Portable TVs: FAQs
Can I use my small LCD TV as a computer monitor?
Yes. If you want to hook up your computer to the TV to play games or to view picture, look for VGA (analogue) or DVI (digital) computer inputs. Most small LCD models have VGA inputs. Occasionally HDMI sockets support PC connections too.
Are small LCD TVs suitable for taking on holiday?
A few LCD TVs have 12V DC operation which means they can run off a battery like those used in caravans, boats or cars, so they're ideal for taking on holiday.
Wall brackets usually have to be bought separately
Can I hang my LCD TV on the wall?
Most LCD TVs can be mounted on walls. However, the vast majority don't come supplied with the wall mounting kits required.
These have to be bought separately but kits for smaller screens are usually relatively cheap. For instance a wall kit for a 42-inch flat-panel plasma can set you back up to £300.
Brackets for LCD TVs of 26-inch and under are 10 times less that price. Most TVs and kits match the VESA standard – a set of industry-wide measurements.
Are smaller LCDs true widescreen models?
It is not unusual to find variations on the standard 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio (this is the shape of the screen expressed as width x height). Some small-screen LCDs have a screen shape of 14:9 or 16:10 – the same standard as computer monitors.
This means that a widescreen picture is slightly squashed horizontally or slightly stretched. The effect is not glaringly obvious, but it does mean that the TV is not technically HD-ready.
Are LCD TVs suitable for a child's room?
If you're buying for a child’s room make sure they treat the set with care. Although the sets we tested are all stable, flat-panel LCD TVs can be easily pulled or tipped over.
They're not only much lighter than conventional TVs, but it’s a lot easier to break the screen.
Does the size of the screen affect power consumption?
Yes. Typically the smaller the screen the less power the TV uses. A typical 32-inch LCD uses 100 watts of power when switched on. A smaller 20-inch set uses less than half that amount.
However, TVs tend to use the same amount of power in standby regardless of size.
An integrated tuner will allow you to watch Freeview without a set top box
Do I need a set-top box to get digital TV?
No. You could buy an integrated digital TV (IDTV) with a built-in digital tuner to receive Freeview (digital channels through your normal aerial). Go to our digital switchover page to find out more about Freeview and the different ways to receive digital TV.
Does the quality of my Scart cables matter?
Cable quality can influence sound and picture quality. Poor quality Scart cables are more prone to interference from other devices and atmospherics.
But you don’t have to pay the earth – a tenner should do, rather than opting for the cheapest at 3 or 4 quid.
A good rule of thumb – the thicker the cable the better. This usually means it boasts more ‘screening’ from interference. Also look for gold plated connectors.
Occasionally plug and unplug the cables in your TV. This helps to remove the build-up of oxides, which affect how well signals are transmitted.
I’ve heard new technology TVs have a problem with the sound and pictures matching up. Is this true?
We check for this and have not found the problem with the sets we’ve tested. Internal speaker output is properly aligned with the pictures on screen.
We’ve occasionally found some discrepancy when linking up to external loudspeakers in the laboratory, but this wouldn’t be apparent in everyday use.
What is high-definition TV?
HDTV is much sharper and more detailed than regular TV. HDTV is available on Sky satellite or Virgin cable for a monthly fee or on Freesat for free.
Smaller TVs are often HD-ready but the smaller the set the less impressive the high-definition effect.
Are there different types of high definition signal?
High-definition TV and comes in two main types – 1080i and 1080p – depending on the number of horizontal lines that make up the picture and the way they're broadcast (a standard TV picture is made up of 576 lines).
All HD-ready TVs can display 1080i – in reality there’s not much visible difference between the two and most HDTV broadcasts are transmitted in 1080i.
A 1080i picture is made up of 1080 lines. The ‘i’ bit means the lines aren't scanned one after another. Instead they're ‘interlaced’, meaning all even numbered lines are scanned first and then all odd numbers. The two combine to make a picture.
A 1080p image is made up of 1080 lines scanned one after another and pictures are even sharper and more detailed, but this improvement is quite subtle. This system isn't used by broadcasters but is used by the new generation of Blu-ray players.
Many new HD-ready sets will support 1080p too but if they don't the TV will simply revert to a 1080i output. On displays in the 15- to 23-inch category the screens are so small that any differences in picture quality are very hard to spot.
Still confused? Chech out our TV jargon buster.