LCD televisions have a naturally higher picture resolution which makes them particularly adept when combined with a HD signal. The lighter weight and slimmer dimensions of an LCD mean you'll have more freedom on where to site your new TV. Below we've laid out a guide to help you to choose the right LCD television for your home. If you require any more information please contact us at Armagh Electrical.com or talk to us instore at Dalzell's of Markethill.

How LCDs Actually Work?

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) basically work by placing a layer of liquid glass crystals between two transparent panels (usually glass). When an electric current is applied the crystals untwist or align to varying extents allowing light from the rear to either pass through to varying degrees or not at all. It is this control of light that forms the image we see.

Features to Consider

There are a number of features to consider when choosing your next television, one of the most important is the type of tuner built into the television. Most modern TVs will have a Freeview tuner but increasingly there is the option to buy a TV with an integrated FreeSat tuner for HDTV.

To watch HDTV you'll also want to ensure you have HDMI sockets to connect other HD devices such as games consoles or home theatres.

To be considered HD Ready your screen will need to be at least 720p (720x1280) which is the number of pixel lines carried by the TV. Some HD Ready sets will support a slightly higher picture quality known as 1080i (1080x1920) which although sharper lacks the smoothness required to watch action films or fast moving sports.

Full HD or 1080p (1080x1920) benefits from a progressively scanned picture or PAL which will scan every row sequentially every 1/60th of a second. Interlaced Scan works alternatively 1, 3, 5 etc every 1/30th of a second. PAL smoothens the whole experience making it feel more complete. To fully benefit from Full HD we recommend you only purchase such technology with screens larger than 45"�.

The refresh or Hertz Level (HZ) of your screen will also affect the quality of the picture. A low Hertz level can affect the quality of picture in action films or fast moving sports. This can create a shooting star effect (sometimes known as ghosting) with for example a well struck football. Many modern televisions have a refresh rate of between 50 and 100HZ: the higher the better.

Finally if you don't intend to purchase a Home Theatre or additional speakers you'll need to assess the indigenous sound quality of the Television. Nicam Stereo sound is the industry standard but many TVs have an inbuilt Virtual Surround system.

Efficiency and the Environment

Televisions have quite recently made huge strides in their energy efficiency with some even being awarded the Energy Saving Trust accreditation. Particular attention has been paid to a revised stand-by function. LCDs by design use 60% less energy than a CRT and LED Televisions use less than half again. Armagh Electrical.com and Dalzell's of Markethill have Energy Saving Trust Retailer accreditation for our product knowledge, range of appliances and our commitment to the Environment.

Positioning and Fitting your Television

Where you intend to position your new television and where you intend to view it from should be an important consideration. You should follow the general rule that the ideal viewing distance of any TV is three times the actual width (not screen size) away from the TV. Otherwise, you could be counting pixels instead of enjoying your favourite show. On some less expensive LCD models you may want to consider the viewing angle you intend to watch from. The viewing angle of the television can be achieved through a number of options such as the use of swing arm wall brackets. Although not essential, it is best to try to avoid direct sunlight to avoid glare on the screen.

Manager's Tip

It's worth mentioning that the quality of cables you use to connect other AV devices has a huge effect on the quality of your picture and sound. Please see our accessories section. At present the Toshiba LCD range really stands out in this category for us. Please make sure that you choose an adequate wall bracket or glass stand to carry the weight and dimensions of your new TV. When buying a television it's always worth remembering that the best deals are available as packages so include a stand, home theatre and cables and do a deal with us over the phone or in store at Dalzell's of Markethill.

Go to LCD Televisions to purchase your appliance now.