LCD, LED, 3-D… the TV set is no longer an idiot box but the central element of the multi-media experience in your bedroom

Back in 1980s, viewers eagerly looked forward to watching hum log and spent the entire week discussing about it. Ever since then television viewers have been on a roller coaster rode and have now been transported in to a world of quintillion bits of pictures and words. More than 515 channels, thousands of hours of original programming daily and a combined viewer-ship running into millions, makes Indian television network one of the largest in the world.

Rapid development

With such mind scrambling advances in software, it is but natural that there is complementary development in hardware as well. The good news is that television sets have witnessed rapid development. From the 12-channel dowdy box-like contraptions that aired programmes in black-and-white, the television set has metamorphosed into a multi-hued hydra-headed gizmo offering a plehotra of choice.

Because of the sheer variety in terms of technology, size and branding buying a new television set can be a challenging task. Gone are the days of the rear projection cathode ray tube televisions that aired monochromatic images. In fact even the colour television sets that board mounted at the back of he screen have had their time.

The modern television set has completely done away with the old technology and comes in the shape of a smart flat panel screen. With so many brands and different technologies vying for your attention buying decision can be both confusing and daunting. There are three types of TV sets- the LCD (liquid crystal display), the LED(light emitting diode) and the plasma screen. Though all are flat screen TVs and look virtually the same, and in appearance these are immensely attractive, you will have to make your own choices to determine what you want and come up with the right combination that suits your budget and style.

LCD TV

This is “Transmissive” display wherein the light isn’t created by the liquid crystals but a light source behind the panel comprising two layers of glass that are polarized and joined together. The light is created with the help of cathode fluorescent lamp to display on-screens images. A diffusion panel behind the LCD scatters the light evenly to ensure a uniform image.

LED TV

The LED is basically a specialized form of the LCD, the difference being that in LCD TV the lamps at the back of the screen are fluorescent, whilst in an LED TV the lights at the back of the screen are light emitting diodes (LED). These consume less power, dissipate heat better and the image has a sharper contrast and brighter display.

Plasma TV

This has the best display qualitatively as its panel is self-lighting. Each pixel is lit up individually producing its own light, which results in higher resolution pictures that have sharper contrast and high colour depth. It has extremely wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles, and the screen can be viewed from any corner of the room without distortion of picture quality.

Though all three formats have matching features, especially where excellent picture quality is concerned, for most people the final decision usually comes down to price and size. Experts say that if you are going in for 42-inch or lesser screen size then LCD is clearly a winner. But if size is you priority and not price then plasma is best choice above the 42-inch screen.

Another advantage of plasma technology is that it offers picture-perfect clarity when viewed in low-light conditions. The LCD and LED televisions give best pictures results in daytime light conditions and are perfectly suited for lighted rooms.

Better contrast

The LED scores over the LCD as its main forms of back lighting, edge lighting and local dimming give the image on the screen a better black contrast than its LCD counterpart. And though LCD TVs do have sharp and high resolution colours, the LED counterpart has a slight advantage.

It also uses less power, lasts longer and has a faster response time as compared to the LCD screens. But, if there is a huge price difference then it would be more advisable to stick to the less expensive LCD format since these differences are small and in the long run do not justify a huge price gap.

After all in today’s day and age when technological advancement is progressing by leaps and bounds, all three formats have their plusses and minuses and three is little to differentiate among them. So finally, it boils down to your budget and size of your room.