How Does an LED TV Work?

By Jake Reacher

Simply put, an LED television and an LCD television are one and the same thing. The difference between a standard LCD television and an LED model lies in the method of backlighting. Normal LCD screens are built by sealing a layer of liquid crystal in between two glass panels. Behind this are a series of Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps - CCFL - that project light through the crystal polymer. When a controlled current is run through the crystals, they either add colour to the light, or block it out completely. In LED televisions, the CCFL lighting is replaced by a sequence of LEDs. As they are much smaller than CCFL lights, televisions that are LED-backlit can be made much thinner and lighter than regular LCD models. Some are even under an inch thick! LED televisions are also capable of greatly increased dynamic contrast - the ratio of difference between black and white - use less power, and are more environmentally friendly when disposed of.

However, the differences don't end here. Currently there are two commonly used methods of LED backlighting, known as Edge LEDs and RGB Dynamic. Each has advantages and drawbacks, so if you're thinking of buying an LCD television, it's good to know what each method has to offer. In RGB Dynamic models, a sequence of red, green and blue LED lights are positioned behind the screen. When an image is displayed featuring dark colours, the LEDs in that area are dimmed while the intensity of the colour is increased. As a result, televisions with RGB Dynamic backlighting have higher Dynamic Contrast ratios than any other LCD model, although they are still second to plasma technology when it comes to 'true' blacks. The downside of this method is a loss of fine detail on small, bright objects that appear against a dark background - an image of a night sky is a good example.

By contrast, the Edge LED method is a completely different kettle of fish. This type of backlighting involves the placement of white LED lights around the outside edge of the screen. A light-diffusing panel is then placed behind the screen, which compensates for the lack of light coming from the centre. Edge LED backlighting is not capable of the same Dynamic Contrast ratios offered by the RGB Dynamic method, because it can't dim the backlight as precisely in a localised area. However, it is the cheaper of the two methods, and televisions carrying this technology are some of the thinnest and lightest on the market, making them extremely easy to wall mount.

So there you have it - there are pros and cons to LED backlighting, just as there are pros and cons to LCD and plasma flat screen TVs

Written by Jake Reacher, he is a great fan of flat screen TVs, and judging by his massive Blu-ray disc collection, likes his TV HD -style! There's not much this man doesn't know about flat screen technology.

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The Beauty of Mini Tumble Dryers

By Katherine J Owen

Modern houses and apartments tend to be fairly compact in the kitchen and utility room area and if this is the case in your household you could benefit hugely from a mini tumble dryer.

Mini tumble dryers do exactly as you would expect - they are just smaller versions of the normal tumble dryer. Don't expect that just because these appliances are smaller in stature they will do a lesser job, mini tumble dryers are often equipped with a several drying programmes to ensure you get the best results.

Situations in which you might require a smaller dryer are if you live in an inner city apartment with little or no outdoor space for a washing line. If you do have a small garden area but are stuck for space indoors you may also wish to consider a mini tumble dryer for use during the winter months when the weather eliminates the possibility of line drying.

Investing in mini tumble dryers also stops you having to use radiators to dry clothes which can cause several problems, namely; peeling wallpaper, stiff clothes with un-ironable ridges in them and reduced effectiveness of your heating system. Basically, putting clothes to dry on the radiator stops the convection of warm air, meaning you have to turn the thermostat up to warm the house - which can cause your heating bills to rocket.

Bear in mind with these machines that you will not be able to dry large loads of washing. They usually cater for a 3kg load of laundry which is the equivalent of about 15 men's shirts. This volume will not be enough for a large family but it would suit a single person or couple brilliantly.

Zanussi TC180W

Zanussi TC180W mini tumble dryers have two drying temperatures which you can choose depending on the fabric in your laundry load. Like most mini tumble dryers they have a capacity of 3kg. This model also uses reverse action techniques which means less creases in your laundry and therefore less ironing is necessary. The cycle works by tumbling clothes in opposite directions so fabric isn't forced to the sides of the drum. This prevents deep creases from forming.

The Zanussi TC180W measures in at just (H)68.6 x (W)59.5 x (D)42.0 and so it can be placed in any corner of the home. As it's a condenser dryer this appliance doesn't need to be placed near a waste pipe, but you do need to ensure you empty the condenser tank regularly.

This machine can be placed anywhere, from a storage cupboard, to a table top. It can even be mounted on a wall to save on floor space. The Zanussi TC180W consistently ranks highly for quietness, ease of use and build quality.

Kate Owen works at Appliances Online. View Zanussi TC180W mini tumble dryers here

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Electric Grills

By Cookie Maxwell

Today's indoor electric grills cook meals in half the time and can make cooking faster and easier than traditional methods of cooking. They offer consumers the opportunity and convenience to grill indoors year round. Electric grills are available in a wide variety of styles for indoor use.

Many indoor grills are compact and fit on the countertop for use. Certain grills are small and perfect for just two people and others are large enough for a family. Various electric indoor grills allow for open cooking and other models close and cook on both sides at the same time. Cooking areas on electric grills vary in size ranging anywhere from 37 to 240 square inches or more and some open to double the cooking surface.

Indoor electric grills have evolved and changed kitchens because they are a convenient alternative to cooking on an outdoor grill. There are so many styles available today like the George Foreman grill, which started it all. The George Forman Grill was the groundbreaker of the indoor electric grill that was introduced in 1994. The clamshell design eliminated the necessity to flip food being grilled and has been a popular kitchen appliance since it was introduced. The Forman grill has patented grooves that proclaim to carry the grease into a tray away from the foods removing the unnecessary fat out of the food. Appropriately, the grill is nicknamed as a fat reducing grilling machine. Indoor grills can deliver great taste and healthier foods in minutes.

The Express Ready Set Go Grill emerged as an indoor electric grill that states it can bake, steam, fry and grill quality meals in microwave time. This grill features removable pans with non-stick cooking surfaces that make cooking healthier meals easy because no added fat is necessary to cook foods.

Then the Big Boss Grill better known as the all in one countertop appliance appeared on the market that claims to replace several kitchen appliances and simplifying the kitchen. This grill can make waffles, donuts, along with going from being a grill to a griddle. Each plate is removable and interchangeable. Dual cooking surfaces allow meals to cook in half the time.

Ever since, the indoor grill was promoted and made popular by the famous George Foremen, they have become a very common item in the kitchen. They continue to get more popular for those with limited space as well as for those who want a healthier alternative cooking alternative. Indoor grills allow for simple grilling due to their compact and portable sizes. Every year indoor grills evolve and get better than the year before and make advancements in features and versatility.

Today, indoor grills appear to be more popular than ever changing cooking to a more simple efficient way. The indoor electric grill is versatile and can cook all types of different foods in a very short period making them particularly convenient for busy cooks. Indoor electric grills have changed eating habits because they present a healthier alternative in relation to other cooking methods. The electric grill has changed the way people cook and how they eat. The indoor electric grill provides a way to prepare healthy low fat meals in minutes that help make cooking fast and easy.

People are always looking for new methods to make cooking their favorite foods easier, quicker and more convenient. Indoor grills have evolved into appliances that have changed kitchens forever making it possible to prepare quick healthy meals.

For further information regarding electric grills, please visit MyReviewsNow Online Shopping.

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Preserve Wine At Its Best In A Wine Fridge

By Jill Kaestner

If wine is something that you use regularly, purchasing a wine fridge will be a good investment so that you can store and serve wine at its very best. This is a much more efficient, economical and effective way of storing wine than the traditional cellar as most people in our modern world do not have the space or money to build a walk-in cellar in their basement.

Optimum conditions

Wine needs to be stored in certain constant condition to be enjoyed at its finest. The three states which ruin wine are dryness, heat and light. Humidity levels need to be regulated as low humidity causes cork shrinkage which can let air into the bottles and also evaporation, and high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. High temperatures of over 77F (25C) change the chemical balance of the wine and give it a stewed taste. Proteins in wine also react to excessive light and this spoils the flavour. The flavour, colour and consistency are preserved at fairly low temperatures, particularly in the case of white and sparkling wines, with reduced light and a good amount of moisture. This is why using a wine fridge provides the optimum environment for the storage of wines as these factors can all be controlled.

Wine fridge better than a kitchen fridge

A wine cooler is not the same as a normal kitchen fridge. Fridges are not ideal for storing wine and can actually ruin it. The temperature in a fridge is too low for most wines and with the door being frequently opened the temperature fluctuates so the bottles are not kept at a constant temperature. A fridge also slightly vibrates while it is running which can shift the sediments within the bottles and this destroys the flavours. From a practical standpoint, wine fridges also have specially designed racks for holding wine bottles and specially treated glass to block ultraviolet light.

Choosing the right fridge

There are a wide variety of fridges to choose from according to capacity, dimensions, style and cooling methods. Deciding on the cooling method is actually the first point that needs to be considered when buying a cooler as it is directly impacted by the type of wine you use. All the other features can be considered after this once you have decided on the technology that best suits your needs.

Wine temperatures

This is an issue because different types of wine have a particular temperature in which they are best stored. Rich red wines are best at 59-66F (15-19C) and light red wines at 55F (13C). Rose and dry white wines taste good between 46-57F (8-14C). Sparkling wines and champagne are normally chilled at 43-47F (6-8C).

Dual temperature cooler

If you have a wide range of tastes in wines and like to drink different red and white wines, a dual temperature cooler is ideal. It provides separate compartments, each one having its own electric thermostat control, which enables you to keep both red and white wines at their optimum temperatures. Dual temperature coolers will cost more than single temperature ones so expect to pay at the higher end of your wine fridge price bracket. Smaller units cost about $300, medium sized ones are priced at around $800 and larger coolers will be around $1500.

Single temperature cooler

However, if you have a preference for a particular type of wine then a single temperature cooler will be fine. Many claim that they are suitable for storing both types of wine at a uniform cellar temperature and then you can chill a bottle of white wine in the kitchen fridge just before serving.

Multi-temperature wine fridge

There is a further option of having a multi-temperature fridge if you are a wine connoisseur and have a lot of varieties to store and serve. This wine cooler enables you to age wines in one compartment and then to keep red and white wine bottles and champagne in different compartments at their best tasting temperature, ready to serve. This type of wine chiller will be a more expensive investment.

Thermoelectric cooler

A different type of wine fridge that is gaining in popularity is a thermoelectric cooler. Its main selling features are that they are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, silent and vibration-free. This technology uses fans to push out warm air and circulate cold air inside the cooler. These fridges also come with the option of different temperature zones. The one thing to remember is that the positioning of thermoelectric wine coolers is important as room temperatures over 77F and below 50F make it difficult to maintain the correct temperature inside the cooler. Therefore, the room temperature needs to be carefully controlled by using heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer to avoid temperature extremes which affect the taste of the wine.

Whatever type you choose, a wine fridge will ensure that you and your guests enjoy the finest tasting wines. Now is the time to get a Edgestar wine cooler for your home!

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