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How to Assess Widescreen LCD TV Reviews |
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Once available only with small screens, LCD TVs now come with screens over 50 inches – and their size continues to increase - which makes them perfect for a household's primary TV set. Determining which set is right for your household can be tough, which is why many consumers take advantage of widescreen LCD TV reviews to help them make the right choice.
LCD TVs have some things in common. For example, regardless of screen size a flat panel widescreen TV is only a few inches thick, creating a very small footprint. They're also relatively lightweight, often weighing as little as 30 pounds or less, so they can be wall or ceiling mounted.
Leading brands include Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony, along with many computer display manufacturers. The entry of computer manufacturers like Dell and Gateway into the LCD TV market has increased price competition and made it more necessary than ever for consumers to seek help from widescreen LCD TV reviews.
Almost every widescreen LCD TV review will mention whether the TV is a standard-definition (analog), an enhanced-definition (ED), or a high-definition (HD) model. ED and HD sets are digital TVs. Analog TVs can display only standard-definition signals, like those used for most TV broadcasts. ED sets can also accept the higher-quality 480p signals like those from a progressive-scan DVD player. HD images are the sharpest and most detailed. These models can accept all signals from DVD players and HD signals from digital-video players/recorders. Even if widescreen LCD TV reviews on a particular model are positive, think twice before buying an ED set. An EDTV may cost a little less than an HD model, but the tradeoffs aren't worth it with a widescreen LCD TV. The picture quality on an ED set probably won't be as good; the best HDTVs can display a very good picture from a high-quality source such as a satellite receiver or digital-cable box. Most widescreen LCD TV reviews recommend an ED or standard-definition LCD TV only for uses such as casual viewing where you wouldn't want the clutter of the cable or satellite box you usually need to receive HD signals. Widescreen LCD TV reviews will also describe the TV’s viewing angle. Viewing angles have improved so many new models display a better image from off-center than older sets did, which is a necessity if a TV will be watched by a group of people. Some sets have wider viewing angles than others. Before buying a particular TV, take the time to see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you'll see a dimmer, washed-out image as your viewing position angles away. Pay careful to the information provided in widescreen LCD TV reviews pertaining to connection input capabilities. Look for sets with easy-to-use inputs. On many LCD TVs the connections are on the side or rear of the panel and might be hard to reach. Some larger models have separate control units that connect to the LCD panel via cables. Devices such as a cable box or DVD player are connected to the control unit, so there are fewer cables running to the panel, which is a big advantage if you plan to mount the TV on the wall or ceiling. Also check the widescreen LCD TV reviews to see if particular models can also function as a computer monitor or computer display. If you need a computer monitor, too, make sure you check the widescreen LCD TV review for information about connection input options. Most widescreen LCD TV reviews recommend an HD set since it's most suitable for computer use. A standard VGA connection will work with all computers; a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) input is compatible with newer mid-range computers. Read widescreen LCD TV reviews carefully both for technical information and for the reviewer’s opinion about the usability and convenience of the TV. While you and the reviewer may have different opinions about the quality of the image, you’ll probably always agree on how consumer-friendly and easy to use a TV is. |
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