A Buyer’s Guide to LCD TVs,
Now comes the difficult part. With new brands from old manufacturers hitting the market every day and new sizes and shapes offered, not only will you have to choose a size, but a brand name as well. Ready for some shopping? Below is a rundown of the ups and downs of a bit of what’s out there. Take your time; you’ll be glad you did.
The 20″ LCD TV is about the smallest model readily available in a nice range and, awwww, is it cute! Don’t be fooled by the small size, though: The quality of image in the 20″ LCD TV is tantamount to that all other models, and the tales of sharpness and amazing contrast are not exaggerated. On top of high technology in picture, any given 20″ LCD TV weighs little, totes easily and can be set practically any space you choose.
Having said all this, however, beware of simply plunking down your hard-earned cash on the first 20″ LCD TV that catches your eye. (And they’ll all catch your eye. In fact, both eyes.) When you’re talking about the liquid crystal clarity making precision so exact in the 20″ LCD TV, a little quality difference goes a long way.
Proliferating on the LCD TV market in recent months and years is AQUOS. Since undertaking the creation of this specifically-geared line, Sharp Electronics has produced amazing models across the board, starting, naturally with their 20″ LCD TV, the LC-20B4US is the 20″ LCD TV. The AQUOS 20″ LCD TV makes itself distinguishable among the 20″ LCD TV herd through its slim, slim three inches of depth.
As the most minute of the Sharp LCD TV range, the AQUOS 20″ LCD TV lives up to the very aim of the 20″ LCD TV: it can be situated anywhere and features bonuses such as cable-, VCR- and DVD-readiness, not overwhelmingly typical perks in the 20″ LCD TV sphere. Just under $1000 will get you a new AQUOS 20″ LCD TV on Amazon.com.
“Progressive scan” serves not only to promote the 20″ LCD TV peddled by Westinghouse, but to enter the fray of buzzwords to describe the ultranew video and sound technology driving the 20″ LCD TV and its bigger brethren. Going by a model number of LTV-20V2, the Westinghouse 20″ LCD TV made a big splash in the 20″ LCD TV market, helping to propel Westinghouse into the top five LCD TV in sales last year.
One major factor in the success of the Westinghouse 20″ LCD TV is its low price. At Amazon.com, the LTV-20V2 goes for a maximum $499.88 brand new. That’s half the price of Sharp’s 20″ LCD TV, to cite one example. This indicates, of course, that the Westinghouse 20″ LCD TV is quite no-frills, allowing consumers to make improvements of their own choosing at their own pace. The LTV-20V4 is an upgraded version of the 20″ LCD TV.
Before the 26″ LCD TV, surely no one figured twenty-six inches could carry so much televisual power. Guess again: The 26″ LCD TV is more than enough to wow guests with crystal-clarity and quite frankly awesome sights of the medium. Quite common among newbies, the 26″ LCD TV is one of the more popular choices for enthusiasts, and most manufacturers produce at least one 26″ LCD TV of note.
Well thought of by consumers seeking out that perfect 26″ LCD TV comes from Samsung. Carrying the model number LN-R268W, the 26″ LCD TV is packed with features, thus making this particular 26″ LCD TV praiseworthy from innumerable costumers. This 26″ LCD TV is high-definition ready and sets another standard for the mighty Samsung, long a leader in the LCD TV market in general, and in the 26″ LCD TV market specifically. Oh, and you serious video-game worshipper, this, Samsung promises, is your 26″ LCD TV. $949 can get you a shiny new 26″ LCD TV on Amazon.com.
Panasonic, too, makes a strong showing in the 26″ LCD TV world with their 26″ LCD TV more formally named the TC-26LX50. Consumer Reports placed this bad boy among its top five all-around LCD TVs, and costumer reviews online are generally effusive. Press material and advertising from Panasonic tout the unique pixel response time on the 26″ LCD TV. This 26″ LCD TV has a speed of response of fourteen milliseconds, absolute indiscernible to the human eye on the microlevel, but producing smooth movement and sharp detail mostly unduplicated in the 26″ LCD TV market.
Making ripples in the 26″ LCD TV pond is Sony. Across the board in both influencing and selling to the market, Sony makes a 26″ LCD TV that is no exception. Not only does every Sony 26″ LCD TV come with that trusted brand name, but the 26″ LCD TV of the BRAVIA series is packed with features: check out the audio enhancement the Sony folks like to call TruSurround XT; a digital audio amplifier; an ATSC digital tuner; control of backlighting via sensor control; and the in-house produced one-chip video processor. Sonystyle.com is advertising this 26″ LCD TV at $1499.99 or as low as $43 with financing.
Magnavox enters the fray with its own 26″ LCD TV. The NTSC Tuner is of special note in this 26″ LCD TV. As with most manufacturers, Magnavox features its own technology within the box: They call the tech inside the 26″ LCD TV (and most of their entire line) SmartSound and SmartPicture. The 26″ LCD TV also packs tri-dimensional comb filter and motion adaptive de-interlacing. Who knows what it means? Be assured that the picture and sound on this 26″ LCD TV, as those on most any higher-quality 26″ LCD TV, are great.
In the 30″ range, first there’s the Westinghouse W33001 30″ LCD TV. First and foremost, remember that the Westinghouse 30″ LCD TV has an aspect ratio of 15:9. These are magic numbers and you would do well to remember them throughout your shopping quest. (16:9 also works.) Such an aspect ration allows you to view films in their proper cinematic format: a must for any true-blooded popcorn muncher.
Noteworthy about the Westinghouse 30″ LCD TV is it compatibility with PCs. Equipped with a DVI terminal, this 30″ LCD TV allows you to jack that laptop directly into the much friendlier (and, let’s face it, bigger) screen of the 30″ LCD TV. The 30″ LCD TV is available at Best Buy (or, of course, Bestbuy.com or Amazon.com) and helps the store chain live up to its name: If the online writeups of this 30″ LCD TV have anything in common, it’s the mention of the outstanding bargain price on the Westinghouse 30″ LCD TV: Approximately $1500 can score you this 30″ LCD TV model on the aforementioned Amazon.com or Bestbuy.com and, at Best Buy outlets, prices are sometimes lower.
The Syntax Olevia LT30HV, a high-definition ready flat panel 30″ LCD TV. This 30″ LCD TV may be a good choice for those desiring a straightforward, no nonsense attitude in their 30″ LCD TV. In advertising the 30″ LCD TV, Syntax Corporation reminds you that it’s “time to update your old technology.” Syntax therefore seeks to welcome you into the future with as many standard features as possible. Everything checks out: 1280 x 768 resolution, widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, contrast (the reason you’re buying the 30″ LCD TV, remember?) of 750:1, viewing angle of 170 degreesâÂ?¦check, check and check. The punchline on the Olevia? Try the miniscule price tag of $813.19 (See Amazon.com for dealers).
Sceptre is not exactly a household name in the 30″ LCD TV sphere, but its X30SV Naga III is a high definition ready flat panel 30″ LCD TV. Quite the amazing scenario through which this 30″ LCD TV can actually help you is presented in Spectre advertising. Imagine. Sitting before the computer (actually the 30″ LCD TV, but we’ll get to that in a minute) at the work desk, you’re entering information. With the automatic picture-in-picture capability, the 30″ LCD TV allows you to continue with data entry while receiving price quotes or the like (or, let’s be realistic, play by play from the Cubs-Dodgers game). This 30″ LCD TV is mostly for businesspeople, but what a move upâÂ?¦like all the 30″ LCD TV sets out there, really.
As for 32″ LCD TV models, the eye-popping first: Would you believe Hyundai is in on the 32″ LCD TV boom? Formerly known as a manufacturer of laughable little cars, Hyundai hopes to improves its quite surprisingly powerful presence in the electronics world with their 32″ LCD TV. The Korean firm set the R&D boys to work on the best features of Far Eastern technology, resulting in a trim, efficient 32″ LCD TV set. Forget the 1980s: Amazon.com-affliated dealers sell the amazing little 32″ LCD TV for $1799. It’s a simple product worth well more than its light weight in gold.
Sonystyle.com, the homepage of Sony Electronics, is featuring their KLV-S32A10 32″ LCD TV, drawing special attention to its unique 3-D comb filter, an in-house developmental advance in the video processor. The 32″ LCD TV carries the BRAVIA brand name. The Sony 32″ LCD TV image processing converter hones contrast and mostly eliminates picture and sound interference. Prices on Amazon.com start at just under $1600 on this 32″ LCD TV.
And onto the most popular. According to information posted on the homepage Westinghouse.com, the Westinghouse 32″ LCD TV was the category leader in sales for 2005. Of special note are the surround sound system as well as the “frame readiness” of the 32″ LCD TV: Westinghouse’s distinctive dÃ?©cor department can coordinate the 32″ LCD TV design with that of your home. Computer World and J&R Music are major carriers for the 32″ LCD TV, with price tags typically reading under $1000.
Sharp’s 32″ LCD TV goes by the model number LC-32GA5U. Sharp has been in on the game since the first die was rolled, and this 32″ LCD TV remains a must-have for serious enthusiasts. If you’re thinking about wall mounting, you might want to start here first.
A popular jumping-off point for the first LCD TV purchase is 37″. It’s an investment, but prices tend to increase somewhat sharply on models bigger than the 37″ LCD TV.
The LC-327D37U is Sharp Electronics 37″ LCD TV. Released as one in the AQUOS brand name line, this Sharp Electronics 37″ LCD TV features a dot resolution of 1,366 x 768, and the clever devices makes additional DTV receiver boxes unnecessary. This particular 37″ LCD TV is noted for its extreme versatility, and can be set as traditionally done or mounted on the wall. On Amazon.com, Sharp Electronics’ 37″ LCD TV prices start at just under $3200 new.
The monitor accompanying the popular Sharp Electronics 37″ LCD TV is highly regarded. Sharp Electronics particularly pushes their 37″ LCD TV, more formally known as the LC37GA5E. This has amazing 37″ LCD TV offers the “Advanced Super View” for even more clarity and even more contrast comes with the hyperadvanced contrasting control, for those for whom the 37″ LCD TV still isn’t quite sufficient.
In 768 pixel LCD HDTVs, a trio of screen sizes is offered by JVC Americas Corporation. Their 37″ LCD TV, also known as the LT37X787, is joined by JVC’s 26″ and 32″ models in providing LCD TV junkies with what they want. The WXGA panel of the 37″ LCD TV has pixel measurements of 1366 by 768. And, like the other JVC musketeers, JVC’s 37″ LCD TV sports a Genessa CPU video processing at 32 bits and fifth generation DIST. The brand new tuning system, the ATSC/QAM/NTSC, is also standard in the JVC 37″ LCD TV. Inputs available for accessorizing work for HDMI, PC and S-Video. The 37″ LCD TV also features fixed audio output. Oh, and there’s a thinner cabinet for this 37″ LCD TV, too. (I love cabinets!)
Speaking of accessories, you might want to check out the stand Toshiba teams with its 37″ LCD TV, the 37WL56 model. Naturally, the Toshiba 37″ LCD TV has garnered high marks for the crystalline quality of its images (hey, it’s a 37″ LCD TV), but few 37″ LCD TV offerings have received praise for the actual 37″ LCD TV monitor itself. Promo material claims that the sharp images of LCD TV are actually more finely honed when viewed on this 37″ LCD TV. The asking price is in the neighborhood of $2200, based on prices in pounds sterling. Reference Digitalempireonline.co.uk and Digico.co.uk; UK residents get the 37″ LCD TV one hundred percent gratis.
By the time you’re ready for the 42″ LCD TV, you should be congratulating yourself, as you’re far ahead of the curve on such a purchase. Most still are without an LCD TV in general, much less the mammoth 42″ LCD TV. Indeed, in the 42″ LCD TV market are still few viable contenders, but at least two 42″ LCD TV stand head and shoulders above the crowd.
Firstly is Philips. Philips the company has often been known for their catch-phrase slogans, and their 42″ LCD TV marketing has proven no different. “Turn up your viewing experience,” encourages marketing on the Philips 42PF9630A/37, their 42″ LCD TV. This 42″ LCD TV promises the “ultimate viewing experience.” The 42″ LCD TV has integrated HDTV technology plus everything up-to-date in plasma tech. As a bonus, Philips offers their specially-developed Ambilight and “Pixel Plus 2″ features on the 42″ LCD TV. This 42” LCD TV also sports a reader for USB and memory cards. Yes, that means that you can view those awful pictures of Aunt Ruthie in plasma on your 42″ LCD TV! Won’t she be thrilledâÂ?¦?
Philips also hawks the 42″ LCD TV model known as the 42PF9830A/37. Basically quite similar to its companion 42″ LCD TV, this 42″ LCD TV is slightly different in its LCD WXGA display (the 42PF9830A/37 has a pixel area of 1366 by 768, as opposed to its brother 42PF9830A/37, which is 1024 by 68. “True beauty lies in the details,” Philips reminds, for the 42PF9830A/37 comes with a matching stand (and automated angle swiveling!) as well.
Toshiba, too, has a pair of 42″ LCD TV sets worthy of consumer attention. Their premiere 42″ LCD TV stands in their “Diagonal Cinema Series” line. At a suggested rate of $3499.99, their 42″ LCD TV features Toshiba’s so-called “adaptive technology,” i.e. additional toys can be jacked in when acquired; both QAM and ATSC television tuners; a CableCard slot making the 42″ LCD TV instantly digital cable-ready; and a memory card slot known as the “OmniViewer,” allowing CF, MM, MS, SD and SM cards compatibility with the 42″ LCD TV. In audio features, this 42″ LCD TV is a winner, too. Pushing hard for the movie-fanatical audience, Toshiba outfits the 42″ LCD TV with their “SoundStrip” speakers, Dolby technology and their famous WOW technology. The WOW effect is said to enhance treble and bass ranges on the 42″ LCD TV set via its built-in speakers, again borrowing a page from the Dolby book.
At suggested retail price of $2999.99, the Toshiba 42″ LCD TV of catalogue number 42HP95 is a bit cheaper, but no less interesting. This 42″ LCD TV sports most of the features that make its brother 42″ LCD TV attractive: “adaptive technology,” QAM tuner, ATSC tuner; CableCard slot for cable-readiness; and the “OmniViewer” memory card slot allowing the 42″ LCD TV compatibility for CF, MM, MS, SD and SM cards.
And, finally, if you’re checking out 50″ LCD TV bad boys, you must be one of the truly hardcore. You’re obviously never satisfied with pursuing the finest in televisual entertainment, not to mention that you got the jump on all of us by snagging a smaller LCD TV while the rest of us were thinking about a larger tube TV. In any event, now is your time to move up to a truly impressive 50″ LCD TV.
Not many 50″ LCD TV sets are currently available, as most of the market is still working their way through the smaller televisions as they work their way up to the 50″ LCD TV. At least two reputable manufacturers pump out 50″ LCD TV sets, though, and their 50″ LCD TV models really are quite stunning.
First of all there’s Philips. Philips wants to make your life better – at least that’s what the slogan says – and if a mammoth television is what’ll juice it up, check out a pari of Philips 50″ LCD TVs. The 50PF7320A/37 is Philips’ premier 50″ LCD TV, featuring a flat plasma screen and HDTV compatibility. This 50″ LCD TV is available on Amazon.com or Genelectronics.com for $2999.99 new, including a TV stand.
A slight upgrade on the previous 50″ LCD TV, the Philips 50″ LCD TV known as the “Pixel Plus 2” or model number 50PF9630A/37 also features Philips’ “Ambilight” technology. Like the aforementioned Philips 50″ LCD TV, this 50″ LCD TV features a high-definition WXGA display for plasma at 1366 by 768 pixels. This 50″ LCD TV also carries a USB and memory-card slot. At Costco.com or Costco outlets, the 50″ LCD TV goes for $2999.99, but is not usually accompanied by a matching TV stand.
Both examples of Philips 50″ LCD TV also feature Philips’ patented “Pixel Plus” technology, a feature that keeps customers of the 50″ LCD TV and other Philips products coming back. Thanks to Pixel Plus, the Philips 50″ LCD TV picture is shown with triple the number of pixels on triple the number of lines; in addition, Pixel Plus allows this 50″ LCD TV to tell the difference between standard broadcast transmission and television already set for HDTV.
Toshiba, too, throws their cards on the 50″ LCD TV table with a pair of nice 50″ LCD TV models. The 50HPX95 is a 50″ LCD TV is a model in Toshiba’s “Diagonal Cinema Series” line, meaning that this 50″ LCD TV is presented in the 16:9 aspect ratio all-too-crucial for proper cinemaniacs.
The Toshiba 50″ LCD TV includes video features such as CableClear DNR, PixelPure adaptive technology, a radiance lamp and tuners for ATSC and QAM, while audio features that ubiquitous WOW technology. This 50″ LCD TV goes for $4499.99 at Toshiba.com. The 50″ LCD TV known as the 50HP95 is a slightly stripped-down version of its brother 50″ LCD TV and carries a price tag of $3999.99 at Toshiba.com.
No go on and get out there! There are herds and herds of LCD TV sets just waiting for you out there�
