LCD TV
The old CRT TV’s been flickering every now and then signaling the end is near. It’s time to shop around for a new big screen TV. You’ve been considering either a plasma television or liquid crystal display television and decided to go for the latter for better screen quality, reliability as well as longer life, not to mention the ability to double up as a PC monitor. As LCD TVs are seriously expensive than plasma TVs size for size, let us guide you to some of the best LCD TVs available to get the most bang for your money.
LCD TV Buying Guide
1) Screen Size
LCD TV screens vary in sizes from 20" all the way up to 50". Since LCD TVs are considerably more expensive than plasma TVs of the same size, do consider the budget as well. A 26" / 32" / 37" LCD TVs are priced at about $1,000 / $2,000 / $2,500 respectively with 42" and 50" costing considerably higher. As expensive as it may seem, more consumers are slowly buying into the more expensive 42" and 50" screens for better and more bigger viewing experience.
** Do take note that before buying a LCD TV, take note of your living room or bedroom size as well. Make sure that there is available space for optimum viewing. The approximate best viewing distance for 37" / 42" is about 7 ft / 11 ft respectively.
2) Native Resolution
Just like plasma TVs, LCD TVs do come in 2 models namely High Definition (HD) as well as Enhanced Definition (ED). High Definition LCD TVs have screens that are at least 20" and have native pixels resolution of at least 1024 x 768, capable of supporting 720p HDTV signal output. Bigger and better LCD TVs do come in 1920 x 1080 native pixels resolution and designed to carry 1080p HDTV signal for the sharpest and most detailed images possible.
Enhanced Definition LCD TVs have screens less than 20" and have native pixels resolution of 852 x 480, designed for carrying 480p signals such as progressive-scan DVD player or normal broadcasting signal. They exhibit picture quality nowhere near to that of HDTV.
** Get HD LCD TV with at least 1024 x 768 pixels for an exciting and pleasurable viewing experience.
3) Inputs & Cables
To experience the best picture quality from your LCD TV, the input connections needs to have the following (in order or preference):
a) Composite video connectors
b) S-video connectors
c) Component video inputs
For greater video experience, some of the best LCD TV models do come with HDMI and DVI as an option.
** Please note that high quality signals being transmitted is as good as the cables that carry them hence it makes logical sense to get cables that are of superior quality to get the best viewing experience.
4) Features To Consider
a) Aspect Ratio - It’s the ratio between the displayed width and displayed height of an image on a LCD TV. The more common aspect ratios are either 16:9 format (widescreen) or 4:3 format (normal TV). For the best in cinematic viewing pleasure, opt for a LCD TV that displays in 16:9 aspect ratio format so as to take advantage of digital signals that are being currently being broadcasted in that same 16:9 format without any loss in picture quality.
b) Brightness - The brightness of an LCD TV is the perception elicited by the luminance of any surface in a particular direction. In a certain way, it’s connected to the contrast ratio.
c) Contrast Ratio - In general terms, it’s the ratio of the luminosity between the brightest color and the darkest color of any given system. Obviously the higher the number, the sharper the image that can be viewed. While there is no fixed rule, it’s best to go for LCD TV that offers contrast ratio of at least 2K:1 for greater viewing pleasure.
d) Viewing Angle - This refers to the maximum angle from which a picture can be viewed with no loss in quality. For best LCD TV experience, the viewing angle should be closer to 180-degrees, preferably 160-170 degrees.
LCD TV Reviews & Ratings
We found the best LCD TV reviews from CNET, Consumer Reports and LCD TV Buying Guide. Professional testers there reviewed some of the best LCD TV models from top-notch and established makers such as JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Olevia, RCA, Sanyo, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Viewsonic, Vizio and Westinghouse. LCD TV ratings based on HD, SD and DVD picture quality, sound quality, remote ease of use, on screen menu ease of use and viewing angle determines the best LCD TVs in their class.
Best LCD TV (32")
LCD TV Reviews #1: Synonymous with high quality with excellent reviews from LCD TV experts and consumers is the best rated Sony Bravia XBR KDL-32XBR3 32" LCD HDTV. If you’ve ever desire perfection for your small little room, add the finishing touch with this Sony LCD TV that will make your head spin with delight. This best rated 32" LCD TV from Sony features native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels coupled with 10-bit processing, Live Color Creation system and WCG-CCFL backlight, for that smooth, crisp, enhanced color images of unmatched clarity. With Sony’s Fluid Action MotionFlow 100 MHz, it’s perfect for fast action sports scene. Utilizing HDMI connection with Bravia Engine Full Video Processing System complemented by S-Force Surround technology, now watch DVD movies like it’s meant to be in brilliant, dynamic and vibrant sound quality. Includes Theater Sync technology remote for seamless integration with other home theater devices.
LCD TV Reviews #2: Captivating audiences with outstanding reviews from LCD TV pros and consumers is another best rated Samsung LNT 3253H 32" LCD HDTV. Add vibrancy to your living room with this sleek Samsung LCD TV that will be the talking point among friends and family members. In 1366 x 768 native pixel resolution with 8K:1 contrast ratio, images comes to life with deep blacks and brilliant colors from this best rated 32" LCD TV from Samsung that will leave you gasping in awe. With 8 ms response time coupled with SRS TruSurround XT Audio, watch videos and play games in true 3-D surround sound environment.
LCD TV Reviews #3: Equally outstanding with rave reviews from consumers and LCD TV professionals is the top rated Toshiba REGZA 32HL67U 32" LCD HDTV. Style meets performance to produce this Toshiba LCD TV that will bring color to your living room. With PixelPure 14-bit processing creating >4K levels of color gradation and fast 8ms response time, experience sharp, smooth and high-quality picture like you’ve never seen before. In 1366 x 768 native resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio, why waste money in cinemas?
Best LCD TV (37")
LCD TV Reviews #4: Catching up fast with outstanding reviews from LCD TV experts is the best rated Sharp Aquos LCD37D43U 37" LCD HDTV. Turn your living room into a gallery with this award-winning Sharp LCD TV that will have your friends and families talking. With Advanced SuperView providing 6K:1 dynamic contrast ratio, Enhanced Color Filter, high 450 cd/m2 brightness with ultra-fast 6ms response time, experience vivid, vibrant & extreme sharpness of exceptional quality for great viewing enjoyment from this best rated 37" LCD TV from Sharp. In 1366 x 768 native pixel resolution with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio format and 176 degrees wide viewing angle, watch your favorite movies and shows in true spirit from all angles.
LCD TV Reviews #5: Knocking on the door with great reviews from LCD TV experts is the highly rated Olevia 537H 37" LCD HDTV. Combining 1.6K:1 contrast ratio with 8ms response time & Big Picture Technology & Directors Image, see everything and more in rich, detailed, smooth images of outstanding quality. With 1366 x 768 resolution projecting 16:9 aspect ratio, watch HD broadcasts and movies in full cinematic experience.
Best LCD TV (40" - 42")
LCD TV Reviews #6: Muscling its way up with generous reviews from consumers and LCD TV pros is the best rated Samsung LNT-4065F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV. Brighten up your living room with this Samsung LCD TV that boasts the clearest and brightest picture ever, bar none. With astounding 15K:1 contrast ratio complemented by fast 8ms response time, enjoy smoother, natural-like images of brilliant color contrast for exceptional viewing pleasure. In 1920 x 1080 native pixel resolution with SRS TruSurround XT Sound, experience true high-definition movies from this best rated 40" LCD TV from Samsung like you would in a cinema.
LCD TV Reviews #7: Continuing the tradition with excellent reviews from consumers & LCD TV experts is the best rated Sony Bravia KDL-40V3000 40" 1080p LCD HDTV. Enjoy cinematic picture up close with this Sony LCD TV that will leave you breathless. Combining Live Color Creation using proprietary Bravia Engine Video Processing System, WCG-CCFL backlight and 10-bit processing produces stunning, rich, natural colr images that will sure to captivate you. With 1920 x 1080 native resolution display & S-Force Front Surround 2, watch realistic movies in the comfort of your living room from this best rated 40" LCD TV from Sony with a cup of coffee by your side.
LCD TV Reviews #8: Cementing the brand with good reviews from consumers and LCD TV experts is the top rated Toshiba REGZA 42HL67 42" LCD HDTV. Bring cinema to your home with this Toshiba LCD TV that will silence even the most vocal critics. With PixelPure 3G 14-bit Digital Video Processing creating 4096 levels of color gradation and quick 8ms response time, enjoy smooth life-like natural images of refined quality that will have you wanting more. In 1366 x 768 resolution employing 6 TheaterWide screen modes, it’s like having a cinema in your home, only better!
Best LCD TV (46")
LCD TV Reviews #8: Top of the list with captivating reviews from LCD TV experts and consumers is the best rated Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 46" 1080p LCD HDTV. Elegance, style and performance combined to create this Sony LCD TV masterpiece that will revolutionize your viewing pleasure. This best rated 46" LCD TV from Sony with Advanced Contrast Enhancer providing 2K:1 contrast ratio, x.v.Color, WCG-CCFL backlight & 10-bit processing, watch richer, smoother and crisp studio-grade pictures of unmatched clarity for more realistic viewing experience. With MotionFlow 120MHz, watch smoother fast action scenes or movies. In full HD 1920 x 1080 native pixel resolution format cemented by Bravia Engine Pro with Digital Reality Creation, now watching high-definition movies and shows appears absolutely real.
LCD TV Reviews #9: Garnering outstanding reviews from LCD TV professionals and consumers is the top rated Samsung LN-T4861F 46" LCD HDTV. Bring your home theater experience to a whole new level with this Samsung LCD TV. With SmartLighting technology providing unmatched 500K:1 dynamic contrast ratio, LED backlight and DNIe processing engine with 8ms response time, you’ll get the clearest, brightest, more natural-like images of epic proportion. 1920 x 1080 resolution with LED Motion Plus offers smoother viewing pleasure for all to enjoy.
Best LCD TV (52")
LCD TV Reviews #10: Topping the list with outstanding reviews from consumers and LCD TV professionals is the best rated Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR4 52" 1080p LCD HDTV. For the ultimate in home theater experience, look to this Sony LCD TV for the answer. Combining x.v.Color, WCG-CCFL backlight, 10-bit processing with 2K:1 contrast ratio provides sharp, smooth and deatiled images of exceptional brilliance, great for whole family enjoyment. This best rated 52" LCD TV from Sony also features MotionFlow 120MHz for smoother images during fast sports action scenes. Bravia Engine Pro with Digital Reality Creation on true HD 1920 x 1080 native resolution provides breathtaking picture quality rival to that of a cinema so watch it on nice warm sofa in the comfort of your living room.
LCD TV Reviews #11: Equally top class with superb LCD TV reviews from consumers and pros is the highly rated Samsung LNT5265 1080p LCD HDTV. Brighten up your day with this Samsung LCD TV that boasts unmatched brightness & clarity that will leave you speechless. With amazing 15K:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 8ms response time, enjoy richer blacks and brilliant whites with smoother, natural-like images from this highly rated 52" LCD TV from Samsung that will satisfy your viewing experience. in 1920 x 1080 native resolution coupled with SRS TruSurround XT Sound, let your imagination run wild.
Resources: Liquid Crystal Display Television (Wikipedia)