LCD technology is relatively complex and improving all the

time but is based upon the fact that liquid crystals are,

in their natural state, twisted. The ability of the crystals

to allow light through can be altered by applying electric

current. Very simply put, a light source is shone through

a liquid containing crystals held between two polarised

screens. By applying the correct quantity of light passing

through, the desired display is produced.

*Smaller sets: These will have aspect ratios of 4:3 although

some models will have 16:9 widescreen display. In built

sound is likely to be simple stereo, and refresh rates of

50Hz.

*Medium sets: Broadly speaking you can expect to pay between

Rs 26304 and Rs.78913 for these larger, 25" to 29" screen

models but expect to find significant improvements in sound

and picture quality. Dolby Surround Sound is common, and

there are a higher number of models with a widescreen aspect

ratio.

*Large sets: At this level you can expect a feature rich set

with a 16:9 screen, Dolby Virtual Surround Sound, refresh

rates up to 100 Hz, and on some models additional decoders

for HDTV and or Digital and terrestrial TV.

Key features

Depth: Where LCDs really score over CRT models is in the

physical depth of the television set. Most are less than 3"

deep and can be hung on a wall or from a ceiling. This is a

boon for those with smaller rooms or who want a release from

the space-eating demands of a CRT.

Screen size: Smaller LCDs have been the norm - adding pixels

means more transistors and colors can appear slightly faded

in larger models. There is a large range of smaller sets

between 14" and 19". As the technology improves more models

over 30" are starting to appear. Currently models over 40"

are few and far between, mainly because of the current

difficulties of ensuring production quality with the ever

increasing number of transistors and pixels.

Frequency: There are many more choices than the 50Hz or

100Hz of CRT models. Higher refresh rates will reduce the

chances of pixels giving a ghosting effect which can occur

when changing quickly from light to dark states.

Multi-functional displays: LCD TVs are particularly suited

to act as a computer screen. Text and graphics will be made

to look exceptionally sharp by their high-resolution. LCD

TVs typically include connections for composite, S-video,

component video and one or more RGB SCART inputs.

Viewing distances: While there are a lot of variables in these

calculations, viewing distances do vary according to the screen

size. Light source: The source of the light which shines through

the liquid crystals is important in any LCD set. A damaged bulb

can mean poor colour balance and the end for your set. Look either

for sets with bulbs which can be replaced or for brands with proven

long-life and reliability. While extended warranties for electrical

goods are generally poor value a replacement bulb warranty is

definitely worth considering with these higher value items. Some

sets have a manufacturers warranty, promising a television operating

life express in hours.

Resolution information: You might think that the higher the

resolution the better the picture, but this isn't necessarily so.

VGA quality is what you will find on most standard TVs. But LCD

Vs may also have XGA (1024x768 pixels) or, with widescreen versions

W-XGA (1280x768 pixels). Do not be fooled by the acronyms or the

numbers - check by looking at the picture itself. Good indicators

of picture quality are how realistic flesh tones appear, the colour

contrast in particularly dark scenes and that high motion action

scenes do not corrupt the picture.

Power consumption: This is one area to watch with larger screen

elevisions. All consume considerably more power than smaller sets.

However LCD screens consume considerably less power than their

plasma rivals, up to 30% less in some cases.

Accessories

*Wall mountings: These are ideal to make maximum use of a flat

screen LCD TV. They will add about 2" to the depth of the set. Wall

mounts that tilt for viewing anywhere in a room are also available

as are articulating mounts which mean you can push the set flush to

the wall when you are not using it.

*Table stands: It is worth knowing that table stands need to be

suitable for the particular make of LCD TV you buy. If a stand is

not included with the set check carefully before you buy one that

it will do the job.

Article written by Vinay Choubey.