Guide Note

An LCD TV is a television that displays picture via liquid crystal display. LCD technology allows for smaller size and thinner screens. LCD screens also weigh less and use less energy compared to standard televisions.

LCD televisions could not compete with Plasma televisions early on for large screens. Since the playing field of cost and performance has become more even, LCD TVs are now able to offer the same performance as Plasma. Producers of LCD televisions can now offer low weight units with higher resolution for high-definition applications.

Manufacturers are now investing billions of dollars in the production of LCD screens, most notably in the market of televisions. Plasma TVs originally dominated the 40-inch and above market, but advancements in LCD technology have allowed LCDs to overtake plasmas in this area.

Fast Facts

1. Primary technology: TFT
2. TFT = Thin Film Transistor
3. Popular LCD TV: High Definition
4. High Definition aka HDTV
5. 10/04: Sharp makes a 65" LCD
6. 3/05: Samsung goes up to 82"
7. 8/06: LG.Philips hits 100"
8. 1/07: 108" Sharp AQUOS debuts