You are looking to buy a flat panel TV. You get the information gathered only to find that you are plummeted with a lot of unfamiliar flat panel tv terms. Lets see if we cant make your research of flat panels a little easier. Here is a list of common flat panel tv terms with their definition in terms that, hopefully, you will be able to understand. Here goes ...
Flat Panel TV Terms ...
Aspect RatioRefers to the dimensions of the screen in terms of wide and height. For instance a 4:3 Aspect ratio would be 4 units wide by 3 units high – like a standard computer screen. A 16:9 Aspect Ratio would be 16 units wide by 9 units high (wide screen).
BrightnessBrightness is measured in technical terms of candelas per square meter (cd/m2). This represents how much light is emitted from the screen. The higher the figure – the brighter and better the viewing picture.
Component Video InputComponent inputs are used to deliver progressive scan signals that flat panel TVs are capable of displaying. This allows for high quality video input that is provided via 3 phono sockets located, usually, in the back of the unit. They are easy to locate by their color code. One is green – the luminance signal. The other two carry the color signals of red and blue. They are also color coded the same- one is red and the other is blue.
Composite Video InputThis is a yellow phono socket that delivers a low quality video connection. Most TVs have one of these.
Contrast RatioThis is a measurement that indicates richness of color by comparing the blackest black to its whitest white (thus contrast). The higher the contrast ratio the better the picture quality because it gives a wider range between the two measurements (contrasts).
Digital Visual Interface (DVI)This is a high quality PC video connection that allows the user to transfer digital video to an LCD set.
Media ReceiverThis is an external unit, supplied by some manufacturers, that contains all the necessary sockets and the TV tuner. Most larger screen LCD TVs come equipped with this receiver. It, also, makes the display easier to wall mount.
Noise ReductionThis is a technology designed to soften the amount of noise visible in the picture. The verdict is still out on this feature as it sometimes compromises the viewing and reproduction experience.
PC InputThis is a 15 pin VGA port that receives signals from a PC into your TV. This is a must feature if you will be using your TV to view computer games or programs.
RF InputThis is a standard port that allows you to connect your TV/tuner to a cable source in order to receive analog broadcast signals.
ResolutionThis determines the quality of picture detail (pixels) that can be seen on the screen. So…. A 1366 X 768 Resolution would would be 1366 pixels wide and 768 pixels high. The higher the numbers the better quality the picture.
S-Video InputThis is a round, 4 pin, connector port that allows a connection to medium quality video.
Scart InputThis is a standard AV input connection that allows the user to connect VCRs, DVD players, DTV receivers and other common devices. Most LCD TVs with Scarf inputs are designed to accept composite video , RGB video, and S-video. If a display is compatible with WideScreen Signaling (WSS) it will automatically switch to the aspect ratio that matches the source detected by the Scarf.
Screen SizeThis the screen size measured diagonally from one top corner to the opposite bottom corner. This measurement is expressed in inches.
Stereo Audio InputsThese are phono connectors, usually red and white, that are designed to receive stereo audio from AV equipment like VCRs, DVDs ,etc. and then played through the TV speakers.
Stereo Audio OutputsThese are connectors that allow the user to broadcast stereo audio from your TV to an external amplifier like surround sound using Dolby Logic.
TV TunerA TV tuner is the device that allows you to receive several different channels of input. The difference between a TV monitor and TV is the inclusion of the TV Tuner. The monitor does NOT have a tuner.
Viewing AngleThis is the angle of view by which one is able to, actually, see the picture on the screen. Until recently, most LCD screens were only useful for straight-on viewing. Now many LCD and Plasma TVs have viewing angles as wide as 170 degrees from both a horizontal and vertical point of view.
