Smart TVs, 3D, Hz, HDMI … for when buying a new television, vendors often provide more confusion than help. What technical specifications advertised on the LCD are virtually irrelevant, and which can not fail to be aware of?

What do I want the LCD?

That’s the most important question that has to be the consumer. Not the same look for a LCD to watch TV in the living room, one that is also worthy of our PC or PlayStation.

A LCD for watching TV

Probably some of the features touted in many LCD rimbombantemente make some sense if the screen is devoid of a computer or other media players, and only use it to watch TV.

For example, the performance of Smart TV , smart TVs and Internet access different applications on, may have some additional income if the LCD serves classic “TV” to view channels . (Incidentally, only if those channels are in high definition on an LCD display correctly, otherwise we have a stretched image, without definition, faded and pixelated, however good the screen).

interests us, then, that the TV has a certain design that is aesthetically pleasing, or a set of taillights, etc. These are features that also tend to overestimate the sale, giving the wrong impression, often a striking design that is synonymous with good quality.

But even as regards purely to watch TV, no one can say no to basics: good contrast, vibrant colors, fluid movement. These features are really important to enjoy, for example, a football match HD where the camera moves quickly. Also are important features for gaming, watching movies and playing 3D through consoles and computers.

A LCD to rule them all

To choose a good LCD is important to use the technical specifications of the models that are available to the buyer. Before going to buy it or ask for help from a vendor, it’s good to know the data. You have to compare these characteristics, evaluating the differences and judge for yourself.

Connectivity

LCD functions will depend on the type of connections has. Currently, LCD include at least two HDMI inputs to stream HD, in addition to VGA, video device, and Super Video.

entries may also include USB , especially useful if the LCD does not connect to any computer or console player.

If, however, we want to connect all our arsenal HD to the TV, find very interesting models with more than two HDMI inputs , that allow us to keep connected to the same time the console, PC, decoder, etc., without having to be putting out and putting cables instead.

Size and Resolution

These are two characteristics

totally related. The bigger the TV, we need more resolution , so that the image is not pixelated. But if the TV does not reach the 40 “, a resolution of 1080p (or FullHD) is probably wasted.

Currently, the vast majority of LCD TVs, even medium size include a resolution of 1080 , so we do not have many options. There are more variations in the case of smaller monitors for computer use, with optimal resolutions.

terms of size, is not always better greatest . There are variables to consider. For example, the dimensions of the environment where the LCD will. For more FullHD we have, the closer we are to the screen, or the larger, more are going to start noticing 2,073,600 pixels that compose the image.

Contrast is the difference between the darkest black and brightest white . So, in theory, a higher index contrast ( Contrast Ratio ), better picture quality.

popularized

When the first LCD, the contrast was a competitive value that was measured with this index. The contrast was major problems who had (and have) the LCD against its competition for excellence: the plasmas (with their enviable contrasts).

may still be found within specification values ​​ Dynamic Contrast Ratio and (Static) Contrast Ratio , of which the second is that we must pay more attention.

But currently, this index is not governed by any rules standardized , so it is very difficult, or impossible, to compare the numbers with the contrasts of the different models.

Perhaps

such data for comparing models within the same brand, but should not rely on these values ​​to evaluate between models from different manufacturers, using their own standards. The optimum in this regard would be able to appreciate a good image in each model, and ask yourself the white is crisp and looks washed?, Is the glossy black looks, or is very dark?

Another feature that is related to the contrast and can help us foresee the quality of whites and blacks of the screen is your backlight system . The LCD “LED”, which are a type lit LCD backlight LED, generally have and because of this, better contrast than LCD índicesde classics.

of the screen can be designed in different ways: Full-array (with or without “ local dimming “) or Edge-lit (with or without” local dimming “).

contrast effects, it should simply say that the best results are notice in LCD designed with “local dimming ” (especially Full-array ), which allow certain areas of the LCD glow or darken independently, achieving darker blacks and brighter whites.

Refresh Rate

Refresh Rate of the LCD can be generally 60Hz , 120Hz , 240Hz , or even more. A value that indicates the frequency with which renews the image screen. The more frequent, more fluid and smoother the transition, and “cleaner” will show the movement.

To see movies and standard content, 60Hz work very well, and maybe the 120Hz to help provide a better picture. For players with PC or consoles, it is likely that a 120Hz LCD or 240Hz is a bit more noticeable, especially in fast-moving games.

Refresh Rate is important, yes, to view 3D content . As the TV need to use two types of images to play stereoscopic vision, the refresh rate should be at least twice the normal, so in these cases are part of 120Hz .

Finally, there is no reason to get carried away by advertising trends imposed by the market. Ideally, we test each model with the same video in HD and ask if the colors are vivid, if whites and blacks differ profoundly, if the movements are fluid and crisp, if the image is presented with good definition, and judge which combinations seem best suited to the price of products.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult for us to evaluate live all these issues before buying a product, but at least we have the option to inform us of the truly important technical specifications of each model available, ask for opinions to others, and finally compare all features to choose an option.