An LCD Television is a flat panel television that utilizes the same basic Liquid Crystal Display technology that has been in used for some time in cell phones, camcorder viewfinders, and computer monitors.

LCD panels are made of two layers of a glass-like material, which are polarized, and are "glued" together. One of the layers is coated with a special polymer that holds the individual liquid crystals. Electric current is then passed through individual crystals, which allow the crystals to pass or block light to create images.

LCD crystals do not produce their own light, so an external light source, such as florescent bulb is needed for the image created by the LCD to become visible to the viewer.

LCD televisions can be made very thin, thus allowing them to hung on a wall or placed on small stand on top of a table, desk, dresser, or cabinet very easily.

In addition, with some modification, LCD technology is also used in some rear-projection televisions and in video projectors.

For a closer look at LCD Flat Panel Television, check out my LCD Television FAQs.

For additional terms and definitions, check out my Home Theater Glossary

Does your currrent stereo or home theater audio system look and sound a little "worn" these days? The Summer is a perfect time get behind those components, clean out the dust, and apply some practical upgrades that can spruce up both the appearance and performance of your current setup without having to buy a whole new system. For all the details, check out some great tips from Gary Altunian, About.com Guide For Stereos: Ten Stereo System Upgrades.

The Atlona AT-LINE-EX is an affordable standalone video switcher and scaler can be used to connect up to six video input sources (2 analog, 2 PC, and 2 HDMI) and pass through or upscale those sources via HDMI to your HDTV. The Atlona AT-LINE-EX features 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p scaling, NTSC/PAL bi-directional conversion, and Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio pass though via the HDMI inputs.The functions of the AT-LINE-EX can be controlled by the provided wireless remote control. For more on the features, functions, and performance of of the AT-LINE-EX, and whether it is a product that is right for you, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results. Photos (c) Robert Silva, Licensed to About.com. Click on photos for larger view.

Plasma television has been adopted by many consumers as an alternative to those bulky tube and projection sets. Prices continue to come down and a wider variety of screen sizes are available. It may be that the idea hanging the television on the wall and regaining all that wasted floor space definitely offers more pleasing asthetics over staring at a "box". To find out more about Plasma TVs, check out my latest "Question of the Week Series" - This week: Can Plasma Televisions Work at High Altitude? Also, be sure to check out my complete Plasma TV FAQs.