LCD TVs

Pros and cons of LCDs

Liquid crystal display or LCD televisions are fast becoming the norm rather than the exception. These flat-panel TVs have larger viewing areas with cinematic aspect ratios, and when they were first introduced, many pundits predicted they would make cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions a thing of the past -- and they pretty much have. In fact, since 2007, they have outsold CRT televisions in the North American market.

However, for all their many advantages, LCD televisions are far from perfect and have many flaws and disadvantages that consumers should closely consider. You should keep both the pros and cons in mind when you're shopping, and remember that you always have alternative options available to you.

Advantages of LCD TVs

Here are some of the many pros of LCD televisions:

The flat-panel display produces a crisper, sharper picture.
The picture quality does not fade over time, as it will with a CRT television.
LCD TVs take up less space than their conventional predecessors, and can be mounted on walls or suspended from ceilings.
They require relatively little electricity to run.
An LCD television gives off much less heat than a CRT television.
Because of the flat-panel technology, viewers looking at the screen from an angle experience very little loss of picture quality.

Disadvantages of LCD TVs

Some of the drawbacks you should consider include:

Their screen sizes are limited compared to plasma TVs (but far better than CRT TVs).
A high manufacturing cost means a higher end price.
Fast movements sometimes blur on LCD TV displays due to what is known as a "response delay."
When disposed of, LCD televisions emit chemicals that are hazardous to the environment and may contribute to global warming.

Plasma televisions and classic CRT televisions represent the main market competition for LCD sets. You should also look into these options before making a final decision on what is sure to be a major purchase.