What Exactly Are the LC’s in LCD-TV’s, Anyway?

If you're like a lot of people, you take one look at the dimensions for today's televisions and your eyes glaze over.

LCD, HDTV, OLED, FED, SED - are some of these acronyms being made up just to confuse customers?  As it turns out, the "LC" in LCD television sets does stand for something:  liquid-crystal.  (The "D," incidentally, represents the word "display.")

So what exactly are these liquid crystals and what do they have to do with a clearer image of the orcs from the Lord of the Rings trilogy?

First, LCD technology allows for flat-screen display, which is becoming common practice for television sets these days.  The way an LCD television set actually displays its image is actually a bit of a complicated process that involves layers, electrodes, and polarizing filters.  For a little help, you can check out "LCD Panel Technology Explained" at PCHardwareHelp.com.

For all of the acronyms involved in making an LCD TV an LCD TV, you can't deny that LCD television sets can offer a clear, consistent picture that blows the old "boob tube" out of the water.  As PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com explains - in eight steps no less - an LCD television essential works by blocking light.  The light is supplied by a fluorescent bulb.  Upon passing through these filters, the white light given off can be manipulated to any color in the spectrum, seeing as how white light contains all of the colors of the rainbow.

With all of this highly precise technology, the picture that results is quite a technological achievement.  The picture seems brighter, clearer, and more vivid.  There won't be any glares on the screen, either, if that was your television pet peeve.

Is an LCD TV - acronyms and all - the right piece of technology for your home?  That depends on the kind of quality you demand from your television.  If you can't stand watching a "boob tube" without a good amount of brightness or contrast, it's probably time to move on up to the LCD TV.  These flat-panel television sets are also better for use around the house, as they aren't in odd shapes that make them difficult to carry, place, or move.

It's funny how something called "liquid crystals" can have such a dramatic impact on the way we watch our television.