoother image transition and reduced afterglow and ghosting. There is however, a small risk that pixels may stick and "burn in" as a result of static images (such as a channel logo, or continuous news bar). To prevent this from happening, certain LCD TVs are equipped with anti-burn-in technology to limit the number of defective pixels.

Optimising your viewing

So, once you've selected the size and definition of your LCD TV, you can start comparing the various settings available to optimise your viewing. For pictures that are bursting with life, it's better to choose a TV with moderate contrast and brightness so you don't end up dazzling yourself. Manufacturers tend to try to impress by quoting the dynamic contrast ratio to make the actual figures look as big as possible. You should instead look at the static contrast, which is a sign of how well a TV can distinguish between dark grey and black. Average ratios generally fall between 1:1000 and 1:6000, and vary in relation the screen size. LCD TVs often feature modes and settings for improving picture quality in specific types of programme. There's usually a button on your [#url typecms=m,;d=1975, type=pm#]remote control[#fin_url#] that you can press to instantly adapt to the right settings, although you can always adjust the image yourself.