LCD TV Display Types

Looking for an HDTV can be a frustrating process. Each model you find may have only slight differences from other televisions. Add to this the language barrier that exists between consumers and retailers, and you have a relatively complicated mix. Understanding the differences between LCD televisions is easier than it may seem, as there are really only three main comparison points.

Resolution

All LCD televisions have some sort of resolution rating. The highest resolution available on LCD televisions, as of late 2010, is 1080P. A 1080p screen contains around 2 million pixels, compared to the 1 million on LCD televisions with 720p screens. You may not need a 1080p television to get the most out of your programming. For instance, digital cable and HD channels output at only 720p, so if you are looking to watch a football gamem 720p might be just fine. Those interested in Blu-ray or next generation game consoles may want the extra clarity of 1080p, as these formats actually output at this resolution.

The most recent breakthrough in LCD technology is the use of LED backlights. Traditional LCD televisions use fluorescent backlights to shine light through the colored pixels on the screen. LED lights are brighter and more energy efficient that fluorescent lights and create darker black tones on the screen. LED LCD televisions are more expensive than their traditional fluorescent counterparts but generally have a slightly higher image quality.

Refresh rates are one of the most difficult elements of high definition televisions to understand. Put simply, the refresh rate refers to how quickly the image on the screen is updated to match what is happening in the data. Televisions with slower refresh rates have a harder time keeping up with what is happening on screen, leading to ugly artifacts and screen blur. Most modern LCDs boast refresh rates of up to 240 hertz, while some high-end televisions have rates up to 480 hertz. The most suitable rate depends on how you intend to use your television. Games and sports will look best with high refresh rates.