Liquid crystal display (LCD) technology may sound exotic,
but in reality, we use it every day. LCD technology is utilized in stereos,
computer monitors, microwave ovens, digital clocks and calculators. Today, the technology
is also being used in high-tech flat-screen TV sets and video monitors that
produce incredibly clear images.
LCD screens function by obstructing light. Within the
screen, the liquid crystals are contained between two sections of polarized glass.
The crystals control the brightness of light as it’s transmitted through the glass.
An electrical charge is applied, and the crystals react to it, rotating to
allow the light to pass through the sections of glass. The LCD display is made
up of pixels and is illuminated by a fluorescent bulb that sends white light
through the glass panes. Each pixel is split into red, green and blue sections
that work together to produce a colour image. One pixel can create about 16
million colours.
LCD televisions offer plenty of benefits to viewers. They
offer superior brightness and contrast capability – far better than anything
offered by traditional cathode-ray TV sets. Flat-screen LCD sets also feature a
160-degree viewing angle, so that watchers will see everything from just about
any location in the room. Because the contrast quality is so good, viewers
don’t have to worry about turning off all the lights in the room to get a good
picture. Lamps don’t produce a glare on an LCD flat-screen set.
Another bonus with an LCD set is that most models come
equipped with tuners and speakers. All you have to do is plug the set in, and
it’s ready to go. The tuners and speakers are built-in, which means no extra
components like set-top boxes or receivers are required. This makes the LCD set
perfect for homes that don’t have much space to spare for a big TV that
requires extraneous equipment.
LCD sets are equipped to display high definition television
as well as a standard television. LCD sets can also serve as computer monitors
and all-around video monitors. They can handle any kind of video format, and
most come equipped with inputs for S-video, component video, and composite
video. Most LCDs offer about 60,000 hours (or about twenty years) of viewing,
making them a good investment. They last longer than plasma sets. The bulb is a
critical factor in the LCD set, as it’s responsible for picture and colour
quality. With some sets, the bulb can easily be replaced. Other sets have bulbs
that are built into the LCD system, making matters more complicated when it’s
time to replace the light source. Before investing in one of these sets, check
into brands and model types. It pays to do a little research prior to buying.
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