A TV screen saver is simply a piece of hardware. All screen protectors basically do the same thing and achieve the desired result for the consumer. They are all made from the same optical grade acrylic. These acrylic pieces are cut and molded to fit the size of most, if not all, LCD TV screens. They attach to your LCD TV screen with simple Velcro straps and use small rubber or felt pads to rest against the TV frame.

Surprisingly, once placed, they are nearly invisible when viewed in normal lighting, although some lights may cause unwanted reflection. In response to this, most online sellers of these screen protectors offer an anti-glare solution. Anti-glare, across the board, costs more, but may be worth the extra expense depending on your lighting situation.

What is an LCD TV screen protector made of?

All television screen protectors are made with optical grade acrylic. Optical grade acrylic is actually quite an impressive material. It is scratch resistant, anti-glare and anti-reflective.

The newer acrylic materials used in these products were developed by NASA and are also used in the automotive industry. The material is strong and reliable. Provides more than enough protection for your expensive TV.

How does the TV screen protector adhere to the TV?

Currently, all screen protectors on the market use a simple method that uses Velcro straps to attach to your TV. Once attached to your TV, there are rubber or felt tabs that rest against the frame around your screen. These “bumpers” act as shock absorbers and take the brunt of the force when the display cover is jolted.

They are very effective and work to absorb shock or force when something hits the screen.

What do these products protect against?

Two words: Wii controllers! They not only protect against thrown game controllers, but also hyperactive pets who like to kick the screen, toddlers who like to draw things, kids who drop things (all kids drop things), clumsy and distracted adults and other types of accidental contact.

It should be noted that if you purchased a warranty, this warranty may not cover “accidental screen contact” resulting in a cracked LCD screen. Check with the retailer where you bought the TV and see if yours is covered for these types of mishaps.

So who makes these products?

There are 3 major suppliers or brands of TV screen protectors on the market. The only major difference between each is the slight variations in the way the Velcro straps attach to the acrylic TV screen protector, and in some cases, the thickness of the LCD TV screen protector. All of them provide enough protection for your flat screen TV.

Remember, the thicker the acrylic, the heavier the product will be. One manufacturer of these products offers a 63″ shield weighing 16lbs! I don’t think most flat screen TVs are made to hold an extra 16lbs and remain stable, but I also don’t know of any tipping over and crushing to anyone, but it seems like that would make the TV unstable on its base.

Are they worth the money?

You have to decide, knowing your own home better than anyone else, if it’s worth the risk. Thousands of plasma and LCD television screens break every month.

Do you have active tweens, pets, or young children? Is your home the neighborhood hangout that gets a lot of traffic and activity? Do you have a lot of fun?

Here’s the rub: You can’t repair an LCD screen once it’s cracked, and currently a TV screen protector is the only solution available. Unfortunately, LCD television screens cannot be replaced separately. Is it worth spending another $1,500 on a new flat screen TV?