The Plasma TV Blog

Although an LCD TV is similar to a plasma TV, the technology behind them is different.

LCD stands for liquid-crystal diode. LCD displays are found everywhere. They are used in calculators, displays on microwaves and stoves, in your car’s dashboard, and in thermometers.

The same principles behind other LCD items are used in the LCD TV.

An LCD TV somewhat resembles a sandwich. In the middle of two panes of glass are liquid-crystal cells. The liquid-crystal cells are called liquids because of their ability to twist and move. They are actually solid structures. These cells are hit with electricity by thin-film transistors (TFTs). Behind the screen is a lamp that produces white light. Although the light appears to the eye to be white, it actually contains all colors.

When the TFT sends an electric charge to the liquid-crystal cells, they untwist to a precise degree. Once there, they work not to produce color, but to filter it. The white light hits the liquid-crystals and only the intended color is allowed to pass through.

The liquid-crystals are used because they twist and untwist predictably depending on the nature of the electrical charge. This allows the TV to show bright, vivid colors.

LCD TVs are also used quite often as computer monitors and they are used in airplanes because they are not affected by altitude.