Puzzled as to how to choose an LCD TV? There are a lot of models to choose from and many things to consider.
Contrast ratio, HDMI ports, and refresh rate are as important in choosing a LCD television as how the TV looks in the store.
Here is some advice about the basics of LCD sets.
The two main resolution levels for LCD televisions are 720p and 1080p.
A 1080p set broadcasts in "full HD", allowing the best picture available.
A 720p set broadcasts at a resolution less than full HD but better than standard definition.
While not as expensive as 1080p televisions, 720p sets can still have a good picture if they have reasonable specs.
Look for a contrast ratio of at least 4,000:1.
Contrast ratio is the description of how well a TV displays colors in dark settings.
While the exact accuracy of contrast ratio numbers is debatable, higher numbers are preferred.
A higher contrast ratio will help avoid blacks and shadows from looking gray or muddy.
When considering refresh rates, don't go lower than 60 Hz (hertz).
A fast refresh rate determines how many times the picture frame appears on the screen per second.
Blurring can occur if the refresh rate of the set is too low, so if you are viewing fast-motion video like video games, make sure that the refresh rate is at least 120 Hz.
Get an LED-LCD television if you can afford it.
LED backlighting is a specific type of screen lighting that allows for blacker blacks, richer colors, and better contrast.
LED lighting is the newest thing in LCD televisions and provides a better picture than standard LCD sets.
They are more expensive than the non-LED TVs, though.
Determine how many HDMI ports you will need.
HDMI cables provide both high-definition video and audio in one cable, allowing you to reduce the number of cables coming into your set.
If watching TV shows is your sole purpose in getting your set, two HDMI ports should be fine.
If you are planning on adding any auxiliary devices like a game console or Blu-ray player, make sure to get a set with at least three HDMI ports.
Perhaps the most important consideration, price is a strong point for LCD sets.
TVs over 40 inches with good specs can be found for under $1,000, and it is possible to find a decent 42-inch, full HD TV for about $500.
As mentioned earlier, LED-LCD sets will be more expensive.
Expect to pay a few hundred more for an LED-lit set than a standard one.
Sometimes looking at an LCD TV in a store will give you a false impression as to how it really looks.
Lighting and placement should be considered, as they may not match what conditions are like in your home.
In order to get a really good set, pay attention to the specs and be informed as to what they mean.
It will go a long way in determining how well you like your TV.
Contrast ratio, HDMI ports, and refresh rate are as important in choosing a LCD television as how the TV looks in the store.
Here is some advice about the basics of LCD sets.
The two main resolution levels for LCD televisions are 720p and 1080p.
A 1080p set broadcasts in "full HD", allowing the best picture available.
A 720p set broadcasts at a resolution less than full HD but better than standard definition.
While not as expensive as 1080p televisions, 720p sets can still have a good picture if they have reasonable specs.
Look for a contrast ratio of at least 4,000:1.
Contrast ratio is the description of how well a TV displays colors in dark settings.
While the exact accuracy of contrast ratio numbers is debatable, higher numbers are preferred.
A higher contrast ratio will help avoid blacks and shadows from looking gray or muddy.
When considering refresh rates, don't go lower than 60 Hz (hertz).
A fast refresh rate determines how many times the picture frame appears on the screen per second.
Blurring can occur if the refresh rate of the set is too low, so if you are viewing fast-motion video like video games, make sure that the refresh rate is at least 120 Hz.
Get an LED-LCD television if you can afford it.
LED backlighting is a specific type of screen lighting that allows for blacker blacks, richer colors, and better contrast.
LED lighting is the newest thing in LCD televisions and provides a better picture than standard LCD sets.
They are more expensive than the non-LED TVs, though.
Determine how many HDMI ports you will need.
HDMI cables provide both high-definition video and audio in one cable, allowing you to reduce the number of cables coming into your set.
If watching TV shows is your sole purpose in getting your set, two HDMI ports should be fine.
If you are planning on adding any auxiliary devices like a game console or Blu-ray player, make sure to get a set with at least three HDMI ports.
Perhaps the most important consideration, price is a strong point for LCD sets.
TVs over 40 inches with good specs can be found for under $1,000, and it is possible to find a decent 42-inch, full HD TV for about $500.
As mentioned earlier, LED-LCD sets will be more expensive.
Expect to pay a few hundred more for an LED-lit set than a standard one.
Sometimes looking at an LCD TV in a store will give you a false impression as to how it really looks.
Lighting and placement should be considered, as they may not match what conditions are like in your home.
In order to get a really good set, pay attention to the specs and be informed as to what they mean.
It will go a long way in determining how well you like your TV.
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