LCD TV FAQ's

Why are LCD TV's so expensive?

LCD TV's are so expensive because of the production costs involved in making them. However, with increasing demand for LCD TV's, prices will start to fall and this is already evident with LCD's dropping in price from month to month.

How heavy are LCD TV's?

LCD TV's a comparatively light for their size, with a 46 inch or 117cm LCD TV weighing around 30kgs. This is about 10-15 percent less than an equivalent size Plasma TV and about 40-50 percent less than an equivalent CRT TV.

Should I buy a LCD or a Plasma TV?

See our Plasma vs. LCD guide.

What is DVI and HDMI?

Most LCD TV's have DVI or HDMI connections for use with high definition sources.

DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface - a connector that carries analog or digital video. Capable of carrying high-definition signals such as 720p, 1080i and 1080p. For more information see DVI.

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface - a connector that carries combined digital audio and digital video or analog video. Capable of carrying high-definition signals such as 720p, 1080i and 1080p. For more information see HDMI.

Do LCD TV's contain a digital TV tuner?

No. Most LCD TV's on the market today contain an analogue tuner so you are able to receive free-to-air tv. If you want to receive digital channels you will need to purchase a digital set-top box. However, there are some LCDs that do contain a digital tuner, these are usually a little more expensive though will probably become more common as the demand for digital TV increases.

What cables do I need to purchase in addition to purchasing a LCD TV

Your LCD television will come with a power cord and maybe some other cables depending on the connectors available on the TV. It is best to check the box to find out which cables come with your TV as each manufacturer is different. If your TV does not come with the cables you need, you will have to purchase the cables that will connect your LCD TV with other components you may have. See Connectors for more information about the different types of connectors available.

Are all LCD TV's widescreen?

No. Most LCD TV's are widescreen though there are a few of the smaller size LCD TV's that come in 4:3.

Can a LCD TV be used as a computer monitor?

Yes, as long as it has a VGA input.

Are LCD TV speakers good quality?

Although almost all LCD televisions have an internal sound system the quality of the sound isn't the TV's best feature. It is recommended that if you are spending the money to buy a LCD TV, you connect it to a home theater receiver or amplifier for a better home theater experience.

What resolution is high definition (HD)?

High definition LCD panels are those capable of displaying 720p, 1080i and 1080p. See Display Resolutions for more information about High Definition resolutions.

How long does a LCD TV last?

The lifespan of a TV is measured by the amount of time it takes to lose half its original brightness and thus is called its 'half-life'. Manufacturers of LCD TV's generally specify a half-life of between 50,000 and 80,000 hours, although some specific models can be lower (remember to check the models technical details). As an example, 60,000 hours gives you a lifespan of more than 25 years if the TV is watched on an average of six hours per day.

Do LCD TV's suffer from burn in?

No.

What is the largest LCD TV?

The largest LCD TV currently on the market is around 140cm (55"). However, this is changing all the time as LCD technology develops, demand continues and production of LCDs becomes more efficient. Originally, Plasma TV's were built to dominate the 76cm (32") and above market with the LCD's more prominent in the 76 cm (32") or less market. The rapid increase in average LCD panel size means that the largest LCD TV's are encroaching on Plasma's turf.

What can you connect to a LCD TV?

Most LCD TV's on the market today allow you to connect a DVD, VCR, video game console (e.g PS2, XBOX, GameCube etc.), set-top box, satellite or cable box. In addition, most LCD TV's can be used as computer monitor so will also accept an input from your PC (via a VGA or DVI input).

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