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Under Cabinet LCD TV's
If you, like most people, want to be entertained
by TV or radio while you cook, then you should
consider adding an under cabinet LCD TV to
your kitchen. As an all-in-one media center
(most also play CDs, DVDs, MP3 discs, and
even cable TV), under cabinet LCD TVs are
an ideal addition to any kitchen, and their
out-of-the-way mounting preserves counter
space while freeing up space previously occupied
by a separate TV and radio.
Before buying an under cabinet LCD TV, consider
these points:
- In general, since you'll be busy working
in the kitchen, the TV's sound is more important
than the video (you'll need a larger set
for family viewing during meals unless you're
a small family that eats from the kitchen
counter). Most units deliver sound through
small speakers that are usually adequate,
but if sound quality is important, look for
units that have bass boosting.
- Choose a unit with commonly used functions
accessible via buttons on the front (power,
volume, play, stop, eject). This saves you
from having to hunt for the remote control
when your hands are wet or covered in flour.
Expect to find the more esoteric functions
(like navigating DVD menus) exclusively on
the remote control.
- LCD pictures are bright and sharp and most
units feature a 7 to 9-inch screen that folds
up when not in use. Most also have an HDTV-sized
16:9 screen ratio stretches standard 4:3
programming lengthwise; if true of the unit
you want, see if it has a setting to compensate
for this.
- Other features that may be important to you
include an oven timer, digital clock, and
AM/FM radio. Many units support plugging
in other players via rear jacks, so you can
play your iPod through it.
Remember to test the unit before installation
in case it is defective or you don't like
its operation. Holes must be drilled in the
underside of the cabinet for mounting, and
you may need to run power for an outlet if
there isn't one nearby. Also, cable TV will
only work if you have a cable connection
accessible. |
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