LCD TVs vs Other Technologies
LCD TVs are all the rage. Everyone wants one (or two) which isn’t surprising. The clarity and color are far superior to anything available in the past.
LCD is actually an abbreviation for “liquid crystal display”. We have had these displays all around us, typically in small devices such as wristwatches and digital clocks, for many years.
Only recently has the technology advanced to the point that a 108 inch television could be constructed and still be affordable, for some people. Smaller sizes are suitable for most of us.
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 Grundig GU19WDVD3 19in HD Ready Digital LCD TV with DVD  £109.99
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 15.4" Portable Freeview LCD TV + DVD Player Combi/Combo £199.00
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 BUSH 22" HD DIGITAL FREEVIEW DVD USB S322D LCD TV £134.99
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 JVC LT-37D75SJ LCD TV MODEL PED STAND £19.99
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 15" LCD TV & DVD DIGITAL FREEVIEW HD READY BRAND NEW £99.99
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 15" LCD Widescreen Television with Freeview £100.00
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 SANYO CE32WSD7-B LCD TELEVISION £70.00
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 19" LCD TV DIGITAL FREEVIEW DVD iPOD DOCK NEW WARRANTY £129.99
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 TOSHIBA 32" LCD TV 32AV635DB £239.99
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 Samsung 22 inch LE22B470 DVD & LCD TV HDMI £199.99
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Plasma is a competing technology and there is a great deal of debate about which one is better. Some people think that plasma is still superior in contrast and for “off-axis” viewing…in other words, if you are not sitting directly in front of the screen.
But, if liquid crystal display has not yet caught up in the contrast department, it has caught up in the size and cost considerations that were prevalent over the last few years. Assuming that the two televisions are from a good manufacturer, the lifespan and resolution (the clarity of the picture) are equivalent.
From an environmental standpoint, LCD TVs use less energy, about half the electricity used by a comparably sized plasma monitor. Since we’re all trying to do our share to conserve, saving that much electricity is a big consideration, especially in homes with more than one TV.
You might say that LEDs are new members of the liquid crystal display family. The prices are still higher, primarily because more of the standard LCDs are being produced.
LED makes the technology closer to plasma in terms of contrast, color accuracy and off-axis viewing angles. But, the advantages are not without a price.
Because of the difference in backlighting that allows for better contrast and color accuracy, an LED TV will use nearly as much power as a plasma TV. So, LCD TVs are still the winners from an environmental standpoint.
Where should you buy? Where do you get the best prices? While some stores offer an extended warranty (for an extended price), the manufacturer’s warranty is the same, no matter where you buy. Financial experts will always tell you that extended warranties are not a worthwhile investment.
There is no doubt that the best prices are on eBay. As long as the manufacturer’s warranty is included, that’s the best place to buy LCD TVs and other electronics, too.