Relevance Of Response Time In Rendering Picture Quality
Response time mentioned in the context of LCD television is the time taken for one pixel to change from black to white and return to black again. Technically it is the time taken by LCD panel crystals to twist in order to open and close as sequence to allow light pass through. The speed is measured in milli-seconds (ms).
Response time should be low or minimum for better performance of the television. In the cheap LCD television there is a general problem of blurring on screen images, especially when movies or action programmes like sports events are displayed. In the early stages of its introduction this problem was pointed out as a negative aspect of the LCD technology. It is attributed to longer response time in the product. Manufacturers of LCD televisions were aware of this lacuna inherent in their products and realized that their competitors in the market like plasma and DLP are free from such problems. It became imperative to reduce the response time and completely eliminate blurring and other defects in the LCD television. All leading manufacturers have successfully carried out this exercise accordingly.
The response time of LCD television in the initial stage of its introduction in the market was 12 to 16 ms. But after necessary corrective action many leading brands could bring down the same to 6 to 8 ms, to face the challenges in the market and to win over the consumers with improved performance of their products. There is a general perception that Plasma television is better to watch or sports or other action programmes than the LCD, but the burn-in problems inherent in the plasma television makes it not suitable for gaming etc. LCD television on the other hand is now available in the market with reduced response time and free from blemishes.
There are some models with less than 5ms of response time and consequently LCD television has enhanced its market share in the competitive environment. Even though plasma was considered a better option in view of low response time, LCD with its improved versions has found favourable consumer response. For example, latest products of Samsung LCD TV have response time of 5ms. Sharp LCD TV and LG LCD TV have 6ms respectively. Even cheaper LCD televisions available in the market are having response time of 6ms.
But the fact remains that there is no universal standard specified in this context. Some of the lesser known brands in the market are quoting low rates of response time, but experts point out that there is no universally accepted method to measure the same. Even though there are some brands and models of LCD televisions with quoted response time of 4ms, it is not very clear what methodology has been adopted in its measurement by those manufacturers.
Consumers are therefore confused about the concept and reality of the response time in the case of televisions. The end result, notwithstanding the claims of manufacturers about the specifications, is the sole criteria to determine the qualitative characteristics of a brand or model of television.
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