| Flat Screen TVs |
| Written by Henry Johnson | |
Flat screen now the king of home entertainmentFlat screen televisions have replaced the once ubiquitous cathode-ray tube television as the standard viewing medium in most American homes.Flat screen televisions are superior to the traditional cathode-ray tube television in terms of convenience, picture quality and and performance. They're also a lot bigger than standard televisions, offering sizes from 13" to 70." Since the early 2000's flat screen television sales have climbed steadily as the technology behind them improved and prices decreased. Folks like them because they have wider viewing angles that make them easier to see from various areas around a room, and they can also be mounted on the wall, freeing up floor space. In general, there are two types of flat screen tvs , plasma and LCD, and each format offers distinct advantages and disadvantages for buyers. Plasma screen television was developed in the 1960s, but technology did not offer a cost-effective means of producing them and selling them at a price affordable by the general customer until the late 90s and early into the new millennium. Plasma flat screen televisions use a multitude of single pixel cells, which let electric charges stir up xenon and neon gases inside the television. The generated light is then directed by the television to create the proper balance of red, green, or blue phosphors contained in each cell to display the proper color sequence from the light. Plasma screens are considered by experts to have better quality pictures and a greater range of colors to display than LCDs. They also come in larger sizes, although LCDs are catching up. LCD displays consist of two sheets of polarized glass plates with some liquid crystal solution wedged between them. The liquid crystals used in LCD panels are able to serve as 'shutters' that close or open to block the passage of light. This blocking takes place in a perpendicular manner to the passage of light on the application of an electric current. LCD televisions are much less fragile than plasma televisions, giving an advantage when the set has to be shipped or moved to a different location. Other key benefits of LCD televisions include, ease of installation, good performance at high altitudes and a slight price advantage over plasma televisions. While plasma screen televisions remain viable, LCDs are quickly taking the lead, offering a more energy efficient alternative. In terms of picture quality, LCDs are quickly catching up to plasma screen televisions as well. When buying a flat screen television, you should consider several factors including: Size: Just because they make a 70" flat screen, that doesn't mean it's the best selection for your one-bedroom apartment. Consider how much room you have when you purchase a television. In general, budget for about eight feet of distance for a 40" television, 10 feet for a 50" television, 12 feet for a 60" television and 15 feet for 61" or larger. Placement: Flat screens take up less space than standard televisions and can go just about anywhere, but you don't want to disrupt the feng shui of your home by placing it in an awkward position. Consider mounting your flat screen on a wall or perhaps hiding it in a clever cabinet or armoire. A flat screen television can be a great addition to your home theatre, providing hours of entertainment and fellowship for you and your family. Be sure to make an informed choice before buying to ensure you get your money's worth, however. |
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