There is a large choice of LCD TV models offering both flat panel screens in many different sizes. The information below is designed to help you to further understand how screen sizes are measured and the difference between existing screen formats.

LCD Screens

Liquid Crystel Display (LCD) television screens are significantly brighter than most traditional picture tube sets and offer higher picture contrast with no picture flicker. This means that LCD TV models perform well under most ambient light conditions as well as viewing in a well lit room. High quality LCD screens also allow viewing up to 80 degrees from the centre of the display. The picture quality of a LCD screen is determined by how close the colour and sub-colour pixels are to each other (called dot pitch). When choosing a LCD screen it is important to remember that the higher the dot pitch then the sharper and more realistic the picture will be.

Screen Size

TV screens are measured diagonally. A 36" TV will have a screen that measures 36" from the top right corner to the bottom left corner whether it is in a flat panel or a standard screen format.

Image Aspect Ratio

This is the ratio of the width to the height of the image displayed on the TV screen. 4:3 is the standard ratio. Many modern televisions are designed to display a 16:9 wide screen image.

AStandard 4:3 Format

The majority of television programmes today are broadcasted in the almost square format of a 4:3 image aspect ratio. Within the next 10 years, which is the ordinary lifetime of most TVs, the majority of broadcasted TV films and programmes are likely to be produced in the widescreen 16:9 format. When films are shown on conventional TVs much of the picture is lost when the 16:9 format is altered to 4:3. Remember, not everybody wants a widescreen television. However, due to the growth of low cost LCD televisions in smaller widescreen sizes (less than 20"), the market is now continuing to buy widescreen televisions (small and large) in ever increasing numbers.

Widescreen TV, 16:9 format

The human field of vision is by nature greater on the horizontal plane compared to the vertical plane. This makes the 16:9 format an ideal size ratio for the human eye. Most films are produced in a widescreen format and can be reproduced in their original format on a 16:9 TV. With a widescreen television you get a more cinematic feel at home and a better view of sport broadcasts.

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