LCD Televisions Buying Guide

There are two kinds of flat-screen television: LCD and plasma. Although superficially they seem similar, they work very differently and have different advantages and disadvantages. If you think a slim, flat-screened, HD screen is in your near future, read on for some important buying advice about LCD televisions.

Advantages of LCD TVs Higher native resolution than plasma TVs. This means better support for HDTV. No risk of burn-in. Although plasma TV manufacturers have reduced the likelihood of burn-in, it can still happen. The technology of LCD TVs make burn-in impossible. Small flat screens. If you want a smaller screen to use in the kitchen, an LCD TV is your best bet. Plasma TVs are 32" and up. Double as computer monitor. Small LCD TVs can also hook up to your computer for saving space and money. Speakers included. Unlike many plasma TVs, lots of LCD TVs come with incorporated speakers for easy plug-n-play setup.

Disadvantages of LCD TVs Price, price, price. LCDs are more expensive than plasmas and rear projection televisions for the screens of the same size. Prices have already come down somewhat and are still falling, but at present you get more screen for the money with a plasma or rear projection. Dark colors aren't as dark. While some of the highest quality LCD screens display black well, many have a hard time getting as dark as they should. For movie watching, plasma may be a better bet. Viewing angle issues. When watching an LCD television, people seated far to the left or right might not see the image properly. These problems are corrected in the newest LCD screens, which have a wider viewing angle, but it is not yet equal to plasmas.

Other Considerations Most people assume that LCD means high definition and widescreen, but that isn't always the case. There are a number of smaller LCD TVs available in 4:3 aspect ratio ("normal" television) and in standard definition. Today's LCD models go for anywhere from £300 for a 13" 4:3 standard definition model to a few thousand quid for large, HD-ready ones. There are now LCD televisions ranging up to 65" and soon an 82" will hit the market. These models are best in small sizes for the kitchen, bedroom or small TV room. If you want a really big screen, you should look into a plasma TV.  Both can be wall-mounted.

How To Buy

• Resolution
• For larger TVs, go for an HD (High Definition) model; make sure that you can get HDTV signals, as they typically perform better when compatible. You may need to purchase an additional HD tuner. 
• Smaller models are especially great as secondary televisions in the kitchen or bedroom.

• Size
• Only go as large as your space can handle. The table below should help you decide.
• For larger sizes, you may be better off with a plasma television, as they are cheaper for larger sizes.
• If a television is widescreen format (16:9), you can sit closer than with a standard aspect television of the same diagonal length. Most LCD televisions above 26" or so are widescreen.

Television Size	Distance from Television
15-21" (4:3) or 17-26" (16:9)	6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m)
28-36" (16:9)	8-10 feet (2.4-3.0 m)
36-42 (16:9)	10-12 feet (3.0-3.7 m)
42-50 (16:9)	12-14 feet (3.7-4.3 m)
50" and up (16:9)	14 feet (4.3 m) and up.

• Placement
• Consider where you are going to put the TV. For living rooms you will probably want a table stand or wall mount, and for the bedroom you may prefer a tilting wall mount or a ceiling mount.
• Keep in mind that viewing angles may be a factor. Although the newest and highest quality LCD TVs have greatly reduced this problem, no LCD screen is viewable through 180 degrees (though some come close).

What to Expect for Your Pound

Less than £500  In this price range, you'll find mainly small 4:3 TVs. The largest you'll find will be around 23", good as a second TV in the bedroom or kitchen. Humax LGB-22DYT  is a 22 inch LCD TV with great sound, very cheap. Sharp Aquos LC32AD5E  is a perfect mid sized 32 inch, if you're not interested in resolution above 720p / 1080i.	£500-£1000  In this range you'll start to see nicer, wide-screen HDTVs. The largest screens in this range are 32". LG 32LG6000  is a great 32 inch LCD TV at a reasonable price for 1080p. Panasonic Viera TX-32LXD85  will get you a snazzy, full featured LCD TV.	£1000-£1500  This category has some great choices for medium to large widescreen HDTVs. Look for TVs up to 42".  Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85  is great 46 inch, maxed out with 1080p.	Over £1500  At the low end of this range you'll find good-quality 42" models; from there they only get bigger and better. Toshiba Regza 52Z3030D  will get you 52 inches of pure viewing pleasure. Samsung PS-63P76FD : when size is king, you need 63 inches.  No movie, football match, or soap opera will look better than with this amazing Samsung.

Related Products

Home Theatre Systems	DVD Players	Home Audio	Televisions	Plasma Televisions

External Links

• CNET -- top picks for televisions; their second rated is a big LCD TV.
• Television Buying Guide -- good information about all types of televisions.