LCD TV Buyer's Guide

Smaller sets

Cheap LCT TVs

1. Sony KDL-20S3000
   From £267 to £342
2. Samsung LE-32A457
   From £318 to £449
3. LG 32LB75
   From £339 to £488

Most models will have an aspect ratio of 16:9 also refered to as widescreen format which most TV programs are brodcasted in today instead of the older 4:3 standard format. Built-in sound is likely to be simple stereo, and refresh rates of 50Hz. These sets are typically available from between £200 and £400.

Medium sets

Mid-range LCD TVs

1. Sony KDL-40W4000
   From £687 to £1,035
2. Samsung 37A558
   From £494 to £1,330
3. Panasonic TX-37LZD85
   From £708 to £978

Broadly speaking you can expect to pay between £400 and £800 for these larger, 37" to 42" screen models but expect to find significant improvements in sound and picture quality. Dolby Surround Sound is common, and there are a higher number of models with a widescreen aspect ratio.

Large sets

Top-range LCD TVs

1. Samsung LE-52A656
   From £1,359 to £1,499
2. Sony KDL-52W4000
   From £1,249 to £1,950
3. Philips 47PFL7603
   From £1,067 to £1,199

In the case of the largest sets on the market prices can reach up to £3,000. At this level you can expect a feature rich set with a 16:9 screen, Dolby Virtual Surround Sound, refresh rates up to 100 Hz, and additional decoders for HDTV and or Digital and terrestrial TV.

Aspect ratios: Until widescreen high-definition TV becomes the norm a lot of television will still be broadcast in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The majority of LCD sets are designed to operate in the 16:9 range (though 4:3 is still common) and when confronted with a 4:3 picture will adjust the picture to fill the screen, usually by stretching or zooming the image. The idea is to preserve the integrity of the picture, sometimes however the image can look distorted. The same is true of traditional CRT widescreen televisions.

Screen size: Smaller LCDs have been the norm - adding pixels means more transistors (three per pixel) and colours can appear slightly faded in larger models. There is a large range of smaller sets between 14" and 19". As the technology improves more models over 30" are starting to appear. Currently models over 40" are few and far between, mainly because of the current difficulties of ensuring production quality with the ever increasing number of transistors and pixels.

Depth: Where LCDs really score over CRT models is in the physical depth of the television set. Most are less than 3" deep and can be hung on a wall or from a ceiling. This is a boon for those with smaller rooms or who want a release from the space-eating demands of a CRT.

Passive matrix: Cheaper LCD sets may come with a passive matrix system. This has a grid of conductors with pixels located at each intersection in the grid. A current is sent across two conductors on the grid to control the light for any pixel. While this set-up will save you money you may notice the effects of the slow response time and less precise voltage control inherent in this arrangement. On screen you might see some ghosting and images which are fuzzy and lack contrast.

Active matrix: Active matrix sets, also known as thin film transistor (TFT) sets, target electrical charges at particular pixels by using a transistor at each pixel intersection. This allows the current to be switched on and off more frequently and improves the screen refresh time to effects like ghosting and fuzziness.

Frequency: There are many more choices than the 50Hz or 100Hz of CRT models. Higher refresh rates will reduce the chances of pixels giving a ghosting effect which can occur when changing quickly from light to dark states.

Multi-functional displays: LCD TVs are particularly suited to act as a computer screen. Text and graphics will be made to look exceptionally sharp by their high-resolution. LCD TVs typically include connections for composite, S-video, component video and one or more RGB SCART inputs.

Light source: The source of the light which shines through the liquid crystals is important in any LCD set. A damaged bulb can mean poor colour balance and the end for your set. Look either for sets with bulbs which can be replaced or for brands with proven long-life and reliability. While extended warranties for electrical goods are generally poor value ? a replacement bulb warranty is definitely worth considering with these higher value items. Some sets have a manufacturers warranty, promising a television operating life express in hours.

Installation: Wall or ceiling mounted LCD installations are increasingly common as owners take advantage of the shallowness of the sets. However, with several hundred pounds of equipment hanging some distance from the floor it is well worth getting your set installed professionally. Many people use LCD televisions as the central piece in a home cinema system, and install surround sound speakers to complement their television.

Dead pixels: One of the drawbacks of LCD screens is that as they get bigger the number of transistors and pixels required to make a picture increases. Ensuring that all of them meet the right levels of quality control has been problematic for manufacturers. Occasionally specific pixels on the screen will cease to work, the "dead pixels" can interfere with viewing pleasure and are irreparable.

Integrated tuners: Despite the slim line look, most LCD sets come with integrated tuners and speakers so there?s no need to spoil the space-saving effect by cluttering up the room with additional boxes.

Power consumption: This is one area to watch with larger screen televisions. All consume considerably more power than smaller sets. However LCD screens consume considerably less power than their plasma rivals, up to 30% less in some cases.

Resolution information: You might think that the higher the resolution the better the picture, but this isn't necessarily so. VGA quality is what you will find on most standard TVs. But LCD TVs may also have XGA (1024x768 pixels) or, with widescreen versions W-XGA (1280x768 pixels). Do not be fooled by the acronyms or the numbers - check by looking at the picture itself. Good indicators of picture quality are how realistic flesh tones appear, the colour contrast in particularly dark scenes and that high motion action scenes do not corrupt the picture.

Viewing distances: While there are a lot of variables in these calculations, viewing distances do vary according to the screen size. Here are some general guidelines.

Wall mountings: These are ideal to make maximum use of a flat screen LCD TV. They will add about 2" to the depth of the set. Wall mounts that tilt for viewing anywhere in a room are also available as are articulating mounts which mean you can push the set flush to the wall when you are not using it.

Table stands: It is worth knowing that table stands need to be suitable for the particular make of LCD TV you buy. If a stand is not included with the set check carefully before you buy one that it will do the job.

Plasma TVs

1. Panasonic Plasma TVs
   From £620
2. Samsung Plasma TVs
   From £602
3. Pioneer Plasma TVs
   From £960

Plasma TVs:
These may be better for the bigger screen sizes and, some say, for fast moving pictures and especially for black. The fact is that change is very rapid in this area and previously identified problems like smearing, power consumption, and reliability are changing rapidly. It will be easier to make your choice of plasma or LCD if you concentrate on factors like affordability and usage.

CRT TVs:
Tried and tested technology that is still improving, provides great pictures and which can cost considerably less than LCD or plasma options. However they are far more bulky than flat screen alternatives.