Of LCDs and Flat Screens - The Origin of Modern Televisions

Image : http://www.flickr.com

With the competing technologies of Plasma, LCD and DLP, it is probably obvious that the LCD proves its winning streak.

Right now, LCD's fame and distinction have exploded. They are now considered to be the most advanced and latest high definition form of viewing. Let us review how everything that we know about LCD materialized.

It is a usually unknown fact that the LCD technology came form the year 1888 when Austrian scientist Friedrich Reinitzer discovered the properties of liquid crystallization. In computation, the LCD TV concept is more or less eighty years of age. So when this concept was introduced, engineers used it in marketing their products. The first hard work was recognized to be from George Heilmeier who is an Electrical Engineer from the University of Pennsylvania. He utilized liquid crystallization process in his commercial products. He has a Ph.D, M.S.E., and M.A's Solid State Electronics from the Princeton University. While working with colleagues Nunzio Luce, Louis Zanoni, Lucian Barton, Joel Goldmacher, Joseph Catellano, and Richard Williams, he developed the LCD technology one at a time.

Before the LCD system came together as a whole new technology, its parts were conceived separately. Liquid crystal display or LCD was a by-product of the experimentation with liquid crystals. While the mentioned brains of this technology were experimenting, they found out that it is possible to create clock, digital watches, and calculators through what later came to be known as LCD technology. The digital clock that is famous today is from Heilmeier's hard work with RCA.

The LCD technology was passed to and further developed by James Ferguson. He is a University of Missouri graduate and became the director of the Kent State University's Liquid Crystal Institute. He was able to discover the nematic field effect which led to the prototype for LCD TV displays in the present time.

In 1971, Ferguson's team was able to unveil the first LCD but unfortunately it seemed to be a disappointment because of the "phantom images" that were displayed during its action broadcasts. They have made necessary arrangements and improvements thus the creation of the modern day LCD. Picture transmission was improved and so picture quality became better. Because of this extreme hard work, Ferguson was able to make 100 patents and build his own corporation.

LCD truly came from an amazing mental power and hard work. Right now, LCDs are most likely to replace the traditional cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and improve the home viewing experience of every user. Let us be grateful and thank these brilliant minds for coming up with a brilliant screen for a far more brilliant home theater experience.

Related : Television reviews

Buy Cheaper LCD Televisions

Many say that flat screen TV is only for the rich people, those with lots of extra cash that has nowhere to go. This is not really true especially when you are getting bargains from shopping online. A number of discount coupons abound the internet. But one should also be careful in buying those stuffs with very huge discount because it may only be trying to mask the low quality of the product. More often than not, they are second hand appliances.

When buying LCD televisions, it is advisable to go to reputed dealers who sell well-known and established brands like Toshiba, Panasonic, Sharp, Samsung, Sony, and the likes. If you prefer to buy a used LCD then you will also suffer in the end since you will have problems when it starts to malfunction. When shopping for you flat screen TV, it is best to go to trusted online stores because there, you can be sure that they sell the real deal. Prices may be high, but there are still dealers who are willing to give away the LCD TVs with a huge discount.

If ever you are on a tight budget, you can still find lots of cheap LCD TVs that are legitimate and of good quality if you are patient enough to browse the internet. Many affordable LCD televisions out there are waiting to be discovered. Just put in a little extra time to look for them. Always remember to do your homework before deciding one last time on what model of television to buy.

See Also : TV buying guide Television reviews

Flat Screen Televisions LCD Vs Plasma

When it comes to flat screen televisions lcd vs plasma seems to be the epic battle. However, many shoppers don't know the difference. Recently, the cost has come down significantly on both types, making either one more affordable. Now buyers are faced with the questions of 'lcd vs plasma which is better?' and 'what television is best for me?'

Flat Screen Televisions LCD vs Plasma: Which One is Best?

Both televisions offer features and benefits that are distinct. As for which one is 'best', it really depends on YOUR situation.

LCD TV'S vs PLASMA TV'S: Plasma Televisions

Although the picture quality of the LCD is said to be sharper, Plasma images offer more realistic colors, and a wider range of colors. As a result, they handle contrast better and produce deeper, darker 'blacks.' Plus, they offer a wider viewing angle. If your room doesn't allow full 'head on' viewing, a Plasma would be the better choice. As for life span, LCD's lighting source can be replaced, giving it longer life. However, most plasma's still provide a minimum of 30,000 hours (sometimes double that amount). That might not sound like much, but if you watched 10 hours of TV a day for a year it would be over 8 years before any major picture depreciation occurs. So in the battle of flat screen televisions lcd vs plasma, you should pick a plasma if cost is a concern or your viewing area is wide.

LCD TV'S vs PLASMA TV'S: LCD Televisions

LCD's generally cost anywhere from $200-700 more than plasmas, depending on the make and model. LCDs also have a larger selection of screen sizes and have brighter screens, so if the room has many windows, or other bright lights, LCD televisions are the better choice. In addition, the bulb can be replaced which helps add to the life span of an LCD TV. LCDs are also better for people living at high altitudes because it isn't affected like the gases in plasma. Plus, as far as energy consumption, the LCD is the more efficient of the two. So when selecting your flat screen televisions, lcd vs plasma, LCD is a great option for eco-conscious owners, persons with a lot of windows in the same room, or at high altitudes who don't mind paying a little more. 

Visit : TV buying guide

Plasma TV and LCD TV: Televisions of the Future

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Although both Plasma TV's and LCD TV's display a big picture in a thin case, there are many notable differences between the two devices.

The plasma television sets are larger than LCD's and measure about 42 inches. The size of the LCD is approximately 37 inches. But a 42-inch LCD TV would cost $1000 more than the plasma television set. The LCD TV's weigh lesser than the plasma set. The plasma television sets are bulky and therefore they constantly require installation. They are well structured in order to prevent overheating due to constant usage by a means of proper ventilation.

The plasma televisions exhibit a contrast background and therefore are very appropriate for watching movies as you experience the enjoyment of a home theatre. LCD TV's are mostly bright screened and appropriate if your room is brightly lit. The plasma TV's do not appear lucid when the room is brightly lit. At the same time, the LCD TV's seem to emit strong rays when the room is darker.

You can watch your television from different angles when you are watching the plasma TV. The same convenience is not available in case of LCD as it bears a flat screen. As you move further we can feel the loss of brightness.

But there are a few disadvantages when you own a plasma television set. When it is linked to video, it often tends to leave an image for a long time. These images often get permanently etched on the screen. At the bottom of the screen, the text or the logos of the other networks are often seen and it causes a disturbance to the viewer. The estimated life of a plasma TV is around 25000 to 35000 hours.

According to Alfred Poor's anticipations, the LCD television will continue to be an expensive set compared to the other televisions.

Thanks To : TV buying guide Television reviews