Known for their slim design and flat screen, LCD televisions took over the television market in 2007, surpassing the traditional CRT models. For size and weight, for picture clarity and for component interface, LCD (liquid crystal displays) TVs have been judged as superior to CRT (cathode ray tubes) TVs. Sophistication versus Obsolescence
As the digital switch over progresses more and more analogue televisions need either a digital set top box or replacing. LCD TVs can receive digital broadcast signals while CRT models only receive traditional analogue signals. This is a problem as the United Kingdom phases in the digital switchover. CRT televisions will need digital set top boxes to translate digital signals into analogue ones. CRTs will not be able to provide high definition content.
High Definition
Even with a digital set top box, a CRT cannot deliver HD. Most LCD televisions are specially designed to receive HD inputs. Lower priced LCD televisions, usually with a 720p or 1080i, can deliver HD from games consoles, blu ray players, Sky and cable providers via an external set top boxes. For moderate and higher priced LCD televisions, Full HD 1080P delivers true HD only from Blu ray players or Games Consoles. HD is coupled with the contrast ratios to make pictures on LCD televisions as good as plasma sets with similar capabilities.
LCD TVs Are Slim
LCD sets are skinny, which allows them to be placed where clunky CRTs wouldn’t fit. These space-savers also weigh far less than CRT TVs. CRT televisions require a lot of glass in their construction. With less glass and fewer, smaller components, LCD TV sets weigh about a fifth of similarly-sized CRT television sets.
LCD televisions Come In Many Screen Sizes
LCD televisions come in the same screen sizes as CRT televisions. From small kitchen TV sets to large family room ones; LCD televisions can fit any space and any budget. This is a complete contrast to high-priced plasma televisions, which start large at 37 inches then jump to 42, 46, 50, 54, 58 and 65 inches. Plasmas now have to compete with LCDs which have grown in size capability. Some LCD televisions are as large as 70 inches. These are considered competitive with plasma televisions. Prices for LCD televisions and Plasma television sets of the same size are comparable.
Perfecting the Picture
LCD televisions once suffered from a “ghost” effect which was caused by lingering images that overlapped too quickly. These problems have been eliminated to the point that they only show up in fast action sports events. Plasma sets suffer from a permanent ghosting effect which is caused by still images that, if left too long, get permanently etched onto the screen. Although in reality this isn’t a problem anymore. LCD TVS with higher pixel counts and larger sizes now directly compete with plasmas.
Component Compatibility
Unlike CRTs, LCD television sets have achieved a high level of compatibility with digital components. Multiple digital inputs via HDMI connectors are available for easy switching between games consoles, DVD or blu-ray players, cameras and the like. What’s more, a lot of LCD televisions are HD Ready for HD broadcasts. Home cinema sized plasma TVS have lagged behind the smaller LCD televisions in their ability to display data, still photos and internet pages. Unlike large plasma sets, medium-sized LCD TVs provide undistorted views when interfacing with a PC.
Power Savings
LCD televisions use slightly less power than CRT TVs.