Buyer's guide - LCD Televisions

Big-time entertainment that won't break the bank

As with the introduction of colour television, the onset of LCD technology has been a milestone in the history of the television. This major advance has brought with it exceptional image quality with no flickering or blurring.
Even if you only watch TV now and then, that doesn't mean you should compromise on quality when you're looking to upgrade.
If you don't want to spend too much, take a look at TVs with smaller screen sizes (up to 19 inches), which will save on space and fit easily into your home.
With models in glossy black, silver, white and more, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to design, but you should also think about the most appropriate picture format. For example, movie fans should look for an LCD TV with a 16:9 format for cinema-style viewing. For those who prefer watching the news or playing [#url typecms=c,id=16#]video games, a 4:3 image format is preferable for increased response times and smaller set sizes, even if 4:3-format screens are becoming harder to find. However, most LCD TVs now allow you to switch between image formats with just the touch of a button!

A TV for film buffs

LCD technology has seen screen sizes soar. You can now find TV sets that are over 46 inches in size. Even the largest [#url typecms=s,id=59#]LCD TVs don't compromise on picture quality and definition, making them an ideal choice for die-hard fans of the silver screen. What's more, you can now enjoy a full range of digital channels (via Freeview, satellite or the internet) with cinema-quality sound and images.
Your LCD television can be as discreet or as eye-catching as you like, and some models equipped with a USB port or memory card slot can even be used as giant digital photo frames. When it comes to comparing figures, don't be fooled by impressive-looking high numbers, particularly when it comes to brightness and contrast. In fact, to stop your eyes getting too tired, it's better to adjust these settings in relation to the time of day and surrounding lighting conditions. Plus, you'll find that most models come with pre-programmed settings to ensure all your entertainment is easy on the eyes.

The High-Definition experience

HD: you'll see these two little letters a lot and they're not to be ignored! They're not just jargon for demanding viewers and technology geeks, "HD" is your guarantee of exceptional image quality and breathtakingly life-like viewing!
What's the difference between HDTV and 1080p HDTV? "HDTV" displays images in a minimum resolution of 1,280 pixels x 720 lines, while "1080p HDTV" offers an even higher resolution of 1,980 x 1,080 on average, or 2 million pixels.
There's more to choosing between these two standards than a simple number of pixels though. Your decision should also be based on your existing audiovisual equipment, which are the source of images and sound on your TV. If your devices are compatible with high definition, then you should go for a 1080p HDTV LCD, as it will bring out the best in all your external AV equipment. To get the best out of standard resolution images, you should look for an HDTV.

All the latest TVs

Smart TVs

A whole new range of web-enabled televisions has hit the market recently; Smart TVs are real multimedia centres that allow you to enjoy online entertainment via your remote control using both wired and wireless technology.
Some manufacturers also offer a range of applications and services on their smart TVs, allowing you to access social networking sites, upload videos to the internet, or even rent a movie online. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want.

DNLA and PVR

DLNA technology is a must-have if you want to send digital files from your PC to your TV. DLNA-certified products enable you to wirelessly share digital content stored on different devices and enjoy it on your TV. So get ready to enjoy your photos, videos and music on the big screen! You should also consider a TV with PVR (Personal Video Recorder) if you don’t have a set-top box with a built-in hard drive. This feature lets you use your television as a VCR so you can record programmes directly from a USB key, external hard drive or media player.

3D TVs

You don't need to fork out for a cinema ticket to enjoy a 3D movie anymore. More and more of today’s televisions bring 3D entertainment right into your living room!
In the world of TV, there are two different 3D TV technologies: Active and Passive. It’s up to you to decide which one meets your needs best. The difference between the two is the way in which the image is rendered to create the perspective effect. Active 3D TVs use glasses that alternately “block” one eye and then the other in sync with the TV at a very high rate. The brain sees no gaps and takes the two different views from the left and right eyes to merge them into an image with depth. Both technologies require the use of glasses. Passive 3D glasses are lighter than their counterparts and work without batteries. Whether you opt for Active or Passive, your glasses will be more comfortable to wear than the very first models released several years ago. What’s more, the latest frames go over your existing glasses, so spectacle wearers can enjoy the 3D experience. Make sure the glasses you choose are compatible with your 3D TV. You can opt for a 3D screen that includes an integrated transmitter and compatible glasses, or pick a 3D Ready screen with 3D technology but that doesn't include a transmitter or glasses, both of which are necessary to watch 3D images.
In the end, bear in mind that 3D is just one of the options on what is essentially a high-quality 2D television. See the full range of TV furniture and stands

Boost your audiovisual entertainment possibilities

Superior-quality sources It's all very well having a top-of-the-range LCD screen, but it's even better if you use it to play and watch high-quality content!
A DVD recorder is ideal for playing, recording and sharing all your films. Make sure you choose a model with an HDMI port to ensure you get top-of-the-range sound and images.
For prime-quality HD quality viewing, a Blu-Ray player is a serious must-have. When it comes to delivering the best possible audio and visual quality, these devices offer the best results on the market. If you're looking to save some space, you can always create your own high-definition video library on a [#url typecms=s,id=10222#]multimedia hard drive. These compact devices offer huge storage capacities, and are small enough to take wherever you and your films want to go.
You can enjoy loads of great TV shows in fantastic HD quality, too. And because the number of digital channels keeps growing, there's something to interest everyone. [#url typecms=m,id=269 ,type=pm#]Freeview and satellite HD channels deliver crystal-clear HD sound and images, and some internet access providers even offer programmes via "HD streaming".
You can bring a whole new dimension to your LCD TV with a home cinema system and enjoy the full-on sensations of cinema sound in your living room! It's an experience to rival the big screen. The practical and stylish [#url typecms=m,id=10#]home cinema system is usually composed of a DVD player and a set of powerful, sometimes wireless[#url typecms=s,id=71#]speakers that deliver breathtaking sound. Most home cinema systems have an HDMI connection so they can be hooked up to a high-definition TV to enhance your viewing and take full advantage the advanced image settings.
If you already have a HiFi or a [#url typecms=s,id=66#]DVD or Blu-ray player, you can always add an [#url typecms=s,id=856#]amplifier, speakers, and a [#url typecms=s,id=10720#]subwoofer to create your own home cinema set-up.
Connections Another key development in small-screen technology has seen LCD TVs transformed into veritable multimedia hubs, with audio and video connections which are often geared-up for high-definition peripherals.
This means that in addition to the traditional SCART, S-Video, RCA and headphones sockets, you'll now find HDMI and YUV (or component) ports for connecting HD devices to your TV. Whether it's a Blu-Ray player, a home cinema system, or a games console, there's a whole world of HD out there!
Some models of TV have a memory card slot so you can enjoy viewing all your photos on the big screen. Plus, if the TV has a USB port, you can even print photos directly via a PictBridge-compatible [#url typecms=m,id=106 ,type=pm#]printer with no need for a computer.
LCD TVs with DVI ports can even be used as a second LCD monitor for work and entertainment via your PC. With so many connections on offer, the possibilities are endless!

Choosing a screen size

For many people, this is the most important point to consider when it comes to choosing a TV. You may be tempted by the giant screens currently available on the market, but before you run out and buy the 52-inch TV of your dreams, you'll need to do a quick calculation.... Gone are the days of placing your old cathode ray tube TV 3 metres from the sofa to enjoy a smooth-looking picture. With high definition screens, you can get as close as you like to the TV with no loss in quality or eye strain.
However, to optimise your LCD TV's 16:9 (widescreen) format, it's recommended to maintain a certain minimum viewing distance between you and the HD screen. This distance depends on screen size and the type of HD standard you choose.
The minimum viewing distance is calculated as 4 times the screen size for an HD Ready TV, and 3 times the screen size for a Full HD TV. This means that for a 42-inch HD Ready TV, you should sit 2.5 m away from the screen, and for a Full HD LCD TV of the same size, you should sit 1.6 m away.

A question of frequency

For sharp images with smooth transitions, remember that a higher frequency will reduce response times, afterglow and ghosting. Gamers and sports fans will be particularly sensitive to this! From 50 Hz on an entry level TV to 800 Hz on the latest plasma models, there's a huge choice on the market.