The realm of home theaters and luxurious entertainment systems has filled many families with a sense of keeping up with the Jones'.
But the ability to enjoy television programs and films on a high quality, even HDTV standard television is becoming invaluable to the changing concept of how to enjoy some down time with the TV.
The paths for better television technology has several avenues down which it may run.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) televisions and Plasma screen televisions are the two forerunners in the pack.
The debate over LCD screen televisions versus plasma screen televisions has been raging over the last few years, but it is clear that LCD TVs are the better choice, over plasma, and especially the soon to be obsolete cathode ray tube television sets.
Although both incorporate flat screen technology, the LCD picture quality is unmatched by the plasma screen television, and there is a much better and clearer picture resolution as well.
The size of the LCD models are astronomically slim and space saving, looking like something out of a space comic book rather than a household appliance.
They can be hung directly on walls, and in small spaces, and the viewing range of an LCD television is typically greater than plasma screen televisions, and of course CRT sets.
The LCD screen can be seen clearly, without any distortion of shape or color, up to eighty degrees away from the center point, meaning that almost a one hundred and sixty degree view of the screen is possible.
This allows everyone to see clearly when a large number of people are watching at once, whether crowding around the super bowl, or watching the Academy Awards.
The LCD TV sets use less power than their plasma screen and Cathode Ray Tube counterparts.
This energy efficiency will lower electricity bills, and is safer to use.
It also eliminates the possibility of a burn in, a danger in plasma screen models.
A burn in is when the components of a television get too hot, and may catch fire or melt.
The safety of the LCD TVs are not the only benefit.
If your television will be in a room with lots of windows, lights, or sunlight, the LCD screen typically does not reflect a glare, making it the perfect way to watch television without straining the eyes or being distracted.
For video gamers, as well as those who would have a still or static screen up for long periods of time several days a week, the LCD screen is right for you.
It specializes in crisp shape and form, and when fast movement occurs, the LCD does not display it as cleanly as a slower image.
Parenthetically, you may have overheard the term LED TV referred to when in electronics stores or while shopping.
It is important to note that LED TVs are actually LCD TVs, with the same LCD technology as other LCD televisions, but with an LED back light instead of a traditional fluorescent one.
These LED TVs often have better contrast than their fluorescent counterparts, so it would be worth the research and investment.
Even if you did not get an LED TV, the LCD standard model is a great product, and will only continue to get better as more research improves the already great version.