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Liquid crystal diode (LCD) technology is an exciting option for the television viewer who is looking to invest in a flat-screen set. Consisting of two transparent, polarized layers of material, the LCD display makes use of liquid crystals. These crystals are contained in one of the polarized layers. When a current is passed through the crystals, the crystals either obstruct light or transmit it, thus creating an image. Because the crystals dont generate their own light, an extraneous source of illumination like a fluorescent bulb is required in order for the images to be visible.

An LCD TV differs from its flat-screen counterpart, the plasma set, in numerous ways. LCD TVs do not burn phosphors, unlike plasma sets, and as a result, they require less power and generate less heat. LCD TVs also offer a brighter picture than plasma sets. Additionally, the display life of an LCD set is longer than that of a plasma TV. LCDs have a display life of around 60,000 hours. A new light source then becomes necessary. A plasma set, on the other hand, has display life of approximately 30,000 hours.

Compared with plasma sets, though, LCD TVs offer less variety in terms of screen size. The biggest screen for an LCD set is 37 inches. Also, the contrast ratio and tracking capabilities of an LCD set are less powerful than those in a plasma TV. Screen burn of images is not a problem with LCD TVs, but pixels can burn out. This results in tiny black and white dots, which can be seen on the screen. These pixels cant be repaired, and if the dots become troublesome, the screen itself will have to be discarded.

Pros and cons aside, without a doubt, LCD TVs are revolutionizing the way we watch television at home. LCD sets can be integrated into a viewers living space with unprecedented ease. Using a flat wall mount with the set saves space in a room, while adding about two inches to the screens depth. Tilted wall mounts allow viewers to suspend their sets just above eye level, usually above a mantel or in a bedroom. Tilted wall mounts add about 4-6 inches to a sets display depth. Table stands are another option for LCD TV display. These stands are usually custom-designed to suit individual sets. Articulating wall mounts utilize swivel arms for set display. With these mounts, sets can be adjusted in a variety of positions pushed flat against a wall when turned off, or pulled out and turned to either side for convenient viewing from anywhere in a room.

LCDs also work with ceiling mounts. If no wall space is available for the screen, the set can easily be suspended from the ceiling and tilted downward. Ceiling mounts utilize poles, which range in length from 24 to 43 inches.

A leader in technology reporting, Julia Hall has published articles about the latest digital devices and gadgets for over ten years. After graduating from MIT with a degree in electrical engineering, Julia turned down huge salaries from some of the most recognized fortune 500 companies in the world to pursue her dream of becoming a leading consumer advocate. Julia uses her expertise to cut through the too good to be true deals offered by high tech companies to reveal the real steals and the real duds that we're bombarded with daily. If you enjoy staying on the cutting edge of technology, whether for business or pleasure, but find yourself occasionaly confused by the overwhelming information out there let Julia be your guide.

// posted by wgvx @ 5:13 PM