Liquid crystal display televisions are more commonly known as LCT TVs. They are a series of television sets that use LCD technology to produce color images. LCD televisions began to dominate the marketplace because they are different - they are smaller and sleeker compared to other TVs which are the same size. LCD televisions can also come in much larger sizes than was ever though possible before. The demand for LCD TVs really took off once the prices began to drop and they were able to pick up more market share.

LCDs were not always the most popular television choice - far from it! It was only in 2007 that they became the number one option as its sales surpassed its competition. LCDs were first invented in the 1980s but were not meant for TV - they were built to produce portable computers. At the time they were also competing with another new technology - plasma televisions. Since LCDs had an extremely slow refresh rate the screens were often blurry but they were lighter and cheaper than the competition.

Because the refresh rates were very slow, the early LCDs could not be used for televisions. At the time, however, the market was not asking for upgrades to television technology so there was no demand for LCD TVs. When new inventions like Super VHS and DVDs came its demand increased but it was still hard to find anyone with an LDC over 30 inches wide.

People continued to experiment, however, and in 1988 Sharp produced the first LCD television - it was 14 inches. It was marketed as a specialty item for wealthy customers and was not meant for the average consumer. However, as the market continued to advance, more investments were made into plasma televisions and they began to gain much more traction compared to LCD sets.

Quick to respond, LCD manufacturers improved their technology and were soon able to realize scaling of economies. They were initially produced in smaller sizes and continued to expand thereafter. By 2004, 32 inch models were commonly available and 42 inch sets were starting to gain popularity as well. Larger prototype units were being worked on and demonstrated as well.

By 2006 the prices started to fall dramatically for LCD TVs. LCDs were still more expensive than plasmas, but not by much anymore. The LCD technology also provided a much better experience and was of higher quality. In 2007 LCDs were no longer priced at a premium to plasmas and it was clear that they would outsell plasmas for the critical 2007 Christmas season.

With the numbers in for the 2007 Christmas sales, it was clear that LCDs had sold more units than plasma and CRTs over the same timeframe. Because of the poor performance Sony decided that it was time to shut down its famous Trinitron brand and the manufacturing plant closed in 2008. By 2009, Pioneer Electronics also shut down their plasma screen plants.

Because LCD technology allows manufacturers to build 50 inch screens as well as tiny screens it has become the dominant player in the market - you can now find an LCD monitor to fit almost any of your needs. Prices will continue to fall and people are constantly coming up with new uses for LCD technology which is only expanding the reach and power that LCD has in the marketplace.

Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on 7 Inch LCD TV which reviews and lists the best LCD TVs to help you pick the best one for your needs.

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